Catalytic Patents (Class 48/127.7)
  • Patent number: 10472301
    Abstract: Catalytic systems and methods for treating process streams are disclosed. Catalytic wet oxidation and hydrolysis techniques may be used to treat one or more undesirable constituents. Methane may be produced in connection with at least some embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Chad L. Felch, Matthew R. Patterson, Bryan J. Kumfer
  • Patent number: 10106746
    Abstract: Systems and methods involving hydrocatalytic reactions that use molecular hydrogen obtained from a biogas generated from at least a portion of the hydrocatalytic reaction product. Hydrocatalytic reactions can require significant quantities of molecular hydrogen, particularly if the molecular hydrogen is being introduced under dynamic flow conditions. The present disclosure provides systems and methods that can allow for reducing the carbon footprint of the fuels formed from the hydrocatalytic reaction because at least a portion of the hydrogen used in the hydrocatalytic reaction has low carbon footprint. A fuel with low carbon footprint can qualify for certain governmental status that provides certain benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Andries Quirin Maria Boon, Joseph Broun Powell
  • Patent number: 10093874
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to iron carbonate utilized as a catalyst in coal gasification processes. An FeCO3 catalyst is active in both pyrolysis and gasification operations, and may increase carbon conversion rate and reduce the activation energy of coal gasification. Methods described herein also include suitable processing conditions for performing coal gasification with the FeCO3 catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
    Inventors: Maohong Fan, Rodolfo Monterrozo
  • Patent number: 9896635
    Abstract: In a method of enhancing the dry grinding efficiency of petcoke including adding additives to the petcoke and dry grinding the petcoke together with the additives. The additives may include a combination of at least one organic additive and at least one inorganic additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: HOLCIM TECHNOLOGY, LTD.
    Inventors: Shreesh Anant Khadilkar, Manish Vasant Karandikar, Pradeep Gopal Lele, Dhananjay Dinkar Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 9023310
    Abstract: A process for recovering sulfur from a hydrogen sulfide-bearing gas utilizes an aqueous reaction medium, a temperature of about 110-150° C., and a high enough pressure to maintain the aqueous reaction medium in a liquid state. The process reduces material and equipment costs and addresses the environmental disadvantages associated with known processes that rely on high boiling point organic solvents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventor: Arunabha Basu
  • Patent number: 9005566
    Abstract: A process for advantageously efficiently treating a sulfureous combustible effluent stream by recovering the sulfur in elemental form comprises a step of combustion of the sulfureous combustible effluent stream with an oxidant gas in excess, and then a step of post-combustion of the effluents from the combustion step with an acidic gas. The stream of the post-combustion effluents, free of chemical compounds that are harmful to the efficacy of the Claus catalysts, is treated in a Claus unit, which performs the recovery of the sulfur in elemental form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Total SA
    Inventors: Jean Nougayrede, Soufiene Maktouf
  • Publication number: 20150096231
    Abstract: Elemental sulfur carrying capacity of a hydrocarbonaceous solvent is improved by first loading the solvent with sulfur and subsequent hydrotreatment under conditions that convert at least some of the elemental sulfur in the sulfur loaded solvent to hydrogen sulfide while preserving at least 95% of the monoaromatic and polyaromatic components in the solvent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Curt Graham, Garry Jacobs, Jesus Cabrera, Ghaith Aljazzar
  • Patent number: 8980802
    Abstract: A chemically-modified mixed fuel includes methane gas from at least two methane-production sources and can be utilized in any process that incorporates a Kellogg Primary Reformer. A method for producing the chemically-modified mixed fuel described herein includes providing a first methane-containing gas from a first methane-production source, providing a second methane-containing gas from a second methane-production source and blending the first methane-containing gas with the second methane-containing gas at a suitable pressure to form a chemically-modified mixed fuel. In some cases, at least one additional methane-containing gas can be provided from at least one additional methane-production source and blended with the chemically-modified fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Togna, Craig T. Euen, Steven W. Weeks, Mohammed I. Loya, Matthew C. Warren, Richard H. Kendrick
  • Publication number: 20150073062
    Abstract: Techniques, systems and material are disclosed for thermochemical regeneration of biomass into renewable engineered fuel, storage of the renewable engineered fuel, respeciation of the renewable engineered fuel and transport. In one aspect, a method includes generating low density hydrogen fuel from biomass dissociation at a first location of a low elevation. The low density hydrogen fuel is self-transported in a pipeline to a second location at a higher elevation than the first location by traveling from the first location to the second location without adding energy of pressure. A high density hydrogen carrier is generated at the second location of higher elevation by reacting the low density hydrogen fuel with at least one of a carbon donor, a nitrogen donor and an oxygen donor harvested from industrial waste. The high density hydrogen carrier is delivered to a third location of a lower elevation than the second location while providing pressure or kinetic energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Publication number: 20150050204
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a catalyst supported for the selective oxidation of sulphur compounds of the tail gas from the Claus process or streams with an equivalent composition to elemental sulphur or sulphur dioxide (SO2). It is also the object of the present invention, a process for the preparation of a catalyst of this type, as well as the process of selective oxidation of sulphur compounds to elemental sulphur using the catalyst of the invention, as well as the process of catalytic incineration of the tail gas from the Claus process using the catalyst of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: REPSOL, S.A.
