Abstract: The present invention generally relates to apparatuses, systems, and methods for oxidation of an alkane (e.g., methane) into an alcohol (e.g., methanol) in the presence of a catalyst.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the conversion of methane to higher molecular weight (C5+) hydrocarbon, including aromatic hydrocarbon, to materials and equipment useful in such conversion, and to the use of such conversion for, e.g., natural gas upgrading.

Abstract: This invention relates to the conversion of substantially-saturated hydrocarbon to higher-value hydrocarbon products such as aromatics and/or oligomers, to equipment and materials useful in such conversion, and to the use of such conversion for, e.g., natural gas upgrading.

Abstract: A method includes a step of supplying a first heated hydrocarbon-containing gas stream to a reactor. An oxygen-containing gas stream is separately supplied to the reactor to partially oxidize the hydrocarbon-containing gas stream. The oxygen-containing gas is optionally prepared by passing air through one or more membranes to increase the oxygen content. One or more of the desired liquid oxygenated hydrocarbons are condensed and/or separated from the resulting product stream. Non-hydrocarbon gases are selectively removed from the product stream to enrich the gaseous hydrocarbon fraction using a scrubber and/or a membrane. The remaining gaseous hydrocarbon products from the product stream are mixed with a fresh hydrocarbon-containing gas stream after one cycle of the reaction. Characteristically, the process uses at least one membrane to increase oxygen content of the oxygen containing gas and/or to remove non-hydrocarbon gases from the product stream as set forth above.

Abstract: Process and system that include the conversion of alkyl bromides to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons in circulating catalyst reactor-regenerator systems. Alkyl bromides may be reacted over a catalyst in at least one conversion reactor to produce at least an effluent stream comprising higher molecular weight hydrocarbons and hydrogen bromide. A portion of the catalyst may be removed from the conversion reactor. The portion of the catalyst may be contacted with a stripping gas to displace hydrocarbons from the portion of the catalyst. The portion of the catalyst may be contacted a first inert gas. The portion of the catalyst may be contacted with oxygen to form a regenerated catalyst by removal of coke. The regenerated catalyst may be contacted with a second inert gas. At least a portion of the regenerated catalyst may be introduced into the conversion reactor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for removing volatile organic compounds from spent air are provided. The method can include oxidizing cumene in the presence of an oxidant to produce an oxidized product containing methanol and a spent air, separating the spent air from the oxidized product, contacting the spent air with an absorbent, an adsorbent, or a mixture thereof to remove at least a portion of any impurities in the spent air to produce a first purified air, and contacting the first purified air with a biological material to produce a treated air.

Abstract: A method of making alcohols involves forming of alcohol esters from liquid alkane halides and a solution of metallic salts of organic acids to produce gaseous alcohol esters for reaction with magnesium or metal hydroxides to form the alcohol and the metal salt of the organic acids. In an improvement method liquid phase alcohol esters instead of gaseous alcohol esters are produced from liquid alkane halides and a solution of metal salts of organic acids whose alkane esters are less soluble in water than that of the alkane halide and treating of the alcohol ester formed with magnesium or metal hydroxides to form the alcohol and the metal salt of the organic acids.

Abstract: A method for the reduction of carbon dioxide and/or carbon dioxide derivatives to methanol comprises the step of hydrogenation carbon dioxide and/or carbon dioxide derivatives in the presence of a Ruthenium-phosphine complex.

Abstract: Methods of cultivating autotrophic microorganisms, particularly microalgae or diatoms, in a bioreactor by entraining a culture of the microorganisms in a tenuous, gelated, thixotrophic carrier medium having nutrients therefor and moving the medium along a passage at a sufficiently slow speed to enable laminar flow which in cross section is closed and which has transparent walls through which the culture is irradiated to enable photosynthesis. The method includes effecting convective turnover of the culture and medium as they flow along the passage by differentially heating the medium laterally relative to the flow direction so as to produce a generally helical flow of the culture and medium. Also described are processing methods, both physical and chemical, performed underground e.g.

