Patents Assigned to Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
  • Patent number: 6013176
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for demetallating a petroleum stream by contacting a metals-containing petroleum feed in the presence of a base selected from Group IA and IIA hydroxides and carbonates and ammonium hydroxide and carbonates and mixtures thereof an oxygen containing gas and a phase transfer agent at a temperature of up to 180.degree. C. for a time sufficient to produce a treated petroleum feed having a decreased metals content. The invention provides a method for enhancing the value of petroleum feeds that traditionally have limited use in refineries due to their metals, e.g., Ni and V content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Mark Alan Greaney, Roby Bearden, Jr., Michael Charles Kerby
  • Patent number: 6013171
    Abstract: A process for dewaxing waxy hydrocarbonaceous materials, such as hydrocarbon fuel and lubricating oil fractions to reduce their cloud and pour points comprises reacting the material with hydrogen in the presence of a dewaxing catalyst comprising at least one metal catalytic component and ferrierite in which at least a portion of its cation exchange positions are occupied by one or more trivalent rare earth metal cations. The rare earth ion exchanged ferrierite catalyst has good selectivity for lubricating oil production, particularly when dewaxing a Fischer-Tropsch wax hydroisomerate. Preferably at least 10% and more preferably at least 15% of the ferreirite cation exchange capacity is occupied by one or more trivalent rare earth metal cations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Bruce R. Cook, Jack W. Johnson, Guang Cao, Rich A. McEvoy, Richard H. Ernst
  • Patent number: 6010987
    Abstract: The invention is a method for improving the friction reduction and friction reduction retention performance of a lubricating oil comprising adding to the lubricating oil a trinuclear molybdenum sulfur compound selected from the group of trinuclear molybdenum compounds preferably those having the formulas Mo.sub.3 S.sub.7 (dtc).sub.4 and Mo.sub.3 S.sub.4 (dtc).sub.4 and mixtures thereof wherein dtc represents independently selected diorganodithiocarbamate ligands containing independently selected organo groups and wherein the ligands have a sufficient number of carbon atoms among all the organo groups of the compound's ligands are present to render the compound soluble or dispersible in the lubricating oil. Concentrates of the composition are also included in the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Edward Ira Stiefel, Jonathan M. McConnachie, Daniel Paul Leta, Charles Frederick Pictroski
  • Patent number: 6011072
    Abstract: A composition for dispersing oil slicks consisting of a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants having the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different oxyalkylene or polyoxyalkylene groups,andwherein R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are the same or different alkyl or alkenyl groups. The composition also includes a carrier solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Ramesh Varadaraj, Max Leo Robbins, Jan Bock, Salvatore James Pace
  • Patent number: 6007705
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for demetallating a petroleum stream by contacting a metals-containing petroleum feed in the presence of an aqueous base selected from Group IA and IIA hydroxides and carbonates and ammonium hydroxide and carbonate and mixtures thereof, an oxygen containing gas and a phase transfer agent at a temperature of up to 180.degree. C. for a time sufficient to produce a treated petroleum feed having a decreased metals content. The invention provides a method for enhancing the value of petroleum feeds that traditionally have limited use in refineries due to their metals, e.g., Ni and V content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co
    Inventors: Mark Alan Greaney, Paul James Polini
  • Patent number: 6007787
    Abstract: A reaction vessel for processing liquid petroleum or chemical streams wherein the stream flows countercurrent to the flow of a treat gas, such as a hydrogen-containing gas, in at least one interaction zone. The reaction vessel contains vapor, and optionally liquid, passageways to bypass one or more packed beds, preferably catalyst beds. This permits more stable and efficient vessel operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Ramesh Gupta, David C. Dankworth, Dennis D. Fleming, Edward S. Ellis, James J. Schorfheide
  • Patent number: 5993498
    Abstract: A polyol ester distillate fuel additive exhibits improved lubricity and friction and wear performance. The ester has between about 1% and about 35% unconverted hydroxyl groups and is characterized as having a hydroxyl number from about 5 to about 180.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Elisavet P. Vrahopoulou, Richard Henry Schlosberg, David Wayne Turner