    Inventors: Tomas M. Malango, María Dolores Zafra, Rafael Roldán
  • Publication number: 20150040479
    Abstract: A method for cogenerating gas-steam based on gasification and methanation of biomass. The method includes: 1) mixing oxygen and water vapor with biomass, transporting the resulting mixture via a nozzle to a gasifier, gasifying the biomass to yield crude gasified gas, and transporting superheated steam having a pressure of 5-6 MPa resulting from sensible heat recovery to a steam turbine; 2) adjusting the hydrogen/carbon ratio of the crude gasified gas generated from step 1) to 3:1, and eluting the crude gasified gas whereby yield purified syngas; 3) introducing the purified syngas from step 2) to a methanation unit and transporting intermediate pressure superheated steam generated in the methanation unit to the steam turbine; and 4) concentrating methane of synthetic natural gas containing trace nitrogen and water vapor obtained from step 3) through pressure swing adsorption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Weiguang YANG, Yan GONG, Xiaodong ZHAN, Dechen SONG
  • Publication number: 20150027054
    Abstract: A system for processing carbonaceous in-feed material has a pyrolyzer kiln for pyrolysis the carbonaceous in-feed material, the kiln operating in a slow pyrolysis process in which the in-feed material is pyrolysed in the kiln for a period of minutes in order to produce primarily a gaseous output fraction; a steam reformer positioned downstream of the kiln to which combustion gasses from the pyrolyzer kiln are fed; a water scrubber positioned gas flow-wise downstream of the steam reformer; a methanation stage; a CO2 scrubbing stage. The system includes means for splitting the gas and directing a portion of the split gas back to the pyrolyzer kiln.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: ANERGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Michael Martella, Matthew Martella
  • Patent number: 8926737
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for purifying natural gas, comprising removing mercaptans from a natural gas stream by a combination of an amine-based separation unit and a selective oxidation unit to obtain a purified natural gas stream, wherein at least part of the mercaptans are converted into at least elemental sulphur in the selective oxidation unit by selective catalytic oxidation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Arnab Chatterjee, Carolus Matthias Anna Maria Mesters, Ronald Jan Schoonebeek, Eri Ito
  • Patent number: 8900544
    Abstract: A method for removing sulphur from a fluid by the steps of providing a first fluid comprising a sulphur-containing compound; adsorbing the sulphur of sulphur-containing compound onto an adsorbent; regenerating the adsorbent by oxidation of the adsorbed sulphur to sulphur dioxide thereby yielding an off-gas stream comprising sulphur dioxide; providing a second fluid comprising hydrogen sulphide, using the second fluid and the off-gas stream as reactants in a Claus process for producing elemental sulphur, wherein a part of hydrogen sulphide provided by the second fluid is oxidized to sulphur dioxide and water at reaction temperature, the residual hydrogen sulphide, the resulting sulphur oxide and the sulphur oxide provided by the off-gas stream are converted to elemental sulphur, the oxygen required for the oxidation of the hydrogen sulphide provided by the second fluid is provided by an air stream, and the off-gas stream dilutes the second fluid in the Claus process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Bernhard Schreiner
  • Patent number: 8859831
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventors: Terry L. Marker, Larry G. Felix, Martin B. Linck, Michael J. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20140208650
    Abstract: The present invention relates to extruded shaped bodies containing at least one metal-organic framework (MOF), methods for their preparation and their use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Manuela Gaab, Christian Eichholz, Milan Kostur, Ulrich Müller, Stefan Maurer
  • Patent number: 8772556
    Abstract: A process and system for the conversion of biomass under high severity in the presence of a catalyst to produce a bio-oil, olefins, methane, and carbon monoxide (CO). The methane and/or CO can be used to generate hydrogen and the generated hydrogen can be used for hydrotreating the bio-oil. Additionally, or alternatively, a syngas stream, a carbon dioxide-rich stream, and/or a methane-rich stream can be recovered for use in the bio-oil production process and/or for use in a conventional petroleum refinery and/or petrochemical plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: KiOR, Inc.
