Patents by Inventor Ioan Nicolau

Ioan Nicolau 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: 8216964
    Abstract: The present invention addresses at least four different aspects relating to catalyst structure, methods of making those catalysts and methods of using those catalysts for making alkenyl alkanoates. Separately or together in combination, the various aspects of the invention are directed at improving the production of alkenyl alkanoates and VA in particular, including reduction of by-products and improved production efficiency. A first aspect of the present invention pertains to a unique palladium/gold catalyst or pre-catalyst (optionally calcined) that includes rhodium or another metal. A second aspect pertains to a palladium/gold catalyst or pre-catalyst that is based on a layered support material where one layer of the support material is substantially free of catalytic components. A third aspect pertains to a palladium/gold catalyst or pre-catalyst on a zirconia containing support material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Celanese International Corp.
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Leslie Wade, Ioan Nicolau, Yumin Liu, Victor Wong, Barbara Kimmich, Jun Han, Valery Sokolovskii, Alfred Hagemeyer, David M. Lowe, Karin Yaccato, Anthony Volpe
  • Patent number: 7612014
    Abstract: The present invention addresses at least four different aspects relating to catalyst structure, methods of making those catalysts and methods of using those catalysts for making alkenyl alkanoates. Separately or together in combination, the various aspects of the invention are directed at improving the production of alkenyl alkanoates and VA in particular, including reduction of by-products and improved production efficiency. A first aspect of the present invention pertains to a unique palladium/gold catalyst or pre-catalyst (optionally calcined) that includes rhodium or another metal. A second aspect pertains to a palladium/gold catalyst or pre-catalyst that is based on a layered support material where one layer of the support material is substantially free of catalytic components. A third aspect pertains to a palladium/gold catalyst or pre-catalyst on a zirconia containing support material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Celanese International Corp.
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Leslie Wade, Ioan Nicolau, Yumin Liu, Victor Wong, Barbara Kimmich, Jun Han, Valery Sokolovskii, Alfred Hagemeyer, David M. Lowe, Karin Yaccato, Anthony Volpe
  • Patent number: 7598198
    Abstract: The present invention addresses at least four different aspects relating to catalyst structure, methods of making those catalysts and methods of using those catalysts for making alkenyl alkanoates. Separately or together in combination, the various aspects of the invention are directed at improving the production of alkenyl alkanoates and VA in particular, including reduction of by-products and improved production efficiency. A first aspect of the present invention pertains to a unique palladium/gold catalyst or pre-catalyst (optionally calcined) that includes rhodium or another metal. A second aspect pertains to a palladium/gold catalyst or pre-catalyst that is based on a layered support material where one layer of the support material is substantially free of catalytic components. A third aspect pertains to a palladium/gold catalyst or pre-catalyst on a zirconia containing support material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Calanese International Corp.
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Leslie Wade, Ioan Nicolau, Yumin Liu, Victor Wong, Barbara Kimmich, Jun Han, Valery Sokolovskii, Alfred Hagemeyer, David M. Lowe, Karin Yaccato, Anthony Volpe
  • Publication number: 20080287290
    Abstract: The present invention addresses at least four different aspects relating to catalyst structure, methods of making those catalysts and methods of using those catalysts for making alkenyl alkanoates. Separately or together in combination, the various aspects of the invention are directed at improving the production of alkenyl alkanoates and VA in particular, including reduction of by-products and improved production efficiency. A first aspect of the present invention pertains to a unique palladium/gold catalyst or pre-catalyst (optionally calcined) that includes rhodium or another metal. A second aspect pertains to a palladium/gold catalyst or pre-catalyst that is based on a layered support material where one layer of the support material is substantially free of catalytic components. A third aspect pertains to a palladium/gold catalyst or pre-catalyst on a zirconia containing support material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Les Wade, Ioan Nicolau, Barbara Kimmich, Victor Wong, Yumin Liu, Jun Han, Valery Sokolovskii, Alfred Hagemeyer, David M. Lowe, Anthony Volpe, Karin Yaccato
  • Publication number: 20080287285
