From Organic Material Containing Nitrogen Patents (Class 423/358)
  • Patent number: 10280094
    Abstract: A method for treating a urea aqueous solution includes a first stripping step of steam stripping an aqueous solution containing urea, ammonia and carbon dioxide at 0.2 to 0.6 MPaA in a first stripper to separate ammonia and carbon dioxide from this aqueous solution into a gas phase; a hydrolysis step of hydrolyzing urea in the solution obtained from the first stripping step at an LHSV of 10 to 20 h?1, at 1.1 to 3.1 MPaA and 180 to 230° C. in a catalytic hydrolyzer; and a second stripping step of steam stripping a liquid obtained in the hydrolysis step in a second stripper to separate ammonia and carbon dioxide from this liquid into a gas phase. The residual urea concentration can be reduced to 1 ppm or lower; the residual ammonia concentration can be decreased; LHSV can be increased; and an increase in apparatus size is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Toyo Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Genshi Nishikawa, Yuta Abe, Keiji Sano
  • Patent number: 8951492
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for providing an ammonia feed for a low-temperature process. The process includes two defined stages, gasification and hydrolysis. In a first stage thermal reactor, an aqueous urea solution is fed to a gasification chamber and heated gases are controlled in response to demand from a low temperature process requiring ammonia. The heated gases and aqueous urea are introduced into the gasification chamber upstream to fully gasify the solution of aqueous urea to a first stage gas stream comprising ammonia and isocyanic acid. The first stage gas stream is withdrawn and maintained hot enough to prevent solids formation. All amounts of urea feed, water and heated gases fed into the first stage thermal reactor are monitored and adjusted as necessary to achieve efficient hydrolysis in the second stage hydrolysis reactor. The second stage gas stream is withdrawn from the second stage reactor responsive to demand from a low temperature process requiring ammonia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Fuel Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Sun, John M. Boyle, Paul G. Carmignani, Scott M. Mayhew
  • Publication number: 20150027184
    Abstract: A system and method for processing biomass into hydrocarbon fuels that includes processing a biomass in a hydropyrolysis reactor resulting in hydrocarbon fuels and a process vapor stream and cooling the process vapor stream to a condensation temperature resulting in an aqueous stream. The aqueous stream is sent to a catalytic reactor where it is oxidized to obtain a product stream containing ammonia and ammonium sulfate. A resulting cooled product vapor stream includes non-condensable process vapors comprising H2, CH4, CO, CO2, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Terry L. MARKER, Larry G. FELIX, Martin B. LINCK, Michael J. ROBERTS
  • Patent number: 8932849
    Abstract: A method to produce N2O from organic nitrogen and/or reactive nitrogen in waste uses a bioreactor coupled to a hardware reactor device in which the N2O is consumed in a gas phase chemical reaction, e.g., catalytic decomposition to form oxygen and nitrogen gas. Heat from the exothermic reaction may be used to generate power. The N2O may alternatively be used as an oxidant or co-oxidant in a combustion reaction, e.g., in the combustion of methane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Yaniv D. Scherson, Brian J. Cantwell, Craig S. Criddle
  • Patent number: 8932847
    Abstract: A bioreactor designed to produce N2O from organic nitrogen and/or reactive nitrogen in waste is coupled to a hardware reactor device in which the N2O is consumed in a gas phase chemical reaction, e.g., catalytic decomposition to form oxygen and nitrogen gas. Heat from the exothermic reaction may be used to generate power. The bioreactor may use communities of autotrophic microorganisms such as those capable of nitrifier denitrification, ammonia oxidizing bacteria, and/or ammonia oxidizing archaea. A portion of the N2O dissolved in aqueous effluent from the bioreactor may be separated to increase the amount of gas phase N2O product. The amount of the gas phase N2O in a gas stream may also be concentrated prior to undergoing the chemical reaction. The N2O may alternatively be used as an oxidant or co-oxidant in a combustion reaction, e.g., in the combustion of methane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Brian J. Cantwell, Craig S. Criddle, Kevin Lohner, Yaniv D. Scherson, George F. Wells
  • Patent number: 8932848
