Plural Serial Diverse Syntheses Patents (Class 585/310)
  • Publication number: 20130184505
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a hydrocarbon product from coal and/or biomass comprising the following steps: converting the coal to a coal-oil and/or converting the biomass to bio-oil, optionally processing the coal-oil and/or bio-oil in a hydroprocessing reaction to remove one or more of oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur from hydrocarbon compounds in the coal-oil and/or bio-oil; and using at least a portion of the coal-oil and/or bio-oil as a feedstock in a cracking reaction to convert hydrocarbon compounds in the feedstock into a mixture of smaller hydrocarbon compounds comprising the hydrocarbon product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: IGNITE ENERGY RESOURCES LIMITED
    Inventor: Lynn Christine Maxwell
  • Publication number: 20130178675
    Abstract: A method is provided for vaporizing a liquid elemental halogen. A heating gas is preheated in the absence of halogen to a preheat temperature which results in a preheated heating gas. The preheated heating gas is directly contacted with a feed of a liquid elemental halogen and heats the feed to a vaporizing temperature sufficient to vaporize at least a portion of the feed to a quantity of an elemental halogen vapor. A gas mixture results which includes the heating gas and the quantity of the elemental halogen vapor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: MARATHON GTF TECHNOLOGY, LTD.
    Inventor: MARATHON GTF TECHNOLOGY, LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130172643
    Abstract: A two stage Fluid Catalytic Cracking process and an apparatus for simultaneous production of light olefins such as ethylene and propylene and middle distillate range hydrocarbons, wherein a first flow reactor, preferably a downer and a second flow reactor, preferably a riser are operating at varying reaction severities using different catalyst systems with the regenerated catalyst entering the reactors inlet through independent regenerators. Mild cracking of the fresh feedstock is carried out in the first flow reactor of short residence time and the effluent of first flow reactor is separated in an intermediate separator/fractionator followed by re-cracking of the C4 hydrocarbons and naphtha range hydrocarbons, preferably C5-150° C. from the second product separation section and unconverted hydrocarbons (370° C.+) of first flow reactor, in the second flow reactor at higher severity employing different catalyst system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: INDIAN OIL CORPORATION LTD.
    Inventors: P.R. Pradeep, S. Mukthiyar, G. Saidulu, Debasis Bhattacharyya, V.K. Satheesh
  • Patent number: 8475745
    Abstract: An apparatus and process is disclosed for hydroprocessing hydrocarbon feed in a hydroprocessing unit and hydrotreating a second hydrocarbon. The hydrotreating effluent is mixed with hydroprocessing effluent and together fractionated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Andrew P. Wieber
  • Publication number: 20130165717
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods and processes for increasing the production of FCC (Fluid Catalytic Cracking) gasoline products, and optionally distillate products, from refinery feedstocks. In particular, the processes include hydrotreating and further hydroisomerizing a typical FCC range feedstream prior to catalytically cracking the feedstream in the FCC unit. The methods herein result in higher FCC naphtha yields and lower FCC cat bottoms yields thereby significantly increasing the overall FCC gasoline production for a given operating unit and increasing the profit margin of such FCC unit operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventor: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
  • Publication number: 20130165709
    Abstract: A method of producing a hydrocarbon fuel from a hydrocarbon-containing gas is disclosed and described. A hydrocarbon-containing gas is produced (10) containing from about 25% to about 50% carbon dioxide and can be reformed (12) with a steam gas to form a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The reforming can be a composite dry-wet reforming or a tri-reforming step. The mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide can be at least partially converted (14) to a methanol product. The methanol product can be converted to the hydrocarbon fuel (18), optionally via UME synthesis (16). The method allows for effective fuel production with low catalyst fouling rates and for operation in an unmanned, self-contained unit at the source of the hydrocarbon-producing gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Oberon Fuels, Inc.
