Patents by Inventor Robert B. James

Robert B. James 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: 10214464
    Abstract: A reactor comprising a thermal barrier surrounding a combustion zone. The reactor further comprises a cooling jacket inner wall and a binder disposed between the cooling jacket inner wall and the thermal barrier, and a cooling jacket outer wall, wherein the cooling jacket inner wall and the cooling jacket outer wall define a cooling channel. The reactor further comprises an outer reactor wall disposed over the cooling jacket outer wall, wherein the outer reactor wall is impermeable and is configured to contain high pressure gas within the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Antoine Negiz, Robert B. James, Carl J. Stevens, Donald L. Mittendorf
  • Patent number: 9809662
    Abstract: Processes for producing a polypropylene product by using a lower purity propylene stream. An operating parameter of the separation zone for a dehydrogenation zone effluent may be adjusted or controlled to lower the purity of the propylene stream produced by the separation zone. The reflux rate of propylene-propane splitter may be reduced. The duty of the reboiler for the propylene-propane splitter may be lowered. The number of stages in the propylene-propane splitter may be decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Adam J. Kanyuh, Michael J. Banach, Robert B. James
  • Publication number: 20170233310
    Abstract: A reactor comprising a thermal barrier surrounding a combustion zone. The reactor further comprises a cooling jacket inner wall and a binder disposed between the cooling jacket inner wall and the thermal barrier, and a cooling jacket outer wall, wherein the cooling jacket inner wall and the cooling jacket outer wall define a cooling channel. The reactor further comprises an outer reactor wall disposed over the cooling jacket outer wall, wherein the outer reactor wall is impermeable and is configured to contain high pressure gas within the reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Antoine Negiz, Robert B. James, Carl J. Stevens, Donald L. Mittendorf
  • Patent number: 9689615
    Abstract: A reactor comprising a thermal barrier surrounding a combustion zone. The reactor further comprises a cooling jacket inner wall and a binder disposed between the cooling jacket inner wall and the thermal barrier, and a cooling jacket outer wall, wherein the cooling jacket inner wall and the cooling jacket outer wall define a cooling channel. The reactor further comprises an outer reactor wall disposed over the cooling jacket outer wall, wherein the outer reactor wall is impermeable and is configured to contain high pressure gas within the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Antoine Negiz, Robert B. James, Carl J. Stevens, Donald L. Mittendorf
  • Publication number: 20160355617
    Abstract: Processes for producing a polypropylene product by using a lower purity propylene stream. An operating parameter of the separation zone for a dehydrogenation zone effluent may be adjusted or controlled to lower the purity of the propylene stream produced by the separation zone. The reflux rate of propylene-propane splitter may be reduced. The duty of the reboiler for the propylene-propane splitter may be lowered. The number of stages in the propylene-propane splitter may be decreased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Adam J. Kanyuh, Michael J. Banach, Robert B. James
  • Publication number: 20140353208
    Abstract: A method of hydrocarbon conversion is described. The hydrocarbon feed is decontaminated using an ionic liquid and introduced into a conversion zone. The conversion of the decontaminated feed is increased compared to the conversion of the contaminated feed and the yield of the desired product made from the decontaminated hydrocarbon feed is increased compared to the yield of the desired product made from the contaminated hydrocarbon feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Rajeswar R. Gattupalli, Beckay J. Mezza, Alakananda Bhattacharyya, Robert B. James, Massimo Sangalli, Peter Van Opdorp
  • Publication number: 20140058162
    Abstract: A reactor comprising a thermal barrier surrounding a combustion zone. The reactor further comprises a cooling jacket inner wall and a binder disposed between the cooling jacket inner wall and the thermal barrier, and a cooling jacket outer wall, wherein the cooling jacket inner wall and the cooling jacket outer wall define a cooling channel. The reactor further comprises an outer reactor wall disposed over the cooling jacket outer wall, wherein the outer reactor wall is impermeable and is configured to contain high pressure gas within the reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Antoine Negiz, Robert B. James, Carl J. Stevens, Donald L. Mittendorf
  • Publication number: 20140058149
