Patents by Inventor Victor J. Johnston

Victor J. Johnston 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).

  • Hydrogenation Reaction Conditions For Producing Ethanol
    Publication number: 20140121422
    Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for producing ethanol from a feed stream comprising hydrogen and acetic acid and/or ethyl acetate. The reaction occurs at a temperature greater than 225° C. and the feed stream has a liquid hourly space velocity of at least 0.2 hr?1. The reaction occurs in the presence of a catalyst comprising a precious metal and one or more active metals on a modified support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: CELANESE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Radmila Wollrab, Victor J. Johnston, Heiko Weiner
  • Hydrogenation Reaction Conditions To Produce Ethanol and Reduce Ethyl Acetate Formation
    Publication number: 20140121421
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for selective formation of ethanol from acetic acid by hydrogenating acetic acid in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst, wherein the temperature and liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) are controlled to maximize acetic acid conversion and to minimize selectivity to ethyl acetate. The hydrogenation catalyst comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, gold, iridium, osmium, and rhodium on a support modified by at least one support modifier selected from the group consisting of (i) alkaline earth metal oxides, (ii) alkali metal oxides, (iii) alkaline earth metal metasilicates, (iv) alkali metal metasilicates, (v) Group IIB metal oxides, (vi) Group IIB metal metasilicates, (vii) Group IIIB metal oxides, (viii) Group IIIB metal metasilicates, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: CELANESE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Radmila Wollrab, Victor J. Johnston, Heiko Weiner
  • Process for making diethyl ether from acetic acid
    Patent number: 8710277
    Abstract: A process for producing of diethyl ether by hydrogenating acetic acid in the presence of a catalyst comprising a first metal on an acidic support, preferably a zeolite support. A preferred catalyst comprises platinum and tin on an acidic support. Selectivities to diethyl ether of at least 60% may be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Heiko Weiner, Radmila Jevtic, Victor J. Johnston
  • Weak acid recovery system for ethanol separation processes
    Patent number: 8710280
    Abstract: Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid and recovery of unreacted acetic acid from a weak acid stream. The unreacted acetic acid may be recovered as a dry acetic acid composition and may be directly or indirectly fed to the hydrogenation reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: R. Jay Warner, Trinity Horton, Radmila Jevtic, Victor J. Johnston, David Lee, Adam Orosco, Lincoln Sarager
  • Hydrogenolysis of ethyl acetate in alcohol separation processes
    Patent number: 8710279
    Abstract: Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid and by reacting a portion of the crude ethanol product or one or more derivative streams containing ethyl acetate obtained therefrom in the presence of hydrogen, via hydrogenolysis. The one or more derivative streams comprise ethyl acetate that are reacted in via hydrogenolysis form additional ethanol that may be directly or indirectly fed to the separation zone or the hydrogenation reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: R. Jay Warner, Trinity Horton, Radmila Jevtic, Victor J. Johnston, David Lee, Adam Orosco, Lincoln Sarager
  • Alcohol production process with impurity removal
    Patent number: 8704010
    Abstract: A method of removing impurities, such as halogens, sulfurs, and corrosion metal impurities, in an ethanol production process. Ion exchange resins may be used to remove these impurities from acetic acid feed streams and recycle streams that comprise unreacted acetic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Trinity Horton, Radmila Jevtic, Victor J. Johnston, Tianshu Pan, Lincoln Sarager, R. Jay Warner, Heiko Weiner, Josefina T. Chapman
  • Process for purifying ethanol
    Patent number: 8704014
    Abstract: Purifying and/or recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of crude ethanol mixture are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities. In addition, the process involves returning acetaldehyde separated from the crude ethanol product to the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Celansese International Corporation
    Inventors: Radmila Wollrab, Nathan Bower, Josefina T. Chapman, Gerald Grusendorf, Victor J. Johnston, Lincoln Sarager, R. Jay Warner, Heiko Weiner
  • Process for recovering ethanol
    Patent number: 8704015
    Abstract: Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of the crude ethanol products are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Lincoln Sarager, R. Jay Warner, Heiko Weiner, Radmila Wollrab, Josefina T. Chapman, Robert Cunningham, Gerald Grusendorf, Trinity Horton Hale, Victor J. Johnston, Tianshu Pan
  • Integrated process for producing ethanol
    Patent number: 8704013
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for producing ethanol, the process comprising the steps of carbonylating methanol in a carbonylation system in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst under conditions effective to form acetic acid; hydrogenating the acetic acid in a hydrogenation system in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to form a crude ethanol product comprising ethanol and water; separating the ethanol from the water to form an ethanol stream and a water stream; and directing at least a portion of the water stream to the carbonylation system, e.g., for use as an extractant in a permanganate reducing compound removal system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Radmila Jevtic, Victor J. Johnston, David Lee, Adam Orosco, Lincoln Sarager, Mark O. Scates, James H. Zink
  • Separating ethanol and ethyl acetate under low pressure conditions
    Patent number: 8704011
