Patents Assigned to Energy & Environmental Research Center
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Publication number: 20120202679Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for regenerating a sorbent that has been poisoned by components derived from flue gas. The sorbent is treated with an agent to remove the poisoning components and introduce a promoting agent into the sorbent. The method and apparatus can also be used to enhance the effectiveness of a new sorbent.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: Energy & Environmental Research Center FoundationInventors: Edwin S. Olson, Michael J. Holmes, John H. Pavlish
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Publication number: 20120186366Abstract: A collection apparatus comprises a nozzle comprising an inlet for receiving at least a portion of a gas stream and an outlet, and at least one sorbent trap having an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the nozzle, wherein the sorbent trap comprises one or more collection media configured to collect at least one of a metal, an element, and a halogen present in the portion of the gas stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2012Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: Energy & Environmental Research CenterInventors: Nicholas B. Lentz, John H. Pavlish
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Publication number: 20120183458Abstract: A promoted activated carbon sorbent is described that is highly effective for the removal of mercury from flue gas streams. The sorbent comprises a new modified carbon form containing reactive forms of halogen and halides. Optional components may be added to increase reactivity and mercury capacity. These may be added directly with the sorbent, or to the flue gas to enhance sorbent performance and/or mercury capture. Mercury removal efficiencies obtained exceed conventional methods. The sorbent can be regenerated and reused. Sorbent treatment and preparation methods are also described. New methods for in-flight preparation, introduction, and control of the active sorbent into the mercury contaminated gas stream are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: Energy & Environmental Research Center FoundationInventors: Edwin S. Olson, Michael J. Holmes, John H. Pavlish
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Patent number: 8182787Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for use in producing high-pressure hydrogen from natural gas, methanol, ethanol, or other fossil fuel-derived and renewable hydrocarbon resources. The process can produce hydrogen at pressures ranging from 2000 to 12,000 pounds per square inch (psi) using a hydrogen carrier, with or without high-pressure water, and an appropriate catalyst. The catalyst reacts with the hydrogen carrier and, optionally, high-pressure water, in a catalytic reformer (20) maintained under desired temperature and pressure conditions.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2009Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center FoundationInventors: Michael Collings, Ted R. Aulich, Ronald C. Timpe, Michael J. Holmes
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Patent number: 8173566Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for regenerating a sorbent that has been poisoned by components derived from flue gas. The sorbent is treated with an agent to remove the poisoning components and introduce a promoting agent into the sorbent. The method and apparatus can also be used to enhance the effectiveness of a new sorbent.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2004Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center FoundationInventors: Edwin S. Olson, Michael J. Holmes, John H. Pavlish
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Patent number: 8168147Abstract: A promoted activated carbon sorbent is described that is highly effective for the removal of mercury from flue gas streams. The sorbent comprises a new modified carbon form containing reactive forms of halogen and halides. Optional components may be added to increase reactivity and mercury capacity. These may be added directly with the sorbent, or to the flue gas to enhance sorbent performance and/or mercury capture. Mercury removal efficiencies obtained exceed conventional methods. The sorbent can be regenerated and reused. Sorbent treatment and preparation methods are also described. New methods for in-flight preparation, introduction, and control of the active sorbent into the mercury contaminated gas stream are described.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center FoundationInventors: Edwin S. Olson, Michael J. Holmes, John H. Pavlish
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Patent number: 8092768Abstract: Apparatus and methods for collection and removal of particulate matter, including fine particulate matter, from a gas stream, comprising a unique combination of high collection efficiency and ultralow pressure drop across the filter. The apparatus and method utilize simultaneous electrostatic precipitation and membrane filtration of a particular pore size, wherein electrostatic collection and filtration occur on the same surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2010Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center FoundationInventors: Stanley J. Miller, Ye Zhuang, Jay C. Almlie
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Patent number: 8071799Abstract: A method comprising providing a starting composition comprising a polyunsaturated fatty acid, a polyunsaturated fatty ester, a carboxylate salt of a polyunsaturated fatty acid, a polyunsaturated triglyceride, or a mixture thereof; self-metathesizing the starting composition or cross-metathesizing the starting composition with at least one short-chain olefin in the presence of a metathesis catalyst to form self-/cross-metathesis products comprising: cyclohexadiene; at least one olefin; and one or more acid-, ester-, or salt-functionalized alkene; and reacting cyclohexadiene to produce at least one cycloalkane or cycloalkane derivatives.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center FoundationInventor: Edwin S. Olson