Abstract: A process for the complete or partial oxygenation of hydrocarbons comprises contacting a C1-C8 hydrocarbon, molecular oxygen, and hydrogen peroxide, in the presence of water and a heterogeneous catalyst, under conditions suitable to convert the C1-C8 hydrocarbon to at least one corresponding C1-C8 oxygenate product, wherein the heterogeneous catalyst provides confinement and contains both Brønsted-Lowry acid centers and Lewis acid centers. The reaction may be carried out at a temperature ranging from 2° C. to 90° C. The use of molecular oxygen increases the economic attractiveness of the process while also improving yield.

Abstract: A method of making alcohols involves forming of alcohol esters from liquid alkane halides and a solution of metallic salts of organic acids to produce gaseous alcohol esters for reaction with magnesium or metal hydroxides to form the alcohol and the metal salt of the organic acids. In an improvement method liquid phase alcohol esters instead of gaseous alcohol esters are produced from liquid alkane halides and a solution of metal salts of organic acids whose alkane esters are less soluble in water than that of the alkane halide and treating of the alcohol ester formed with magnesium or metal hydroxides to form the alcohol and the metal salt of the organic acids.

Abstract: A method for removing formaldehyde from a blend of partially oxygenated hydrocarbons is provided. The method including a step of reacting a hydrocarbon-containing gas with an oxygen-containing gas in a reaction vessel to form first product blend. The first product blend includes a blend of partially oxygenated compounds that include formaldehyde. The blend of partially oxygenated compounds is provided to a reactive scrubbing station where it is contacted with a reactive scrubbing liquid to form a reactive liquid-formaldehyde compound. The reactive liquid-formaldehyde compound is then removed from the first blend of partially reactive compounds.

Abstract: A method of reclaiming alcohols from purification residue includes hydrolyzing a purification residue with an aqueous medium in the presence of (i) an acid and (ii) an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: Provided is a process for effectively and efficiently oxidizing alkyl-containing molecules with the use of an oxygen-containing gas. An iridium metal catalyst complex with the iridium being coordinated with the nitrogen atoms of a benzimidazolyl-containing ligand is used as the catalyst. The process generates alcohols, ketones and aldehydes directly from alkyl-containing molecules and/or aromatic molecules.

Abstract: Catalytic structures are provided comprising octahedral tunnel lattice manganese oxides ion-exchanged with metal cations or mixtures thereof. The structures are useful as catalysts for the oxidation of alkanes and may be prepared by treating layered manganese oxide under highly acidic conditions, optionally drying the treated product, and subjecting it to ion exchange.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing 1,6-hexanediol, preferably with at least 99.5% purity, which are especially virtually free of 1,4-cyclohexanediols, from a carboxylic acid mixture which is obtained as a by-product of the catalytic oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanone/cyclohexanol with oxygen or oxygen-comprising gases and by water extraction of the reaction mixture, by hydrogenating the carboxylic acid mixture, esterifying and hydrogenating a substream to hexanediol.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, apparatus and material are disclosed for generating multi-purpose H2-dense fuel for isolating contaminants and storing energy. In one aspect, a method of producing a renewable multi-purpose biomaterial for isolating a hazardous contaminant from an environment and storing energy includes dissociating biomass waste using a thermochemical reaction to produce at least one of hydrocarbon and alcohol by applying waste heat recovered from an external heat source. The method includes dissociating the at least one of hydrocarbon and alcohol to generate carbon and hydrogen. Carbon dioxide emitted from an industrial process is harvested and reacted with the hydrogen to generate the hydrogen-dense fuel. A hazardous contaminant is dissolved in the hydrogen-dense fuel operating as a solvent to generate a liquid mixture that isolates the hazardous contaminant from the environment. The hazardous contaminant includes at least one of a carbon donor and a hydrogen donor.