  • Patent number: 5985136
    Abstract: A process for hydrodesulfurizing naphtha feedstreams wherein the reactor inlet temperature is below the dew point of the feedstock at the reactor inlet so that the naphtha will completely vaporize within the catalyst bed. It is preferred to use a catalyst comprised of about 1 to about 10 wt. % MoO.sub.3, about 0.1 to about 5 wt. % CoO supported on a suitable support material. They are also characterized as having an average medium pore diameter from about 60 .ANG. to 200 .ANG.. a Co/Mo atomic ratio of about 0.1 to about 1.0, a MoO.sub.3 surface concentration of about 0.5.times.10.sup.-4 to about 3.0.times.10.sup.-4 g MoO.sub.3 /m.sup.2, and an average particle size of less than about 2.0 mm in diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Garland B. Brignac, Jeffrey L. Kaufman, John C. Coker
  • Patent number: 5985178
    Abstract: A process for making a synthesis gas comprising H.sub.2 and CO in the presence of a reforming catalyst comprising a supported non-noble Group VIII metal catalytic component from a feed including a low molecular weight alkane, and preferably methane as in natural gas, O.sub.2, H.sub.2 O and CO.sub.2 without catalyst deactivation is achieved by partially oxidizing and steam reforming the feed in the presence of the catalyst. The feed H.sub.2 O to hydrocarbon carbon mole ratio is less than 2. The mole ratio of the combined feed CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O to hydrocarbon carbon ranges from 0.5-2.5 and that of the feed H.sub.2 O to CO.sub.2 ranges from 0.35-6. Synthesis gas having H.sub.2 to CO mole ratios less than 2:1 and even less than 1.5:1 are easily achieved with net CO.sub.2 consumption, which also makes the process environmentally beneficial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: David C. Long, Rocco A. Fiato
  • Patent number: 5985135
    Abstract: A hydroprocessing process for removing impurities from a feed comprising a hydrocarbonaceous liquid comprises at least one cocurrent, upflow hydroprocessing reaction stage, a vapor-liquid contacting stage and a downflow hydroprocessing reaction stage. The feed and hydrogen react in the upflow stage to produce a partially hydroprocessed liquid and vapor effluent. The vapor contacts a hydrocarbonaceous liquid in the contacting stage, which transfers impurities from the vapor into the liquid. The impurity-enriched contacting liquid mixes with the upflow stage liquid effluent and the combined liquid effluents react with hydrogen in the downflow reaction stage, to form a hydroprocessed product liquid and vapor effluent. Additional product liquid is recovered by cooling and condensing either or both the contacting and downflow stage vapor effluents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventor: Ramesh Gupta
  • Patent number: 5980596
    Abstract: A novel injector/reactor apparatus and an efficient process for the partial oxidation of light hydrocarbon gases, such as methane, to convert such gases to useful synthesis gas for subsequent hydrocarbon synthesis. Sources of a light hydrocarbon gas, such as methane, and oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas are preheated and pressurized and injected through an injector means at high velocity into admixture with each other in the desired proportions, preferably at comparable momentums, at a plurality of mixing nozzles which are open to the reaction zone of a reactor and are spaced over the face of the injector, to form a reactant gas premix having a pressure drop equal to at least 1% of the lowest upstream pressure of either of said gas streams. The gas premix is ejected in a time period which preferably is less than 9 milliseconds, at a velocity between about 25 to 1000 feet/second, into a reaction zone comprising a partial oxidation zone, so that the gas mixture reacts therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Frank Hershkowitz, Harry W. Deckman, Robert P. Reynolds, Constantine P. Gonatas, John W. Fulton, Leonard Schoenman, Jack I. Ito, Russell J. Koveal, Costas A. Coulaloglou
  • Patent number: 5980782
    Abstract: A novel fluidized bed syngas (FBSG) injector/reactor apparatus and an efficient process for the partial oxidation and steam reforming of light hydrocarbon gases such as methane, to convert such gases to useful synthesis gas containing CO and H.sub.2 for recovery and/or subsequent hydrocarbon synthesis. Sources of a light hydrocarbon gas, such as methane, and oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas are preheated and pressurized and injected through gas orifices of an injector at high velocity and comparable momentums into admixture with each other in the desired proportions, at a plurality of mixing chambers or recessed cups which are open to the fluidized bed reaction zone of a reaction chamber and are spaced over the face of the injector, to form a reactant gas premix having a pressure drop of at least 1% through the injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Frank Hershkowitz, Harry W. Deckman, Robert P. Reynolds, Constantine P. Gonatas, John W. Fulton, Leonard Schoenman, Jack I. Ito, Russell J. Koveal, Lavanga R. Veluswamy, James H. Taylor, Alfredo M. Lopez
