Still And Column Patents (Class 202/153)
  • Patent number: 11878260
    Abstract: A phase separation assembly includes a stand pipe configured to be located at a bottom of a distillation column, the stand pipe for directing a liquid phase of a hydrocarbon fluid through a bottom outlet to a heating assembly; a return conduit configured to direct heated hydrocarbon fluid from the heating assembly into the distillation column; a ring baffle configured to be located within the distillation column above the return conduit; and a horizontal plate configured to be disposed above the stand pipe. The ring baffle directs the heated hydrocarbon fluid around the inner circumferential wall of the distillation column so that vapor and liquid phases can separate. Weir features on the ring baffle can facilitate separation of vapor and liquid flows of the hydrocarbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventor: Huping Luo
  • Patent number: 11377605
    Abstract: A molecular separation method can include: passing a deasphalted oil stream through a reactor containing an active substrate, wherein the catalytic active substrate adsorbs heteroatom species from the deasphalted oil stream and produces a pretreated hydrocarbon feed stream essentially free of 4+ ring aromatic molecules (ARC 4+ species), metal species, and heteroatom species; and chromatographically separating with a simulated moving bed apparatus or a true moving bed apparatus (SMB/TMB) the pretreated hydrocarbon feed stream into a saturate fraction and an aromatics fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Randall D. Partridge, Benjamin A. McCool, Carla S. Pereira, Dhaval A. Bhandari
  • Patent number: 11137204
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cold box cycle which allows for independent control of the heat supplied for reboilers associated with the separation columns. More specifically, the invention relates to the tight control of the hydrogen removal separation, thus avoiding the possibility of excess reboiling in this separation. Optimal reboiling also results in a lower temperature of the hydrogen depleted liquid from this separation. As this stream is used to provide a portion of the cooling at the cold end of the primary heat exchanger, lower temperatures facilitate cooling of the incoming syngas feed, reducing carbon monoxide (CO) losses into the crude hydrogen stream from the high pressure separator. Lower CO in the crude hydrogen allows for smaller hydrogen purification equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Minish M.. Shah, Bryan S. Kalp, Gary W. Fenner, Sameer Parvathikar
  • Patent number: 11033832
    Abstract: The present invention is a laboratory condenser adapted to be interchangeable from functioning as a reflux condenser to functioning as a distillation condenser as by inversion, and related methods of reflux and distillation that may be carried out by its use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventor: Bernard Robert McKellar
  • Patent number: 10569192
    Abstract: A distillation device comprising a column for separating a feed stream into a head product stream, a bottom product stream and optionally one or more side extraction streams, having three or more cells in 5 series through which fluid flows, wherein at least the first cell is integrated into the bottom of the column, for multi-stage heating and partial evaporation of the liquid flowing through the cells with the exception of the liquid from the last cell in an evaporation stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Norbert Asprion, Bernd Heida, Jan-Oliver Weidert, Ortmund Lang
  • Patent number: 10464866
    Abstract: The present application relates to an apparatus for purifying cumene comprising: a first dividing wall type distillation column which takes in a stream from an alkylation reactor and comprises a first benzene output line and a benzene/cumene/polyisopropylbenzene stream output line; a second dividing wall type distillation column which takes in a stream from a transalkylation reactor and a benzene/cumene/polyisopropylbenzene stream, includes a transalkylation reactor stream input line, a benzene/cumene/polyisopropylbenzene stream input line, a second benzene output line, and a first polyisopropylbenzene stream output line; and a third distillation column which takes in a polyisopropylbenzene stream, includes a second polyisopropylbenzene output line, and a heavies output line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Kyun Kim, Sung Kyu Lee, Joon Ho Shin
  • Patent number: 10421068
    Abstract: A method and assembly for utilizing open-cell cellular solid material in a component separation unit to separate one or more process streams into component process streams having desired compositions. A method and assembly for using said open-cell cellular solid material to separate process streams into desired component process streams in a component separation unit, wherein the open-cell cellular solid material can include oxides, carbides, nitrides, borides, ceramics, metals, polymers, and chemical vapor deposition materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: CRYSTAPHASE INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: John N. Glover, Peter G. Ham, Krishna K. Rao, Stephen J. McGovern
  • Patent number: 10337791