    Inventor: Oberon Fuels, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8470251
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for converting heavy hydrocarbon feed into lighter hydrocarbon products. The heavy hydrocarbon feed is slurried with a particulate solid material to form a heavy hydrocarbon slurry and hydrocracked in a slurry hydrocracking unit to produce vacuum gas oil (VGO) and pitch. A first vacuum column separates VGO from pitch, and a second vacuum column further separates VGO from pitch. As much as 15 wt-% of VGO can be recovered by the second vacuum column and recycled to the slurry hydrocracking unit. A pitch composition is obtained which can be made into particles and transported without sticking together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: James F. McGehee, David N. Myers, Mark Van Wees, Paul R. Zimmerman, Ruth Buskus Kleinworth
  • Publication number: 20130157840
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a molecular sieve composition having a first and second crystalline molecular sieve, made by the method comprising: (a) providing a reaction mixture comprising at least one source of ions of tetravalent element Y, at least one source of alkali metal hydroxide, water, optionally at least one seed crystal, and optionally at least one source of ions of trivalent element X, the reaction mixture having the following molar composition: Y:X2=2 to infinity, preferably from about 2 to about 1000, OH?:Y=0.001 to 2, preferably from 0.1 to 1, M+:Y=0.001 to 2, preferably from 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Wenyih Frank Lai, Robert Ellis Kay
  • Publication number: 20130152454
    Abstract: Methods for deoxygenating a biomass-derived pyrolysis oil are provided. In an embodiment, a method for deoxygenating a biomass-derived pyrolysis oil comprises the steps of combining a biomass-derived pyrolysis oil stream with a heated low-oxygen-pyoil diluent recycle stream to form a heated diluted pyoil feed stream. The heated diluted pyoil feed stream has a feed temperature of about 150° C. or greater. The heated diluted pyoil feed stream is contacted with a first deoxygenating catalyst in the presence of hydrogen at first hydroprocessing conditions effective to form a low-oxygen biomass-derived pyrolysis oil effluent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Lance Awender Baird, Timothy A. Brandvold, Francis Stephen Lupton
  • Publication number: 20130156681
    Abstract: Processes and systems that include use of a packed wet oxidation reactor for oxidizing aqueous metal bromide salts in a bromine-based process for converting lower molecular weight alkanes to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons. A stream comprising a dissolved metal bromide salt may be oxidized in a wet oxidation reactor comprising a packed section to produce at least a partially oxidized liquid stream comprising oxidized products of the metal bromide salt and a gaseous bromine stream comprising elemental bromine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: MARATHON GTF TECHNOLOGY, LTD.
    Inventor: Marathon GTF Technology, Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130150641
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon conversion process comprises contacting a renewable feedstock under hydroprocessing conditions with supported catalyst comprising at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Group VIII metals, Group VIB metals to form oleochemicals such as fatty alcohols, esters, and normal paraffins. Advantageously, the reaction conditions can be selected to directly convert the renewable feedstock to the desired product(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Cong-Yan Chen
  • Publication number: 20130150637
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for hydroconversion of a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock comprising: a preparation step of at least one catalyst in one or more preparation reactor upstream from a reaction section, wherein (i) at least one preparation reactor feeds one or more reactor of the reaction section, or (ii) preparation reactors are dedicated for catalysts fed to at least a hydroconversion reactor or at least a hydrotreatment reactor of the reaction section; a separation step of solids contained in the liquid effluents issued from the reaction section, a treatment step of residues issued from separation section, comprising a partial oxidation step wherein said residues are partially oxidized to produce carbon monoxide, hydrogen an a metal containing residue. Such process permits improving of products quality, operation of the separation section, recovering of catalytic metals contained in the feed and supplying hydrogen to the reaction section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: TOTAL RAFFINAGE MARKETING
    Inventors: Didier Borremans, Maxime Lacroix, Katell Le Lannic-Dromard, Marie Ropars, Gloria Vendrell
  • Publication number: 20130150638
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a new type of high-quality hydrocarbon base oil of biological origin. The process of the invention comprises ketonisation, hydrodeoxygenation, and isomerization steps. Fatty acids and/or fatty acid esters based on a biological raw material are preferably used as the feedstock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: NESTE OIL OYJ
    Inventor: NESTE OIL OYJ
  • Publication number: 20130140214
    Abstract: Provided is a process for the supercritical upgrading of petroleum feedstock, wherein the process includes the use of a start-up agent, wherein the use of the start-up agent facilitates mixing of the petroleum feedstock and water, thereby reducing or eliminating the production of coke, coke precursor, and sludge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Ki-Hyouk Choi
  • Publication number: 20130144098
    Abstract: A single pass direct conversion of biomass derived oxygenates to longer chain hydrocarbons is described. The longer chain hydrocarbons include higher naphthene content which is quite useful in the distillate range fuels or more particularly, the jet and diesel range fuels. Naphthenes help the biomass derived hydrocarbons meet product specifications for jet and diesel while really helping cold flow properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: Sourabh S. Pansare, Brian C. Dunn, Edgar Lotero, Alexandru Platon, Leendert Arie Gerritsen, Stephen Marshall, Kristi A. Fjare, Ronald E. Brown
  • Publication number: 20130137154
    Abstract: Methods and systems for developing and bio-refining or processing biomass feedstocks into a spectrum of bio-based products which can be used as a substitute for fossil oil derivatives in various types of product manufacturing processes and/or the production of bio-energy are disclosed. In addition, methods and systems for identifying, measuring and controlling key parameters in relation to specific biomass developing processes and bio-refining processes so as to maximize the efficiency and efficacy of such processes while standardizing the underlying parameters to facilitate and enhance large-scale production of bio-based products and/or bio-energy are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: ORIGINOIL, INC.