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Patent number: 7989671Abstract: A method of producing a hydrocarbon product by hydrotreating a feedstock comprising triacylglyceride (TAG) in the presence of a nonsulfided hydrotreating catalyst to produce a first product comprising hydrocarbons. A method of producing a transportation fuel by selecting an undoped feedstock comprising virgin TAG, used TAG, or a combination thereof; hydrotreating the undoped feedstock in the presence of an unsulfided hydrotreating catalyst to produce a first product; and subjecting the first product to at least one process selected from aromatization, cyclization, and isomerization; to produce a second hydrocarbon product selected from gasoline, kerosene, jet fuel, and diesel fuels.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2008Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center FoundationInventors: Joshua R. Strege, Benjamin G. Oster, Paul D. Pansegrau, Chad A. Wocken, Ted R. Aulich
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Patent number: 7981835Abstract: A system and method for producing activated carbon comprising carbonizing a solid carbonaceous material in a carbonization zone of an activated carbon production apparatus (ACPA) to yield a carbonized product and carbonization product gases, the carbonization zone comprising carbonaceous material inlet, char outlet and carbonization gas outlet; activating the carbonized product via activation with steam in an activation zone of the ACPA to yield activated carbon and activation product gases, the activation zone comprising activated carbon outlet, activation gas outlet, and activation steam inlet; and utilizing process gas comprising at least a portion of the carbonization product gases or a combustion product thereof; at least a portion of the activation product gases or a combustion product thereof; or a combination thereof in a solid fuel boiler system that burns a solid fuel boiler feed with air to produce boiler-produced steam and flue gas, the boiler upstream of an air heater within a steam/electricity gType: GrantFiled: May 14, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center FoundationInventors: Srivats Srinivasachar, Steven Benson, Charlene Crocker, Jill Mackenzie
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Publication number: 20110061290Abstract: Aviation-grade kerosene comprising a first blendstock derived from non-petroleum feedstock and comprising primarily hydrocarbons selected from the group consisting of isoparaffins and normal paraffins, and a second blendstock comprising primarily hydrocarbons selected from the group consisting of cycloalkanes and aromatics.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER FOUNDATIONInventors: Ted R. Aulich, Ron C. Timpe, Chad A. Wocken, Carsten Heide
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Patent number: 7897824Abstract: A novel, energy efficient process of producing jet fuel is disclosed herein. The process is based on utilizing a medium chain fatty acid source such as cuphea oil, which precludes the need for high-energy fatty acid chain cracking to achieve the shorter molecules needed for jet fuels and other fuels with low-temperature flow requirements. In an embodiment, a process for producing a jet fuel comprises providing a medium chain fatty acid source. The method also comprises cleaving the one or more medium chain fatty acid groups from the glycerides to form glycerol and one or more free fatty acids. The method further comprises decarboxylating the one or more medium chain fatty acids to form one or more hydrocarbons for the production of the jet fuel.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2007Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center FoundationInventors: Ted R. Aulich, Chad A. Wocken, Ron C. Timpe, Paul Pansegrau
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Patent number: 7829047Abstract: The present invention discloses a catalyst, system, and process for oxidizing mercury. The catalyst can include a substrate and a layer attached to at least part of the substrate. The layer contains a noble metal and has an average thickness of less than 100 nanometers. The substrate can be a plurality of glass fibers that provides for a relatively high surface area for the layer to be attached to. In the alternative, the substrate can be a porous substrate that provides for a high surface area for the layer to be attached to.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2009Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center FoundationInventors: Grant Dunham, Blaise Mibeck, Richard Schulz, Stephen Wilmoth
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Publication number: 20100191008Abstract: A method comprising providing a starting composition comprising a polyunsaturated fatty acid, a polyunsaturated fatty ester, a carboxylate salt of a polyunsaturated fatty acid, a polyunsaturated triglyceride, or a mixture thereof; self-metathesizing the starting composition or cross-metathesizing the starting composition with at least one short-chain olefin in the presence of a metathesis catalyst to form self-/cross-metathesis products comprising: cyclohexadiene; at least one olefin; and one or more acid-, ester-, or salt-functionalized alkene; and reacting cyclohexadiene to produce at least one cycloalkane or cycloalkane derivatives.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2009Publication date: July 29, 2010Applicant: ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER FOUNDATIONInventor: Edwin S. Olson