    Abstract: A bioreactor designed to produce N2O from organic nitrogen and/or reactive nitrogen in waste is coupled to a hardware reactor device in which the N2O is consumed in a gas phase chemical reaction, e.g., catalytic decomposition to form oxygen and nitrogen gas. Heat from the exothermic reaction may be used to generate power. The N2O may alternatively be used as an oxidant or co-oxidant in a combustion reaction, e.g., in the combustion of methane. The bioreactor may have various designs including a two-stage bioreactor, a hollow-fiber membrane bioreactor, or a sequencing batch reactor. The bioreactor may involve Fe(II)-mediated reduction of nitrite to nitrous oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Brian J. Cantwell, Craig S. Criddle, Yaniv D. Scherson, George F. Wells, Xing Xie, Koshlan Mayer-Blackwell
  • Publication number: 20140255289
    Abstract: The present invention is a combustion system employing a urea-to-ammonia vapor reactor system. The urea-to-ammonia reactor housing enclosed in a bypass flow duct that receives a secondary flue gas stream at a split point from a main flue gas stream containing nitrogen oxides (NOx) emanating from a boiler. The bypass flow duct allows the secondary flue gas stream to flow past the enclosed reactor housing where injected aqueous urea in atomized or non-atomized form, is gasified to ammonia vapor. The resulting gaseous mixtures of ammonia, its by-products and the secondary flue gas stream subsequently rejoin the main stream, before the main flue gases are treated through a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) reactor apparatus. A residence time of the secondary stream within the bypass flow duct, which may be increased by a recirculation loop, enables effective conversion of urea to ammonia to be used in the SCR apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: JOHNSON MATTHEY INC.
    Inventor: Yul Kwan
  • Patent number: 8721915
    Abstract: This invention relates to partially ordered and ordered oxynitride perovskites of the general formula ABO2N that are polar insulators. A comprises one or more cations or set of cations that sit in sites derived from the A-site in the perovskite structure. B comprises one or more cations or set of cations that sit in sites derived from the B-site in the perovskite structure. C comprises oxygen, O, with optionally some nitrogen, N, and D comprises N, with optionally some O. The total valence of the cations A+B is equal to the total valence of the anions 2 C+D. Also disclosed are methods of producing such oxynitride perovskites and uses of such oxynitride perovskites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Carnegie Institution of Washington
    Inventors: Ronald Cohen, Razvan Caracas
  • Patent number: 8673158
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying wastewaters of melamine systems. The method is characterized in that triazine-containing wastewater is subjected to a thermal pretreatment stage, whereupon the vapors are condensed from the gas phase of the thermal pretreatment stage, and the liquid phase of the thermal pretreatment stage is subjected to a thermal hydrolysis stage while NH3 is isolated from the obtained liquid phase containing H2O, CO2, and NH3. The inventive method makes it possible to compensate varying wastewater qualities, thus allowing the melamine system and wastewater station to be operated in a constant and safe fashion. Furthermore, the strain on the subsequent thermal hydrolysis stage is relieved with the aid of the thermal pretreatment stage of the inventive method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: AMI Agrolinz Melamine International GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ruech, Christoph Neumüller, Thomas Wallek
  • Publication number: 20130309161
    Abstract: An ammonia production process is disclosed. The process uses gasification of biomass waste and the like to produce syngas which, using an integrated system including using nitrogen enriched air and a porous coated catalyst, produces ammonia in a plasma reactor. The ammonia is finally recovered using sulphonated PolyHIPE Polymer which can be used as a fertilizer after neutralisation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
    Inventor: Galip Akay
  • Patent number: 8562929
    Abstract: A method for producing ammonia suitable for use as a reductant in a combustion exhaust gas treatment system is provided that includes the electrolytic hydrolysis of urea under mild conditions. The ammonia generator, which includes an electrolysis apparatus including an electrolytic flow cell, an alkaline electrolyte composition, and a recirculation system, may be operatively coupled to an exhaust gas treatment system to provide an apparatus for reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) and/or particulate in exhaust gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventor: Gerardine G. Botte
  • Publication number: 20130172636
    Abstract: Techniques, systems, apparatus and material are disclosed for generating renewable energy from biomass waste while sequestering carbon. In one aspect, method performed by a reactor to dissociate raw biomass waste into a renewable source energy or a carbon byproduct or both includes receiving the raw biomass waste that includes carbon, hydrogen and oxygen to be dissociated under an anaerobic reaction. Waste heat is recovered from an external heat source to heat the received raw biomass waste. The heated raw biomass waste is dissociated to produce the renewable fuel, carbon byproduct or both. The dissociating includes compacting the heated raw biomass waste, generating heat from an internal heat source, and applying the generated heat to the compacted biomass waste under pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Patent number: 8388920