    Inventor: Andre Ditsch
  • Patent number: 8753589
    Abstract: Methane reacts with steam generating carbon monoxide and hydrogen in a first catalytic reactor; the resulting gas mixture undergoes Fischer-Tropsch synthesis in a second catalytic reactor. In the steam/methane reforming, the gas mixture passes through a narrow channel having mean and exit temperatures both in the range of 750° C. to 900° C., residence time less than 0.5 second, and the channel containing a catalyst, so that only reactions having comparatively rapid kinetics will occur. Heat is provided by combustion of methane in adjacent channels. The ratio of steam to methane may be about 1.5. Almost all methane will undergo the reforming reaction, almost entirely forming carbon monoxide. After Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, the remaining hydrogen may be fed back to the combustion channels. The steam for the reforming step may be generated from water generated by the chemical reactions, by condensing products from Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and by condensing water vapor generated in combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: CompactGTL Limited
    Inventors: Michael Joseph Bowe, Clive Derek Lee-Tuffnell, Jason Andrew Maude, John William Stairmand, Ian Frederick Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8748687
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a steam-integrated and heat-integrated process for preparing gaseous products, and in particular methane and/or other value added gaseous products such as hydrogen, via the hydromethanation of non-gaseous carbonaceous feedstocks in the presence of steam, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, oxygen and a hydromethanation catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: GreatPoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Avinash Sirdeshpande
  • Patent number: 8734548
    Abstract: Processes are provided for preparing a substantially free-flowing alkali metal gasification catalyst-loaded coal particulate suitable for use as a feedstock for the production of gaseous products, and in particular methane, via the catalytic gasification of the catalyst-loaded coal particulate in the presence of steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Greatpoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Alkis S. Rappas, Robert A. Spitz, George Frederick Salem
  • Patent number: 8734547
    Abstract: Processes are provided for preparing a substantially free-flowing alkali metal gasification catalyst-loaded carbonaceous particulate suitable for use as a feedstock for the production of gaseous products, and in particular methane, via the catalytic gasification of the catalyst-loaded carbonaceous particulate in the presence of steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Greatpoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Alkis S. Rappas, Robert A. Spitz
  • Patent number: 8728202
    Abstract: Ion transport membrane oxidation system comprising (a) two or more membrane oxidation stages, each stage comprising a reactant zone, an oxidant zone, one or more ion transport membranes separating the reactant zone from the oxidant zone, a reactant gas inlet region, a reactant gas outlet region, an oxidant gas inlet region, and an oxidant gas outlet region; (b) an interstage reactant gas flow path disposed between each pair of membrane oxidation stages and adapted to place the reactant gas outlet region of a first stage of the pair in flow communication with the reactant gas inlet region of a second stage of the pair; and (c) one or more reactant interstage feed gas lines, each line being in flow communication with any interstage reactant gas flow path or with the reactant zone of any membrane oxidation stage receiving interstage reactant gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: John Michael Repasky, Michael Francis Carolan, VanEric Edward Stein, Christopher Ming-Poh Chen
  • Publication number: 20140130416
    Abstract: Imidazole-containing polymer membranes are described herein. Methods of their preparation and use are also described herein. The methods of using the membranes include capturing and reducing volatile compounds from gas streams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama
    Inventors: Jason E. Bara, Matthew S. Shannon
  • Patent number: 8709113
    Abstract: Integrated catalytic gasification processes are provided involving generating steam for converting carbonaceous materials to combustible gases, such as methane. Generally, steam generated from the combustion of a biomass is provided to a catalytic gasifier, wherein under appropriate temperature and pressure conditions, a carbonaceous feedstock is converted into a plurality of product gases, including, but not limited to, methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: GreatPoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Pattabhi K. Raman, Donald Anthony
  • Patent number: 8703084