    Inventor: ORIGINOIL, INC.
  • Patent number: 8450543
    Abstract: Isobutene, isoprene, and butadiene are obtained from mixtures of C4 and/or C5 olefins by dehydrogenation. The C4 and/or C5 olefins can be obtained by dehydration of C4 and C5 alcohols, for example, renewable C4 and C5 alcohols prepared from biomass by thermochemical or fermentation processes. Isoprene or butadiene can be polymerized to form polymers such as polyisoprene, polybutadiene, synthetic rubbers such as butyl rubber, etc. in addition, butadiene can be converted to monomers such as methyl methacrylate, adipic acid, adiponitrile, 1,4-butadiene, etc. which can then be polymerized to form nylons, polyesters, polymethylmethacrylate etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Gevo, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Peters, Joshua D. Taylor, David E. Henton, Leo E. Manzer, Patrick R. Gruber, Josefa M. Griffith, Yassin Al Obaidi
  • Patent number: 8449849
    Abstract: A method comprising providing a halogen stream; providing a first alkane stream; reacting at least a portion of the halogen stream with at least a portion of the first alkane stream to form a halogenated stream, wherein the halogenated stream comprises alkyl monohalides, alkyl polyhalides, and a hydrogen halide; providing a second alkane stream; and reacting at least a portion of the second alkane stream with at least a portion of the alkyl polyhalides to create at least some additional alkyl monohalides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: GRT, Inc.
    Inventors: Sagar B. Gadewar, Michael D. Wyrsta, Philip Grosso, Aihua Zhang, Eric W. McFarland, Zachary J. A. Komon, Jeffrey H. Sherman
  • Publication number: 20130129775
    Abstract: Disclosed here are compositions rich in omega-7 fatty acids, including palmitoleic acid, and products rich in omega-7 fatty acids derived from algal biomass. The algae and/or compositions rich in omega-7 fatty acids may be used in products or as ingredients of products. Methods and systems for increasing the production or concentration of omega-7 fatty acids, and isolating omega-7 fatty acids from algal biomass are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: HELIAE DEVELOPMENT, LLC
    Inventor: Heliae Development, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130123556
    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: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: SHELL OIL COMPANY
  • Patent number: 8440875
    Abstract: A method of making a diesel fuel from a renewable feedstock is described. Ammonia or an amine compound is used to neutralize the organic acids in the renewable feedstock. The ammonia or amine compound is removed from the product mixture before the isomerization zone so that it does not affect the isomerization catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Donald A. Eizenga
  • Patent number: 8436220
    Abstract: Process and systems for converting lower molecular weight alkanes to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons that include demethanization of brominated hydrocarbons, wherein the brominated hydrocarbons are formed by reaction of the lower molecular weight alkanes with bromine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Marathon GTF Technology, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sabah A. Kurukchi, Yijun Liu, Anand Moodley
  • Publication number: 20130102818
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for the direct conversion of lipidic biomass fuelstock to combustible fuels. In particular, the invention provides a process for the direct conversion of animal fats to transportations fuels suitable as replacement for petroleum-derived transportation fuels. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of hydrolyzing a lipidic biomass to form free fatty acids, catalytically deoxygenating the free fatty acids to form n-alkanes, and reforming at least a portion of the n-alkanes into a mixture of compounds in the correct chain length, conformations, and ratio to be useful transportation fuels. Particularly, the product prepared according to the invention comprises mixtures of hydrocarbon compounds selected from the group consisting of n-alkanes, isoalkanes, aromatics, cycloalkanes, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: North Carolina State University
    Inventor: North Carolina State University
  • Patent number: 8426665
    Abstract: When producing hydrocarbons from fatty acid esters contained in fats or fat oils, the fatty acid esters initially are split up by hydrolytic decomposition into a first stream containing crude alcohol and water and a second stream containing free fatty acids, and subsequently the free fatty acids of the second stream are hydrogenated with hydrogen to obtain saturated hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Lurgi GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Palauschek, Peter Trabold, Helmut Heurich, Manfred Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20130096355