    Abstract: In a process for the cryogenic separation of a feed mixture of at least carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane, the feed mixture is separated in a methane wash column fed by a liquid methane stream at the top of the methane wash column to produce a gas enriched in hydrogen, a liquid stream from the bottom of the methane wash column is treated to produce a mixture of carbon monoxide and methane, the mixture of carbon monoxide and methane is separated in a separation column to produce a gas enriched in carbon monoxide and a liquid methane flow at least part of which forms a purge stream, the purge stream being varied to take account of load variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Alain Briglia, Emmanuelle Brocheriou, Pascal Marty, Bhadri Prasad
  • Patent number: 9833726
    Abstract: Described herein is a distillation system configured for continuous distillation under vacuum to produce an oil product such as an essential oil. Also described is a method of distillation and distillation product thereof. The distillation system comprises at least one distillation chamber for vaporizing a carrier liquid and passing it through a feedstock; a condenser fluidly connected to the at least one chamber; a separator fluidly connected to the condenser for separating a volatile oil product from a reformed carrier liquid; and a reflux tank fluidly connected to the separator and configured to store the reformed carrier liquid; a valve configured to dose carrier liquid from the reflux tank to the distillation chamber when the level of the carrier liquid in the distillation chamber falls below a predetermined level and a pump configured to maintain a positive carrier liquid pressure between the valve and the reflux tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: UNWUW Limited
    Inventor: Paul George Greaves
  • Patent number: 9381487
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a plate for distributing a polyphase mixture in a reactor operating in trickle bed mode constituted by at least one gas phase and at least one liquid phase, the plate (10) being located above a bed of catalytic particles, comprising a plurality of chimneys (3), characterized in that a portion of the chimneys of the plate located near to the wall of the chamber of the reactor, those termed the peripheral chimneys, have an upper portion which is inclined at an angle with respect to the vertical. The invention also concerns the use of the plate in a reactor with a view to carrying out hydrotreatment, hydrogenation or oxidation reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES
    Inventors: Frederic Bazer-Bachi, Frederic Augier, Yacine Haroun, Christophe Boyer
  • Patent number: 9212334
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a method recovers oil from a concentrated byproduct, such as evaporated thin stillage formed during a dry milling process used for producing ethanol. The method includes forming a concentrate from the byproduct and recovering oil from the concentrate. The step of forming the concentrate may comprise evaporating the byproduct. Further, the step of separating the oil from the concentrate may comprise using a centrifuge and, in particular, a disk stack centrifuge. Other aspects of the invention include related methods and subsystems for recovering oil from thin stillage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: GS CLEANTECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Fred Cantrell, David J. Winsness
  • Publication number: 20150144477
    Abstract: The invention concerns a flexible process for purifying a solvent which inhibits the formation of hydrates during gas processing, in particular monoethylene glycol (MEG), said solvent having a boiling point which is higher than that of water and, at least at one point in time, being mixed with water and salts, the process operating in a different manner with the same facility as a function of the quantity of salts in the MEG to be treated. The process operates in accordance with a phase known as reclaiming (separation of salts under vacuum followed by vacuum distillation) when the salts content exceeds the precipitation threshold and if not, the process operates in a regeneration phase (absence of separation of salts and no operation under vacuum). Advantageously, the change is made under the control of means for testing the salts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: PROSERNAT
    Inventors: Jeremie ESQUIER, Bernard CHAMBON, Christian STREICHER
  • Patent number: 8951592
    Abstract: A process for the physical refining of edible oils and fats, said process comprising three consecutive stages, whereby in a first stage at least 60% by weight of the volatiles are evaporated in a flash vessel, in a second stage some residual volatiles are evaporated by countercurrent steam stripping using a packed column (3), and in a third stage further residual volatiles are evaporated in a cross-flow tray system (2), wherein the pressure in said flash vessel is maintained at a value below the pressure prevailing above said packed column (3); and an apparatus for the physical refining of edible oils and fats comprising a flash vessel, a packed column (3), sparging trays (2) and the means to maintain the pressure in said flash vessel at a value that is below the pressure prevailing above said packed column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: n.v. Desmet Ballestra Engineering s.a.
