Patents by Inventor James J. Schorfheide

James J. Schorfheide 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: 8518244
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved hydrotreating process for removing sulfur from naphtha and distillate feedstreams. This improved process utilizes a hydrotreating zone, an acid gas removal zone, and a pressure swing adsorption zone having a total cycle time of less than about 30 seconds for increasing the concentration of hydrogen utilized in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Exxonmobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: James J. Schorfheide, Sean C. Smyth, Bal K. Kaul, David L. Stern
  • Publication number: 20100108571
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved hydrotreating process for removing sulfur from naphtha and distillate feedstreams. This improved process utilizes a hydrotreating zone, an acid gas removal zone, and a pressure swing adsorption zone having a total cycle time of less than about 30 seconds for increasing the concentration of hydrogen utilized in the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING CO.
    Inventors: James J. Schorfheide, Sean C. Smyth, Bal K. Kaul, David L. Stern
  • Publication number: 20090120839
    Abstract: Improved hydroprocessing processes for upgrading refinery streams via the use of rapid cycle pressure swing absorption having a cycle time of less than 30 s for increasing the concentration of hydrogen in the vapor phase product recycled to the hydroprocessing zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Craig Y. Sabottke, Edward W. Corcoran, Richard L. Eckes, Bal K. Kaul, Narasimhan Sundaram, James J. Schorfheide, Sean C. Smyth, David L. Stern
  • Patent number: 6623621
    Abstract: A process for upgrading a liquid petroleum or chemical stream wherein said stream flows countercurrent to the flow of a treat gas, such as a hydrogen-containing gas, in at least one reaction zone. The temperature of at least a portion of the liquid stream in the reactor is used to control the flooding characteristics of the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Larry L. Iaccino, Russell D. Sellen, David C. Dankworth, Edward S. Ellis, Jeffrey W. Frederick, Ramesh Gupta, James J. Schorfheide, Louis A. Curcio, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6497810
    Abstract: A process for upgrading a liquid petroleum or chemical stream wherein said stream flows countercurrent to the flow of a treat gas, such as a hydrogen-containing gas, in at least one reaction zone. Injecting feed into one or more downstream reaction zones controls the temperature of at least one reaction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventors: Larry L. Laccino, James J. Schorfheide
  • Patent number: 6495029
    Abstract: A process for the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of the multiple condensed ring heterocyclic organosulfur compounds present in petroleum and chemical streams. The stream is passed through at least one reaction zone countercurrent to the flow of a hydrogen-containing treat gas, and through at least one sorbent zone. The reaction zone contains a bed of Group VIII metal-containing hydrodesulfurization catalyst and the sorbent zone contains a bed of hydrogen sulfide sorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: James J. Schorfheide, Edward S. Ellis, Michele S. Touvelle, Ramesh Gupta
  • Patent number: 6245221
    Abstract: A process for the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of multiple condensed ring heterocyclic organosulfur compounds present in petroleum and petrochemical streams over noble metal-containing catalysts under relatively mild conditions. The noble metal is selected from Pt, Pd, Ir, Rh, and polymetallics thereof. The catalyst system also contains a hydrogen sulfide sorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: William C. Baird, Jr., Gary B. McVicker, James J. Schorfheide, Darryl P. Klein, Sylvain S. Hantzer, Michel Daage, Michele S. Touvelle, Edward S. Ellis, David E. W. Vaughan, Jingguang Chen
  • Patent number: 6221240
    Abstract: A process for the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of multiple condensed ring heterocyclic organosulfur compounds present in petroleum and petrochemical streams and the saturation of aromatics over noble metal-containing catalysts under relatively mild conditions. The noble metal is selected from Pt, Pd, Ir, Rh and polymetallics thereof. The catalyst system also contains a hydrogen sulfide sorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Darryl P. Klein, Michele S. Touvelle, Edward S. Ellis, Carl W. Hudson, Sylvain Hantzer, Jingguang Chen, David E. W. Vaughan, Michel Daage, James J. Schorfheide, William C. Baird, Jr., Gary B. McVicker
  • Patent number: 6193877
    Abstract: A process for the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of multiple condensed ring heterocyclic organosulftir compounds found in petroleum and petrochemical streams. HDS is preferably conducted in a mixed bed containing: (a) a Ni-based catalyst on an inorganic refractory support, and (b) a hydrogen sulfide sorbent material. The desulfurized stream can then be passed to further processing, including aromatics saturation and/or ring opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Gary B. McVicker, William C. Baird, Jr., James J. Schorfheide, Michel Daage, Darryl P. Klein, Edward S. Ellis, David E. W. Vaughan, Jingguang Chen
  • Patent number: 6153086
    Abstract: A hydroprocessing process includes a cocurrent flow liquid reaction stage, a countercurrent flow liquid reaction stage and a vapor reaction stage in which feed components are catalytically hydroprocessed by reacting with hydrogen. Both liquid stages both produce a liquid and a vapor effluent, with the cocurrent stage liquid effluent the feed for the countercurrent stage and the countercurrent stage liquid effluent the hydroprocessed product liquid. Both liquid stage vapor effluents are combined and catalytically reacted with hydrogen in a vapor reaction stage, to form a hydroprocessed vapor. This vapor is cooled to condense and recover a portion of the hydroprocessed hydrocarbonaceous vapor components as additional product liquid. The uncondensed vapor is rich in hydrogen and is cleaned up if necessary, to remove contaminants, and then recycled back into the cocurrent stage as hydrogen-containing treat gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Ramesh Gupta, Henry Jung, Edward S. Ellis, James J. Schorfheide, Larry L. Iaccino
