Patents by Inventor Stephen A. Cottrell

Stephen A. Cottrell 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: 9018428
    Abstract: Disclosed is a reactor and agitator useful in a high pressure process for making 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (1233zd) from the reaction of 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane (240fa) and HF, wherein the agitator includes one or more of the following design improvements: (a) double mechanical seals with an inert barrier fluid or a single seal; (b) ceramics on the rotating faces of the seal; (c) ceramics on the static faces of seal; (d) wetted o-rings constructed of spring-energized Teflon and PTFE wedge or dynamic o-ring designs; and (e) wetted metal surfaces of the agitator constructed of a corrosion resistant alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen A. Cottrell
  • Patent number: 9000240
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for the production of 1233zd from 240fa and HF, with or without a catalyst, at a commercial scale. The 240fa and HF are fed to a reactor operating at high pressure. The resulting product stream comprising 1233zd, HCl, HF, and other byproducts is treated to one or more purification techniques including phase separation and one or more distillations to provide purified 1233zd, which meets commercial product specifications, i.e., having a GC purity of 99.5% or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Cottrell, Hsueh Sung Tung, Konstantin A. Pokrovski
  • Patent number: 8921621
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HCFC-1233zd) at commercial scale from the reaction of HCC-240 and HF is disclosed. In one embodiment, HCC-240fa and HF are fed to a reactor operating at high pressure. Several different reactor designs useful in this process include; a stirred-tank reactor (batch and/or continuous flow); a plug flow reactor; a static mixer used as a reactor; at least one of the above reactors operating at high pressure; optionally combined with a distillation column running at a lower pressure; and combinations of the above; and/or with a distillation column. The resulting product stream consisting of 1233zd, HCl, HF, and other byproducts is partially condensed to recover HF by phase separation. The recovered HF phase is recycled to the reactor. The HCl is scrubbed from the vapor stream and recovered as an aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Cottrell, Hsueh Sung Tung, Konstantin A. Pokrovski, Haiyou Wang, Daniel C. Merkel
  • Patent number: 8907146
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process in which the fluorination of an organic reactant comprising 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane (240fa) with anhydrous HF is conducted in the presence of an effective amount of a phase-transfer catalyst which facilitates the reaction between these incompatible reaction components to produce 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-propene (1233zd). Other organic reactant materials include 1,1,3,3-tetrachloropropene (HCO-1230za), 1,3,3,3-tetrachloropropene (HCO-1230zd), and various mixtures with or without 240fa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Hsueh Sung Tung, Haiyou Wang, Daniel C. Merkel, Stephen A. Cottrell, Konstantin A. Pokrovski, Ian Shankland
  • Publication number: 20140264173
    Abstract: Provided are azeotropic or azeotrope-like mixtures of 1,1,3,3-tetrachloroprop-1-ene (HCO-1230za) and hydrogen fluoride. Such compositions are useful as feed stock in the production of HFC-245fa and HCFO-1233zd.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Daniel C. Merkel, Hsueh Sung Tung, Konstantin A. Pokrovski, Haiyou Wang, Stephen A. Cottrell, Hang T. Pham
  • Publication number: 20140275645
    Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention relates to methods for increasing the cost efficiency and safety of the hydrogenation of a fluorinated olefin by controlling the reaction conditions and parameters. In further aspects, the hydrogenation reaction is provided in a two stage reaction wherein the reactant amounts, temperature and other parameters are controlled such that the conversion percentage, selectivity, and reaction parameters are all within commercially acceptable levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: STEPHEN A. COTTRELL, JOHN J. SENETAR, HSUEH S. TUNG, DANIEL C. MERKEL, YUON CHIU, HALUK KOPKALLI
  • Publication number: 20140264154
    Abstract: Provided are azeotropic or azeotrope-like mixtures of 1,3,3-trichloro-1,1-difluoropropane (HCFO-242fa) and hydrogen fluoride. Such compositions are useful as a feed stock or intermediate in the production of HFC245fa and HCFO1233zd.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel C. Merkel, Konstantin A. Pokrovski, Hsueh Sung Tung, Haiyou Wang, Stephen A. Cottrell, Hang T. Pham
  • Publication number: 20140221704