    Inventors: Bart Schols, Marcelo Usseglio, Marc Kellens
  • Publication number: 20140262736
    Abstract: A method is provided for purifying and recycling water vapor from a coal drying process and device which employ temperature reduction and dehumidifying, a flash distillation, and vacuum condensation. With a condensed tower, a high humidity exhaust gas is preliminarily lowered in temperature, and condensed water of 5˜60° C. is pumped, are received, vapor-liquid reverse contact is performed, and temperature reduction and dehumidifying occurs. With a flash distillation tank and a demisting washer, condensed water of 40˜100° C. pumped by the flash distillation water pump is performed on vacuum flash distillation, water vapor of 5˜60° C. evaporated in the flash distillation tank enters into the demisting washer to be dehumidified and then into a vapor condenser. With a condenser and a water ring vacuum pump, water vapor of 5˜60° C. is condensed through mist eliminating and washing by the demisting washer, condensed water is recycled, and non-condensable gas is discharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicants: National Engineering Research Center of Drying Technology and Equipment, TIANHUA INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL MACHINERY AND AUTOMATION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tianhua Institute Of Chemical Machinery And Automation Co., Ltd., National Engineering Research Center of Drying Technology and Equipment
  • Patent number: 8691054
    Abstract: The present invention provides a configuration of a multi stage flash cross tube evaporator wherein flash stages are arranged in a plurality of at least two tiers with a first flash stage to which a heated solution is fed, a plurality of intermediate flash stages and a last flash stage from which the concentrated solution is discharged in each tier, wherein the flash stages in each tier are in a serial flow communication and the flash stages of each tier are in parallel flow communication to the flash stages in the other tier(s). Such configuration allows to minimize the size of the tube bundles, flash stages and evaporator shell and consequently minimizing evaporator weight and cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Friedrich Alt
  • Publication number: 20130292242
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the distillation of substance mixtures which comprise temperature-sensitive substances, where the apparatus comprises a thin-film evaporator and a fractionating column, and where the fractionating column is attached to the distillate outlet of the thin-film evaporator, and where the fractionating column has at least 3 theoretical plates, and where the pressure drop of the fractionating column during operation at an F factor of 1 Pa1/2 amounts to a maximum of 3 hPa (3 mbar). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a process for the distillation of substance mixtures which comprise temperature-sensitive substances, which process is carried out in the apparatus according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Cognis IP Management GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Hietsch, Peter Horlacher, Joerg Schwarzer
  • Publication number: 20130287925
    Abstract: A process for the physical refining of edible oils and fats, said process comprising three consecutive stages, whereby in a first stage at least 60% by weight of the volatiles are evaporated in a flash vessel, in a second stage some residual volatiles are evaporated by countercurrent steam stripping using a packed column (3), and in a third stage further residual volatiles are evaporated in a cross-flow tray system (2), wherein the pressure in said flash vessel is maintained at a value below the pressure prevailing above said packed column (3); and an apparatus for the physical refining of edible oils and fats comprising a flash vessel, a packed column (3), sparging trays (2) and the means to maintain the pressure in said flash vessel at a value that is below the pressure prevailing above said packed column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: n.v. Desmet Ballestra Engineering s.a.