Abstract: A process for preparing C1-C4-oxygenates from a reactant stream A which comprises essentially a C1-C4-alkane or a mixture of C1-C4-alkanes, by a) branching off a substream B of the reactant stream A and allowing it to react in a reactor with oxygen or an oxygenous gas stream C, which converts a portion of the C1-C4-alkane or a portion of the mixture which comprises C1-C4-alkanes to C1-C4-oxygenates, b) removing at least 90 mol % of the C1-C4-oxygenates formed from the product stream D resulting from step a) to form a remaining low boiler stream E, which comprises combining the low boiler stream E with the reactant stream A without further workup and without combination with the substream B down-stream of the branching site of the substream B.

Abstract: A process for the complete or partial oxidation of hydrocarbons comprises contacting a C1-C8 hydrocarbon and hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst under conditions suitable to convert the C1-C8 hydrocarbon to at least one corresponding C1-C8 oxygenate product, wherein the heterogeneous catalyst provides confinement and contains both Brønsted-Lowry and Lewis acid centers. Examples include zeolites modified with selected metals or metal oxides. Including copper, either in the catalyst, in a second catalyst of similar description, or as a homogeneous salt, increases both selectivity and activity of the process, particularly where an iron-containing catalyst is used.

Abstract: Provided is a process for effectively and efficiently oxidizing alkyl-containing molecules with the use of an oxygen-containing gas. An iridium metal catalyst complex with the iridium being coordinated with the nitrogen atoms of a benzimidazolyl-containing ligand is used as the catalyst. The process generates alcohols, ketones and aldehydes directly from alkyl-containing molecules and/or aromatic molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing ethylene and/or propylene, comprising the steps of contacting a stream comprising C4+ olefins with a zeolite-comprising catalyst to retrieve an olefinic product stream comprising ethylene and/or propylene, and a C4+ hydrocarbon fraction, comprising paraffins, normal olefins and iso-olefins. The C4+ hydrocarbon fraction is subjected to an etherification process with wherein at least part of the iso-olefins are converted with methanol and/or ethanol to an tert-alkyl ether and an etherification product stream is retrieved and separated into an ether-enriched stream and an iso-olefin-depleted C4+ hydrocarbon stream. Part of the iso-olefin-depleted C4+ hydrocarbon stream from the process to purge part of the paraffinic C4+ hydrocarbons while another part of the iso-olefin-depleted C4+ hydrocarbon stream is recycled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing ethylene and/or propylene and an iso-olefin-depleted C4 olefinic product, comprising the steps of: a) providing a C4 hydrocarbon stream, comprising normal olefins and iso-olefins; b) subjecting the C4 hydrocarbon stream to an etherification process with methanol and/or ethanol wherein at least part of the iso-olefins are converted with methanol and/or ethanol to an tert-alkyl ether, and retrieving an etherification product stream; c) separating at least part of the etherification product stream into at least an ether-enriched stream and a first iso-olefin-depleted C4 olefinic product; d) converting at least part of the tert-alkyl ether in the ether-enriched stream to ethylene and/or propylene by contacting least part of the ether-enriched stream with a molecular sieve-comprising catalyst at a temperature in the range of from 350 to 1000° C. and retrieving a second olefinic product comprising ethylene and/or propylene.

Abstract: There is provided a process for preparing 1,6-hexanediol by esterifying a carboxylic acid mixture resulted from oxidation of cyclohexane with oxygen, and then hydrogenating the esters, which substantially does not contain a compound leading to a high ester value.

Abstract: In a process for oxidizing a hydrocarbon to a product comprising at least one of the corresponding hydroperoxide, alcohol, ketone, carboxylic acid and dicarboxylic acid, the hydrocarbon is contacted with an oxygen-containing compound in at least one oxidation zone in the presence of a catalyst comprising a cyclic imide having an imide group of formula (I): wherein X represents an oxygen atom, a hydroxyl group, or an acyloxy group and wherein the oxygen-containing compound supplied to said at least one oxidation zone has a water content of less than or equal to 0.6% by weight of the oxygen-containing compound.