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating COS and/or CS2 from a hydrocarbon-containing feed stream, and further eliminating H2S from such feed stream or converting all sulfur species in such feed stream to H2S and SO2 to allow for easy subsequent conversion of such H2S and SO2 to elemental sulfur in a Claus reaction. The method comprises: (i) injecting water so that the feed stream contains greater than 10 vol % (water equivalent); (ii) passing the feed stream through catalyst means which hydrogenates COS and/or CS2 to H2S; (iii) injecting O2 so that the stoichiometric ratio of O2 to H2S is at least 0.5:1.0; (iv) passing the stream though a reaction zone having oxidation catalyst means which oxidizes H2S to elemental sulfur or SO2 (depending on the amount of oxygen and water added); where the temperature of the reaction zone is above the elemental sulfur dew point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Archon Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Conrad Ayasse, Ahmed M. Shahin, Alan Ayasse
  • Patent number: 8669013
    Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and apparatuses for generating electrical power from certain non-gaseous carbonaceous feedstocks through the integration of catalytic hydromethanation technology with fuel cell technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Greatpoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Allen Powell, Pattabhi K. Raman, Earl T. Robinson, Avinash Sirdeshpande
  • Patent number: 8663589
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recovering sulphur from a sour gas containing hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide, comprising: oxidation of the sour gas, wherein a part of the hydrogen sulphide is oxidized to sulphur dioxide and water, reaction of the resulting sulphur dioxide with the residual hydrogen sulphide to elementary sulphur, and removal of elementary sulphur. According to the invention carbon dioxide and/or carbon dioxide generated by oxidation of the sour gas is compressed, and at least a part of the carbon dioxide is injected into an oil well. Furthermore, the invention relates to a plant suitable for performing the above method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stephen Rhys Graville
  • Patent number: 8658116
    Abstract: A method of producing sulfur dioxide is provided. A feed gas stream comprising at least 5% by volume hydrogen sulfide is provided. The feed gas stream is separated into a hydrogen sulfide stream and a hydrocarbon gas stream. An oxidant stream is provided and is combusted with the hydrogen sulfide stream to produce thermal power and a combustion stream containing sulfur dioxide and steam. Sulfur dioxide is separated from the combustion stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Stanley Nemec Milam, Ann Marie Lauritzen, Michael Anthony Reynolds, Eswarachandra Kumar Paruchuri, Scott Lee Wellington
  • Patent number: 8652222
    Abstract: Particulate compositions are described comprising an intimate mixture of a biomass, such as switchgrass or hybrid poplar, a non-biomass carbonaceous material, such as petroleum coke or coal, and a gasification catalyst, where the gasification catalyst is loaded onto at least one of the biomass or non-biomass for gasification in the presence of steam to yield a plurality of gases including methane and at least one or more of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other higher hydrocarbons are formed. Processes are also provided for the preparation of the particulate compositions and converting the particulate composition into a plurality of gaseous products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: GreatPoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Pattabhi K. Raman, Edwin J. Hippo, Nelson Yee
  • Patent number: 8641991
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to methods and systems for processing biomass into usable products, wherein such methods and systems involve an integration into conventional refineries and/or conventional refinery processes. Such methods and systems provide for an enhanced ability to utilize biofuels efficiently, and they can, at least in some embodiments, be used in hybrid refineries alongside conventional refinery processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: William L. Schinski
  • Patent number: 8630738
    Abstract: A reformer having improved performance and stability and a reformer control method, the reformer including a reforming reaction unit, a first sensor, a heat source unit, a second sensor, and a flow control unit. The reforming reaction unit converts a first fuel into a reformate. The first sensor senses a first temperature of the reformate generated from the reforming reaction unit. The heat source unit heats the reforming reaction unit with a combustion heat of a second fuel. The second sensor senses a second temperature at a fuel inlet of the heat source unit. The flow control unit controls a temperature of the reformate by regulating a flow of an oxidizer supplied to the heat source unit based on the first temperature, and controls a temperature of the heat source unit by regulating a flow of the second fuel supplied to the heat source unit based on the second temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Woo-Cheol Shin