    Abstract: The present invention addresses at least four different aspects relating to catalyst structure, methods of making those catalysts and methods of using those catalysts for making alkenyl alkanoates. Separately or together in combination, the various aspects of the invention are directed at improving the production of alkenyl alkanoates and VA in particular, including reduction of by-products and improved production efficiency. A first aspect of the present invention pertains to a unique palladium/gold catalyst or pre-catalyst (optionally calcined) that includes rhodium or another metal. A second aspect pertains to a palladium/gold catalyst or pre-catalyst that is based on a layered support material where one layer of the support material is substantially free of catalytic components. A third aspect pertains to a palladium/gold catalyst or pre-catalyst on a zirconia containing support material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Les Wade, Ioan Nicolau, Barbara Kimmich, Victor Wong, Yumin Liu, Jun Han, Valery Sokolovskii, Alfred Hagemeyer, David M. Lowe, Anthony Volpe, Karin Yaccato
  • Publication number: 20080287289
    Abstract: The present invention addresses at least four different aspects relating to catalyst structure, methods of making those catalysts and methods of using those catalysts for making alkenyl alkanoates. Separately or together in combination, the various aspects of the invention are directed at improving the production of alkenyl alkanoates and VA in particular, including reduction of by-products and improved production efficiency. A first aspect of the present invention pertains to a unique palladium/gold catalyst or pre-catalyst (optionally calcined) that includes rhodium or another metal. A second aspect pertains to a palladium/gold catalyst or pre-catalyst that is based on a layered support material where one layer of the support material is substantially free of catalytic components. A third aspect pertains to a palladium/gold catalyst or pre-catalyst on a zirconia containing support material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Les Wade, Ioan Nicolau, Barbara Kimmich, Victor Wong, Yumin Liu, Jun Han, Valery Sokolovskii, Alfred Hagemeyer, David M. Lowe, Anthony Volpe, Karin Yaccato
  • Publication number: 20050181940
    Abstract: The present invention addresses at least four different aspects relating to catalyst structure, methods of making those catalysts and methods of using those catalysts for making alkenyl alkanoates. Separately or together in combination, the various aspects of the invention are directed at improving the production of alkenyl alkanoates and VA in particular, including reduction of by-products and improved production efficiency. A first aspect of the present invention pertains to a unique palladium/gold catalyst or pre-catalyst (optionally calcined) that includes rhodium or another metal. A second aspect pertains to a palladium/gold catalyst or pre-catalyst that is based on a layered support material where one layer of the support material is substantially free of catalytic components. A third aspect pertains to a palladium/gold catalyst or pre-catalyst on a zirconia containing support material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Publication date: August 18, 2005
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Les Wade, Ioan Nicolau, Barbara Kimmich, Victor Wong, Yumin Liu, Jun Han, Valery Sokolovskii, Alfred Hagemeyer, David Lowe
  • Patent number: 6346501
    Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst which contains palladium and/or compounds thereof, cadmium compounds, alkali metal compounds and at least one lanthanoid metal. The invention also relates to the utilization of the catalyst in order to produce vinyl acetate from acetic acid, ethylene and oxygen or gases containing oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignees: Celanese Chemicals Europe GmbH, Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Bernhard Herzog, Tao Wang, Ioan Nicolau
  • Patent number: 6274531
    Abstract: A catalyst for the production of vinyl acetate by reaction of ethylene, oxygen and acetic acid comprising a porous support on the porous surfaces of which is deposited catalytically effective amounts of metallic palladium and gold, and cupric acetate. Use of this catalyst results in a reaction having a relatively low selectivity to carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Ioan Nicolau, Jerry A. Broussard, Philip M. Colling
  • Patent number: 6114571
    Abstract: A catalyst for preparing vinyl acetate in the gas phase from ethylene, acetic acid and oxygen or oxygen-containing gases with, at the same time, low-high boiler formation which catalyst comprises palladium and/or its compounds, gold and/or its compounds, moron or boron compounds and alkali metal compounds on a particular support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Celanese GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Abel, Ioan Nicolau, Erich Hopf, Rainer Kiemel
  • Patent number: 6107514
    Abstract: Synthesying vinyl acetate utilizing a catalyst for the production of vinyl acetate by reaction of ethylene, oxygen and acetic acid comprising a porous support on the porous surfaces of which is deposited metallic copper in a zone surrounded by deposits of catalytically effective amounts of metallic palladium and gold, neither of which is substantially intermingled with said copper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Ioan Nicolau, Adolfo Aguilo, Philip M. Colling
