Patents Represented by Attorney James W. Ambrosius
  • Patent number: 7299643
    Abstract: A process for condensing a C3-C4 hydrocarbon vapor which comprises contacting the C3-C4 hydrocarbon vapor with a heat exchanger surface which is cooled by contact with LNG and recovering a liquefied C3-C4 product therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Monroe McCoy
  • Patent number: 7234323
    Abstract: A process for recovering liquefied C3 compounds from a natural gas stream containing C3 compounds which comprises (a) chilling the natural gas stream under conditions sufficient to liquefy the natural gas, whereby a mixture comprising liquid natural gas (LNG) and liquid C3 compounds is formed; (b) fractionating the mixture comprising liquid natural gas (LNG) and liquid C3 compounds in a separation zone under sub-atmospheric pressure and under conditions predetermined to vaporize a significant portion of the natural gas present while retaining the C3 compounds as a liquid fraction; and (c) recovering separately from the separation zone natural gas and liquid C3 compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Monroe McCoy
  • Patent number: 7083713
    Abstract: A composition of lubricating base oil having a weight percent of all molecules with at least one aromatic function less than 0.30, a weight percent of all molecules with at least one cycloparaffin function greater than 10, and a ratio of weight percent of molecules with monocycloparaffins to weight percent of molecules with multicycloparaffins greater than 15.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Susan M. Abernathy, David C. Kramer, John M. Rosenbaum, Stephen J. Miller, Russell R. Krug
  • Patent number: 7053254
    Abstract: A method for improving the lubricating properties of a distillate base oil characterized by a pour point of 0 degrees C. or less and a boiling range having the 10 percent point falling between about 625 degrees F. and about 790 degrees F. and the 90 percent point falling between about 725 degrees F. and about 950 degrees F., the method comprises blending with said distillate base oil a sufficient amount of a pour point depressing base oil blending component to reduce the pour point of the resulting base oil blend at least 3 degrees C. below the pour point of the distillate base oil, wherein the pour point depressing base oil blending component is an isomerized Fischer-Tropsch derived bottoms product having a pour point that is at least 3 degrees C. higher than the pour point of the distillate base oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Miller
  • Patent number: 7045055
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of operating a wormgear drive at high energy efficiency comprising filling an oil reservoir with a wormgear lubricant comprising an isomerized Fischer-Tropsch derived distillate fraction having a low traction coefficient and operating the wormgear drive with the filled oil reservoir at an equilibrium temperature between 20 and 225 degrees C. This invention is also directed to a process for reducing the traction coefficient of a higher-traction coefficient lubricating base oil by blending it with an isomerized Fischer-Tropsch derived distillate fraction. This invention is also directed to a wormgear lubricant comprising an isomerized Fischer-Tropsch distillate fraction and between 2 and 50 weight percent thickener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: James N. Ziemer, Susan M. Abernathy, John M. Rosenbaum, Stephen J. Miller, Mark E. Okazaki
  • Patent number: 7037422
    Abstract: A process for producing a high RON naphtha which comprises contacting a hydrocarbon feed stream comprising a mixture of the isomers of C5 and C6 paraffins with a CFI zeolite, such as CIT-5, in an adsorption zone, whereby the branched isomers of the C5 and C6 paraffins are preferentially adsorbed by the CFI zeolite as compared to the straight chain isomers, and recovering a naphtha product from the adsorption zone having a higher RON than the hydrocarbon feed stream, also including a hydroisomerization process and a hydrocracking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc
    Inventors: Theo Maesen, Tom Harris
  • Patent number: 7029572
    Abstract: A process for producing a high RON naphtha which comprises contacting a hydrocarbon feed stream comprising a mixture of the isomers of C5 and C6 paraffins with ATS zeolite, such as SSZ-55, in an adsorption zone, whereby the branched isomers of the C5 and C6 paraffins are preferentially adsorbed by the ATS zeolite as compared to the straight chain isomers, and recovering a naphtha product from the adsorption zone having a higher RON than the hydrocarbon feed stream, also including a hydroisomerization process and a hydrocracking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc
    Inventors: Theo Maesen, Tom Harris
  • Patent number: 6958364
    Abstract: A process for recovering light Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbons from a rich tail gas produced from a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis operation which comprises: (a) recovering separately from a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis operation a Fischer-Tropsch condensate and a hydrocarbon rich Fischer-Tropsch tail gas; (b) cooling the Fischer-Tropsch condensate and Fischer-Tropsch tail gas; (c) using the cooled Fischer-Tropsch condensate as a lean oil to adsorb at least a portion of the light Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbons present in the Fischer-Tropsch tail gas, whereby a rich oil mixture comprising Fischer-Tropsch condensate and light Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbons is formed; and (d) collecting the rich oil mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart R. MacPherson, Simon Clarke
  • Patent number: 6949180
    Abstract: A method for preparing low toxicity Fischer-Tropsch fuels suitable for use in a diesel engine and Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel compositions having low toxicity suitable for use in diesel engines characterized by a boiling range distribution wherein the 5 weight percent point is at a temperature of 570 degrees F. or less and the 95 weight percent point is at or above a temperature of 680 degrees F.; a kinematic viscosity at 40 degrees C. of less than 5.5 cSt; and a cloud point of less than ?18 degrees C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Russell R. Krug, Stephen J. Miller, Russell D. White, David R. Johnson, Christopher A. Simmons, James Arthur Rutherford
  • Patent number: 6806087