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process in which the fluorination of an organic reactant comprising 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane (240fa) with anhydrous HF is conducted in the presence of an effective amount of a phase-transfer catalyst which facilitates the reaction between these incompatible reaction components to produce 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-propene (1233zd). Other organic reactant materials include 1,1,3,3-tetrachloropropene (HCO-1230za), 1,3,3,3-tetrachloropropene (HCO-1230zd), and various mixtures with or without 240fa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Hsueh Sung Tung, Haiyou Wang, Daniel C. Merkel, Stephen A. Cottrell, Konstantin A. Pokrovski, Ian Shankland
  • Patent number: 8784763
    Abstract: Processes and systems for the production of phosphorus pentafluoride (PF5) through continuous fluorination of phosphorus are provided herein. A phosphorus feed stream and a fluorine feed stream are provided to a reactor, wherein they are reacted in a gas-gas or liquid-gas reaction to produce phosphorus pentafluoride (PF5). The phosphorus feed can be derived from white phosphorus or yellow phosphorus, and can be provided to the reactor as a liquid or a vapor. The fluorine can be provided to the reactor as a vapor, and preferably comprises elemental fluorine gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew H. Luly, Robert A. Smith, Haridasan K. Nair, Philip DePrato, Konstantin A. Pokrovski, Daniel C. Merkel, Kevin Uhrich, Stephen A. Cottrell, Daniel J. Brenner
  • Publication number: 20140066670
    Abstract: Disclosed is a reactor and agitator useful in a high pressure process for making 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (1233zd) from the reaction of 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane (240fa) and HF, wherein the agitator includes one or more of the following design improvements: (a) double mechanical seals with an inert barrier fluid or a single seal; (b) ceramics on the rotating faces of the seal; (c) ceramics on the static faces of seal; (d) wetted o-rings constructed of spring-energized Teflon and PTFE wedge or dynamic o-ring designs; and (e) wetted metal surfaces of the agitator constructed of a corrosion resistant alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Stephen A. Cottrell
  • Patent number: 8664455
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved process to manufacture 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane (HCFC-244bb) by reacting 2-chloro-3,3,3,-trifluoropropene (HCFO-1233xf) with hydrogen fluoride, in a liquid phase reaction in the presence of hydrogen chloride and a liquid phase fluorination catalyst. The hydrogen chloride is added into the reaction from an external source at a pressure of about 100 psig or more. The HCFC-244bb is an intermediate in the production of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene-1 (HFO-1234yf).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel C. Merkel, Stephen A. Cottrell, Robert C. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140012047
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved process to manufacture 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane (HCFC-244bb) by reacting 2-chloro-3,3,3,-trifluoropropene (HCFO-1233xf) with hydrogen fluoride, in a liquid phase reaction in the presence of hydrogen chloride and a liquid phase fluorination catalyst. The hydrogen chloride is added into the reaction from an external source at a pressure of about 100 psig or more. The HCFC-244bb is an intermediate in the production of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene-1 (HFO-1234yf).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: DANIEL C. MERKEL, STEPHEN A. COTTRELL, ROBERT C. JOHNSON
  • Patent number: 8618340
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the manufacture of HFO-1234yf from TCP in three integrated steps that include hydrofluorination of TCP (tetrachloropropene) to HCFC-1233xf in the vapor phase followed by hydrofluorination of HCFC-1233xf to HCFC-244bb in the liquid phase which is then followed by dehydrochlorination in liquid or vapor phase to produce HFO-1234yf. The vapor phase hydrofluorination is carried out at a higher pressure than the liquid phase hydrofluorination, thereby eliminating the need for compression and/or intermediate recovery. Also, any HCl generated from this reaction is fed to the liquid phase hydrofluorination section to promote agitation and mixing. This results in a more economical process from an initial capital and operating cost versus conducting the 3-steps sequentially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Haluk Kopkalli, Yuon Chiu, Stephen A. Cottrell, Hsueh Sung Tung, Kevin Uhrich
  • Patent number: 8496892