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing ammonia suitable for use as a reductant in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR), a selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR), or a flue gas conditioning system is provided. A method for treating combustion exhaust gas with ammonia is provided that includes the electrolytic hydrolysis of urea under mild conditions. The electrolysis apparatus includes an electrolytic cell, which may be operatively coupled to an exhaust gas treatment system to provide an apparatus for reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) and/or particulate in exhaust gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventor: Gerardine G. Botte
  • Patent number: 8373002
    Abstract: Organic compounds containing at least one site of ethylenic unsaturation are catalytically hydrocyanated and the medium of hydrocyanation is separated into desired linear organic compounds containing at least one nitrile function, e.g., 3-pentenenitrile, and undesired nitrile by-products, e.g., methylglutaronitrile, and the undesired nitrile by-products are hydrodenitrogenated into ammonia and at least one hydrocarbon compound under an absolute hydrogen pressure ranging from 0.1 to 10 MPa at a temperature ranging from 200° to 500° C. and in the presence of a hydrodenitrogenation catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignees: Rhodia Operations, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Philippe Marion, Amélie Hynaux, Dorothée Laurenti, Christophe Geantet
  • Patent number: 8313722
    Abstract: In a process for producing ammonia from urea which process comprises: (a) heating a liquid phase reaction medium comprising an aqueous solution of urea, or a mixture of urea, containing biuret or ammonium carbamate on site, in a hydrolysis reactor such that a pressurized gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide-containing product is obtained which is essentially free of urea, biuret, or ammonium carbamate; (b) separating the gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide-containing product from the liquid phase reaction medium at the prevailing pressure; (c) retaining the liquid phase reaction medium in the reactor for further conversion to gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide, and/or recycling at least a portion of the said reaction medium back into the reactor, a urea dissolver, or feed solution to the reactor for further conversion; and (d) withdrawing the gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide-containing product separated in step (b) at a controlled rate to meet varying ammonia demand requirements; the improvement wherein th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: EC&C Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert W. Spencer, III, H. James Peters, William G. Hankins, Madoka Fujita
  • Patent number: 8017100
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for converting urea into reactants useful for removing NOX from industrial emissions. The system includes a urea inlet, a steam inlet, and a reactor in fluid communication with the urea inlet and the steam inlet. The reactor is configured and adapted to inject urea from the urea inlet into a steam flow from the steam inlet to convert the urea into at least one reactant for NOX reduction within a substantially gaseous mixture. The invention also provides a method of converting urea into reactants for reducing NOX out of industrial emissions. The method includes injecting urea into a steam flow to convert the urea into at least one reactant for NOX reduction within a substantially gaseous mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Babcock Power Environmental Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin E. Phelps, Sr., Clayton A. Erickson, Rajaram Jambhekar, John R. Harold
  • Publication number: 20110212012
    Abstract: Techniques, systems, apparatus and material are disclosed for generating renewable energy from biomass waste while sequestering carbon. In one aspect, a method performed by a reactor to dissociate raw biomass waste into a renewable source energy or a carbon byproduct or both includes receiving the raw biomass waste that includes carbon, hydrogen and oxygen to be dissociated under an anaerobic reaction. Waste heat is recovered from an external heat source to heat the received raw biomass waste. The heated raw biomass waste is dissociated to produce the renewable fuel, carbon byproduct or both. The dissociating includes compacting the heated raw biomass waste, generating heat from an internal heat source, and applying the generated heat to the compacted biomass waste under pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Publication number: 20110112202