    Abstract: High efficiency processes for producing olefins, alkynes, and hydrogen co-production from light hydrocarbons are disclosed. In one version, the method includes the steps of combusting hydrogen and oxygen in a combustion zone of a pyrolytic reactor to create a combustion gas stream, transitioning a velocity of the combustion gas stream from subsonic to supersonic in an expansion zone of the pyrolytic reactor, injecting a light hydrocarbon into the supersonic combustion gas stream to create a mixed stream including the light hydrocarbon, transitioning the velocity of the mixed stream from supersonic to subsonic in a reaction zone of the pyrolytic reactor to produce acetylene, and catalytically hydrogenating the acetylene in a hydrogenation zone to produce ethylene. In certain embodiments, the carbon efficiency is improved using methanation techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Antoine Negiz, Robert B. James, Carl J. Stevens, Paul T. Barger
  • Patent number: 8603399
    Abstract: An improved processing system of an oxygenate-containing feedstock for increased production or yield of light olefins. Such processing involves oxygenate conversion to olefins and subsequent cracking of heavier olefins wherein at least a portion of the products from each of the reactors is elevated in pressure, using a common compressor, prior to being routed to a common product fractionation and recovery section. The system further comprises acid gas removal means to remove acid gases from the cracked product gas and that the olefin cracking reactor is a moving bed reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Tom N. Kalnes, Robert B. James, Jr., Daniel H. Wei, Bryan K. Glover
  • Patent number: 8414798
    Abstract: Embodiments of a process for producing syngas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide from a gas stream comprising methane are provided. The process comprises the step of contacting the gas stream with a two-component catalyst system comprising an apatite component and a perovskite component at reaction conditions effective to convert the methane to the syngas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Colleen Costello, Lisa King, Paul Barger, Deng-Yang Jen, Robert B. James, Kurt Vanden Bussche
  • Publication number: 20120104322
    Abstract: Embodiments of a process for producing syngas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide from a gas stream comprising methane are provided. The process comprises the step of contacting the gas stream with a two-component catalyst system comprising an apatite component and a perovskite component at reaction conditions effective to convert the methane to the syngas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Colleen Costello, Lisa King, Paul Barger, Deng-Yang Jan, Robert B. James, Kurt Vanden Bussche
  • Patent number: 8128887
    Abstract: A coating applied to at least a portion of the surfaces of reactors, reactor internals, other reactor components, and/or heater tubes is provided in order to minimize the formation of metal catalyzed coke in hydrocarbon conversion processes operating at temperatures at about 350° C. (662° F.) or greater and in reducing environments. These coatings may comprise Nickel coatings or complexes thereof, such as Ni—Al, Ni—Cr/Cr carbide, as well as aluminum painted coatings that are applied in a reduction cure process (e.g., application temperatures of about 600° C. (1112° F.)). Additionally, where H2S is necessary for the process, such as to minimize thermal cracking, the coatings also reduce corrosion of base metal due to sulfidation attack and eliminate the requirement of continuous replacement of reactor internals and other components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Steven A. Bradley, Robert B. James, Jr., David W. Alley
  • Patent number: 7935324
    Abstract: The present invention involves a catalytic process for purifying a gas stream comprising purifying the gas stream at a temperature from about 250° to 550° C. by removing sulfur compounds and including a gas shift reaction to convert carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide to produce a partially purified gas stream. The warm gas stream purification involves COS hydrolysis and hydrogenation to H2S, the removal of H2S, and a CO gas shift to convert CO to CO2 to produce a partially purified stream. Then the carbon dioxide and other impurities are removed from the partially purified gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Manuela Serban, Tom N. Kalnes, Kurt M. Vanden Bussche, John P. Brady, Robert B. James, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100148121
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reactor containing catalysts that are situated on or within a cloth like material which is either in a filter cake-like shape or a spiral wound reactor configuration. One application is the desulfurization of synthesis gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Kurt M. Vanden Bussche, Robert B. James, JR., Alakananda Bhattacharyya, Manuela Serban