Abstract: An alcohol such as methanol is produced from an alkane such as methane and oxygen in a single step process using a heterogeneous catalyst. The catalyst comprises the chloride salts of copper, potassium, lead and zinc.

Abstract: A process for the complete or partial oxidation of hydrocarbons comprises contacting a C1-C8 hydrocarbon and hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst under conditions suitable to convert the C1-C8 hydrocarbon to at least one corresponding C1-C8 oxygenate product, wherein the heterogeneous catalyst provides confinement and contains both Brønsted-Lowry and Lewis acid centers. Particularly useful catalysts may include, for example, metal-modified ZSM-5 and other zeolites.

Abstract: Fe2(dobdc) has a metal-organic framework with a high density of coordinatively-unsaturated FeII centers lining the pore surface. It can be effectively used to separate O2 from N2 and in a number of additional separation applications based on selective, reversible electron transfer reactions. In addition to being an effective O2 separation material, it can be used for many other processes, including paraffin/olefin separation, nitric oxide/nitrous oxide separation, acetylene storage, and as an oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for oxidizing methane, including a construct with at least one conduit for air access, and a layer of mineralized waste surrounding the at least one conduit. The present disclosure also provides a method for oxidizing methane, including putting the system for oxidizing methane into contact with the material to be oxidized.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing highly pure 1,6-hexanediol in which the contents of impurities such as 1,4-cyclohexanediol, 1,5-hexanediol, 1,2-cyclohexanediol, 1,7-pentanediol, 1,5-pentanediol and high boiling point components are significantly reduced.

Abstract: Methanol is produced from methane and oxygen in a single step process using a heterogeneous catalyst. The catalyst comprises the chloride salts of copper, potassium, lead and zinc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to selective partial oxidation of methane in the absence of a solvent such as sulfuric acid or oleum.

Abstract: This invention concerns processes for the oxidation of hydrocarbons such as methane to form alcohols such as methanol using heterogeneous gold-containing supported catalysts. Hydrogen peroxide is used as the oxidant. The hydrogen per-oxide can be made in situ.

Abstract: A process for preparing an oxygenate product by direct conversion of a C1-C3 alkane in either the gas or liquid phase, by contacting the selected alkane with hydrogen peroxide or a hydroperoxy species in the presence of a gold-based heterogeneous catalyst on a metal oxide support having a morphology of nanotubes, nanofibers, nanowires, or nanorods. The result is efficient conversion under mild conditions. The hydrogen peroxide or hydroperoxy species may themselves be prepared, in situ, by contacting a hydrogen source and oxygen in the presence of the same type of catalyst. The process may be particularly useful in the conversion of methane to methanol.