    Abstract: The invention involves an integrated process for converting a C1-C4 alcohol to gasoline and/or diesel boiling tinge product, said process comprising: contacting a C1-C4 alcohol feed under selectively dehydrating conditions with a catalyst comprising ?-alumina which is substantially free of terminal hydroxyl groups on tetrahedrally coordinated aluminum sites of the catalyst to form a dialkylether dehydration product; and contacting the dialkylether dehydration product with a zeolite conversion catalyst under conversion conditions to form the gasoline and/or diesel boiling range hydrocarbon product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: STEPHEN J. McCARTHY, TILMAN W. BEUTEL
  • Publication number: 20130090504
    Abstract: A method is provided for converting gaseous lower molecular weight alkanes contained in a feed gas to liquid higher molecular weight hydrocarbons. One or more lower molecular weight alkanes contained in the feed gas, which are heavier than methane, are converted to methane in a pre-former reactor. The resulting methane-enriched gas has a methane fraction greater than the methane fraction of the feed gas. The methane-enriched gas and bromine are reacted to form alkyl bromide and the alkyl bromide is reacted in the presence of a catalyst to form the liquid higher molecular weight hydrocarbons and a residual gas. The liquid higher molecular weight hydrocarbons are recovered as product and the residual gas is fed to the pre-former reactor with the feed gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: John C. Roscoe, John J. Waycuilis
  • Publication number: 20130090505
    Abstract: A process is described for treating a natural gas stream containing methane and one or more higher hydrocarbons including the steps of: (i) mixing at least a portion of the natural gas stream with steam, (ii) passing the mixture adiabatically over a supported precious metal reforming catalyst to generate a reformed gas mixture comprising methane, steam, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen, (iii) cooling the reformed gas mixture to below the dew point to condense water and removing the condensate to provide a de-watered reformed gas mixture, and (iv) passing the de-watered reformed gas mixture through an acid gas recovery unit to remove carbon dioxide and at least a portion of the hydrogen and carbon monoxide, thereby generating a methane stream. The methane stream may be used to adjust the composition of a natural gas stream, including a vapourised LNG stream, to meet pipeline specifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: JOHNSON MATTHEY PLC
    Inventor: Stephen John Catchpole
  • Patent number: 8415517
    Abstract: A method comprising: providing a first halogen stream; providing a first alkane stream; reacting at least a portion of the first halogen stream with at least a portion of the first alkane stream in a first reaction vessel to form a first halogenated stream; providing a second alkane stream comprising C2 and higher hydrocarbons; providing a second halogen stream; and reacting at least a portion of the second halogen stream with at least a portion of the second alkane stream in a second reaction vessel to form a second halogenated stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: GRT, Inc.
    Inventors: Sagar Gadewar, Michael Wyrsta, Philip Grosso, Aihua Zhang, Eric W. McFarland, Zachary J. A. Komon, Jeffrey H. Sherman, Peter Stoimenov, Hongfei Lin, Shawn Huff, Shouli Sun
  • Publication number: 20130079566
    Abstract: A process for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to hydrocarbons is provided. The biomass is subjected to aqueous phase partial oxidation (APPO) in the presence of a heterogeneous oxidation catalyst to selectively provide one or more carboxylic acids in good yields. The carboxylic acids are further upgraded to hydrocarbons in the presence of one or more catalysts, which are capable of catalyzing a ketonization reaction, an aldol condensation reaction, a hydrodeoxygenation reaction, or combinations thereof, and then separating out the hydrocarbons from the one or more catalysts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicants: Nevada,
    Inventor: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada, Reno
  • Publication number: 20130079571
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a hydrocarbon conversion method. Generally, the method includes providing a hydrocarbon stream having one or more C10-C14 hydrocarbons to a hydroprocessing zone and a donor solvent stream at least partially obtained from the hydroprocessing zone to a slurry hydrocracking zone. The hydroprocessing zone may have a vessel containing an internal riser. Usually, a hydroprocessing catalyst circulates within the vessel by at least partially rising within the internal riser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: UOP, LLC.
