Patents by Inventor Robert J. Falkiner
Robert J. Falkiner 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).
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Patent number: 11046896Abstract: A process for cleansing a liquid of volatile contaminants can be accomplished by cross flowing a liquid through a contactor vessel. As the liquid cross flows through the horizontal contactor vessel, a radial flow pattern is induced in the liquid and the liquid is contacted with a cleansing gas. As the liquid moves through the contactor vessel, contaminants enter the cleansing cross current gas percolating through the liquid. The cross current gas may then be collected and cleansed of the contaminants it collected. The cleaned cleansing gas may then be recycled back into the contactor vessel.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2018Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: ExxonMobil Research & Engineering CompanyInventors: Robert J. Falkiner, Ashok Uppal, Luke J. Kariparampil, Vincent A. Brunet, Alain D. Fomo
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Publication number: 20210016222Abstract: Methods for the prevention or mitigation of fouling in amine-treating systems comprising providing circulating aqueous amine solution and a hydrocarbon stream comprising at least one acid gas; and interacting the circulating aqueous amine solution with the hydrocarbon stream comprising the at least one acid gas to remove the acid gas from the hydrocarbon stream and entrain the acid gas into the aqueous amine solution. The circulating aqueous amine solution comprises entrained acid gas comprises foulant precursors; and polysulfide ions are introduced to react with the foulant precursors to decrease the rate of fouling within the circulating aqueous amine solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2020Publication date: January 21, 2021Inventors: Gordon Bryce McGarvey, Robert J. Falkiner, Jesus Moreira del Rio, David R. Slim
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Publication number: 20190359899Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for hydroconversion of a heavy oil feed under slurry hydroprocessing conditions and/or solvent assisted hydroprocessing conditions. The systems and methods for slurry hydroconversion can include the use of a configuration that can allow for improved separation of catalyst particles from the slurry hydroprocessing effluent. In addition to allowing for improved catalyst recycle, an amount of fines in the slurry hydroconversion effluent can be reduced or minimized. This can facilitate further processing or handling of any “pitch” generated during the slurry hydroconversion. The systems and methods for solvent assisted hydroprocessing can include processing of a heavy oil feed in conjunction with a high solvency dispersive power crude.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2019Publication date: November 28, 2019Inventors: Benjamin S. UMANSKY, Himanshu GUPTA, John D. NELSON, Cindy J. HUGHART, Jane C. CHENG, Steven W. LEVINE, Stephen H. BROWN, Todd P. MARUT, David C. DANKWORTH, Stuart L. SOLED, Thomas F. DEGNAN, JR., Robert J. FALKINER, Mohsen N. HARANDI, Juan D. HENAO, Lei ZHANG, Chuansheng BAI, Richard C. DOUGHERTY
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Publication number: 20190338203Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for hydroconversion of a heavy oil feed under slurry hydroprocessing conditions and/or solvent assisted hydroprocessing conditions. The systems and methods for slurry hydroconversion can include the use of a configuration that can allow for improved separation of catalyst particles from the slurry hydroprocessing effluent. In addition to allowing for improved catalyst recycle, an amount of fines in the slurry hydroconversion effluent can be reduced or minimized. This can facilitate further processing or handling of any “pitch” generated during the slurry hydroconversion. The systems and methods for solvent assisted hydroprocessing can include processing of a heavy oil feed in conjunction with a high solvency dispersive power crude.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2019Publication date: November 7, 2019Inventors: Benjamin S. UMANSKY, Himanshu GUPTA, John D. NELSON, Cindy J. HUGHART, Jane C. CHENG, Steven W. LEVINE, Stephen H. BROWN, Todd P. MARUT, David C. DANKWORTH, Stuart L. SOLED, Thomas F. DEGNAN, JR., Robert J. FALKINER, Mohsen N. HARANDI, Juan D. HENAO, Lei ZHANG, Chuansheng BAI, Richard C. DOUGHERTY