    Abstract: Methods for discovering optimum catalysts and/or reaction conditions for performing endo-or exothermic reactions, in particular gas-to-liquid reactions, are disclosed. A combinatorial approach is used to identify optimum catalysts and/or reaction conditions for performing the reactions. The reactions are performed in the channels of a microchannel reactor. These results can be used directly to optimize large scale reactions performed in a plurality of microchannel reactors, or can be correlated to useful catalysts and reaction conditions for use in large scale reactors by taking into consideration the heat transfer effects in the microchannel reactor and the large scale reactor. The method can advantageously be used to generate a database of combinations of catalyst systems and/or reaction conditions which provide various product streams, such that as market conditions vary and/or product requirements change, conditions suitable for forming desired products can be identified with little or no downtime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Kibby, Dennis J. O'Rear, Georgieanna L. Scheuerman
  • Patent number: 6787577
    Abstract: Process for increasing the branching in products from a slurry-type Fischer-Tropsch unit by use of potassium promoted iron-based catalyst, an integrated process for increasing the yield of lubricating base oils, and an iron-based Fischer-Tropsch catalyst composition having a high atomic ratio of potassium promoter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Burtron H. Davis, Stephen J. Miller
  • Patent number: 6703353
    Abstract: A process for preparing Fischer-Tropsch derived lubricating base oils by blending a Fischer-Tropsch distillate fraction having a viscosity of 2 or greater but less than 3 cSt at 100 degrees C. with at least one additional Fischer-Tropsch derived distillate fraction having a viscosity of greater than 3.8 cSt at 100 degrees C.; lubricating base oil compositions having a viscosity between about 3 and about 10 cSt at 100 degrees C. and a TGA Noack volatility of less than about 35 weight percent; and finished lubricants using the aforesaid lubricating base oils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Brent K. Lok, Russell R. Krug, John M. Rosenbaum, Joseph Pudlak, Stephen J. Miller
  • Patent number: 6702937
    Abstract: A process for producing low pour point diesel and lubricating base oil products by bulk dewaxing a C5 plus Fischer-Tropsch syncrude, hydrofinishing the dewaxed intermediate, and recovering 120 degrees C. plus products having improved properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Johnson, Christopher A. Simmons, Donald H. Mohr, Stephen J. Miller, Stephen K. Lee
  • Patent number: 6703535
    Abstract: A process for upgrading a Fischer-Tropsch feedstock which comprises (a) recovering from a Fischer-Tropsch reactor a Fischer-Tropsch wax fraction and a Fischer-Tropsch condensate fraction, wherein the Fischer-Tropsch condensate fraction contains alcohols boiling below about 370° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Johnson, Christopher A. Simmons, Donald H. Mohr, Stephen J. Miller, Stephen K. Lee, William L. Schinski, Michael S. Driver, William J. Cannella
  • Patent number: 6700027
    Abstract: A process for increasing the yield of C10 plus hydrocarbon products from a Fischer-Tropsch plant which comprises (a) recovering a Fischer-Tropsch condensate fraction boiling below about 700 degrees F. from the Fischer-Tropsch plant, wherein said fraction contains at least 10 weight percent and preferably more olefins; (b) contacting the olefins in the Fischer-Tropsch condensate fraction under oligomerization conditions, at a reaction temperature between about 650 degrees F. and 800 degrees F. with an oligomerization catalyst comprising active chromium on an inert support; and (c) recovering a C10 plus hydrocarbon product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Johnson, Christopher A. Simmons
  • Patent number: 6660050
    Abstract: A method for controlling the deposits in the fuel vaporizer of a fuel reformer used to prepare a liquid hydrocarbon for use as a fuel in a fuel cell which comprises introducing into the fuel vaporizer a liquid hydrocarbon containing an effective deposit controlling amount of a nitrogen-containing detergent additive and a fuel composition suitable for use in a fuel cell which comprises a liquid hydrocarbon having a boiling range at atmospheric pressure falling between about 77 degrees F. (25 degrees C.) and about 437 degrees F. (225 degrees C.), a total sulfur content of less than 3 ppm, and containing an effective deposit controlling amount of a nitrogen-containing detergent additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Gunther H. Dieckmann, James D. Kramer, Richard E. Cherpeck
  • Patent number: 6605206
    Abstract: A process for increasing the yield of C10 plus hydrocarbon products from a Fischer-Tropsch plant which comprises the steps of (a) separating a Fischer-Tropsch product into a wax fraction and a condensate fraction; (b) dewaxing the wax fraction to produce a high boiling intermediate; (c) hydrofinishing the high boiling intermediate; (d) dehydrating the alcohols in the condensate fraction to convert them into olefins; (e) oligomerizing the olefins to form higher molecular weight hydrocarbons; (f) hydrofinishing the oligomerization mixture; and (g) and recovering a C10 plus hydrocarbon product from the hydrofinishing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Johnson, Christopher A. Simmons, Donald H. Mohr, Stephen J. Miller, Stephen K. Lee, William L. Schinski, Michael S. Driver
  • Patent number: 6602922
    Abstract: A process for increasing the yield of olefinic products from a Fischer-Tropsch unit and increasing the yield of products within the lube and diesel boiling range by use of a potassium promoted iron-based catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Burtron H. Davis, Stephen J. Miller
  • Patent number: 6596781
    Abstract: An integrated process for carrying out the production of Fischer-Tropsch products and acetic acid made using the methanol and carbonylation route which utilizes the hydrogen recovered from the methanol production to upgrade the Fischer-Tropsch products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: William L. Schinski
  • Patent number: 6554994
    Abstract: A reactor system and process for hydrotreating a heavy feedstock contaminated with metals sulfur and carbon residue using an upflow fixed bed reactor with at least two catalyst layers having different hydrogenation activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Reynolds, Fred W. Lam, Julie Chabot, Fernando J. Antezana, Robert Bachtel, Kirk R. Gibson, Richard Threlkel, Pak C. Leung