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus for the catalytic hydrogenation of fluoro-olefins to fluorocarbons where the reaction is carried out in a multi-tube shell and tube reactor. Reactions involving hydrogenation of fluoro-olefins are typically exothermic. In commercial processes where a fluoro-olefin CnH2n?xFx to CnH2n?x2Fx is hydrogenated (e.g., hexafluoropropylene to 236ea, 1225ye to 245eb, and the like), inadequate management or control of heat removal may induce excess hydrogenation, decomposition and hot spots resulting in reduced yields and potential safety issues. In the hydrogenation of fluoro-olefins, it is therefore necessary to control the reaction temperature as precisely as practical to overcome challenges associated with heat management and safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Haluk Kopkalli, Yuon Chiu, Orlando George Rodrigues, Gus Cerri, Hsueh Sung Tung, Stephen A. Cottrell
  • Publication number: 20130078180
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods used to remove HF from a fluorocarbon containing stream, thereby forming a final aqueous HF solution having both a high HF concentration and low dissolved organic content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Yuon Chiu, Richard Durick Horwath, Stephen A. Cottrell
  • Patent number: 8337595
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for removing impurities from a product stream comprising trans HFO-1234ze and an HFO-1234 impurity that uses one or more adsorbents that are selective for the HFO-1234 impurity, such that the HFO-1234 impurity is removed from the product stream. One such impurity is HFO-1234zc, which is removed from its mixture with trans HFO-1234ze by action of an adsorbent having pores in the range of from about 5 angstroms to about 10 angstroms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Hilton Thomas, Stephen A. Cottrell
  • Publication number: 20120305454
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for capturing and recycling iron catalyst used in the production of haloalkane compounds and more particularly, to an improved process for the manufacture of the compound 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane (HCC-240fa), in which an electromagnetic separation unit (EMSU) is used to facilitate the reaction. When energized, the EMSU functions to remove all iron particles from the reactor effluent; when de-energized, the iron particles captured by the EMSU can be flushed back into the reactor for re-use in the continued production of HCC-240fa. The present invention is also useful in the manufacturing processes for other haloalkane compounds such as HCC-250 and HCC-360.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Joshua Close, Haiyou Wang, Hsueh Sung Tung, Stephen A. Cottrell
  • Publication number: 20120301373
    Abstract: A method for producing 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropene and/or 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropene using a single set of four unit operations, the unit operations being (1) hydrogenation of a starting material comprising hexafluoropropene and optionally recycled 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropene; (2) separation of the desired intermediate hydrofluoroalkane, such as 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane and/or 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropane; (3) dehydrofluorination of the intermediate hydrofluoroalkane to produce the desired 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropene and/or 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropene, followed by another separation to isolate the desired product and, optionally, recycle of the 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: YUON CHIU, STEPHEN A. COTTRELL, HSUEH SUNG TUNG, HALUK KOPKALLI, GUSTAVO CERRI
  • Publication number: 20120296127
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for the production of 1233zd from 240fa and HF, with or without a catalyst, at a commercial scale. The 240fa and HF are fed to a reactor operating at high pressure. The resulting product stream comprising 1233zd, HCl, HF, and other byproducts is treated to one or more purification techniques including phase separation and one or more distillations to provide purified 1233zd, which meets commercial product specifications, i.e., having a GC purity of 99.5% or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen A. Cottrell, Hsueh Sung Tung, Konstantin A. Pokrovski
  • Publication number: 20120266750
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for removing impurities from a product stream comprising trans HFO-1234ze and an HFO-1234 impurity that uses one or more adsorbents that are selective for the HFO-1234 impurity, such that the HFO-1234 impurity is removed from the product stream. One such impurity is HFO-1234zc, which is removed from its mixture with trans HFO-1234ze by action of an adsorbent having pores in the range of from about 5 angstroms to about 10 angstroms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Raymond Hilton Thomas, Stephen A. Cottrell