    Inventors: Bart Schols, Marcelo Usseglio, Marc Kellens
  • Publication number: 20130284580
    Abstract: A method of treating a polymerization reactor effluent stream comprising recovering the reactor effluent stream from the polymerization reactor, flashing the reactor effluent stream to form a flash gas stream, separating the flash gas stream into a first top stream, a first bottom stream, and a side stream, wherein the side stream substantially comprises hexane, separating the first top stream into a second top stream and a second bottom stream, wherein the second bottom stream substantially comprises isobutane, and separating the second top stream into a third top stream and a third bottom stream; wherein the third top stream substantially comprises ethylene, and wherein the third bottom stream is substantially free of olefins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Andrew J. MILLS, Ralph W. ROMIG, Ji Xian X. Loh
  • Patent number: 8530606
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a diaryl carbonate from a dialkyl carbonate and an aryl alcohol using a series of reactive distillation columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Timothy Michael Nisbet, Garo Garbis Vaporciyan, Cornelis Leonardus Maria Vrouwenvelder
  • Publication number: 20130228446
    Abstract: A device and process for removing contaminates from a process fluid employing microwave energy has been described. The use of a quartz tube, which allows for the efficient transfer of microwave energy to a contaminated process fluid is employed to raise the temperature of the process fluid and a flash vaporization technique allows for the removal of uncontaminated fluid. This process decreases the amount of scaling that may collect on the surfaces of the device which increases the devices efficiency and useful life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventor: Scott Shumway
  • Publication number: 20130153399
    Abstract: Systems and methods for heating a non-combustion chemical reactor with thermal energy from a geothermal heat source are described. A working fluid is directed from the geothermal heat source to the chemical reactor to transfer heat. The working fluid can be circulated in a closed system so that it does not contact material at the geothermal heat source, or in an open system that allows the working fluid to intermix with material at the geothermal heat source. When intermixing with material at the geothermal heat source, the working fluid can transport donor substances at the geothermal heat source to the chemical reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: MCALISTER TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: MCALISTER TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130122432
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the purification of carbon dioxide are provided. Also described are systems and methods of efficiently producing power using novel heat integration techniques, while producing carbon dioxide that is sufficiently pure to be sequestered. In some embodiments, a carbon dioxide-containing fluid stream is purified by removing NOx and SOx, using a single reactive absorption column. A carbon dioxide-containing fluid stream can be purified by removing one or more other contaminants (e.g., a non-condensable gas), in some instances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Ahmed Fouad Ghoniem, Randall Perkins Field, Chukwunwike Ogbonnia Iloeje
  • Publication number: 20120318658
    Abstract: This invention is for the provision of water distillation device and the method using the solar heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Jeong Ho Hong
  • Patent number: 8323457
    Abstract: Systems and methods for separating a multi-component fluid are provided. The method can include introducing a multi-component fluid to a dividing wall column. The multi-component fluid can be heated to provide a first product, a second product, an intermediate distillate, and a process fluid. At least a portion of the first product can be compressed to provide a compressed first product. Heat can be indirectly transferred from the compressed first product to at least a portion of the intermediate distillate to provide a heated intermediate distillate. The heated intermediate distillate can be recycled to the dividing wall column. The compressed first product can be expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLC
    Inventors: Derek William Townsend, Cyril Collins
  • Publication number: 20120294795
    Abstract: A hydraulic desalination system, device and method includes lowering the pressure of liquid saltwater to the vaporization point by generating flow through piping and accompanying infrastructure that may include valves that impart friction and control flow, capturing the vapor, condensing the vapor using higher pressure supplied by the ambient surroundings producing freshwater, recovering the heat released during condensation by maintaining ambient temperatures greater than vapor temperatures, and then using the recovered heat to enhance and perpetuate vaporization in a cyclical manner. A novel spring-loaded pump for pumping fluids may facilitate the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Marvin W. PIERRE
