Patents by Inventor Dennis J. O'Rear

Dennis J. O'Rear has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230402636
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a carbon-neutral process for the generation of carbon-neutral hydrogen and carbon-neutral electricity. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to compositions, methods and apparatus employing a carbon-neutral process for generating electricity employing a liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) for supplying hydrogen for generating the carbon neutral electricity. The present disclosure also relates more specifically to carbon-neutral compositions consisting of liquid organic hydrogen carriers used for supplying hydrogen to generate electricity that may be regenerated in a carbon-neutral process using an apparatus with a net zero atmospheric emission of carbon oxides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Applicant: The Claire Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Allinson, Robert P. Hohmann, Curtis L. Munson, Dennis J. O'Rear, Steven F. Sciamanna, William L. Schinski, Charles R. Wilson, Alan W. Klaassen
  • Patent number: 11817610
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a carbon-neutral process for the generation of carbon-neutral hydrogen and carbon-neutral electricity. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to compositions, methods and apparatus employing a carbon-neutral process for generating electricity employing a liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) for supplying hydrogen for generating the carbon neutral electricity. The present disclosure also relates more specifically to carbon-neutral compositions consisting of liquid organic hydrogen carriers used for supplying hydrogen to generate electricity that may be regenerated in a carbon-neutral process using an apparatus with a net zero atmospheric emission of carbon oxides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: The Claire Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Allinson, Robert P. Hohmann, Curtis L. Munson, Dennis J. O'Rear, Steven F. Sciamanna, William L. Schinski, Charles R. Wilson, Alan W. Klaassen
  • Publication number: 20220109175
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a carbon-neutral process for the generation of carbon-neutral hydrogen and carbon-neutral electricity. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to compositions, methods and apparatus employing a carbon-neutral process for generating electricity employing a liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) for supplying hydrogen for generating the carbon neutral electricity. The present disclosure also relates more specifically to carbon-neutral compositions consisting of liquid organic hydrogen carriers used for supplying hydrogen to generate electricity that may be regenerated in a carbon-neutral process using an apparatus with a net zero atmospheric emission of carbon oxides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Applicant: The Claire Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Allinson, Robert P. Hohmann, Curtis L. Munson, Dennis J. O'Rear, Steven F. Sciamanna, William L. Schinski, Charles R. Wilson, Alan W. Klaassen
  • Patent number: 8753500
    Abstract: A process and system are described for the processing of gas associated with crude oil production, i.e. associated gas. A separation complex is used to separate produced fluids produced from a hydrocarbon reservoir into crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas, water, and natural gas. At least a portion of the natural gas is converted into synthesis gas in a synthesis gas generator. A combination of a synthesis gas conversion catalysts and hydroconversion catalysts are used in a synthesis gas reactor to convert the synthesis gas into a liquid effluent stream containing liquefied petroleum gas and a synthetic crude oil. The liquefied petroleum gas and synthetic crude oil from the synthesis gas reactor is sent to the separation complex. Liquefied petroleum gas is separated both from the synthetic crude oil and a natural crude oil obtained from the produced fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Leonard Kibby, Dennis J. O'Rear, Robert James Saxton, Tapan K. Das, Kandaswamy Jothimurugesan
  • Patent number: 8685686
    Abstract: In the present invention, integrated processes for producing a biofuel are disclosed. Specifically, processes integrating photobioreactors with anaerobic digestion are disclosed. Anaerobic digestion can convert biomass into a biofuel. However, anaerobic digestion also produces carbon dioxide (CO2). Because it is a greenhouse gas, the production of carbon dioxide is not desirable. Algae can be grown in a photobioreactor as long as light, carbon dioxide, and water are provided. In the present invention, the anaerobic digestion process is integrated with the photobioreactor process thereby providing a useful solution for the carbon dioxide that is generated and providing a source of carbon dioxide for the photobioreactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis J. O'Rear
  • Patent number: 8658847
    Abstract: In the present invention, a biofuel composition and processes for the incorporation of biologically-derived ethanol into gasoline are disclosed. The present invention discloses ways to use biologically-derived ethanol in gasoline while simultaneously enabling the blending of products from saturation of benzene. In addition, the present invention also discloses ways to use this ethanol with other volatile compounds from petroleum such as isopentane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Rear, Sven I. Hommeltoft, Hye-Kung Timken
