Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for conducting reactions in which a reactant contacts a tethered catalyst and/or tethered chiral auxiliary in a microchannel and is converted to product.
Abstract: The present invention provides catalysts, reactors, and methods of steam reforming over a catalyst. Surprisingly superior results and properties obtained in methods and catalysts of the present invention are also described. For example, a coated catalyst was demonstrated to be highly stable under steam reforming conditions (high temperature and high pressure of steam). Methods of making steam reforming catalysts are also described.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 1, 2010
Date of Patent:
October 2, 2012
Assignee:
Velocys Corp.
Inventors:
Junko M. Watson, Francis P. Daly, Yong Wang, Steven T. Perry, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Laura J. Silva, Rachid Taha, Enrique Aceves de Alba, Ya-Huei Chen, Robert Rozmiarek, XiaoHong Li
Abstract: The invention provides methods, apparatus and systems in which there is partial boiling of a liquid in a mini-channel or microchannel. The partial boiling removes heat from an exothermic process.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 3, 2005
Date of Patent:
August 28, 2012
Assignee:
Velocys, Inc.
Inventors:
Anna Lee Tonkovich, David J. Hesse, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Bin Yang, Ravi Arora, Laura J. Silva, G. Bradley Chadwell, Kai Jarosch, Dongming Qiu
Abstract: The invention describes microchannel apparatus and catalysts that contain a layer of a metal aluminide or are made in a process in which a metal aluminide layer is formed as an intermediate. Certain processing conditions have surprisingly been found to result in superior coatings. The invention includes chemical processes conducted through apparatus described in the specification. Other catalysts and catalyst synthesis techniques are also described.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 24, 2011
Date of Patent:
June 26, 2012
Assignee:
Velocys, Inc.
Inventors:
Barry L. Yang, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Junko M. Watson, Francis P. Daly, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Chunshe Cao, Xiaohong Li, Terry Mazanec, Bradley R. Johnson, Ravi Arora, David J. Hesse, Dongming Qiu, Rachid Taha, Jeffrey J. Ramler, Yong Wang, Richard Long, Ya-Huei Chin
Abstract: The present invention provides methods of conducting chemical reactions in a reaction channel that has an varying cross-sectional area such that a chemical reactant or reactants experience varying local contact time as the reactant(s) flow through the channel. The invention also provides reactors having reaction channels with varying cross-sectional areas. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the reaction channel section has a trapezoidal shape that becomes broader from the inlet toward the outlet.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 21, 2002
Date of Patent:
June 26, 2012
Assignee:
Battelle Memorial Institute
Inventors:
Yong Wang, Chunshe Cao, James B. Kimble, Laura J. Silva
Abstract: Novel methods of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis are described. It has been discovered that conducting the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis over a catalyst with a catalytically active surface layer of 35 microns or less results in a liquid hydrocarbon product with a high ratio of C5-C20:C20+. Descriptions of novel Fischer-Tropsch catalysts and reactors are also provided. Novel hydrocarbon compositions with a high ratio of C5-C20:C20+ are also described.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 31, 2008
Date of Patent:
June 19, 2012
Assignee:
Battelle Memorial Institute
Inventors:
Yong Wang, Chunshe Cao, Xiaohong Shari Li, Douglas C. Elliott
Abstract: The invention describes combustors and steam reformers and methods of combustion and steam reforming. For example, integrated combustion reactors are described in which heat from combustion is transferred to an endothermic reaction. Thermally efficient reactors and methods of alcohol steam reforming are also described. Also described is an integrated combustor/reformer containing a methanation catalyst.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 9, 2009
Date of Patent:
June 12, 2012
Assignee:
Battelle Memorial Institute
Inventors:
Jamelyn D. Holladay, Yong Wang, Ya-Huei Chin, Max Phelps
Abstract: The present invention provides an organic/inorganic composite containing a rare earth metal or/and Period IV transition metal in which the aforementioned rare earth metal or/and Period IV transition metal is doped at a high concentration, and control of quenching and optical transparency are assured thereby; and an optical amplifier, a light control optical element, and luminescent device utilizing the same. The organic/inorganic composite containing a rare earth metal or/and Period IV transition metal is one in which at least one species of rare earth metal or/and Period IV transition metal is dispersed in an organic polymer, with the aforementioned composite containing an optically transparent organic polymer and an inorganic dispersion phase comprising: (1) a rare earth metal and (2) another element coordinated thereto via an oxygen atom(s).