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Publication number: 20100047146Abstract: A promoted activated carbon sorbent is described that is highly effective for the removal of mercury from flue gas streams. The sorbent comprises a new modified carbon form containing reactive forms of halogen and halides. Optional components may be added to increase reactivity and mercury capacity. These may be added directly with the sorbent, or to the flue gas to enhance sorbent performance and/or mercury capture. Mercury removal efficiencies obtained exceed conventional methods. The sorbent can be regenerated and reused. Sorbent treatment and preparation methods are also described. New methods for in-flight preparation, introduction, and control of the active sorbent into the mercury contaminated gas stream are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2009Publication date: February 25, 2010Applicant: Energy & Environmental Research Center FoundationInventors: Edwin S. Olson, Michael J. Holmes, John H. Pavlish
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Publication number: 20090317320Abstract: A system and method for producing activated carbon comprising carbonizing a solid carbonaceous material in a carbonization zone of an activated carbon production apparatus (ACPA) to yield a carbonized product and carbonization product gases, the carbonization zone comprising carbonaceous material inlet, char outlet and carbonization gas outlet; activating the carbonized product via activation with steam in an activation zone of the ACPA to yield activated carbon and activation product gases, the activation zone comprising activated carbon outlet, activation gas outlet, and activation steam inlet; and utilizing process gas comprising at least a portion of the carbonization product gases or a combustion product thereof; at least a portion of the activation product gases or a combustion product thereof; or a combination thereof in a solid fuel boiler system that burns a solid fuel boiler feed with air to produce boiler-produced steam and flue gas, the boiler upstream of an air heater within a steam/electricity gType: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2008Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTERInventors: Srivats SRINIVASACHAR, Steven BENSON, Charlene CROCKER, Jill MACKENZIE
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Patent number: 7628969Abstract: An apparatus and a method that uses generated alkaline, alkaline-earth, and/or silica/alumina aerosols as a multifunctional additive to scavenge sulfur oxides in flue gas, minimize poisoning effects of sulfur oxides on mercury sorbent performance, and enhance particulate matter capture in electrostatic precipitators and other particulate filter devices by conditioning the fly ash.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2008Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center FoundationInventors: Michael J. Holmes, John H. Pavlish, Ye Zhuang, Steven A. Benson, Edwin S. Olson, Jason D. Laumb
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Publication number: 20090297413Abstract: A promoted carbon and/or non-carbon base sorbent are described that are highly effective for the removal of mercury from flue gas streams. The promoted sorbent comprises a carbon and/or non-carbon base sorbent that has reacted with and contains forms of halogen and halides. Optional components may be added to increase and/or preserve reactivity and mercury capacity. These may be added directly with the base sorbent, or in-flight within a gas stream (air, flue gas, etc.), to enhance base sorbent performance and/or mercury capture. Mercury removal efficiencies obtained exceed conventional methods. The promoted sorbent can be regenerated and reused. Base sorbent treatment and preparation methods are also described. New methods for in-flight preparation, introduction, and control of the active base sorbent into the mercury contaminated gas stream are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: Energy & Environmental Research Center FoundationInventors: Edwin S. Olson, Michael J. Holmes, John H. Pavlish
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Publication number: 20090285734Abstract: The present invention discloses a catalyst, system, and process for oxidizing mercury. The catalyst can include a substrate and a layer attached to at least part of the substrate. The layer contains a noble metal and has an average thickness of less than 100 nanometers. The substrate can be a plurality of glass fibers that provides for a relatively high surface area for the layer to be attached to. In the alternative, the substrate can be a porous substrate that provides for a high surface area for the layer to be attached to.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2009Publication date: November 19, 2009Applicant: Energy & Environmental Research Center FoundationInventors: Grant Dunham, Blaise Mibeck, Richard Schulz, Stephen Wilmoth
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Publication number: 20090252637Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for sintering particles using a sintering aid. The sintering aid can be brought into contact with a plurality of particles to be sintered such that a mixture of the particles and the sintering aid is provided. The mixture of particles and the sintering aid is heated and at least part of the sintering aid is vaporized. Sintering of the particles to form a sintered component followed by cooling of the sintered component can complete the process, or in the alternative, a subsequent heating step or steps can be included whereby additional vaporization of the sintering aid can occur.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2009Publication date: October 8, 2009Applicant: Energy & Environmental Research Center FoundationInventors: John Hurley, Carsten Heide