  • Patent number: 8523959
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to methods for making fuels from biomass comprising triglyceride species, whereby the biomass is subjected to partial hydrodeoxygenation and (optionally) catalytic isomerization. The partial-hydrodeoxygenation of the triglyceride species produces a fuel that retains some oxygenates for enhanced lubricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis J. O'Rear
  • Patent number: 8361172
    Abstract: In the present invention, a fuel composition and a process for making the same are disclosed. Specifically, in the present invention, triglycerides useful for distillate fuels are described along with their method for preparation from Fischer-Tropsch acid by-products and the glycerol by-product from biodiesel generation. By using these two by-product streams, the overall efficiency of both processes is improved and a new source of distillate fuels is created. These triglycerides can be used to improve the lubricity of Fischer-Tropsch derived distillate fuels. In addition, these triglycerides also have low melting points and have viscosities compatible with distillate fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis J. O'Rear
  • Patent number: 8324413
    Abstract: In the present invention, a fuel composition and a process for making the same are disclosed. Specifically, in the present invention, triglycerides useful for distillate fuels are described along with their method for preparation from Fischer-Tropsch acid by-products and the glycerol by-product from biodiesel generation. By using these two by-product streams, the overall efficiency of both processes is improved and a new source of distillate fuels is created. These triglycerides can be used to improve the lubricity of Fischer-Tropsch derived distillate fuels. In addition, these triglycerides also have low melting points and have viscosities compatible with distillate fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis J. O'Rear
  • Publication number: 20120053378
    Abstract: A method of converting methanol into gasoline is disclosed. A stream of methanol at is received at a gasoline production facility. The stream is split into a first stream for use in a methanol to gasoline (MTG) facility and a second stream for use in a methanol to olefin (MTO) facility. The first stream of methanol is converted using a methanol to gasoline process to produce a first stream of gasoline blend stock and a stream of light non-quaternary isoparaffins. The second stream of methanol is converted using a methanol to olefin process to produce a stream of light olefins selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propylene, butenes and combinations thereof. At least a portion of the stream of light non-quaternary isoparaffins is alkylated with at least a portion of the stream of light olefins to produce at least one alkylate. At least a portion of the alkylate is blended with at least a portion of the first stream gasoline blend stock to form a second stream of gasoline blend stock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Dennis J. O'Rear
  • Publication number: 20120051953
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for the conversion of a hydrocarbonaceous assets into gasoline. The hydrocarbonaceous assets are converted at a first methanol production facility into methanol by processes comprising gasification and methanol synthesis. At least a portion of the methanol is shipped to a second gasoline production facility that is at least 10 miles in distance from the first location. At the second gasoline production facility, at least a portion of the methanol is converted by a MTG process to produce a gasoline and LPG components and steam. At least a portion of the methanol may also be used in a methanol to olefin process to produce olefins and steam. The olefins may be alkylated with olefins to produce alkylates which may mixed with the gasoline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Dennis J. O'Rear
  • Publication number: 20110308146
    Abstract: In the present invention, a biofuel composition and processes for the incorporation of biologically-derived ethanol into gasoline are disclosed. The present invention discloses ways to use biologically-derived ethanol in gasoline while simultaneously enabling the blending of products from saturation of benzene. In addition, the present invention also discloses ways to use this ethanol with other volatile compounds from petroleum such as isopentane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Rear, Sven I. Hommeltoft, Hye-Kung Timken
  • Patent number: 8076121
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to processes that integrate CO2-producing conversions of hydrocarbonaceous assets with biofuels processes that utilize CO2 in photosynthesis. In some embodiments, such processes involve the absorption of CO2 in an absorption liquid. In some such embodiments, such absorption is carried out in an absorption tower. In some other such embodiments, there is a subsequent desorption of the CO2. Generally, at least some of the CO2 captured by the absorption liquid is used to grow microbes or diatom species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis J. O'Rear
  • Patent number: 8076122
