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).

  • Patent number: 7479216
    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: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Gunther H. Dieckmann, Mark R. Buetzow, Dennis J. O'Rear
  • Publication number: 20080319094
    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: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Jerome F. Mayer, Dennis J. O'Rear
  • Publication number: 20080250705
    Abstract: Olefins and alcohols present in Fischer-Tropsch products are converted to primary and secondary alkyl alcohols having at least four carbons through acid catalyzed etherification and hydrolysis reactions. The alcohols are added to a highly isoparaffinic distillate fuel blend, improving the lubricity of the mixture, and forming a distillate fuel with improved lubricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Rear, Thomas Van Harris, Cong-Yan Chen
  • Patent number: 7431821
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an olefinic naphtha and a process for producing lower olefinc from this naphtha. In the process of the present invention for producing lower olefins, preferably ethylene, at least a portion of a hydrocarbon asset is converted to synthesis gas and at least a portion of the synthesis gas is converted to an olefinic naphtha by a Fischer-Tropsch process. At least a portion of the olefinic naphtha is converted in a naphtha cracker to a product stream comprising lower olefins, and at least a portion of the lower olefins from the product stream of the cracker are recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Rear, Guan Dao Lei
  • Patent number: 7416656
    Abstract: A process for removing aluminum contaminants from the product of a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction wherein said contaminants comprise at least 1 ppm of aluminum expressed as elemental metal in aluminum-containing contaminants having an effective diameter of less than 1 micron, said process comprising the steps of (a) collecting the contaminated Fischer-Tropsch product from the Fischer-Tropsch reactor; (b) forming a mixture comprising the contaminated Fischer-Tropsch product, at least an equal molar amount of a dicarboxylic acid containing from 2 to about 8 carbon atoms based upon the amount of aluminum present, and sufficient water for the dicarboxylic acid to form hydrogen ions; (c) maintaining the mixture under pre-selected conditions for a time sufficient for the aluminum contaminant and the dicarboxylic acid to form an aluminum containing precipitate having an effective diameter of greater than about 1 micron; (d) passing the mixture of step (c) through a particulate removal zone capable of removing su
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Kuperman, Lucy Melinda Bull, Dennis J. O'Rear, Donald Kuehne
  • Patent number: 7404888
    Abstract: A process for reducing the metal corrosion of a hydrocarbonaceous liquid which causes corrosion as measured by NACE Standard TM0172-2001, said process comprising blending with the hydrocarbonaceous liquid at least 0.1 weight percent of an acidic Fischer-Tropsch product in sufficient proportion to produce a hydrocarbonaceous blend displaying reduced metal corrosion as measured by NACE Standard TM0172-2001 when compared to the hydrocarbonaceous liquid and a hydrocarbonaceous blend prepared by the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Rear, Greg Hemighaus, Gunther H. Dieckmann
  • Publication number: 20080172942
    Abstract: An improved integrated process for H2S-containing natural gas conversion comprising purification process which generates a H2S-rich gas stream and purified natural gas and an H2S conversion process which generates energy, solid sulfur, and a sulfur-plant tail gas, and an energy-consuming natural gas conversion process selected from the group consisting of liquefaction of the purified natural gas to make LNG, synthesis gas production by partial oxidation of the purified natural gas with oxygen and combinations. The energy consuming step in the liquefaction process is separation of air to give oxygen. At least a portion of the energy release in the H2S conversion process is used to supply at least a portion of the energy needed in the energy-consuming natural gas conversion process. The energy from the H2S conversion process can be in the form of electricity or preferably steam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Rear, Lisa Paige Hawker
  • Patent number: 7402187
    Abstract: Olefins and alcohols present in Fischer-Tropsch products are converted to primary and secondary alkyl alcohols having at least four carbons through acid catalyzed etherification and hydrolysis reactions. The alcohols are added to a highly isoparaffinic distillate fuel blend, improving the lubricity of the mixture, and forming a distillate fuel with improved lubricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Rear, Thomas Van Harris, Cong-Yan Chen
  • Publication number: 20080155889
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a Fischer-Tropsch derived distillate suitable for use as a distillate fuel having a flash point 38° C. minimum measured by ASTM D 93 and a cloud point of +14° C. or less and further containing not less than 0.01 wt,% oxygen in each of 1-pentanol, 1-hexanol, 1-heptanol, 1-octanol, 1-nonanol, 1-decanol and not more than 0.01 wt.% oxygen in C11+ linear alcohols. Preferably, the Fischer-Tropsch derived distillate will have a cloud point at or below 0° C., and more preferably the cloud point of the Fischer-Tropsch derived distillate, will be at or below ?15° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Dennis J. O'Rear
  • Publication number: 20080128321
    Abstract: Method for making base oil, comprising transporting a height of greater than 7.5 meters of granular solid wax particles comprising a highly paraffinic wax with defined boiling points and a powder coating to a distant location, and hydroprocessing the transported wax. Also, a method comprising: a) selecting a Fischer-Tropsch wax having a broad boiling range, b) powder coating the wax, and c) transporting and d) hydroprocessing the wax. Also, a method comprising forming inorganic powder coated granular solid wax particles that withstand heavy loads without clumping or sticking together from highly paraffinic wax, wherein the amount of powder is between 0.1 and 5 wt %, transporting, and hydroprocessing the solid wax particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Gunther H. Dieckmann, Dennis J. O'Rear