    Abstract: Hydrocarbon compounds containing at least one nitrile or amine functional group, e.g., methylglutaronitrile or ortho-toluenediamine, are converted, via hydrodenitrogenation, into ammonia, hydrogen, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon compounds, notably into hydrocarbon compounds having a low number of carbon atoms, such as methane, or into ammonia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicants: RHODIA OPERATIONS, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE
    Inventors: Philippe Marion, Amélie Hynaux, Dorothée Laurenti, Christophe Geantet
  • Publication number: 20110076222
    Abstract: In a process for producing ammonia from urea which process comprises: (a) heating a liquid phase reaction medium comprising an aqueous solution of urea, or a mixture of urea, containing biuret or ammonium carbamate on site, in a hydrolysis reactor such that a pressurized gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide-containing product is obtained which is essentially free of urea, biuret, or ammonium carbamate; (b) separating the gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide-containing product from the liquid phase reaction medium at the prevailing pressure; (c) retaining the liquid phase reaction medium in the reactor for further conversion to gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide, and/or recycling at least a portion of the said reaction medium back into the reactor, a urea dissolver, or feed solution to the reactor for further conversion; and (d) withdrawing the gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide-containing product separated in step (b) at a controlled rate to meet varying ammonia demand requirements; the improvement wherein th
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: EC&C Technologies, Inc
    Inventors: Herbert W. Spencer, III, H. James Peters, William G. Hankins, Madoka Fujita
  • Patent number: 7785556
    Abstract: A method of recovering ammonia by the distillation of an aqueous solution containing ammonia, carbon dioxide and hydrogen cyanide. The distillation is conducted using a distillation apparatus having at least its portion which comes into contact with the aqueous solution made of an alloy 1 or alloy 2. The alloy 1 contains 3% by weight or more of molybdenum, 15% by weight or more of nickel and 15% by weight or more of chromium. The alloy 2 contains 1% by weight or more of molybdenum, 9% by weight or less of nickel and 20% by weight or more of chromium. The use of the alloy 1 or alloy 2 prevents the corrosion of the distillation apparatus and enables the stable recovery of ammonia for a long period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Amakawa, Fumio Tanaka, Takuji Shitara
  • Publication number: 20100189617
    Abstract: A method is provided for reducing noxious emissions from the combustion of coal or other solid fuels wherein a suspension and/or a dispersing agent is combined with a catalyst having a high surface area to mass ratio so as to optimize the reduction of emissions such as NOx. In addition, the agent and/or catalyst is applied on the surface of the fuel in an evenly distributed manner so as to maximize the contact between the agent and/or catalyst and combustion gases and further maximize reduction of emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: STATE LINE HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Hundley, Stephen A. Dunwoody
  • Patent number: 7682586
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to the treatment of NOx in combustion flue gas. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to the use of a regenerative heat exchanger (RHE) to convert urea to ammonia in a side stream of flue gas. Ammonia and/or other urea decomposition products exit the heat exchanger, are mixed with the rest of the flue gas, and enter a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) unit for reduction of NOx in the flue gas. The use of an RHE significantly improves the thermal efficiency of the overall process. More particularly, in certain embodiments, the regenerative heat exchanger is a dual chamber RHE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Babcock Power Environmental, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Harold, Clayton A. Erickson
  • Publication number: 20100015029
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for converting urea into reactants useful for removing NOX from industrial emissions. The system includes a urea inlet, a steam inlet, and a reactor in fluid communication with the urea inlet and the steam inlet. The reactor is configured and adapted to inject urea from the urea inlet into a steam flow from the steam inlet to convert the urea into at least one reactant for NOX reduction within a substantially gaseous mixture. The invention also provides a method of converting urea into reactants for reducing NOX out of industrial emissions. The method includes injecting urea into a steam flow to convert the urea into at least one reactant for NOX reduction within a substantially gaseous mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Babcock Power Envoronmental Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin E. Phelps, SR., Clayton A. Erickson, Rajaram Jambhekar, John R. Harold