    Abstract: A crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid comprises ethanol and ethyl acetate. Using a distillation column operated at a pressure of from 0.1 to 100 kPa, the ethyl acetate and ethanol may be effectively separated. In addition, maintaining the amount of water that is fed to the distillation column to an amount less than 10 wt. %, based on the weight of all components fed to the distillation column, provides an energy benefit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Lincoln Sarager, R. Jay Warner, Trinity Horton, David Lee, Victor J. Johnston, Manuel Salado
  • Process for producing ethanol using a stacked bed reactor
    Patent number: 8704008
    Abstract: The present invention produces ethanol in a stacked bed reactor that comprises a first catalyst comprising platinum and tin and a second catalyst comprising copper or an oxide thereof. The crude ethanol product may be separated and ethanol recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Heiko Weiner, Zhenhua Zhou, Radmila Jevtic, Victor J. Johnston
  • Distillation of crude alcohol product using entrainer
    Patent number: 8704012
    Abstract: Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid using a low energy process and an entrainer. The crude ethanol product is separated in an distillation column to produce a distillate stream comprising the entrainer. The ethanol product is recovered from the residue stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: David Lee, Lincoln Sarager, Trinity Horton, Victor J. Johnston
  • Process for Recovering Ethanol with Sidedraws to Regulate C3+ Alcohols Concentrations
    Publication number: 20140094629
    Abstract: Purification and/or recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of a crude ethanol mixture are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities. In particular, the process involves one or more sidedraws to regulate C3+ alcohols concentration in the recovered ethanol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Lincoln Sarager, Wael Amleh, Trinity Horton Hale, Radmila Wollrab, Victor J. Johnston
  • Process for reducing the concentration of acetic acid in a crude alcohol product
    Patent number: 8686199
    Abstract: A process for producing ethanol and, in particular, to a process for reducing the concentration of acetic acid in a crude ethanol product by esterifying unreacted acetic acid with an alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: R. Jay Warner, Victor J. Johnston, David Lee, Manuel Salado, Mark O. Scates
  • Process to recover alcohol from an acidic residue stream
    Patent number: 8686200
    Abstract: Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid using a low energy process. The crude ethanol product is separated in a column to produce a distillate stream comprising ethyl acetate and a residue stream comprising ethanol, acetic acid, and water. The ethanol product is recovered from the residue stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: David Lee, Fred Ronald Olsson, Adam Orosco, Nathan Powell, Manuel Salado, Lincoln Sarager, R. Jay Warner, Trinity Horton, Radmila Jevtic, Victor J. Johnston
  • Process for recovering alcohol produced by hydrogenating an acetic acid feed stream comprising water
    Patent number: 8680342
    Abstract: Purifying and/or recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid from an feed stream comprising water. The presence of water does not significantly impact acid conversion or selectivity to ethanol. Further the addition of water allows for improved recovery of ethanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Radmila Jevtic, Victor J. Johnston, Tianshu Pan, R. Jay Warner, Heiko Weiner, Josefina T. Chapman
  • Processes for making ethanol from acetic acid using bimetallic catalysts
    Patent number: 8680321
    Abstract: A process for selective formation of ethanol and/or ethyl acetate from acetic acid by hydrogenating acetic acid in the presence of a Pt/Sn catalyst or a Re/Pd catalyst. The catalyst may further comprise a support modifier to improve selectivity for the desired product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Victor J. Johnston, Laiyuan Chen, Barbara F. Kimmich, Josefina T. Chapman, James H. Zink, Heiko Weiner, John L. Potts, Radmila Jevtic
  • Processes for making ethyl acetate from acetic acid
    Patent number: 8680317
    Abstract: A process for hydrogenating acetic acid to form of ethyl acetate and mixtures of ethyl acetate and ethanol. The hydrogenation is done in the presence of catalyst, preferably on a support that optionally includes a support modifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Victor J. Johnston, Laiyuan Chen, Barbara F. Kimmich, Josefina T. Chapman, James H. Zink, Heiko Weiner, John L. Potts, Radmila Jevtic
  • Process for purifying ethanol
    Patent number: 8680343
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for producing ethanol. The process comprises the step of hydrogenating an acetic acid feed stream in a first reactor to form a crude ethanol product. The crude ethanol product may comprise, among other components, ethanol, acetaldehyde, and residual acetic acid. The process further comprises the step of recovering acetaldehyde from the crude ethanol product. The process further comprises the steps of feeding a first portion of the recovered acetaldehyde to the first reactor and reacting the first portion of the recovered acetaldehyde in the first reactor to form additional ethanol. In addition, the inventive process may comprise the steps of feeding a second portion of the recovered acetaldehyde to a second reactor and reacting the second portion of the recovered acetaldehyde in the second reactor to form an additional product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Victor J. Johnston, Tianshu Pan, Lincoln Sarager, R. Jay Warner, Heiko Weiner, Josefina Chapman, Robert Cunningham, Gerald Grusendorf, Trinity Horton, Radmila Jevtic
  • Direct and selective production of ethanol from acetic acid utilizing a platinum/ tin catalyst
    Patent number: 8669400
    Abstract: A process for the selective production of ethanol by vapor phase reaction of acetic acid over a hydrogenating catalyst composition to form ethanol is disclosed and claimed. In an embodiment of this invention reaction of acetic acid and hydrogen over a platinum and tin supported on silica, graphite, calcium silicate or silica-alumina selectively produces ethanol in a vapor phase at a temperature of about 250° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Victor J. Johnston, Laiyuan Chen, Barbara F. Kimmich, Josefina T. Chapman, James H. Zink