Abstract: A method for co-production of high purity dimethyl carbonate and mono-ethylene glycol by applying a reactor, such as a membrane reactor and/or an adsorbent-catalytic reactor by capturing and reacting carbon dioxide with methanol and ethylene oxide. Carbon dioxide may be recovered from primary sources (utilities and industrial processes) by a membrane or solid adsorbent, and subsequently converted to an intermediate hydroxy-ethyl-methyl carbonate by reacting with ethylene oxide and methanol. For high-purity carbon dioxide (obtained by carbon capture technologies or from an ethanol fermentation process), the membrane reactor is replaced with a catalytic reactor for direct conversion of carbon dioxide to hydroxy-ethyl-methyl carbonate by reacting with ethylene oxide and methanol. The hydro-ethyl-methyl carbonate is further reacted with methanol for conversion to dimethyl carbonate. A combination of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts is implemented for an effective conversion of carbon dioxide.
Abstract: A method of producing high purity dimethyl carbonate through the reaction of carbon dioxide and methanol is provided. In the ammonia-based method ammonia and carbon dioxide react to produce urea. The urea is mixed with methanol for further reaction to produce dimethyl carbonate. Ammonia released in the process is recycled as a reactant to produce more urea. It is then reacted with methanol to produce dimethyl carbonate. An integrated reactive distillation process using side reactors is used for facilitating catalytic reaction in the method for producing high purity dimethyl carbonate. The process is further enhanced by enclosing multiple side reactors into a pressure vessel and incorporating thermal heat pump for recovery and reuse of latent heat within the process.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 8, 2016
Date of Patent:
October 24, 2017
Assignee:
E3TEC Service, LLC
Inventors:
Chandrakant B. Panchal, John C. Prindle
Abstract: Two methods of producing high purity dimethyl carbonate through the reaction of carbon dioxide and methanol are provided. In the ammonia-based method ammonia and carbon dioxide react to produce urea. The urea is mixed with methanol for further reaction to produce dimethyl carbonate. Ammonia released in the process is recycled as a reactant to produce more urea. In the ethylene-oxide process carbon dioxide reacts with ethylene oxide to produce ethylene carbonate. It is then reacted with methanol to produce dimethyl carbonate with ethylene glycol as byproduct. An integrated reactive distillation process using side reactors is used for facilitating catalytic reaction in these two methods for producing high purity dimethyl carbonate. The process is further enhanced by enclosing multiple side reactors into a pressure vessel and incorporating thermal heat pump for recovery and reuse of latent heat within the process.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 29, 2014
Date of Patent:
December 13, 2016
Assignee:
E3TEC Service, LLC
Inventors:
Chandrakant B. Panchal, John C. Prindle
Abstract: A differential kinetic test unit tests chemical reaction parameters. Reaction media is inserted into a vessel through a reactant feed conduit. A reaction outlet mechanism removes liquid and vapor reaction components from the vessel. A motor rotates a reaction shaft which extends into the reaction media within the vessel. A mixing impeller is fixed to the reaction shaft and is positioned within the reaction media. A catalyst frame positions a catalyst container holding a catalyst with the catalyst container being immersed in the reaction media. Reaction media is drawn through the catalyst and the reacted media is passed through the reaction outlet mechanism for testing of the chemical reaction parameters.
Abstract: An integrated process and system for synthesis of organic-acid esters is provided. The method of synthesizing combines reaction and distillation where an organic acid and alcohol composition are passed through a distillation chamber having a plurality of zones. Side reactors are used for drawing off portions of the composition and then recycling them to the distillation column for further purification. Water is removed from a pre-reactor prior to insertion into the distillation column. An integrated heat integration system is contained within the distillation column for further purification and optimizing efficiency in the obtaining of the final product.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 17, 2014
Date of Patent:
November 3, 2015
Assignees:
E3TEC Service, LLC, Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
Inventors:
Chandrakant B. Panchal, John C. Prindle, Aspi Kolah, Dennis J. Miller, Carl T. Lira