    Inventor: Laurence O. Stine
  • Publication number: 20130079572
    Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein can provide a process for converting a hydrocarbon feed. The process may include hydrocracking the hydrocarbon feed slurried with a particulate catalyst in a presence of hydrogen in a hydrocracking reaction zone to produce a hydrocracked stream, separating at least a portion of the hydrocracked stream, and passing the at least the portion of the hydrocracked stream through a thermal cracking heating zone at conditions effective for thermally cracking the at least the portion of the hydrocracked stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: UOP, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Haizmann
  • Patent number: 8394258
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a new type of high-quality hydrocarbon base oil of biological origin. The process of the invention comprises ketonization, hydrodeoxygenation, and isomerization steps. Fatty acids and/or fatty acid esters based on a biological raw material are preferably used as the feedstock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Neste Oil Oyj
    Inventors: Eija Koivusalmi, Johan-Fredrik Selin, Juha Moilanen
  • Publication number: 20130055626
    Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid fuel composition comprising a distillation fraction of a component having at least one C4+ compound derived from a water-soluble oxygenated hydrocarbon prepared by a method comprising: providing water and a water-soluble oxygenated hydrocarbon comprising a C1+O1+ hydrocarbon in an aqueous liquid phase and/or a vapor phase; providing H2; catalytically reacting in the liquid and/or vapor phase the oxygenated hydrocarbon with the H2 in the presence of a deoxygenation catalyst at a deoxygenation temperature and deoxygenation pressure to produce an oxygenate comprising a C1+O1-3 hydrocarbon in a reaction stream; and catalytically reacting in the liquid and/or vapor phase the oxygenate in the presence of a condensation catalyst at a condensation temperature and condensation pressure to produce the C4+ compound, wherein the C4+ compound comprises a member selected from the group consisting of C4+ alcohol, C4+ ketone, C4+ alkane, C4+ alkene, C5+ cycloalkane, C5+ cycloalkene,
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicants: VIRENT, INC., SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Joanna Margaret BAULDREAY, Paul George BLOMMEL, Randy Douglas CORTRIGHT, Richard John PRICE
  • Publication number: 20130060071
    Abstract: Process for the conversion of lignin to liquid hydro-carbons comprising: subjecting the lignin to hydrogenolysis in the presence of at least one hydrogenolysis catalyst, at a temperature ranging from 250° C. to 350° C., preferably ranging from 290° C. to 320 ° C., so as to obtain depolymerized lignin; subjecting said depolymerized lignin to hydrotreating so as to obtain a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons. Said liquid hydrocarbons can be used as such (biofuels) for the production of reformulated gasolines, or they can be used for the production of gasolines or of gas oils through conventional refining processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: ENI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Daniele Delledonne, Roberto Buzzoni, Daniele Bianchi
  • Publication number: 20130060070
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for producing fluid hydrocarbon products, and more specifically, to methods for producing fluid hydrocarbon product via catalytic pyrolysis. The reactants comprise solid hydrocarbonaceous materials, and hydrogen or a source of hydrogen (e.g., an alcohol). The products may include specific aromatic compounds (e.g., benzene, toluene, naphthalene, xylene, etc.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
    Inventors: George W. Huber, Huiyan Zhang, Torren Carlson
  • Patent number: 8373012
    Abstract: The present invention in its various embodiments is directed to methods for preparing a renewable jet fuel blendstock, and blendstocks prepared by such methods, comprising fermenting a biomass-derived feedstock to form one or more C2-C6 alcohols such as isobutanol, catalytically dehydrate and oligomerize the alcohols to form higher molecular weight olefins (e.g., C8-C16 olefins), hydrogenating at least a portion of the higher molecular weight olefins to form a renewable jet fuel blendstock comprising C12 and C16 alkanes which meet or exceed the requirements of ASTM D7566-10a for hydroprocessed synthesized paraffinic kerosene (SPK).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Gevo, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Peters, Joshua D. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8367886