Abstract: A method comprising reacting an alkane gas with a halogen gas in a halogenations reactor to form a halogenation reaction product mixture comprising alkane halide and hydrogen halide mixture; mixing the halogenations reaction product mixture with a countercurrent flow of a metal organic salt thereby forming an extractor product mixture of a metal halide, organic salt, and organic acid separating the organic ester and organic acid mixture from the metal halide; oxygenating the metal halide to form a metal oxide and halide containing gasses; separating the metal oxide from the halide containing gasses; mixing the metal oxide with water to form a metal oxide slurry; mixing the metal oxide slurry with a countercurrent flow of the organic ester and organic acid mixture to form a raw product comprising alkanol, a metal organic salt is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for converting methane to methanol, comprising: feeding methane and gaseous air or oxygen or gaseous air enriched with oxygen to a reactor under an elevated pressure; said reactor having an internal surface, made of silica or coated with silica, surrounding a zone in which said gases react; and reacting said gases in said reaction zone at an elevated temperature at conditions effective to produce methanol and for valuable oxygenates. Advantageously the internal surface is made of quartz or coated with quartz Advantageously the internal surface, made of silica (advantageously quartz) or coated with silica (advantageously quartz), is treated with HF before the conversion of methane to methanol. Advantageously the reaction is carried out in the absence in said reaction zone of any added material which measurably affects the rate of the reaction or the yield of the product. Advantageously the reactor is operated under a pressure from 1 to 7.5 MPa.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst, to the use thereof for the electrochemical conversion of methane to methanol and for the direct electrochemical conversion of methane to CO2. The invention also relates to an electrode, in particular for a fuel cell including such a catalyst, as well as to a method for manufacturing such an electrode. The invention further relates to a fuel cell including said catalyst or said electrode. The catalyst according to the invention includes a platinum precursor (II), and optionally a metal-ion precursor M supported by particles of a heteropolyanion (HPA). The invention can be used in particular in the field of the electrochemical oxidation of methane into methanol or CO2.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for recovering a natural gas contaminated with high levels of carbon dioxide. A gas containing methane and carbon dioxide is extracted from a reservoir containing natural gas, where carbon dioxide comprises greater than 40 vol. % of the extracted gas. The extracted gas is scrubbed with a wash effective to produce a washed extracted gas containing less carbon dioxide than the extracted gas and at least 20 vol. % carbon dioxide. The washed extracted gas is oxidized with an oxygen containing gas in the presence of a partial oxidation catalyst to produce an oxidation product gas containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. The oxidation product gas is then utilized to produce a liquid methanol product.

Abstract: A process to prepare methanol and/or dimethylether from a solid carbonaceous feedstock comprising the steps of (a) feeding an oxygen-comprising gas and the carbonaceous feedstock to a burner firing into a reactor vessel, (b) performing a partial oxidation of the carbonaceous feedstock in said burner to obtain a stream of hot synthesis gas and a liquid slag whereby both the hot synthesis gas and the liquid slag flow downwardly relative to the burner, (c) cooling the hot synthesis gas by direct contact with a liquid water-containing cooling medium, (d) performing a water shift reaction on at least part of the synthesis gas, to obtain a synthesis gas effluent, (e) performing an oxygenate synthesis using the synthesis gas effluent of step (d), to obtain a methanol and/or dimethylether containing oxygenate effluent and a first liquid water-rich by-product, wherein at least part of the first liquid water-rich by-product is used in step (c), forming at least part of the liquid water-containing cooling medium.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of an alkylene glycol from an alkene. The gas composition from an alkylene oxide reactor is contacted with lean absorbent in an alkylene oxide absorber in the presence of one or more catalysts that promote carboxylation. The lean absorbent comprises at least 50 wt % alkylene carbonate and less than 10 wt % water and is supplied to the alkylene oxide absorber at a temperature greater than 60° C. Alkylene oxide reacts with carbon dioxide in the absorber, forming alkylene carbonate, and fat absorbent comprising alkylene carbonate is withdrawn from the absorber. A portion of the fat absorbent is supplied to one or more hydrolysis reactors, wherein alkylene carbonate reacts with water in the presence of one or more hydrolysis catalysts. The product stream from the hydrolysis reactor is dehydrated and purified.

Abstract: Methods and catalysts for producing alcohols, ethers, and/or alkenes from alkanes are provided. More particularly, novel caged, or encapsulated, metal oxide catalysts and processes utilizing such catalysts to convert alkanes to alcohols and/or ethers and to convert alcohols and/or ethers to alkenes are provided.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and processes for selectively converting hydrocarbons such as methane to materials such as alcohols or other materials containing more reactive functionalities.