Abstract: Interior microchannels within microchannel apparatus are uniformly coated. Remarkably, these uniform coatings are formed from materials that are applied to the interior microchannels after an apparatus has been assembled or manufactured. Coatings can be made uniform along the length of a microchannel, in the corner of a microchannel, and/or throughout numerous microchannels in an array of microchannels. Techniques for tailoring the application of washcoats onto microchannels is also described.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 23, 2005
Date of Patent:
February 28, 2012
Assignee:
Velocys
Inventors:
Anna Lee Tonkovich, Barry L. Yang, Terry Mazanec, Francis P. Daly, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Ravi Arora, Dongming Qiu, Bin Yang, Steven T. Perry, Kai Jarosh, Paul W. Neagle, David J. Hesse, Rachid Taha, Richard Long, Jeff Marco, Thomas D. Yuschak, Jeffrey J. Ramler, Mike Marchiando
Abstract: This invention relates to microchannel apparatus that includes microchannels with interior surface features for modifying flow; processes utilizing this microchannel architecture, and methods of making apparatus having these features.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 23, 2006
Date of Patent:
February 28, 2012
Assignee:
Velocys
Inventors:
Anna Lee Tonkovich, Bin Yang, Steven T. Perry, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Ravi Arora, Kai Jarosch, Thomas D. Yuschak, Maddalena Fanelli, Tim Sullivan, Terry Mazanec
Abstract: Methods of oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) is provided wherein conducting ODH in microchannels has unexpectedly been found to yield superior performance when compared to the same reactions at the same conditions in larger reactors. ODH methods employing a Mo—V—Mg—O catalyst is also described. Microchannel apparatus for conducting ODH is also disclosed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 28, 2010
Date of Patent:
January 31, 2012
Assignee:
Velocys
Inventors:
John H. Brophy, Kai Jarosch, Terry J. Mazanec, Matthew B. Schmidt, Laura J. Silva, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Fred Pesa, David J. Hesse
Abstract: Catalysts containing 30 weight percent or more platinum have surprisingly been discovered to possess superior stability and activity for catalyzing combustion reactions. The addition of rhenium improves catalyst performance in fuel lean conditions but has undesirable effects in fuel rich conditions. The invention provides integrated combustion microreactors, chemical systems utilizing these integrated combustion microreactors, methods of combustion, and methods of providing heat to endothermic reactions in integrated combustion microreactors.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 15, 2004
Date of Patent:
November 22, 2011
Assignee:
Velocys
Inventors:
Francis P. Daly, Junko M. Watson, Yong Wang, Jianli Hu, Chunshe Cao, Richard Long
Abstract: The invention provides methods, apparatus and chemical systems for making vinyl acetate from ethylene, oxygen, and acetic acid.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 18, 2008
Date of Patent:
October 4, 2011
Assignees:
Velocys, Inc, Celanese International Corporation
Inventors:
Terry Mazanec, Victor J. Johnston, Michael Huckman, Sean P. Fitzgerald, James A. Foster, Daniel Lindley, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Francis P. Daly, Leslie Wade, Tony Hammock, Thomas Yuschak, Bin Yang, Kai Jarosch
Abstract: Methods of oxidative dehydrogenation are described. Surprisingly, Pd and Au alloys of Pt have been discovered to be superior for oxidative dehydrogenation in microchannels. Methods of forming these catalysts via an electroless plating methodology are also described. An apparatus design that minimizes heat transfer to the apparatus' exterior is also described.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 1, 2006
Date of Patent:
August 16, 2011
Assignee:
Velocys
Inventors:
Anna Lee Tonkovich, Bin Yang, Steven T. Perry, Terry Mazanec, Ravi Arora, Francis P. Daly, Richard Long, Thomas D. Yuschak, Paul W. Neagle, Amanda Glass