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Patent number: 10414991Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for hydroconversion of a heavy oil feed under slurry hydroprocessing conditions and/or solvent assisted hydroprocessing conditions. The systems and methods for slurry hydroconversion can include the use of a configuration that can allow for improved separation of catalyst particles from the slurry hydroprocessing effluent. In addition to allowing for improved catalyst recycle, an amount of fines in the slurry hydroconversion effluent can be reduced or minimized. This can facilitate further processing or handling of any “pitch” generated during the slurry hydroconversion. The systems and methods for solvent assisted hydroprocessing can include processing of a heavy oil feed in conjunction with a high solvency dispersive power crude.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2017Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Benjamin S. Umansky, Himanshu Gupta, John D. Nelson, Cindy J. Hughart, Jane C. Cheng, Steven W. Levine, Stephen H. Brown, Todd P. Marut, David C. Dankworth, Stuart L. Soled, Thomas F. Degnan, Jr., Robert J. Falkiner, Mohsen N. Harandi, Juan D. Henao, Lei Zhang, Chuansheng Bai, Richard C. Dougherty
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Publication number: 20190184330Abstract: A low-cost process for cleansing a liquid of volatile contaminants can be accomplished by cross flowing a liquid through a contactor vessel. As the liquid to be cleansed of contaminates cross flows through the horizontal contactor vessel, a radial flow pattern is induced in the liquid and the liquid is contacted with a cleansing gas introduced cross current to the flow of the liquid through the contactor vessel. As the liquid moves through the contactor vessel, contaminants enter the cleansing cross current gas percolating through the liquid. The cross current gas may then be collected and cleansed of the contaminates it collected. The cleaned cleansing gas may then be recycled back into the contactor vessel. The liquid to be cleansed may by any liquid or liquefied hydrocarbon, such as liquefied petroleum gas, gasoline, diesel, refinery component streams, distillates, gas oils, crude oils and/or emulsions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2018Publication date: June 20, 2019Inventors: Robert J. Falkiner, Ashok Uppal, Luke J. Kariparampil, Vincent A. Brunet, Alain D. Fomo
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Publication number: 20180002617Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for hydroconversion of a heavy oil feed under slurry hydroprocessing conditions and/or solvent assisted hydroprocessing conditions. The systems and methods for slurry hydroconversion can include the use of a configuration that can allow for improved separation of catalyst particles from the slurry hydroprocessing effluent. In addition to allowing for improved catalyst recycle, an amount of fines in the slurry hydroconversion effluent can be reduced or minimized. This can facilitate further processing or handling of any “pitch” generated during the slurry hydroconversion. The systems and methods for solvent assisted hydroprocessing can include processing of a heavy oil feed in conjunction with a high solvency dispersive power crude.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2017Publication date: January 4, 2018Inventors: Benjamin S. UMANSKY, Himanshu GUPTA, John D. NELSON, Cindy J. HUGHART, Jane C. CHENG, Steven W. LEVINE, Stephen H. BROWN, Todd P. MARUT, David C. DANKWORTH, Stuart L. SOLED, Thomas F. DEGNAN, JR., Robert J. FALKINER, Mohsen N. HARANDI, Juan D. HENAO, Lei ZHANG, Chuansheng BAI, Richard C. DOUGHERTY
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Method for increasing thermal stability of a fuel composition using a solid phosphoric acid catalyst
Patent number: 9028675Abstract: This invention relates to a method for increasing thermal stability of fuel, as well as in reducing nitrogen content and/or enhancing color quality of the fuel. According to the method, a fuel feedstock can be treated with a solid phosphoric acid catalyst under appropriate catalyst conditions, e.g., to increase the thermal stability of the fuel feedstock. Preferably, the fuel feedstock can be treated with the solid phosphoric acid catalyst at a ratio of catalyst mass within a contact zone to a mass flow rate of feedstock through the zone of at least about 18 minutes to increase the thermal stability of the fuel feedstock, along with reducing nitrogen content and/or enhancing color quality.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2012Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Sebastien Bergeron, Ashok Uppal, Robert J. Falkiner, Marc-André Poirier -