Abstract: Systems and processes for producing one or more products from syngas are provided. A feedstock can be gasified in the presence of an oxidant to provide a syngas comprising carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen. At least a portion of the syngas can be combusted to provide an exhaust gas. At least a portion of the exhaust gas can be introduced to a channel having one or more reaction zones at least partially disposed therein, wherein the one or more reaction zones are in indirect heat exchange with the exhaust gas, wherein the one or more reaction zones comprises one or more catalyst-containing tubes. A reactant can be reacted in at least one of the one or more reaction zones to provide one or more reactor products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to selective partial oxidation of methane in the absence of a solvent such as sulfuric acid or oleum.

Abstract: A process for the oxidation of hydrocarbons comprises contacting the hydrocarbon with an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a catalyst comprising a microporous solid support, preferably a zeolite, having from 8- to 12-ring open windows and comprising non-framework metal cations selected from manganese, iron, cobalt, vanadium, chromium, copper, nickel, and ruthenium, and mixtures thereof, providing that the oxygen-containing gas does not contain significant amounts of added hydrogen. The catalyst is novel and forms part of the invention. The process may be used for oxidation of alkanes, cycloalkanes, benzene and alkylbenzenes, and is suitable for use in regioselective terminal oxidation of straight chain alkanes and for selective oxidation/separation of p-dialkylbenzenes from an alkylbenzene mixture, for example, p-xylene from an isomeric mixture of xylenes.

Abstract: Improvements in previously disclosed methods of and apparatuses for converting alkanes, alkenes, and aromatics to olefins, alcohols, ethers, and aldehydes includes: safety improvements, use of alternative feedstocks, process simplification, improvements to the halogenation step, improvements to the reproportionation step, improvements to the solid oxide reaction, improvements to solid oxide regeneration, improvements in separations, maintenance, start-up, shut-down, and materials of construction.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for converting methane to methanol, comprising: feeding methane and gaseous air or oxygen or gaseous air enriched with oxygen to a reactor under an elevated pressure; said reactor having an internal surface, made of silica or coated with silica, surrounding a zone in which said gases react; and reacting said gases in said reaction zone at an elevated temperature at conditions effective to produce methanol and for valuable oxygenates. Advantageously the internal surface is made of quartz or coated with quartz Advantageously the internal surface, made of silica (advantageously quartz) or coated with silica (advantageously quartz), is treated with HF before the conversion of methane to methanol. Advantageously the reaction is carried out in the absence in said reaction zone of any added material which measurably affects the rate of the reaction or the yield of the product. Advantageously the reactor is operated under a pressure from 1 to 7.5 MPa.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for rendering coal as an environmentally essentially carbon dioxide-neutral fuel. Carbon dioxide produced from coal combustion is captured, purified, combined with coalbed methane or any other natural methane or natural gas source, or with hydrogen, and reacted under reaction conditions sufficient to form methanol and/or dimethyl ether, which can be used as fuel or feedstock for derived synthetic hydrocarbons and products.

Abstract: A layered composition which can be used in various processes has been developed. The composition comprises an inner core such as a cordierite core and an outer layer comprising a refractory inorganic oxide, a fibrous component and an inorganic binder. The refractory inorganic oxide layer can be alumina, zirconia, titania, etc. while the fibrous component can be titania fibers, silica fibers, carbon fibers, etc. The inorganic oxide binder can be alumina, silica, zirconia, etc. The layer can also contain catalytic metals such as gold and platinum plus other modifiers. The layered composition is prepared by coating the inner core with a slurry comprising the refractory inorganic oxide, fibrous component, an inorganic binder precursor and an organic binding agent such as polyvinyl alcohol. The composition can be used in various hydrocarbon conversion processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing methanol from a methane source by oxidizing methane under conditions sufficient to a mixture of methanol and formaldehyde while minimizing the formation of formic acid and carbon dioxide. The oxidation step is followed by treatment step in which formaldehyde is converted into methanol and formic acid which itself can further be converted into methanol via catalytic hydrogenation of intermediately formed methyl formate.

Abstract: A method for preparing linear long chain fatty alcohols having 20 to 40 carbon atoms by a growth reaction of ethylene on aluminum compounds.