Patents Represented by Attorney Dean A. Sandford
  • Patent number: 4626417
    Abstract: Methods are provided for chemically reducing one or more oxides of nitrogen by contacting the nitrogen oxides with a composition containing a urea-sulfuric acid component having a urea-sulfuric acid molar ratio below 2. The urea-sulfuric acid component can be either solid or molten, or it can be dissolved in a suitable solvent. Particularly preferred compositions are those which have relatively low water concentrations and which are characterized by H.sub.2 O/(urea+H.sub.2 SO.sub.4) molar ratios below about 2.5.These methods can be employed to prevent or reduce the emission of nitrogen oxides from liquid systems and to convert nitrogen oxides contained in vapor streams to non-toxic materials, e.g. elemental nitrogen and water. Solutions of the urea-sulfuric acid components which are employed to remove nitrogen oxides from vapor streams may also contain surfactants which facilitate gas-liquid contacting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventor: Donald C. Young
  • Patent number: 4623636
    Abstract: A process for producing a thermally shock calcined crystalline silica comprising (A) precalcining a crystalline silica at a relatively low temperature, (B) very rapidly increasing the temperature of the crystalline silica to a relatively high temperature for a short period of time, and (C) rapidly cooling the crystalline silica. The resulting crystalline silica is catalytically active for hydrocarbon conversion reactions and is particularly selective for the production of para-xylene from a reaction mix of toluene and a methylating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventor: Dean A. Young
  • Patent number: 4623474
    Abstract: Lubricating compositions containing an oxidation inhibitor, copper and lead corrosion inhibitors and boron and/or metal-boron derivatives having extreme pressure, anti-wear and friction reducing properties are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: Richard A. Holstedt, Peter Jessup
  • Patent number: 4623633
    Abstract: A process for producing a thermally shock calcined aluminosilicate zeolite comprising (A) precalcining an aluminosilicate zeolite at a relatively low temperature, (B) very rapidly increasing the temperature of the aluminosilicate zeolite to a relatively high temperature for a short period of time, and (C) rapidly cooling the aluminosilicate zeolite. The resulting zeolite is catalytically active for hydrocarbon conversion reactions and is particularly selective for the production of para-xylene from a reaction mix of toluene and a methylating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventor: Dean A. Young
  • Patent number: 4619702
    Abstract: Rare earth elements, added to the raw materials mixture fed to a cement kiln, produce cement compositions having increased early compressive strengths. Preparation of such cements requires less grinding of clinkers to achieve equivalent early strengths than similar compositions without the rare earth elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1986
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventor: Ellis M. Gartner
  • Patent number: 4618738
    Abstract: Catalytically active amorphous silicas are prepared by dehydrating a silica hydrogel or precipitate prepared from an acidified aqueous silicate solution containing an amine of pK.sub.a above 10 or a cation containing either a nitrogen or phosphorus atom bonded to four carbon atoms. The resultant amorphous silica is catalytically active for, among other chemical reactions, the isomerization of orthoxylene and the cracking of hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1986
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: Dean A. Young, Jeffery W. Koepke
  • Patent number: 4617467
    Abstract: This invention provides an illuminator adapted to be coupled to a microscope to provide radiation in the ultraviolet region which comprises: (a) a housing having an internal passage way, in optical communication with two windows defined by said housing, said housing being adapted to couple to a microscope body with said windows aligned with the optical axis of the microscope, (b) a mirror located within and extending substantially completely across said internal passageway and adapted to reflect ultraviolet radiation at a first wavelength and transmit radiation at a longer wavelength than said first wavelength, said mirror being centered about said optical axis of the microscope at an angle of about forty-five degrees, (c) a fiber optic cable having a first end coupled with said housing and a second end adapted to receive ultraviolet radiation, said fiber optic cable adapted to introduce ultraviolet radiation into said internal passageway for downward deflection by said mirror along said optical axis of the m
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: Joseph T. Senftle, Stephen R. Larter
  • Patent number: 4616133
    Abstract: A method for characterizing a kerogen by analyzing the change with time of the fluorescence spectrum obtained by irradiating said kerogen with ultraviolet radiation is disclosed. In such method, the fluorescent radiation is separated into a spectrum of individual wavelengths and the change in the intensity of radiation at such individual wavelengths, with time, is measured. This invention also provides a system for carrying out the method of this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventor: Joseph T. Senftle
  • Patent number: 4614236
    Abstract: A self-breaking, foamed, oil-in-water emulsion contains a water-immiscible organic solvent for paraffins and asphaltenes, an aqueous nonformation-damaging component, an inert gas, and surface active agents selected to promote a stable foamed emulsion despite contact of the treating fluid with the hydrocarbon and aqueous environment in the reservoir. Under conditions of agitation, the treating fluid is a stable foamed emulsion which undergoes spontaneous breakdown into two liquid phases under quiescent conditions. The treating fluid is injected and/or circulated as a stable foamed emulsion to dissolve paraffin and asphaltene-containing deposits from various substrata, such as a subterranean reservoir penetrated by a well, the well itself, or an industrial vessel or conduit. When injection or circulation is stopped, the foamed emulsion spontaneously breaks down so that the treating fluid can be readily pumped from the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1986
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: David R. Watkins, Edward J. O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 4612880
    Abstract: The control of the octane requirement increase phenomenon in an internal combustion engine is achieved by introducing into an internal combustion engine, having manifold and/or combustion surfaces which inhibit the formation of engine deposits, along with the combustion charge, a fuel composition containing an octane requirement increase-inhibiting amount of (a) an oil-soluble iron compound and (b) carboxylic acids and/or ester derivatives thereof. In particular the esters of a tertiary alcohol and an unsubstituted, mono-carboxylic acid having at least two carbon atoms, e.g., t-butylacetate, in combination with dicyclopentadienyl iron provides an effective octane requirement increase-inhibiting additive for said internal combustion engine. Preferably the manifold and combustion surfaces of said internal combustion engine are coated with a low density alumina or zirconia coating. More preferably said alumina or zirconia coating further comprises a carbon gasification catalyst, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1986