Patent number: 8916117Abstract: A method for the reduction of corrosion in a treatment unit acid used for separating hydrogen sulfide from and acid gas stream using an alkaline absorption solution. Ions comprising the S2? and/or HS? ions formed by the absorption of the hydrogen sulfide in the absorbent solution are subjected to in situ electrochemical oxidization to form polysulfide ions which form a protective coating on the surfaces of the unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2013Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Gordon Bryce McGarvey, Robert J. Falkiner, David R. Slim, Bryan M. Knickerbocker
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Publication number: 20140093440Abstract: A method for the reduction of corrosion in a treatment unit acid used for separating hydrogen sulfide from and acid gas stream using an alkaline absorption solution. Ions comprising the S2? and/or HS? ions formed by the absorption of the hydrogen sulfide in the absorbent solution are subjected to in situ electrochemical oxidization to form polysulfide ions which form a protective coating on the surfaces of the unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANYInventors: Gordon Bryce McGARVEY, Robert J. FALKINER, David R. SLIM, Bryan M. KNICKERBOCKER
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Patent number: 8668887Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for the in situ generation of polysulfide ions in a process stream including S2? and/or HS? ions. Methods and systems are also provided to ameliorate corrosion in a process stream containing an acid gas or a scrubbing agent solvent, and abate mercury and cyanide in process streams containing a scrubbing agent solvent.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2012Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Gordon Bryce McGarvey, Robert J. Falkiner, David R. Slim, Bryan M. Knickerbocker
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Patent number: 8658028Abstract: A process for removing elemental sulfur from liquid hydrocarbon steams such as transportation fuel streams, e.g. gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and jet, by contacting such streams with an immiscible aqueous solution under static mixing conditions. The aqueous solution contains a caustic and an effective amount of a Group I or Group II metal sulfide or polysulfide. The elemental sulfur in the stream is converted to a polysulfide that is not soluble in the hydrocarbon stream but is soluble in the aqueous solution, thus resulting in a hydrocarbon product stream having a substantially lower level of elemental sulfur.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2008Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Ashok Uppal, Ramesh R. Hemrajani, Robert J. Falkiner, Lawrence J. Lawlor, Joseph L. Feimer
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Publication number: 20140042362Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for the in situ generation of polysulfide ions in a process stream including S2? and/or HS? ions. Methods and systems are also provided to ameliorate corrosion in a process stream containing an acid gas or a scrubbing agent solvent, and abate mercury and cyanide in process streams containing a scrubbing agent solvent.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2012Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANYInventors: Gordon Bryce McGARVEY, Robert J. FALKINER, David R. SLIM, Bryan M. KNICKERBOCKER
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METHOD FOR INCREASING THERMAL STABILITY OF A FUEL COMPOSITION USING A SOLID PHOSPHORIC ACID CATALYST
Publication number: 20130068660Abstract: This invention relates to a method for increasing thermal stability of fuel, as well as in reducing nitrogen content and/or enhancing color quality of the fuel. According to the method, a fuel feedstock can be treated with a solid phosphoric acid catalyst under appropriate catalyst conditions, e.g., to increase the thermal stability of the fuel feedstock. Preferably, the fuel feedstock can be treated with the solid phosphoric acid catalyst at a ratio of catalyst mass within a contact zone to a mass flow rate of feedstock through the zone of at least about 18 minutes to increase the thermal stability of the fuel feedstock, along with reducing nitrogen content and/or enhancing color quality.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2012Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANYInventors: Sebastien Bergeron, Ashok Uppal, Robert J. Falkiner, Marc-André Poirier -
Patent number: 8093441Abstract: The removal of fluoroalkanes from fluoroalkane-containing hydrocarbon streams, preferably C3 to C5 hydrocarbon streams. The fluoroalkane-containing hydrocarbon stream is contacted with an adsorbent containing a strong acid function, preferably a silica gel or a strong cation ion-exchange resin having sulfonic acid functionality.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2009Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Marc-André Poirier, Robert J. Falkiner