  • Publication number: 20100143225
    Abstract: The present invention involves a catalytic process for purifying a gas stream comprising purifying the gas stream at a temperature from about 250° to 550° C. by removing sulfur compounds and including a gas shift reaction to convert carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide to produce a partially purified gas stream. The warm gas stream purification involves COS hydrolysis and hydrogenation to H2S, the removal of H2S, and a CO gas shift to convert CO to CO2 to produce a partially purified stream. Then the carbon dioxide and other impurities are removed from the partially purified gas stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Manuela Serban, Tom N. Kalnes, Kurt M. Vanden Bussche, John P. Brady, Robert B. James, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100087693
    Abstract: Improved processing of an oxygenate-containing feedstock for increased production or yield of light olefins. Such processing involves oxygenate conversion to olefins and subsequent cracking of heavier olefins wherein at least a portion of the products from each of the reactors is elevated in pressure, using a common compressor, prior to being routed to a common product fractionation and recovery section. In one particular embodiment, the cracked product gas can be treated to remove acid gas therefrom. In another embodiment, the olefin cracking reactor is a moving bed reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Tom N. Kalnes, Robert B. James, JR., Daniel H. Wei, Bryan K. Glover
  • Patent number: 7687671
    Abstract: Improved processing of an oxygenate-containing feedstock for increased production or yield of light olefins. Such processing involves oxygenate conversion to olefins and subsequent cracking of heavier olefins wherein at least a portion of the products from each of the reactors is elevated in pressure, using a common compressor, prior to being routed to a common product fractionation and recovery section. In one particular embodiment, the cracked product gas can be treated to remove acid gas therefrom. In another embodiment, the olefin cracking reactor is a moving bed reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Tom N. Kalnes, Robert B. James, Jr., Daniel H. Wei, Bryan K. Glover
  • Publication number: 20100061902
    Abstract: A coating applied to at least a portion of the surfaces of reactors, reactor internals, other reactor components, and/or heater tubes is provided in order to minimize the formation of metal catalyzed coke in hydrocarbon conversion processes operating at temperatures at about 350° C. (662° F.) or greater and in reducing environments. These coatings may comprise Nickel coatings or complexes thereof, such as Ni—Al, Ni—Cr/Cr carbide, as well as aluminum painted coatings that are applied in a reduction cure process (e.g., application temperatures of about 600° C. (1112° F.)). Additionally, where H2S is necessary for the process, such as to minimize thermal cracking, the coatings also reduce corrosion of base metal due to sulfidation attack and eliminate the requirement of continuous replacement of reactor internals and other components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Steven A. Bradley, Robert B. James, JR., David W. Alley
  • Publication number: 20100048965
    Abstract: Improved processing of an oxygenate-containing feedstock for increased production or yield of light olefins. Such processing involves oxygenate conversion to olefins and subsequent cracking of heavier olefins wherein at least a portion of the products from each of the reactors is elevated in pressure, using a common compressor, prior to being routed to a common product fractionation and recovery section. In one particular embodiment, the cracked product gas can be treated to remove acid gas therefrom. In another embodiment, the olefin cracking reactor is a moving bed reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Tom N. Kalnes, Robert B. James, JR., Daniel H. Wei, Bryan K. Glover
  • Publication number: 20100021357
    Abstract: Improved processing of an oxygenate-containing feedstock for increased production or yield of light olefins. Such processing involves oxygenate conversion to olefins and subsequent cracking of heavier olefins wherein at least a portion of the products from each of the reactors is elevated in pressure, using a common compressor, prior to being routed to a common product fractionation and recovery section. In one particular embodiment, the cracked product gas can be treated to remove acid gas therefrom. In another embodiment, the olefin cracking reactor is a moving bed reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Tom N. Kalnes, Robert B. James, JR., Daniel H. Wei, Bryan K. Glover