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to processes that integrate CO2-producing conversions of hydrocarbonaceous assets with biofuels processes that utilize CO2 photosynthesis. In some embodiments such processes involve the absorption of CO2 in an absorption liquid. In some such embodiments such absorption is carried out in an absorption tower. In some other such embodiments, there is a subsequent desorption of the CO2. Generally, at least some of the CO2 captured by the absorption liquid is used to grow microbes or diatom species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis J. O'Rear
  • Publication number: 20110240288
    Abstract: A process and system are described for the processing of gas associated with crude oil production, i.e. associated gas. A separation complex is used to separate produced fluids produced from a hydrocarbon reservoir into crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas, water, and natural gas. At least a portion of the natural gas is converted into synthesis gas in a synthesis gas generator. A combination of a synthesis gas conversion catalysts and hydroconversion catalysts are used in a synthesis gas reactor to convert the synthesis gas into a liquid effluent stream containing liquefied petroleum gas and a synthetic crude oil. The liquefied petroleum gas and synthetic crude oil from the synthesis gas reactor is sent to the separation complex. Liquefied petroleum gas is separated both from the synthetic crude oil and a natural crude oil obtained from the produced fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Charles Leonard Kibby, Dennis J. O'Rear, Robert James Saxton, Tapan K. Das, Kandaswamy Jothimurugesan
  • Patent number: 7951287
    Abstract: The present invention relates to distillate fuels or distillate fuel blend stocks comprising a blend of a Fischer-Tropsch derived product and a petroleum derived product that is hydrocracked under conditions to preserve aromatics. The resulting distillate fuel product is a low sulfur, moderately aromatic distillate fuel. The resulting distillate fuel or distillate fuel blend stock exhibits excellent properties, including good seal swell, density, and thermal stability. The present invention also relates to processes for making these distillate fuels or distillate fuel blend stocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Miller, Dennis J. O'Rear
  • Patent number: 7951759
    Abstract: The present invention relates to transportable product for the transportation of paraffinic wax and methods of transporting using this transportable product. The transportable product comprises 90 to 20 weight % of a liquid comprising >50 weight % alcohol and having a true vapor pressure of ?14.7 psia when measured at 20° C., and 10 to 80 weight % of wax particles, wherein the wax particles comprise ?75 weight % of wax particles larger than 0.1 mm. The transportable product and methods of transporting according to the present invention are able to accommodate a relatively high weight % of paraffinic wax particles in the transportable product while avoiding interparticle adhesion and clumping by ensuring that the wax particles are not too small and the amount of small wax particles is not excessive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Gunther H. Dieckmann, Mark R. Buetzow, Dennis J. O'Rear
  • Publication number: 20110105811
    Abstract: A process to produce an alkylate distillate blending component in one embodiment comprising: providing at least one olefinic C5+ product which was produced by conversion of synthesis gas in a Fischer Tropsch process; and alkylating the olefinic C5+ product in the presence of an acidic ionic liquid alkylation catalyst with hydrocarbons selected from the group consisting of isoparaffins, cycloparaffins, and their mixtures to form an alkylate distillate blending component is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Rear, Sven Ivar Hommeltoft, Steve S. Mathur, Jerome F. Mayor, Hye-Kyung Timken
  • Patent number: 7909894
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward systems and methods of providing a low-emissions diesel fuel for use in cold climates. Such fuels may be prepared by a Fischer-Tropsch process and include a pour point depressant. Furthermore, the fuel is used in conjunction with a heated fuel delivery system so that low cloud points are not necessary. Fuels prepared according to embodiments of the present invention may be produced in higher yields than otherwise possible because a higher paraffin wax content can be tolerated, thus obviating the need to remove or exclude the wax. These fuels are characterized by a sulfur content less than 1 ppm, a cetane number greater than 60, an aromatics content less than 1 wt %, and a difference between the cloud and pour points that is greater than about 5° C. The present fuel may be prepared by a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis from any number of carbon-containing sources such natural gas, coal, petroleum products, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis J. O'Rear
  • Patent number: 7884138
    Abstract: A process is described by which an olefinic naphtha and a hydrogenated distillate fuel are made from a Fischer-Tropsch process. The olefinic naphtha is suitable for use in an ethylene cracker where the olefins enhance the formation of ethylene. Thy hydrogenated distillate fuel is used in jet and or diesel fuels. Optionally the olefinic naphtha has a low content of acids. This low acid content, is obtained by operating the Fischer-Tropsch unit at H2/CO ratios from 1.8 to 2.05 or treating the effluent from the Fischer-Tropsch unit with a metal oxide to remove the acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome F. Mayer, Dennis J. O'Rear