    Abstract: Process for producing alkene(s) from a feedstock containing at least one monohydric aliphatic paraffinic alcohol having from 2 to 5 carbon atoms. The process is carried out by 1 converting the monohydric aliphatic paraffinic alcohol(s) containing 2 to 5 carbon atoms in a reactive distillation column at elevated pressure and temperature into a heads stream having the corresponding same carbon number alkene(s) and ether(s), 2 separating the heads stream from step 1 into an ether(s) enriched stream and an alkene(s) enriched stream, 3 recycling at least part of the ether(s) enriched stream from step 2 as a reflux return to the reactive distillation column, 4 simultaneously separating the alkene(s) enriched stream from step 2 into alkene(s) and ether(s), and 5 recycling at least part of the separated ether(s) from step 4 into the reactive distillation column. An alkene(s) stream from step 4 is then recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: BP Chemicals Limited
    Inventors: Benjamin Patrick Gracey, Leslie William Bolton
  • Patent number: 8367883
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing naphtha, wherein, in hydrogenation of a naphtha fraction which is fractionated from synthetic oil (FT synthetic oil) obtained by Fisher-Tropsch synthesis, the hydrogenised component is recycled and the recycled amount thereof is adjusted to reduce a olefin content in a hydro-refining apparatus whereby heat generation is suppressed and unstable operation of the hydro-refining apparatus can be stabilized. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing naphtha, wherein a cut point for fractionating a naphtha fraction from FT synthetic oil is adjusted to reduce the amount of olefin in a hydro-refining apparatus whereby unstable operation of the hydro-refining apparatus can be stabilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignees: Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Inpex Corporation, Nippon Oil Corporation, Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd., Cosmo Oil Co., Ltd., Nippon Steel Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8367884
    Abstract: Processes and systems for synthesizing hydrocarbon products, such as high molecular weight hydrocarbons, olefins or mixtures thereof, from alkyl bromides wherein one or more streams of alkyl bromides may be reacted in sequential or concurrent stages at different temperatures. The catalyst used in the synthesis stages may be the same or different and at least in one instance is chosen to form hydrocarbon products having a significant C6+ paraffin content. The stages may be conducted in one or more reactors and the catalyst may be deployed in fixed beds or fluidized beds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Marathon GTF Technology, Ltd.
    Inventor: John J Waycuilis
  • Publication number: 20130025192
    Abstract: A solar thermochemical processing system is disclosed. The system includes a first unit operation for receiving concentrated solar energy. Heat from the solar energy is used to drive the first unit operation. The first unit operation also receives a first set of reactants and produces a first set of products. A second unit operation receives the first set of products from the first unit operation and produces a second set of products. A third unit operation receives heat from the second unit operation to produce a portion of the first set of reactants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Robert S. Wegeng, Paul H. Humble, Shankar Krishnan, Steven D. Leith, Daniel R. Palo
  • Publication number: 20130023706
    Abstract: This invention relates to compositions comprising fluid hydrocarbon products, and to methods for making fluid hydrocarbon products via catalytic pyrolysis. Some embodiments relate to methods for the production of specific aromatic products (e.g., benzene, toluene, naphthalene, xylene, etc.) via catalytic pyrolysis. Some such methods involve the use of a composition comprising a mixture of a solid hydrocarbonaceous material and a heterogeneous pyrolytic catalyst component. The methods described herein may also involve the use of specialized catalysts. For example, in some cases, zeolite catalysts may be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: George W. Huber, Yu-Ting Cheng, Torren Carlson, Tushar Vispute, Jungho Jae, Geoff Tompsett
  • Publication number: 20130023707
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for producing hydrocarbons from biomass. The method is particularly useful for producing substitute natural gas from forestry residues. Certain disclosed embodiments convert a biomass feedstock into a product hydrocarbon by fast pyrolysis. The resulting pyrolysis gas is converted to the product hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide in the presence of hydrogen and steam while simultaneously generating the required hydrogen by reaction with steam under prescribed conditions for self-sufficiency of hydrogen. Methane is a preferred hydrocarbon product. A system also is disclosed for cycling the catalyst between steam reforming, methanation and regeneration zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Bowie G. Keefer, Matthew L. Babicki, Brian G. Sellars, Edson Ng
  • Publication number: 20130018213