  • Publication number: 20080132745
    Abstract: Processes for transporting wax including the steps of producing granular solid wax particles, having a powder coating, that are resistant to breakage or clumping; loading the particles into a transport vessel; transporting the particles; and unloading the particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: GUNTHER H. DIECKMANN, DENNIS J. O'REAR
  • Patent number: 7374657
    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 20, 2008
    Assignee: Chevron USA Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Miller, Dennis J. O'Rear
  • Patent number: 7354462
    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 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis J. O'Rear
  • Patent number: 7320748
    Abstract: A stable distillate fuel blend useful as a fuel or as a blending component of a fuel that is suitable for use in turbine engine, said fuel blend prepared from at least one highly paraffinic distillate fuel component having low to moderate branching and at least one conventional petroleum-derived distillate fuel component and a process for preparing same involving the blending of at least two components having antagonistic properties with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Hemighaus, Dennis J. O'Rear
  • Patent number: 7179311
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable blended diesel fuel comprising an olefinic diesel fuel blending stock. The olefinic diesel fuel blending stock of the invention comprises olefins in an amount of 2 to 80 weight percent, non-olefins in an amount of 20 to 98 weight percent wherein the non-olefins are substantially comprised of paraffins, oxygenates in an amount of at least 0.012 weight percent and sulfur in an amount of less than 1 ppm. To provide acceptable stability, the blended diesel fuel comprising the olefinic diesel fuel blending stock comprises a sulfur-free antioxidant. The blended diesel fuel comprising the olefinic diesel fuel blending stock and sulfur-free antioxidant added has a peroxide content of less than 5 ppm when stored at 60° C. for 4 weeks. The present invention also relates to processes for making the stable blended diesel fuel and olefinic diesel fuel blending stocks as defined above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Rear, John E. Sundberg
  • Patent number: 7179364
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable, low sulfur, olefinic distillate fuel blend component derived from a Fischer-Tropsch process and a process for producing this stable, low sulfur, olefinic distillate fuel blend component. The stable, low sulfur, olefinic distillate fuel comprises olefins in an amount of 2 to 80 weight percent, non-olefins in an amount of 20 to 98 weight percent wherein the non-olefins are predominantly paraffins, oxygenates in an amount of less than 1 weight percent, and sulfur in an amount of less than 10 ppm by weight. A distillate fuel comprising the above blend component forms less than 5 ppm peroxides after storage at 60° C. for four weeks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J O'Rear, Guan Dao Lei
  • Patent number: 7150821
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an olefinic naphtha and a process for producing lower olefins from this naphtha. In the process of the present invention for producing lower olefins, preferably ethylene, at least a portion of a hydrocarbon asset is converted to synthesis gas and at least a portion of the synthesis gas is converted to an olefinic naphtha by a Fischer-Tropsch process. At least a portion of the olefinic naphtha is converted in a naphtha cracker to a product stream comprising lower olefins, and at least a portion of the lower olefins from the product stream of the naphtha cracker are recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Rear, Guan Dao Lei
  • Patent number: 7087804
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a primarily nitrogen containing blanketing agent from the air separation unit of a Gas To Liquids, Heavy Hydrocarbon Conversion, or Methanol Synthesis Facility on transport vessels. The primarily nitrogen containing blanketing agent is used to reduce corrosion, reduce product biodegradation and oxidation, control invasive species, and prevent fires and explosions by reducing oxygen content. Accordingly, the present invention relates to integrated processes for producing hydrocarbonaceous products and using a primarily nitrogen containing blanketing agent supplied from the process in shipping the products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis J. O'Rear
  • Patent number: 7033552
    Abstract: A process for upgrading at least one of a Fischer-Tropsch naphtha and a Fischer-Tropsch distillate to produce at least one of a gasoline component, a distillate fuel or a lube base feedstock component. The process includes reforming a Fischer-Tropsch naphtha to produce hydrogen by-product and a gasoline component with a research octane rating of at least about 80. The process further includes upgrading a Fischer-Tropsch distillate using the hydrogen by-product to produce a distillate fuel and/or a lube base feedstock component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Rear, Lawrence W. Jossens
  • Patent number: 7033484
    Abstract: A stable distillate fuel blend useful as a fuel or as a blending component of a fuel that is suitable for use in an internal combustion engine, said fuel blend prepared from at least one highly paraffinic distillate fuel component and at least one highly aromatic petroleum-derived distillate fuel component and a process for preparing same involving the blending of at least two components having antagonistic properties with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Bacha, Dennis J. O'Rear