  • Publication number: 20120292176
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for obtaining pure water from seawater, comprising: a) a raw water is provided that comprises at least one non-volatile component (salt), b) the raw water provided is passed as cooling medium into a heat ex-changer, c) additional heat is supplied to the raw water that is heated in the heat exchanger, d) the raw water from step c) is fed to an evaporation zone, e) a carrier gas suitable for water vapour is provided (air), f) the carrier gas is brought into contact with the raw water in counter current flow in the evaporation zone which contains baffles, wherein the carrier gas takes up water vapour from the raw water, g) the raw water that is obtained in step f) that is enriched with the at least one non-volatile component is taken off from the evaporation zone, h) the water vapour- loaded carrier gas from the evaporation zone is fed to the heat exchanger and is cooled in counter current flow to the raw water, wherein the water vapour present in the carrier gas partially condenses ou
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Otto Machhammmer, Christian Mueller, Peter Zehner
  • Publication number: 20120279847
    Abstract: The invention disclosed and claimed herein relates to treatment of water contaminated with glycol to be recycled for further effective use of the cleaned water resulting therefrom, especially at airports. More specifically, this invention relates to improved techniques for efficiently and reliably generating continuous flows of cleaned water as well as a continuous flow of recyclable glycol water of controlled concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: Brad Michael MALATESTA
  • Publication number: 20120247942
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing waste water generated during oilfield drilling operations with a mobile processing unit utilizing heat energy sourced from burning hydrocarbon fuel directly and/or capturing and using the exhaust heat energy generated by burning hydrocarbons in engines such as diesel engines in order to vaporize a dominant mass of the aqueous phase of the waste water while clarifying the heat source combustion gasses. The water vapor generated by the vaporization process may be discharged directly to the atmosphere or alternately condensed and captured for use as portable water. The residual waste water is thereby concentrated and the cost to dispose of the waste water is greatly reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Joshua Curlett, Samuel Curlett, Jesse Curlett, Harry Curlett
  • Patent number: 8273219
    Abstract: A distillation column is disclosed. The column includes a plurality of rectification zones and corresponding stripping zones. Each rectification zone is linked to a heat pump or a stage of a heat pump. Overhead material from the top rectification zone is compressed and used to heat bottoms liquid from the bottom stripping zone. Similarly, overhead material from a lower rectification zone is compressed and used to heat liquid taken from the uppermost or top stripping zone. Optionally, overhead material from a middle rectification zone is compressed and used to heat liquid from a middle stripping zone. A single multiple stage heat pump compressor may be utilized as opposed to a plurality of heat pumps. Because the heat exchanger from each rectification-stripping zone pair has a lower duty, economical stab-in heat exchangers may be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Paul A. Sechrist
  • Patent number: 8246791
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating draw solution solutes and product solvent from a draw solution using a plurality of distillation columns is disclosed. In one embodiment, the draw solution is used in a Forward Osmosis (FO) water desalination process. In this embodiment, the draw solution is directed to the plurality of distillation columns in parallel while the energy stream (heat) is directed to the plurality of distillation columns in series such that the efficiency of heat use is improved and in turn the cost of the heat is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventors: Robert L. McGinnis, Menachem Elimelech
  • Publication number: 20120175240
    Abstract: Odorant from a process stream is removed by passing the stream (18) to a counter-current contacting device (12) for stripping odorants. The odorants passes from the contacting device (12) as contaminated steam (26) whilst the remaining process stream passes directly to a “tube side” of a falling film evaporator (14) and is heated producing steam that passes into the counter-current contacting device (12) to strip that process stream and produce the contaminated steam (26). This contaminated steam from the contacting device (12) passes through a vapour compression step (16) from which it is introduced into a “shell side” of the falling film evaporator (14) and in which it heats the process stream passing from the contacting device (12) into the evaporator (14). The contaminated steam that is not condensed in the falling film evaporator passes as a low flow vent gas (50) in which the odorants have been concentrated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: ALCOA OF AUSTRALIA LIMITED