  • Publication number: 20090148370
    Abstract: In a process for generating ammonia from urea which process comprises: (a) heating an aqueous solution of urea, or a mixture of urea, containing biuret or ammonium carbamate on site, in a hydrolysis reactor such that a gaseous ammonia-containing product is obtained which is essentially free of urea, biuret, or ammonium carbamate, the temperature and pressure being maintained by the input of heat to the reactor; (b) separating the gaseous ammonia-containing product from the liquid phase aqueous reaction media at the operating pressure; (c) retaining the liquid phase reaction medium in the reactor for further conversion to gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide, and/or recycling at least a portion of the said reaction medium back into the reactor, a urea dissolver, or the feed solution to the reactor for further conversion; and (d) withdrawing the gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide-containing product separated in step (b) at a controlled rate to meet demand requirements; the improvement wherein the temperature
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Herbert W. Spencer, III, H. James Peters, William G. Hankins, Madoka Fujita
  • Patent number: 7371313
    Abstract: A system and method for generating, purifying, and using ultra-pure ammonia on-site, such as at a semiconductor manufacturing facility. The system includes an ammonia generation system configured to generate ammonia including carbon dioxide, water, and other impurities. A purification system is provided with the generation system in the manufacturing facility and is linked to the output of the generation system. The purification system processes the effluent from the ammonia generation system to remove substantially all of the carbon dioxide, water, and other impurities to produce an outlet stream of ultra-pure ammonia. The system further includes a point of use system provided at the same manufacturing facility to utilize the outlet stream of ultra-pure ammonia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Del Prato, Harold G. Spicer
  • Publication number: 20080102014
    Abstract: A method of recovering ammonia by the distillation of an aqueous solution containing ammonia, carbon dioxide and hydrogen cyanide. The distillation is conducted using a distillation apparatus having at least its portion which comes into contact with the aqueous solution made of an alloy 1 or alloy 2. The alloy 1 contains 3% by weight or more of molybdenum, 15% by weight or more of nickel and 15% by weight or more of chromium. The alloy 2 contains 1% by weight or more of molybdenum, 9% by weight or less of nickel and 20% by weight or more of chromium. The use of the alloy 1 or alloy 2 prevents the corrosion of the distillation apparatus and enables the stable recovery of ammonia for a long period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Amakawa, Fumio Tanaka, Takuji Shitara
  • Patent number: 7220395
    Abstract: This patent describes technology for generating ammonia from urea. The method is based on the hydrolysis of an aqueous solution of urea and/or biuret by heating under pressure to form a mixture of ammonia, carbon dioxide and water. The gas mixtures produced are useful for supplying ammonia at controlled pressure and rate of flow for many industrial applications without the risks and hazards associated with the transportation and on-site storage of ammonia, thereby providing a significant safety advantage over present industrial practice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: EC&C Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Douglas Cooper, legal representative, Herbert W. Spencer, III, Hal B. H. Cooper, Sr., deceased
  • Patent number: 7140187
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating energy from a composition comprising urea and water are described. The method in one embodiment includes: (a) reacting the urea with water to form ammonia; and (b) oxidizing the ammonia formed in step (a) to form water and nitrogen generating energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Steven C. Amendola
  • Patent number: 7033560
    Abstract: This invention pertains to complex mixtures of the formula M is a metal having a valence of from 2–6, L1 is an anionic ligand and L2 is a siloxide or silyl amide ligand suited for producing stable thin-film metal silicates, v is equal to the valence of the metal, and 0<x<v. The bonding is such that an M—O—Si or an M—N—Si linkage exists, respectively, and the stability for the complex is provided by the organic ligand. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the metal siloxide complexes. Thus, the complexes can be represented by the formulas (R)mM—(O—SiR1R2R3)n and (R)mM—[N—(SiR1R2R3)y(R4)2- y]n wherein M is a metal having a valence of 2–6, m and n are positive integers and m plus n is equal to the valence of the metal M. The R type groups, i.e., R, R1, R2, R3, and R4 represent an organo ligand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Clark, Arthur Kenneth Hochberg