  • Patent number: 6072078
    Abstract: A catalyst for the production of vinyl acetate by reaction of ethylene, oxygen and acetic acid as reactants comprising a porous support on the porous surfaces of which is deposited catalytically effective amounts of metallic palladium and gold, copper as the free metal or cupric acetate, and a fourth metal selected from the group consisting of magnesium calcium, barium, and zirconium, as its oxide or mixture of oxide and free metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Ioan Nicolau, Philip M. Colling
  • Patent number: 6057260
    Abstract: A catalyst for the production of vinyl acetate by reaction of ethylene, oxygen and acetic acid as reactants comprising a porous support on the porous surfaces of which is deposited catalytically effective amounts of metallic palladium and gold, copper as the free metal or cupric acetate, and a fourth metal selected from the group consisting of magnesium calcium, barium, and zirconium, as its oxide or mixture of oxide and free metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Ioan Nicolau, Philip M. Colling
  • Patent number: 6034030
    Abstract: A method is provided to manufacture a palladium-gold catalyst by separately impregnating and fixing the palladium and gold and reducing the fixed solids to free metal on a suitable support useful for vinyl acetate manufacture from ethylene and acetic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Ioan Nicolau, Philip M. Colling, Leland R. Johnson, Michael A. Loewenstein
  • Patent number: 5968869
    Abstract: A catalyst for the production of vinyl acetate by reaction of ethylene, oxygen and acetic acid comprising a porous support on the porous surfaces of which is deposited metallic copper in a zone surrounded by deposits of catalytically effective amounts of metallic palladium and gold, neither of which is substantially intermingled with said copper. Methods for preparing the catalyst and for synthesizing vinyl acetate utilizing the catalyst are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Ioan Nicolau, Adolfo Aguilo, Philip M. Colling
  • Patent number: 5948724
    Abstract: A catalyst for the production of vinyl acetate by reaction of ethylene, oxygen and acetic acid comprising a porous support on the porous surfaces of which is deposited catalytically effective amounts of metallic palladium and gold, and cupric acetate. Use of this catalyst results in a reaction having a relatively low selectivity to carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Ioan Nicolau, Jerry A. Broussard, Philip M. Colling
  • Patent number: 5859287
    Abstract: A catalyst for the production of vinyl acetate by reaction of ethylene, oxygen and acetic acid as reactants comprising a porous support on the porous surfaces of which is deposited catalytically effective amounts of metallic palladium and gold and a third metal selected from the group consisting of magnesium calcium, barium, zirconium and cerium, as its oxide or mixture of oxide and metal, said catalyst having been prepared by either of two specified methods (A) or (B). Use of the catalyst results in a reaction of relatively high activity and/or low heavy ends selectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Ioan Nicolau, Philip M. Colling
  • Patent number: 5854171
    Abstract: A catalyst particularly useful in the preparation of unsaturated esters such as the reaction of ethylene, oxygen and acetic acid in a vapor phase to form vinyl acetate. The catalyst comprises a honeycomb carrier coated with silica and containing palladium and gold throughout the silica coat. Such catalysts show reduced pressure drop and a high space time yield for vinyl acetate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Ioan Nicolau, Philip M. Colling, Leland R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5731457
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of vinyl acetate by reaction of ethylene, oxygen and acetic acid as reactants comprising contacting said reactants and a non-halogen containing copper compound with a catalyst comprising a porous support on the porous surfaces of which is deposited catalytically effective amounts of metallic palladium, gold and copper. During the process to prepare vinyl acetate, a stream of alkali metal acetate is preferably passed over the catalyst. The process results in higher vinyl acetate selectivity and productivity due to lower CO.sub.2 selectivity during the life of the catalyst, and/or longer catalyst life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Hoechst Celanese Corporation
    Inventors: Ioan Nicolau, Jerry A. Broussard, Philip M. Colling
  • Patent number: 5705679
    Abstract: A catalyst particularly useful in the preparation of unsaturated esters such as the reaction of ethylene, oxygen and acetic acid in a vapor phase to form vinyl acetate. The catalyst comprises a honeycomb carrier coated with silica and containing palladium and gold throughout the silica coat. Such catalysts show reduced pressure drop and a high space time yield for vinyl acetate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventors: Ioan Nicolau, Philip M. Colling, Leland R. Johnson