    Inventor: Peter Stewart Hay
  • Publication number: 20120083622
    Abstract: A method for preparing an ester is provided. The method includes steps of mixing an acid and an alcohol in a reactive distillation column to generate a first gas mixture; transporting the first gas mixture out of the reactive distillation column; cooling down the first gas mixture for a phase separation to obtain a first liquid mixture in an upper phase; transporting the first liquid mixture back to the reactive distillation column; obtaining a second liquid mixture at a middle section of the reactive distillation column; transporting the second liquid mixture to a separative distillation column; and obtaining the ester at a bottom section of the separative distillation column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: HSIAO-PING HUANG, I-LUNG CHIEN, MING-JER LEE, I-KUAN LAI
  • Publication number: 20110306807
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus to recover and purify methanol from gases produced in the digester during the kraft pulping process. The gas is typically recovered as a foul gas (called stripper off gas or SOG) comprising methanol, water and various other contaminants. The gas is then treated with successive decanting and distillation steps to remove impurities, thereby producing highly purified methanol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: A.H. Lundberg Systems Limited
    Inventors: Bruce Der, Allan Stewart Jensen
  • Publication number: 20110284363
    Abstract: A natural gas dehydration system and method includes a contactor, a flash tank, and a still interconnected by a desiccant circulation system. A continuously fired reboiler is coupled to the still and the flash tank to burn the flash gas from the flash tank and heat the desiccant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Joe Witherspoon, David H. Moneyhun
  • Publication number: 20110211996
    Abstract: Solvent extraction is used to remove wax and contaminants from an iron-based Fischer-Tropsch catalyst in a natural circulation continuous-flow system. The wax-free catalyst is then subjected to controlled oxidation to convert the iron to its initial oxidized state, Fe2O3. Reactivation of the oxide catalyst precursor is carried out by addition of synthesis gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Belma Demirel, Mark S. Bohn, Charles B. Benham, James E. Siebarth, Mark D. Ibsen
  • Patent number: 8002952
    Abstract: A distillation column is disclosed with a folded design. The column includes a plurality of rectification zones and corresponding stripping zones Each rectification zone is linked to a heat pump or a stage of a heat pump. Overhead vapor from the top rectification zone is compressed and used to heat bottoms liquid from the bottom stripping zone. Similarly, overhead vapor from the middle rectification zone is compressed and used to heat liquid from a middle stripping zone and overhead from a lower rectification zone is compressed and used to heat liquid taken from the uppermost or top stripping zone. A single multiple stage heat pump compressor may be utilized as opposed to a plurality of heat pumps Because the heat exchanger from each rectification-stripping zone pair has a lower duty, economical stab-in heat exchangers may be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Paul A. Sechrist
  • Patent number: 7981256
    Abstract: A splitter system is disclosed that produces a product stream from a mixed stream of two materials with similar boiling points. A multi-stage heat pump compressor is used in combination with a bottoms reboiler and an intermediate reboiler resulting in reduced utility consumption. The appropriately placed intermediate reboiler enables use of a lower temperature heat source relative to the bottoms reboiler heat source. As a result, a lower pressure overhead vapor stream can be used to deliver heat to both the intermediate and bottoms reboilers, thereby conserving energy. The first stage of the multi-stage heat pump compressor delivers pressurized overhead vapor to the intermediate reboiler and the second stage provides pressurized overhead vapor to the bottoms reboiler. The disclosed design and method lessens the heat pump compressor power consumption and trim condenser duty for a propylene/propane splitter system by over 20%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: David A. Wegerer, Paul A. Sechrist
  • Patent number: 7981253