  • Patent number: 8591846
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a sour gas rich in carbon dioxide in a Claus process, so sulfur compounds are removed by a selective solvent in a gas scrubbing process. Sulfur components and carbon dioxide, are separated into at least two sour gas fractions, wherein at least one sour gas fraction having a higher content of sulfur components is obtained, wherein the fraction having the highest hydrogen sulfide content is introduced in the thermal reaction stage of the Claus furnace with a gas containing oxygen by means of a burner. The sulfur is converted to sulfur dioxide in the thermal reaction stage of the Claus furnace and exhaust gases are discharged into the closed Claus reaction chamber behind the burner. The remaining sour gas fractions stripped of sulfur components are fed to the Claus reaction chamber and are mixed with the combustion gases leaving the burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Thyssenkrupp UHDE GmbH
    Inventor: Johannes Menzel
  • Patent number: 8577503
    Abstract: A fuel processing apparatus includes a reformer, raw material supply section, moisture supply section, heating section, reforming temperature detection section, shift converter, shift temperature detection section, and control section. When the apparatus is booted, the control section activates the raw material supply section to begin supplying a raw material to the reformer, and activates the heating section to begin supplying heat to the reforming catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Fujihara, Yukimune Kani, Hidenobu Wakita, Kunihiro Ukai
  • Patent number: 8568676
    Abstract: A process for workup of an industrial carbon dioxide-rich gas to be freed of sulfur components, in which an industrial gas to be freed of sulfur components is purified by a gas scrubbing, and the laden solvent is freed of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide by a regeneration to obtain at least one acid gas fraction having a relatively high content of sulfur components, and the fraction with the highest hydrogen sulfide (H2S) content is supplied to a Claus plant with downstream Claus process gas hydrogenation, and at least one carbon dioxide-laden, low-hydrogen sulfide acid gas fraction from the regeneration device, which has a reduced sulfur content compared to the fraction with the highest hydrogen sulfide (H2S) content, is combined with the hydrogenated Claus process gas to give a combined process gas stream, which is supplied to further processing or to recycling into the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Thyssenkrupp Uhde GmbH
    Inventor: Johannes Menzel
  • Patent number: 8545580
    Abstract: A chemically-modified mixed fuel includes methane gas from at least two methane-production sources and can be utilized in any process that incorporates a Kellogg Primary Reformer. A method for producing the chemically-modified mixed fuel described herein includes providing a first methane-containing gas from a first methane-production source, providing a second methane-containing gas from a second methane-production source and blending the first methane-containing gas with the second methane-containing gas at a suitable pressure to form a chemically-modified mixed fuel. In some cases, at least one additional methane-containing gas can be provided from at least one additional methane-production source and blended with the chemically-modified fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Togna, Craig T. Euen, Steven W. Weeks, Mohammed I. Loya, Matthew C. Warren, Richard H. Kendrick
  • Patent number: 8545775
    Abstract: A reforming exchanger system for syngas production is provided. The reforming exchanger system can have a first and a second reforming exchanger, each with a shell-and-tube configuration, and a shift reactor located intermediate to the first and second reforming exchangers to reduce carbon monoxide concentration in the outlet gas. Processes for forming syngas using the reforming exchanger systems described herein are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLC
    Inventors: Shashi Singh, Kamal Gursahani, Robert Burlingame, Tim Weeks, Jim Gosnell, Avinash Malhotra
  • Patent number: 8541637
    Abstract: A system and method for converting biomass into fluid hydrocarbon products to minimize the use of fossil fuels, provide energy and chemical feedstock security, and sustainable and/or carbon neutral electric power, are disclosed. For example, fast pyrolysis can be performed on biomass to produce pygas and char using a maximum processing temperature of about 650° C. The pygas is provided to an independent reactor without the addition of an oxidizing agent for catalytically converting the pygas to hydrocarbons using a maximum processing temperature of about 650° C. A system comprising fast pyrolysis means producing a pygas and char, independent catalytic conversion means downstream of the fast pyrolysis for converting the pygas to hydrocarbons, and a hydrogen source, external to the system and/or produced by a steam reformer by steam reformation of at least a portion of the hydrocarbons, coupled to catalytic conversion means, also are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: G4 Insights Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew L. Babicki, Brian G. Sellars, Bowie G. Keefer, Edson Ng