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Patent number: 8088281Abstract: A method for the removal of entrained hydrocarbons, particularly aromatics, from water by extracting the hydrocarbons in the water with a hydrocarbon which is relatively less soluble in the water than the entrained hydrocarbon. The hydrocarbons are then separated from the water by a process of coalescence/separation. The extractant is suitably a paraffinic hydrocarbon which, while having an affinity for the entrained hydrocarbon, is relatively less soluble in water than hydrocarbons such as aromatics. The hydrocarbons removed from the water can be recirculated to the feed with the composition of the recirculating phase being controlled to achieve the desired level of hydrocarbon removal.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: ExxonMobil Research & Engineering CompanyInventors: Robert J. Falkiner, Bal K. Kaul
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Patent number: 8080087Abstract: A method of drying liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons by contacting a feed stream of the hydrocarbon with an aqueous solution of a salt drying agent prior to passing the stream through a salt dryer to remove part of the water in the stream. The aqueous solution of the salt drying agent is generated in the salt dryer when the partly dried stream comes into contact with the drying salt and forms the solution. The solution is circulated in a loop from the salt dryer to the incoming feed and then through a liquid/liquid coalescer which removes a portion of the water together with dissolved salt from the mixture before the mixture is passed on to the salt dryer where further removal of water occurs. The salt dryer is off-loaded by a substantial factor by the initial partial dehydration and does not require to remove such a large amount of water; the salt consumption is therefore reduced in proportion to the amount of water removed in the treatment steps which precede the dryer.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: ExxonMobil Research & Engineering CompanyInventors: Robert J. Falkiner, Bal K. Kaul
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Publication number: 20100160706Abstract: The removal of fluoroalkanes from fluoroalkane-containing hydrocarbon streams, preferably C3 to C5 hydrocarbon streams. The fluoroalkane-containing hydrocarbon stream is contacted with an adsorbent containing a strong acid function, preferably a silica gel or a strong cation ion-exchange resin having sulfonic acid functionality.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventors: Marc-André Poirier, Robert J. Falkiner
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Publication number: 20100072109Abstract: A process for removing elemental sulfur from liquid hydrocarbon steams such as transportation fuel streams, e.g. gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and jet, by contacting such streams with an immiscible aqueous solution under static mixing conditions. The aqueous solution contains a caustic and an effective amount of a Group I or Group II metal sulfide or polysulfide. The elemental sulfur in the stream is converted to a polysulfide that is not soluble in the hydrocarbon stream but is soluble in the aqueous solution, thus resulting in a hydrocarbon product stream having a substantially lower level of elemental sulfur.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2008Publication date: March 25, 2010Inventors: Ashok Uppal, Ramesh R. Hemrajani, Robert J. Falkiner, Lawrence J. Lawlor, Joseph L. Feimer
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Publication number: 20090134068Abstract: A method for the removal of dissolved water or water and ice from hydrocarbon liquids such as petroleum refinery fuels or natural gas liquids in a manner which enables the fuels to be readily treated by the coalescence/separation technique while reducing the potential for plugging filters and other equipment with ice crystals. Free water or water/ice is removed from the liquid hydrocarbons by contacting the hydrocarbon feed with a treating agent which as an affinity for water prior to subjecting the mixture to coalescence/separation. The treating agent is preferably a co-solvent for the water and the hydrocarbon such as an alcohol e.g. methanol. The treating agent and water are separated from the hydrocarbon component during the coalescence/separation and recirculated to the feed with the composition of the recycle aqueous phase being controlled to achieve the desired level of water removal to meet relevant product specifications.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2008Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicant: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Robert J. Falkiner, Bal K. Kaul, Ian D. Campbell