    Abstract: An improved de-entrainment device for use in distillation towers, especially vacuum distillation towers used for fractionating petroleum atmospheric resids is in the form of a baffle which is to be located in the portion of the tower below the feed zone and at the top of the flash zone. The baffle is in the form of an apertured plate above the stripping zone and in its preferred form comprises number of radial fins or blades, resembling a static fan with openings between the fins to permit vapors from the lower portions of the tower to pass upwards through the baffle with a minimal pressure drop. The fins of the baffle are preferably oriented at an angle between 30° and 60° away from the incoming feed so that the incoming feed stream skims over the top edges of the fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Company
    Inventors: Arun K. Sharma, Theodore Sideropoulos, Rutton D. Patel, Brian D. Albert, Alvin U. Chen
  • Publication number: 20110168542
    Abstract: Apparatus and processes for continuous distillative separation of a mixture comprising one or more alkanolamine(s), wherein the separation is performed in one or more dividing wall column(s) and the alkanolamine or the alkanolamines is/are withdrawn as a side draw stream or side draw streams (side fraction(s)).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Willi Schmidt, Gerd Kaibel, Elke Geissler, Wolfgang Reif, Manfred Julius, Frank-Friedrich Pape
  • Publication number: 20110108409
    Abstract: The present invention is for the production of fuel grade alcohol, specifically ethanol. A steam dryer is used to dry the solid byproduct into usable animal feed. The steam dryer typically contains less than 6% air in its exhaust stream is directed to the bottoms of one or more distillation columns to heat the distillation column and scrub the exhaust stream simultaneously. The elimination of a thermal oxidizer and the efficient use of the energy in the exhaust stream provide considerable cost savings for an alcohol production plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher J. Brown
  • Patent number: 7931871
    Abstract: The invention concerns an inner tray, arranged inside a chamber, comprising a plurality of parallel beams (1), located in a common horizontal plane and fixed through their ends to the wall of the chamber, and, between said beams and supported thereby, rows of adjacent rectangular plates (2), completely covering the space between the beams. The invention is characterized in that the supporting edges (3) of the plates (2) through which the latter are supported on the beams (1), are folded downwards by two substantially right-angled folds, and in that each of the edges (4) of the plates (2), perpendicular to the beams (1) is folded so as to form a female part (4a) or a male part (4b) capable of being respectively nested in a male (4b) or female (4a) part formed by the folded edge of the adjacent plate. The invention also concerns a chamber containing such a tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Total Raffinage Marketing
    Inventors: Pedro Nascimento, Pedro Da Silva, Matthew Allen
  • Patent number: 7879197
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the purification of an aqueous solution of an organic acid having a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of less than 450° C., which further has approximately 275 g carboxylate ions/l or less, preferably 250 g carboxylate ions/l or less, and preferably less than 1% by weight ionic impurities, calculated on the basis of the total solution. In particular, the invention relates to a method and a device for the continuous purification and concentration, on an industrial scale, of an aqueous solution of an organic acid having a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of less than 450° C. According to the method, this solution is subjected to two or more distillation steps, the first distillation step being carried out at a temperature of from 80° to 150° C. and a pressure of from 50 to 250 mbar, and the second distillation step being carried out at a temperature of from 80° to 200° C. and a pressure of from 0.01 to 50 mbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Purac Biochem B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrik Martinus Winkelaar, Jan Van Breugel, Margarita Camprubi Vila, Jose Maria Vidal Lancis
  • Publication number: 20110011723
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the separation of a homogeneous catalyst solution from crude monoethylene glycol (MEG) and for purifying MEG is disclosed. The process comprises separating catalyst solution by evaporating crude MEG and feeding crude MEG to a rectification section, a stripping section, and thence to a pasteurisation section, each section operated at subatmospheric pressure of 0.5=105 Nm?2 or less, the rectification and pasteurisation sections being at pressure less than that of the catalyst separation section, wherein the process provides a pressure differential across the catalyst separation and rectification sections and wherein vapour phase crude MEG from the catalyst separation section is fed as substantially vapour phase feed to the rectification section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Roel Guillaume Hubertus Leonardus Bastings, Anton Pieter Westerink
  • Patent number: 7850826