  • Patent number: 8524189
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the selective oxidation of hydrogen sulphide contained in a hydrogen sulphide-containing hydrocarbon feed gas to elemental sulphur. The hydrogen sulphide-containing hydrocarbon feed gas and a sulphur dioxide-containing gas are supplied to a reaction zone containing a TiO2-comprising catalyst, wherein elemental sulphur and a gaseous stream depleted in hydrogen sulphide are formed. The gas feeds are contacted with the TiO2 containing catalyst at elevated pressure and at a temperature in the range of from 120 and below 160 ° C., under such conditions that the elemental sulphur formed is essentially in liquid form. At least part of the sulphur dioxide-containing gas is obtained by combusting elemental sulphur to obtain a gaseous mixture of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen and then concentrating the gaseous mixture to provide the sulphur dioxide-containing gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Arnab Chatterjee, Carolus Matthias Anna Maria Mesters, Ronald Jan Schoonebeek
  • Publication number: 20130212944
    Abstract: A zirconium-based mixed oxide or zirconium-based mixed hydroxide which is capable of (a) at least 90% v/v conversion of naphthalene at atmospheric pressure at a temperature in the range 600-700° C. using a residence time of about 0.3 seconds, and/or (b) providing an initial heat of adsorption of ammonia of greater than 150 kJ/mol when measured by ammonia flowing gas microcalorimetry. Also, a method for purifying gas produced from the gasification of carbonaceous materials, comprising the step of bringing the gas into contact with such mixed oxides or mixed hydroxides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicants: VALTION TEKNILLINEN TUTKIMUSKESKUS, MAGNESIUM ELEKTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Hazel Stephenson, Heather Bradshaw, Pekka Simell, Anu Solla, Ella Ronkkonen, Outi Krause
  • Patent number: 8502007
    Abstract: The invention provides processes for generating a methane-enriched gas from a gas mixture comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen such as gas streams generated by gasification of an alkali metal catalyst-loaded carbonaceous feedstock, and a char methanation catalyst useful in such processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Greatpoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin J. Hippo, Vincent G. Reiling, Earl T. Robinson, Pattabhi K. Raman, Jeffery Smith, Charles Mims, Nicholas Charles Nahas
  • Patent number: 8492600
    Abstract: A self-sustaining process for producing high quality liquid fuels from biomass in which the biomass is hydropyrolyzed in a reactor vessel containing molecular hydrogen and a deoxygenating catalyst, producing a partially deoxygenated hydropyrolysis liquid, which is hydrogenated using a hydroconversion catalyst, producing a substantially fully deoxygenated hydrocarbon liquid and a gaseous mixture comprising CO and light hydrocarbon gases (C1-C3). The gaseous mixture is reformed in a steam reformer, producing reformed molecular hydrogen, which is then introduced into the reactor vessel for hydropyrolizing the biomass. The deoxygenated hydrocarbon liquid product is further separated to produce diesel fuel, gasoline, or blending components for gasoline and diesel fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventors: Terry L Marker, Larry G Felix, Martin B Linck
  • Patent number: 8475549
    Abstract: To generate methane from biomass, a biomass pulp is produced from the biomass with a desired dry mass content being set, and the biomass pulp is placed under pressure. The biomass pulp is heated under pressure in order to liquefy the solid organic components of the biomass pulp. The pressurized and heated biomass pulp is heated further to at least the critical temperature of the biomass pulp. Solids precipitated under pressure and increased temperature are separated from the fluid phase. At least a part of the remaining fluid phase is gasified under pressure and increased temperature by means of a reactor to form a methane-rich gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Paul Scherrer Institut
    Inventors: Frederic Vogel, Samuel Stucki, Thanh-Binh Truong, Maurice H. Waldner
  • Patent number: 8449763
    Abstract: Embodiments of a nozzle reactor of the type useable to inject a first material feed stock and a second material feed stock to cause interaction between the first material feed stock and second material feed stock are described herein. According to some embodiments, the nozzle reactor may crack residual oil produced by other processing units in a refinery process. Furthermore, nozzle reactors may replace traditional processing units of a refinery process, such as cokers, hydrocrackers and deasphalting units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Marathon Canadian Oil Sands Holding Limited