  • Patent number: 5981422
    Abstract: Stoichiometric and catalytic chemical transformations may be carried out in solution using novel fluorous multiphase systems (FMS). The term "fluorous" is defined as a carbon-fluorine bond rich organic molecule which is generated by replacing hydrogen atoms bonded to carbon atoms with fluorine. The novel complexes suitable for use as fluorous catalysts and reagents in the present invention contain sufficient number of fluorous moieties to render them preferentially soluble in the appropriate fluorous solvent without impairing the ability of the catalyst or reagent to be effective or participate in the corresponding reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Istvan Tamas Horvath, Jozsef Rabai
  • Patent number: 5976353
    Abstract: A process for producing a high VI/low volatility lubricating oil basestock. The process comprises subjecting the raffinate from a solvent extraction step to a two step, single stage hydroconversion process wherein the first step involves severe hydroconversion of the raffinate followed by a cold hydrofinishing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co
    Inventors: Ian A. Cody, Douglas R. Boate, Sandra J. Alward, William J. Murphy, John E. Gallagher, Gary L. Harting
  • Patent number: 5974887
    Abstract: The present invention is a non-intrusive method to determine the flow state or voidage in an apparatus that interacts a gas phase with a liquid phase. The flow state or voidage is determined by relating them to wall vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: George Dewey Cody, David R. Johnsrud, Uri Sela
  • Patent number: 5976491
    Abstract: The present invention is a large-pore aluminophosphate or substituted aluminophosphate comprising a compositionaR:(M.sub.x Al.sub.y P.sub.z)O.sub.2wherein R represents an organic templating agent, and a=0 to 0.4, X=0 to 0.4, y=0.35 to 0.5, and Z=0.25 to 0.5 and characterized by the diffraction pattern of Table 1 and M may be Si, Ga, Ge, Co, Ni, Zn, Fe, V, Ti and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventor: David E. W. Vaughan
  • Patent number: 5976358
    Abstract: The present invention is a process to remove a +2 ionic charged metal from a petroleum feed. The process includes contacting the feed with a resin that includes carboxyl, sulfonic and/or phosphonic groups. In a preferred embodiment the metal is a Group II metal. In particular, the metal is calcium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Guido Sartori, David W. Savage, Saul C. Blum, Bruce H. Ballinger
  • Patent number: 5977425
    Abstract: It has been discovered that waxy feeds can be upgraded using a catalyst made by combining powdered dewaxing catalyst with powdered isomerization catalyst said mixture of powdered catalysts being formed into a discrete particle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co
    Inventors: Dee A. Brandes, David N. Zinkie, Sandra Jane Alward, William J. Murphy, Ian A. Cody, Thomas J. Ford
  • Patent number: 5977192
    Abstract: Small particle size catalysts having an average particle size of less than 20 or 10 microns, which agglomerate when contacted with a hydrocarbon liquid, are easily dispersed in the hydrocarbon liquid by first forming a mixture comprising the catalyst particles and one or more non-acidic, liquid polar oxygenates, such as an alcohol, ketone, ester, ether or mixture thereof. The mixture is contacted with the hydrocarbon liquid in which the particles then readily disperse. This process is useful for adding fresh or regenerated small particle size catalyst to catalytic hydroprocessing process slurries, including a reactive Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis slurry. One to four carbon atom alcohols are preferred oxygenates for use with a Fischer-Tropsch slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Gregg J. Howsmon, Robert J. Wittenbrink, Claude C. Culross, Louis F. Burns
  • Patent number: 5973012
    Abstract: A reversibly deactivated, particulate catalyst in a slurry hydrocarbon synthesis slurry is rejuvenated by circulating the slurry from a slurry body through (i) a gas disengaging zone to remove gas bubbles from the slurry, (ii) a catalyst rejuvenation zone in which a catalyst rejuvenating gas contacts the catalyst in the slurry to rejuvenate it and form a rejuvenated catalyst slurry and, (iii) back into the slurry body. Removing at least a portion of the gas bubbles improves the rejuvenation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: William C. Behrmann, Stephen C. Leviness