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi stage flash long tube evaporator with flash stages arranged in a plurality of at least three tiers, wherein each tier is divided into a plurality of at least two flash stages and a plurality of at least three tube bundles are arranged in parallel and in a longitudinal direction in each tier. This configuration allows to minimize the evaporator shell volume, shell surface, foot print and weight, minimizing the cost of an evaporator and other related plant cost. This configuration is in particular suitable for large evaporator unit capacities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Friedrich Alt
  • Publication number: 20100288620
    Abstract: The invention relates to extraction apparatus and method for obtaining essential oils and essence and pigments from odorous raw materials by microwave radiation heating under sub-critical conditions, which has advantages of easy operation, higher extracting temperature and efficiency. The microwave chamber has a power level of 100 W to 1,500 W and its microwave radiation has a frequency at 915 MHz or 2,450 MHz. The extraction process can be performed without any preheating necessary. A condenser unit is operated at temperatures between ?20° C. and 15° C. for cooling the gas extractive flowing out of the extraction unit. Because both volatile aromatic compounds and pigments of the odorous raw materials can be extracted successfully, the extracted essence is colorful. Since the extraction process by microwave radiation heating is free from adding any organic solvent and/or any artificial chemical compound, the extraction apparatus and method applied are really environmentally friendly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Bing-Nan Lee
  • Publication number: 20100163398
    Abstract: A method for distilling a starting material that comprises a liquid Fd to be distilled, uses a gas-tight container system that is resistant to excess and/or negative pressure. The container system comprises a condenser for condensing the liquid Fd, which has turned to vapor and whose temperature can be adjusted, to give the condensation product, and a vapor chamber connecting the evaporator and the condenser. The pressure and temperature in the vapor chamber are monitored and controlled so that distillation is always carried out in a range close to the saturation vapor pressure of the liquid Fd to be distilled. If the pressure is too high, it is reduced so that especially foreign gas is removed. An installation includes a container for distillation according to method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Markus Lehmann, Markus Braendli
  • Patent number: 7678237
    Abstract: A heat integrated distillation column including a cylindrical shell having an upper and a lower end and at least one first inner volume and at least one second inner volume in the shell, and being in heat exchanging contact with each other through a wall separating the volumes. The heat integrated distillation column having the capacity to exchange heat through the wall from the first volume into the second volume, whereby the inside of the heat exchanging means is in open connection with the first volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Technische Universiteit Delft
    Inventors: Johannes de Graauw, Maarten Jan Steenbakker, Arie de Rijke, Zarko Olujic, Pieter Johannes Jansens
  • Publication number: 20100044205
    Abstract: Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of corn germ oil from corn germ utilizing extraction conditions adapted to a dry corn fractionation ethanol production process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Kenneth E. DeLine, Daniel L. Claycamp, Daniel Fetherston, Rodger T. Marentis
  • Publication number: 20100048971
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the separation of C4 olefins (butene-1, trans-2-butene, cis-2-butene, etc.) and C4 paraffins (normal butane, isobutane, etc.) from a C4 hydrocarbon mixed gas including butene-1, trans-2-butene, cis-2-butene, normal butane, isobutane, etc. The method of the present invention produces C4 olefins with high purity by introducing a gaseous C4 mixture into the adsorption tower loaded with adsorbent selectively adsorbing olefins to adsorb C4 olefins and to discharge C4 paraffins to the outlet of the tower, desorbing C4 olefins adsorbed on the adsorption tower with a desorbent (C5 hydrocarbon, C6 hydrocarbon, etc.), and then separating the C4 olefin and the desorbent by a distillation process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicants: KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCH, SK ENERGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong-Nam Kim, Jong-Ho Park, Seong-Jun Lee, Min-Su Ko, Hee Tae Beum, Jongkee Park, Chang Hyun Ko, Sang Sup Han, Soon-Haeng Cho
  • Publication number: 20090272204
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a process for reducing an ethanol content of a liquid preparation, to the use of the device for producing a liquid flavouring substance concentrate and to processes for sensory assessment thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: SYMRISE GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Michael Roloff, Regina Peter, Matthias Lutkenhaus, Katharina Reichelt