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: Stephen Brass, Michael C. Croudace, Timothy Wusz
  • Patent number: 4612130
    Abstract: This invention provides novel organometallic compositions represented by the general formula: ##STR1## wherein M is selected from the group consisting of members of Groups IIa, IIb, IIIa, IVa and VIIb of the Periodic System of Elements; R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of radicals represented by the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sup.2 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydrocarbyl radicals and heteroatom-substituted hydrocarbyl radicals wherein said heteroatoms are selected from the group consisting of halogen, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen and phosphorus atoms; R.sup.3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl radicals; R is selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbyl radicals and hetero atom-substituted derivatives thereof wherein said heteroatoms are selected from the group consisting of halogen, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen and phosphorus atoms; and v, w, x, y and z are integers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: James F. Landry, Michael C. Croudace, Harry P. On, Jr., Sidney Y. Shen
  • Patent number: 4610973
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon conversion catalyst useful for hydrocracking hydrocarbons to more valuable products comprises one or more hydrogenation components supported on a base containing (1) a crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite having activity for cracking hydrocarbons and (2) a dispersion of silica-alumina in an alumina matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1986
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventor: John W. Ward
  • Patent number: 4610714
    Abstract: An energy efficient, economical method for dissolving urea, and other endothermic materials, e.g. potassium chloride, ammonium nitrate, etc., in water, without the use of fossil fuel-derived heat, which comprises: forming a slurry of such material and water, said slurry including said material as both a dissolved and solid phase; forming droplets of said slurry; and contacting said droplets of said slurry, in direct heat exchange relationship, with a moisture-containing air stream, having a temperature greater than the temperature of said droplets of said slurry, at conditions whereby both heat and moisture are removed from said moisture-containing air to thereby dissolve at least a portion of said solid phase. This process is especially useful for forming aqueous forming urea solutions, useful in agricultural applications and having from 19 to 23 percent, by weight, nitrogen. An apparatus, useful in said method, is also disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1986
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: Bruce Harbolt, Perry L. Murata, Neal C. Burmaster
  • Patent number: 4609696
    Abstract: This invention provides emulsions of rubberized asphalt, which are preferably extended with oil and are especially useful for chip seal, slurry seal and cold mix applications. The novel composition may be prepared by passing an aqueous surfactant-containing solution and a homogeneous gel, comprising rubberized asphalt or oil-extended rubberized asphalt through a colloid mill to provide an emulsion having a small and uniform particle size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventor: Elizabeth Wilkes
  • Patent number: 4608750
    Abstract: A heterojunction photovoltaic device, containing a highly conductive coating material having a band gap greater than 0 to about 3.0 e.V. on a substrate containing a semiconductor material, is utilized in highly efficient photovoltaic cells and radiometric detection cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventor: Jay A. Switzer
  • Patent number: 4604019
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing solids from a solids upflow vessel, preferably an upflow retort, which includes a horizontally reciprocatable carriage containing a vertical feed cylinder that extends downward from a horizontal seal plate. A vertically reciprocatable piston is located inside the feed cylinder. One section of the seal plate contains a hole and a sliding door for opening and closing the hole. During normal operations when the apparatus is used to feed solids from a feed chute to an upflow vessel, the carriage is reciprocated between a first stationary position wherein the feed cylinder is aligned with the outlet of the solids feed chute while at least a portion of the closed hole in the seal plate is aligned with and below the inlet to the upflow vessel, and a second stationary position wherein the feed cylinder is aligned with the inlet to the upflow vessel while another section of the seal plate is aligned with the outlet from the feed chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventor: Roland F. Deering
  • Patent number: 4604373
    Abstract: A catalyst composition composed of a crystalline aluminosilicate Y zeolite, normally having a silica-to-alumina mole ratio of about 6.2 or above, in combination with a porous, inorganic refractory oxide. The Y zeolite contains ion-exchanged rare earth cations and ion-exchanged Group VIII noble metal cations. The combination of the zeolite and the refractory oxide contains between 4.5 weight percent and about 6.0 weight percent water. Such a catalyst containing the recited amount of water has been found to have consistently high activities when used as a catalyst in a hydrocracking process. The Y zeolites used as part of the catalyst are typically prepared by contacting an ammonium-exchanged Y zeolite with an aqueous solution of ammonium fluorosilicate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventor: Danford E. Clark
  • Patent number: 4604187
    Abstract: Y Zeolites are prepared with rare earth cations and Group VIII metal cations exchanged thereinto, such zeolites being especially useful in hydrocracking catalysts. The zeolites of the invention are prepared by exchanging a sodium Y zeolite with cations of one or more rare earth elements followed by a calcination, an ammonium ion exchange, and a Group VIII metal cation exchange. The resultant zeolite is not only highly active for catalytically promoting hydrocracking reactions but is also, after use in hydrocracking environments resulting in coke deposition, essentially completely regenerable by combustion of the coke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventor: John W. Ward
  • Patent number: 4604371
    Abstract: An oxidation catalyst of large surface area for converting C.sub.4 to C.sub.10 hydrocarbons to maleic anhydride comprises the oxides of vanadium, phosphorus and, optionally and preferably, tin, in combination with a microporous crystalline silica or a crystalline zeolite having a silica-to-alumina ratio of at least 6.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventor: Eric L. Moorehead
  • Patent number: 4602919
    Abstract: A fuel composition containing a malonate as an anti-knock additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: Peter J. Jessup, Stephen G. Brass, Michael C. Croudace