  • Patent number: 7008603
    Abstract: Processes and apparatus for quantitatively converting urea to ammonia on demand are disclosed. One process includes the steps of: receiving a demand rate signal for ammonia; feeding reactants including urea and water into a reactor to provide a reaction mixture; and controlling temperature and pressure in the reactor to produce a gaseous product stream including ammonia and carbon dioxide at substantially constant concentrations. Another process includes the steps of: feeding molten urea or solid urea to a reactor; feeding water (liquid or steam) to the reactor; and reacting the urea and water at elevated temperature and pressure to form a gaseous product stream including ammonia and carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: The Chemithon Corporation
    Inventors: Burton Brooks, Walter A. Jessup, Brian W. MacArthur, W. Brad Sheats
  • Patent number: 6896772
    Abstract: A process for distillative removal of ammonia from solutions (I) which include a lactam and ammonia comprises effecting said removal in a distillation apparatus (a) at an absolute pressure of less than 10 bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hermann Luyken, Frank Ohlbach, Stefan Maixner, Rolf-Hartmuth Fischer, Johann-Peter Melder, Peter Bassler, Andreas Ansmann
  • Patent number: 6887449
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for continuously, quantitatively producing gaseous ammonia from urea, including the steps of: dissolving urea in water to form concentrated aqueous urea comprising at least 77 wt. % urea; continuously feeding the concentrated aqueous urea into a reactor; continuously feeding a separate, additional supply water into the reactor to form an aqueous urea reaction mixture; heating the aqueous urea reaction mixture; and continuously withdrawing a gas phase product including ammonia from the reactor, is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods and apparatus for continuous and batchwise dissolution of urea to form aqueous urea solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: The Chemithon Corporation
    Inventors: Burton Brooks, Walter A. Jessup, Brian W. MacArthur
  • Patent number: 6761868
    Abstract: Processes and apparatus for quantitatively converting urea to ammonia on demand are disclosed. One process includes the steps of: receiving a demand rate signal for ammonia; feeding reactants including urea and water into a reactor to provide a reaction mixture; and controlling temperature and pressure in the reactor to produce a gaseous product stream including ammonia and carbon dioxide at substantially constant concentrations. Another process includes the steps of: feeding molten urea or solid urea to a reactor; feeding water (liquid or steam) to the reactor; and reacting the urea and water at elevated temperature and pressure to form a gaseous product stream including ammonia and carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: The Chemithon Corporation
    Inventors: Burton Brooks, Walter A. Jessup, Brian W. MacArthur, W. Brad Sheats
  • Patent number: 6759021
    Abstract: A method for introducing at least one gaseous reducing agent for a nitrogen oxide into a gas mixture, and a device for carrying out the method. Thermal energy is supplied to a body made from a starting material of the reducing agent, so as to form the reducing agent. The starting material used is urea. The reducing agent formed is ammonia. This method is used in particular to reduce nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas from internal-combustion engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Berthold, Gabriele Preu
  • Patent number: 6730280
    Abstract: This patent describes technology for generating ammonia from urea. The method is based on the hydrolysis of an aqueous solution of urea and/or biuret by heating under pressure to form a mixture of ammonia, carbon dioxide and water. The gas mixtures produced are useful for supplying ammonia at controlled pressure and rate of flow for many industrial applications without the risks and hazards associated with the transportation and on-site storage of ammonia, thereby providing a significant safety advantage over present industrial practice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: EC&C Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hal B. H. Cooper, Herbert W. Spencer, III
  • Publication number: 20040073077