  • Patent number: 6103106
    Abstract: A process for the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of the multiple condensed ring heterocyclic organosulfur compounds and the ring opening of ring compounds present in petroleum and petrochemical streams. The process is conducted in the presence of hydrogen, one or more noble metal catalysts, and a hydrogen sulfide sorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Gary B. McVicker, James J. Schorfheide, William C. Baird Jr., Michele S. Touvelle, Michel Daage, Darryl P. Klein, Edward S. Ellis, David E.W. Vaughan, Jingguang Chen, Sylvain S. Hantzer
  • Patent number: 6007787
    Abstract: A reaction vessel for processing liquid petroleum or chemical streams wherein the stream flows countercurrent to the flow of a treat gas, such as a hydrogen-containing gas, in at least one interaction zone. The reaction vessel contains vapor, and optionally liquid, passageways to bypass one or more packed beds, preferably catalyst beds. This permits more stable and efficient vessel operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Ramesh Gupta, David C. Dankworth, Dennis D. Fleming, Edward S. Ellis, James J. Schorfheide
  • Patent number: 5985131
    Abstract: A process for upgrading a liquid petroleum or chemical stream wherein said stream flows countercurrent to the flow of a treat gas, such as a hydrogen-containing gas, in at least one reaction zone. The reaction vessel used in the practice of the present invention contains vapor and optionally liquid passageway means to bypass one or more catalyst beds. This permits more stable and efficient reaction vessel operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Ramesh Gupta, David C. Dankworth, Dennis D. Fleming, Edward S. Ellis, James J. Schorfheide
  • Patent number: 5935420
    Abstract: A process for the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of multiple condensed ring heterocyclic organosulfur compounds present in petroleum and petrochemical streams over noble metal-containing catalysts under relatively mild conditions. The noble metal is selected from Pt, Pd, Ir, Rh, and polymetallics thereof. The catalyst system also contains a hydrogen sulfide sorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: William C. Baird, Jr., Gary B. McVicker, James J. Schorfheide, Darryl P. Klein, Sylvain Hantzer, Michel Daage, Michele S. Touvelle, Edward S. Ellis, David E.W. Vaughan, Jingguang G. Chen
  • Patent number: 5928498
    Abstract: A process for the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of the multiple condensed ring heterocyclic organosulfur compounds and the ring opening of ring compounds present in petroleum and petrochemical streams. The process is conducted in the presence of hydrogen, one or more noble metal catalysts, and a hydrogen sulfide sorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Gary B. McVicker, James J. Schorfheide, William C. Baird, Jr., Michele S. Touvelle, Michel Daage, Darryl P. Klein, Edward S. Ellis, David E. W. Vaughan, Jingguang G. Chen, Sylvain S. Hantzer
  • Patent number: 5925239
    Abstract: A process for the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of multiple condensed ring heterocyclic organosulfur compounds present in petroleum and petrochemical streams and the saturation of aromatics over noble metal-containing catalysts under relatively mild conditions. The noble metal is selected from Pt, Pd, Ir, Rh and polymetallics thereof. The catalyst system also contains a hydrogen sulfide sorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Darryl P. Klein, Michele S. Touvelle, Edward S. Ellis, Carl W. Hudson, Sylvain Hantzer, Jingguang G. Chen, David E. W. Vaughan, Michel Daage, James J. Schorfheide, William C. Baird, Jr., Gary B. McVicker
  • Patent number: 5391292
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for starting up a cyclic or semi-cyclic reforming reactor after catalyst regeneration. The method mitigates disruptions to the reforming unit after catalyst regeneration, such as excessive light gas make and a decrease in recycle hydrogen purity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: James J. Schorfheide, Albert E. Schweizer
  • Patent number: 5306681
    Abstract: The isomerization activity of hydroisomerization catalyst is recovered by subjecting the catalyst to a wash using light aromatic solvents at elevated temperature, e.g. toluene at 300.degree. C. This hot aromatic solvent wash may be preceded by a hot hydrogen containing gas strip. Catalyst activity can be maintained by the continuous or periodic addition of light aromatic solvent or light aromatic containing materials to the feeds sent to the isomerization catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: James J. Schorfheide, Biddanda U. Achia
  • Patent number: 5212128
    Abstract: The isomerization activity of hydroisomerization catalyst is recovered by subjecting the catalyst to a wash using light aromatic solvents at elevated temperature, e.g. toluene at 300.degree. C. This hot aromatic solvent wash may be preceded by a hot hydrogen containing gas strip. Catalyst activity can be maintained by the continuous or periodic addition of light aromatic solvent or light aromatic containing materials to the feeds sent to the isomerization catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Exxon Research & Engineering Company
    Inventors: James J. Schorfheide, Biddanda U. Achia
  • Patent number: 4900707
    Abstract: An improved wax isomerization catalyst is described which is a hydrogenation metal on halogenated refractory metal oxide support catalyst characterized in that the catalyst is prepared by depositing the hydrogenation metal on the refractory metal oxide support followed by fluoriding using a low pH fluorine source such as aqueous HF. Thereafter the catalyst is crushed to expose inner surfaces, the crushed catalyst being sieved to remove fines, the catalyst charge having an average particle diameter of 1/32 inch and smaller across the longest continuous cross sectional dimension, preferably between 1/64 to 1/32". Alternatively, the catalyst is made by depositing a hydrogenation metal on a refractory metal support, crushing the material to a particle size of 1/32 inch and smaller across the longest continuous cross-sectional dimension and fluoriding said material using acidic fluorine source such as HF. Following sizing the sized catalyst is activated by heating in a hydrogen atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Ian A. Cody, Glen P. Hamner, deceased, Willard H. Sawyer, James J. Schorfheide