Abstract: Catalysts are described in which an active catalyst is disposed on a low surface area, oxide support. Methods of forming catalysts are described in which a Cr-containing metal is oxidized to form a chromium oxide layer and an active catalyst is applied directly on the chromium oxide layer. Methods of making new catalysts are described in which the surface is sonicated prior to depositing the catalyst. Catalyst systems and methods of oxidation are also described. The inventive systems, catalysts and methods are, in some instances, characterized by surprisingly superior results.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 18, 2007
Date of Patent:
July 19, 2011
Assignee:
Velocys
Inventors:
Barry Lee-Mean Yang, Ruiqiang Long, Junko M. Watson, Abhishek Gupta
Abstract: Methods of producing stable dispersions of single-walled carbon nanotube structures in solutions are achieved utilizing dispersal agents. The dispersal agents are effective in substantially solubilizing and dispersing single-walled carbon nanotube structures in aqueous solutions by coating the structures and increasing the surface interaction between the structures and water. Exemplary agents suitable for dispersing nanotube structures in aqueous solutions include synthetic and natural detergents having high surfactant properties, deoxycholates, cyclodextrins, chaotropic salts and ion pairing agents. The dispersed nanotube structures may further be deposited on a suitable surface in isolated and individualized form to facilitate easy characterization and further processing of the structures.
Abstract: Integrated Combustion Reactors (ICRs) and methods of making ICRs are described in which combustion chambers (or channels) are in direct thermal contact to reaction chambers for an endothermic reaction. Particular reactor designs are also described. Processes of conducting reactions in integrated combustion reactors are described and results presented. Some of these processes are characterized by unexpected and superior results, and/or results that can not be achieved with any prior art devices.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 3, 2007
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2011
Assignee:
Velocys
Inventors:
Anna Lee Tonkovich, Gary Roberts, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Paul W. Neagle, Dongming Qiu, Matthew B. Schmidt, Steven T. Perry, David J. Hesse, Robert J. Luzenski, G. Bradley Chadwell, Ying Peng, James A. Mathias, Nathan P. Gano, Ravi Arora, Barry L. Yang, David J. Kuhlmann, Thomas D. Yuschak, John Arthur Monahan
Abstract: The invention describes microchannel apparatus and catalysts that contain a layer of a metal aluminide or are made in a process in which a metal aluminide layer is formed as an intermediate. Certain processing conditions have surprisingly been found to result in superior coatings. The invention includes chemical processes conducted through apparatus described in the specification. Other catalysts and catalyst synthesis techniques are also described.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 23, 2005
Date of Patent:
January 25, 2011
Assignee:
Velocys
Inventors:
Barry L. Yang, Francis P. Daly, Junko M. Watson, Terry Manzanec, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Bradley R. Johnson, Xiaohong Li, Chunshe Cao, Ya-Huei Chin, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Ravi Arora, David J. Hesse, Dongming Qiu, Rachid Taha, Jeffrey J. Ramler, Yong Wang, Richard Long
Abstract: Methods for producing alcohols from CO or CO2 and H2 utilizing a palladium-zinc on alumina catalyst are described. Methods of synthesizing alcohols over various catalysts in microchannels are also described. Ethanol, higher alcohols, and other C2+ oxygenates can produced utilizing Rh—Mn or a Fisher-Tropsch catalyst.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 15, 2006
Date of Patent:
December 28, 2010
Assignee:
Battelle Memorial Institute
Inventors:
Jianli Hu, Robert A. Dagle, Jamelyn D. Holladay, Chunshe Cao, Yong Wang, James F. White, Douglas C. Elliott, Don J. Stevens
Abstract: A protein system is described in which a protein is bound within a matrix material that has pores that are sized to achieve excellent properties such as: activity, protein density, and stability. In a preferred embodiment, the pore sizes range from 50 to 400 ?. One protein that has demonstrated surprisingly good results in this system is OPH. This protein is known to degrade organophosphorus compounds such as are found in chemical weapons and pesticides. Novel methods of forming the protein system and methods of making OPH are also described.