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods for making renewable diesel by deoxygenating (decarboxylating/decarbonylating/dehydrating) fatty acids to produce hydrocarbons are disclosed. Fatty acids are exposed to a catalyst selected from a) Pt and MO3 on ZrO2 (M is W, Mo, or a combination thereof), or b) Pt/Ge or Pt/Sn on carbon, and the catalyst decarboxylates at least 10% of the fatty acids. In particular embodiments, the catalyst consists essentially of 0.7 wt % Pt and 12 wt % WO3, relative to a mass of catalyst, or the catalyst consists essentially of a) 5 wt % Pt and b) 0.5 wt % Ge or 0.5 wt % Sn, relative to a mass of catalyst. Deoxygenation is performed without added hydrogen and at less than 100 psi. Disclosed embodiments of the catalysts deoxygenate at least 10% of fatty acids in a fatty acid feed, and remain capable of deoxygenating fatty acids for at least 200 minutes to more than 350 hours.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Richard T. Hallen, Karl O. Albrecht, Heather M. Brown, James F. White
  • Patent number: 8350103
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to processes for the direct conversion of lipidic biomass fuelstock to combustible fuels. In particular, the disclosure provides a process for the direct conversion of animal fats to transportations fuels suitable as replacement for petroleum-derived transportation fuels. In an example, the method comprises the steps of hydrolyzing a lipidic biomass to form free fatty acids, catalytically deoxygenating the free fatty acids to form n-alkanes, and reforming at least a portion of the n-alkanes into a mixture of compounds in the correct chain length, conformations, and ratio to be useful transportation fuels. Particularly, the product prepared comprises mixtures of hydrocarbon compounds selected from the group consisting of n-alkanes, isoalkanes, aromatics, cycloalkanes, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: William L. Roberts, IV, H. Henry Lamb, Larry F. Stikeleather, Timothy L. Turner
  • Publication number: 20120323053
    Abstract: The present invention provides processes for deconstructing and purifying biomass using water. The method includes the steps of loading a reactor with biomass and water, establishing and maintaining a deconstruction temperature and pressure for a deconstruction period, flushing the reactor with water, and repeating these steps to produce a solid phase and a biomass hydrolysate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: VIRENT, INC.
    Inventors: Ming Qiao, Elizabeth Woods, Paul Myren, Randy Cortright
  • Patent number: 8333949
    Abstract: In a method for producing high carbon content products from biomass, a biomass oil is added to a cracking reactor vessel. The biomass oil is heated to a temperature ranging from about 100° C. to about 800° C. at a pressure ranging from about vacuum conditions to about 20,700 kPa for a time sufficient to crack the biomass oil. Tar is separated from the cracked biomass oil. The tar is heated to a temperature ranging from about 200° C. to about 1500° C. at a pressure ranging from about vacuum conditions to about 20,700 kPa for a time sufficient to reduce the tar to a high carbon content product containing at least about 50% carbon by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: University of North Dakota
    Inventors: Reginald Parker, Wayne Seames
  • Patent number: 8329969
    Abstract: A process for the conversion of biomass derived pyrolysis oil to liquid fuel components is presented. The process includes the production of diesel, aviation, and naphtha boiling point range fuels or fuel blending components by two-stage deoxygenation of the pyrolysis oil and separation of the products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. McCall, Timothy A. Brandvold, Douglas C. Elliott
  • Patent number: 8318112
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and process for producing liquid hydrocarbons from a calcium carbonate feed-stock involving (i) liberation of a carbon dioxide gas from the heated calcium carbonate feedstock; (ii) filtering impurities from the extracted carbon dioxide of step (i); (iii) reacting the extracted carbon dioxide obtained in step (i) with a dihydrogen gas to form a methanol feedstock; (iv) isolating the cooled methanol feedstock formed in step (iii); (v) catalytically converting at least part of the methanol feedstock obtained in step (iii) at elevated temperature and pressure into aliphatic and aromatic liquid hydrocarbons; and (vi) isolating the decompressed liquid hydrocarbon product obtained in step (v).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Hydrocarbons Unlimited, LLC
    Inventors: William C. McKee, Kenneth R. Boyd, Steven J. Berger
  • Publication number: 20120283496
    Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Heliae Development, LLC
    Inventor: Aniket Kale
  • Publication number: 20120264987
    Abstract: A crystalline molecular sieve of MFS framework type manufactured by the method disclosed herein. A hydrocarbon conversion process using the crystalline molecular sieve is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Machteld M. Mertens, An Verberckmoes, Ivy D. Johnson