    Inventor: Willem P. C. Duyvesteyn
  • Publication number: 20130071309
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to the separation of gases and to a process for the removal of carbon dioxide gas using liquid absorbents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD
    Inventors: David F. Wassell, Kenneth R. Seddon, Martin P. Atkins
  • Publication number: 20130055637
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing a hydrocarbon are provided. The method can include gasifying a feedstock within a gasifier to provide a raw syngas. The raw syngas can be processed within a purification system to provide a treated syngas. A first portion of the treated syngas can be converted into a first effluent in a first methanator. The first effluent can be mixed with a second portion of the treated syngas to provide a first mixed effluent. The first mixed effluent can be converted into a second effluent in a second methanator. The second effluent can be mixed with a third portion of the treated syngas to provide a second mixed effluent. The second mixed effluent can be converted into a third effluent in a third methanator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Kellogg Brown & Root LLC
    Inventor: Kellogg Brown & Root LLC
  • Patent number: 8377156
    Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to a method for operating a fuel reformer. The method may generally include directing a fluid stream around a reactor assembly of the fuel reformer to cool the reactor assembly, and mixing a heated reformate stream produced by the reactor assembly with the fluid stream to cool the heated reformate stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Dwight Berry, Hasan Karim, Abdul Rafey Khan
  • Patent number: 8366795
    Abstract: Particulate compositions are described comprising a carbonaceous material, such as petroleum coke and/or coal, treated or otherwise associated with a gasification catalyst, where the catalyst is at least in part derived from a leachate from a biomass char, for gasification in the presence of steam to yield a plurality of gases including methane and at least one or more of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other higher hydrocarbons are formed. Processes are also provided for the preparation of the particulate compositions and converting the particulate composition into a plurality of gaseous products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: GreatPoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Pattabhi K. Raman, Nelson Yee
  • Patent number: 8354081
    Abstract: A portable fuel processing apparatus and enclosure including an enclosure having an outer wall that defines an interior space and provides a gas impermeable barrier. Attached to the enclosure is porting means for use in moving the enclosure from one location to another. A fuel reformer capable of providing sufficient hydrogen-rich reformate to a fuel cell stack for use in generating at least about 1 kW per hour is disposed within the enclosure. An optional gas detection system includes a sensor disposed within the enclosure to monitor the interior of the enclosure for presence of combustible gases. The portable apparatus can have a number of connectors for connecting the enclosure and the fuel processing systems to a source of a reformer fuel and water as well as a domestic drain. Preferred sources of fuel and water are common utility lines available in buildings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Texaco, Inc.
    Inventors: William Spencer Wheat, James F. Stevens, Curtis L. Krause, Jeffrey A. Hedges, Eric G. Pow
  • Patent number: 8349037
    Abstract: A process for removing sulfur compounds from a hydrocarbonaceous gas mixture, which comprises contacting the hydrocarbonaceous gas mixture with an adsorber material comprising copper oxide on magnesium silicate as support material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Jochen Steiner, Alexander Schäfer, Annebart Engbert Wentink, Ekkehard Schwab, Helmut Boos, Patrick Amrhein
  • Publication number: 20120304539
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a process of reforming a natural gas stream by steam. The reforming is carried out at a temperature within a predetermined range to form a substantially carbon monoxide free product mixture of hydrogen and natural gas. The reforming is carried out in presence of a nickel-based catalyst. The temperature is controlled in a range of about 350° C. to about 390° C. The reforming can be started or stopped or its rate can be varied, based on an outflow demand of the product mixture of hydrogen and natural gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Rajesh Muralidhar Badhe, Rajesh Singh, Alok Sharma, Brijesh Kumar, Santanam Rajagopal, Ravinder Kumar Malhotra, Anand Kumar