    Abstract: The present invention provides solutions and methods to decompose nitrogen-based energetic materials. The solution is an aqueous solution comprising a water soluble carbohydrate and having a pH greater than 7.0. The solution may optionally include a base. Pure or contaminated nitrogen-based energetic material is exposed to the solution at mild conditions and may be heated to enhance decomposition. The products and by products of the decomposition are water soluble and non-explosive. The solution provides a useful, convenient, and inexpensive method to decompose large quantities of otherwise dangerous energetic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Alfred Kornel
  • Publication number: 20030211024
    Abstract: This invention relates to pollution control requirements for fossil fuel burning facilities, such as power plants, incinerators and cement kilns, and more particularity, to improved methods of generating ammonia from urea. Ammonia is the critical chemical additive used to reduce the emissions of nitrogen oxides from the combustion effluent by both selective non-catalytic reduction and selective catalytic reduction techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: David Lee Wojichowski
  • Publication number: 20030053943
    Abstract: This patent describes technology for generating ammonia from urea. The method is based on the hydrolysis of an aqueous solution of urea and/or biuret by heating under pressure to form a mixture of ammonia, carbon dioxide and water. The gas mixtures produced are useful for supplying ammonia at controlled pressure and rate of flow for many industrial applications without the risks and hazards associated with the transportation and on-site storage of ammonia, thereby providing a significant safety advantage over present industrial practice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Hal B.H. Cooper, Herbert W. Spencer
  • Patent number: 6511644
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for maintaining the operation of reactors by removing contaminant matter arising from the solid reactant(s) used as a feedstock in such systems, by either intermittent or continuous means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: The Chemithon Corporation
    Inventors: Brian W. MacArthur, Walter A. Jessup, Burton Brooks
  • Patent number: 6506350
    Abstract: This patent describes technology for generating ammonia from urea. The method is based on the hydrolysis of an aqueous solution of urea and/or biuret by heating under pressure to form a mixture of ammonia, carbon dioxide and water. The gas mixtures produced are useful for supplying ammonia at controlled pressure and rate of flow for many industrial applications without the risks and hazards associated with the transportation and on-site storage of ammonia, thereby providing a significant safety advantage over present industrial practice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: EC&C Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hal B. H. Cooper, Herbert W. Spencer, III
  • Patent number: 6471927
    Abstract: A microwave hydrolysis reactor for converting urea into ammonia has one or more reaction chambers into which a urea solution is fed via a feed device and a discharge device for discharging an ammonia-water mixture. A catalytic converter is arranged in the reaction chamber. A microwave-transmitting device allows irradiating so that energy is fed to the urea solution in the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Lothar Hofmann, Klaus Rusch
  • Patent number: 6436359
    Abstract: A process to provide a pressurized gas stream useful for removing nitrogen oxides from a combustion gas stream by hydrolyzing urea in aqueous solution in a closed reactor to evolve gaseous ammonia at a rate essentially balanced to the amount required from the combustion gas stream. The improvement resides in maintaining the pressure in the reactor within a preselected range when the demand for ammonia for external use suddenly drops by cooling the solution within the hydrolysis reactor by heat exchange either within or external to the reactor in response to rapid changes in demand for ammonia required to remove said nitrogen oxides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: EC&C Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert W. Spencer, III, Harold James Peters
  • Patent number: 6322762
    Abstract: This patent describes technology for generating ammonia from urea. The method is based on the hydrolysis of an aqueous solution of urea and/or biuret by heating under pressure to form a mixture of ammonia, carbon dioxide and water. The gas mixtures produced are useful for supplying ammonia at controlled pressure and rate of flow for many industrial applications without the risks and hazards associated with the transportation and on-site storage of ammonia, thereby providing a significant safety advantage over present industrial practice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: EC & C Technologies
    Inventors: Hal B. H. Cooper, Herbert W. Spencer, III
  • Publication number: 20010006615
