Patents Assigned to Energy & Environmental Research Center
  • Publication number: 20120202679
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Energy & Environmental Research Center Foundation
    Inventors: Edwin S. Olson, Michael J. Holmes, John H. Pavlish
  • Publication number: 20120186366
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Energy & Environmental Research Center
    Inventors: Nicholas B. Lentz, John H. Pavlish
  • Publication number: 20120183458
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Energy & Environmental Research Center Foundation
    Inventors: Edwin S. Olson, Michael J. Holmes, John H. Pavlish
  • Patent number: 8182787
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center Foundation
    Inventors: Michael Collings, Ted R. Aulich, Ronald C. Timpe, Michael J. Holmes
  • Patent number: 8173566
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center Foundation
    Inventors: Edwin S. Olson, Michael J. Holmes, John H. Pavlish
  • Patent number: 8168147
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center Foundation
    Inventors: Edwin S. Olson, Michael J. Holmes, John H. Pavlish
  • Patent number: 8092768
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center Foundation
    Inventors: Stanley J. Miller, Ye Zhuang, Jay C. Almlie
  • Patent number: 8071799
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center Foundation
    Inventor: Edwin S. Olson
  • Patent number: 7989671
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center Foundation
    Inventors: Joshua R. Strege, Benjamin G. Oster, Paul D. Pansegrau, Chad A. Wocken, Ted R. Aulich
  • Patent number: 7981835
    Abstract: 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 g
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center Foundation
    Inventors: Srivats Srinivasachar, Steven Benson, Charlene Crocker, Jill Mackenzie
  • Publication number: 20110061290
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Ted R. Aulich, Ron C. Timpe, Chad A. Wocken, Carsten Heide
  • Patent number: 7897824
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center Foundation
    Inventors: Ted R. Aulich, Chad A. Wocken, Ron C. Timpe, Paul Pansegrau
  • Patent number: 7829047
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center Foundation
    Inventors: Grant Dunham, Blaise Mibeck, Richard Schulz, Stephen Wilmoth
  • Publication number: 20100191008
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER FOUNDATION
    Inventor: Edwin S. Olson
  • Publication number: 20100047146
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Energy & Environmental Research Center Foundation
    Inventors: Edwin S. Olson, Michael J. Holmes, John H. Pavlish
  • Publication number: 20090317320
    Abstract: 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 g
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER
    Inventors: Srivats SRINIVASACHAR, Steven BENSON, Charlene CROCKER, Jill MACKENZIE
  • Patent number: 7628969
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center Foundation
    Inventors: Michael J. Holmes, John H. Pavlish, Ye Zhuang, Steven A. Benson, Edwin S. Olson, Jason D. Laumb
  • Publication number: 20090297413
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Energy & Environmental Research Center Foundation
    Inventors: Edwin S. Olson, Michael J. Holmes, John H. Pavlish
  • Publication number: 20090285734
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: Energy & Environmental Research Center Foundation
    Inventors: Grant Dunham, Blaise Mibeck, Richard Schulz, Stephen Wilmoth
  • Publication number: 20090252637
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: Energy & Environmental Research Center Foundation
    Inventors: John Hurley, Carsten Heide