    Abstract: A process for the production of synthesis gas for obtaining compounds such as ammonia or methanol, in which hydrocarbons and steam are reacted first in a primary reforming section (11) and then—together with oxygen—in a secondary reforming section (12), thus obtaining CO, CO2, H2 and possibly N2 which are then fed to a carbon monoxide conversion section (13, 14), is distinguished by the fact of reacting hydrocarbons, steam and oxygen in an autothermal reforming section (20) provided in parallel with respect to other reforming sections (11, 12), and feeding the so produced CO, CO2, H2 and possibly N2 to the carbon monoxide conversion section (13, 14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Inventor: Marco Badano
  • Patent number: 6117407
    Abstract: A method for the generation of ammonia from dinitrogen is provided including reacting a three coordinate, low oxidation state transition metal complex with dinitrogen under substantially atmospheric pressures to obtain a metal-nitrido complex, whereby the oxidation state of the metal complex increases, and reducing the metal of the metal nitrido complex in the presence of a hydrogen source, so as to obtain NH.sub.3. A novel metal complex is provided which is capable of cleaving small molecules which includes a metal selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, titanium, vanadium, niobium, tungsten, uranium and chromium. The compound may have the formula M(NR.sub.1 R.sub.2).sub.3 where M is a transition metal; R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently selected from the group consisting of tertiary alkyls, phenyls and substituted phenyls. The compound permits cleavage of nitrogen-nitrogen triple bonds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Christopher C. Cummins, Catalina E. Laplaza
  • Patent number: 6093380
    Abstract: This invention relates to pollution control requirements for fossil-fuel burning facilities, such as power plants, and, more particularly, to a method for providing a safe and economical supply of ammonia, from a urea feedstock, when ammonia is desired or necessary to initiate, cause and/or supplement the removal of one or more pollutants from an exhaust gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignees: Siirtec Nigi, S.p.A., Hera, LLC
    Inventors: Vincenzo Lagana, Felix E. Spokoyny
  • Patent number: 6077491
    Abstract: This patent describes technology for generating ammonia from urea. The method is based on the hydrolysis of an aqueous solution of urea and/or biuret by heating under pressure to form a mixture of ammonia, carbon dioxide and water. The gas mixtures produced are useful for supplying ammonia at controlled pressure and rate of flow for many industrial applications without the risks and hazards associated with the transportation and on-site storage of ammonia, thereby providing a significant safety advantage over present industrial practice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: EC&C Technologies
    Inventors: Hal B. H. Cooper, Herbert W. Spencer, III
  • Patent number: 6071614
    Abstract: Microporous fluorinated silica agglomerates are disclosed and their method of preparation from a reaction of colloidal silica of small particle sizes with an alkylamine (or a hindered amine) and hydrofluoric acid or with alkylammonium fluoride, under convenient laboratory conditions at an atmospheric pressure. The agglomerate is useful to interact with dispersants surrounding inkjet ink pigment particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Omar Farooq
  • Patent number: 5985224
    Abstract: An improved process for combustion flue gas conditioning in which ammonia is injected into a stream of said combustion flue gas, wherein urea is dissolved in water, forming a dissolved urea solution. The dissolved urea solution is heated and pressurized and the dissolved urea therein hydrolyzed, forming ammonia and carbon dioxide. The ammonia and carbon dioxide are then stripped from the resulting hydrolysis solution and injected into the stream of combustion flue gas to be treated. Water from the stripped hydrolysis solution is then recycled for use in dissolving fresh urea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Siirtec-Nigi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Vincenzo Lagana
  • Patent number: 5827490
    Abstract: A method for reducing NO.sub.x in a combustion exhaust gas stream from a boiler. The method includes the steps of converting an aqueous solution of urea to ammonia by heating the urea solution to a temperature of 350.degree.-650.degree. F. The urea solution is pressurized to the pressure required to keep urea solution is pressurized to the pressure required to keep urea reaction products in the liquid phase and is contacted for a selected time with a conversion catalyst selected from the group of metals, metal oxides, or metal compounds comprising aluminum, chromium, cobalt, molybdenum, niobium, titanium, tungsten, and vanadium to provide a converted area solution. The converted area solution is injected into the combustion exhaust gas for reducing NO.sub.x.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Noell, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale Gordon Jones