Patents Assigned to Exxon Research and Engineering Company
  • Patent number: 6060325
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the halogen toxicity level in a sample containing halogenated compounds, specifically halogen containing rubbers by utilizing thermal electrons formed inside a mass spectrometer operated at negative ion electron capture conditions. The method allows for detection of the toxic species from the parts per million level, down to the parts per billion levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: Chang Samuel Hsu
  • Patent number: 6046362
    Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a method for recovering surface active amines from an emulsion comprising the salt of the amine comprising (a) contacting an emulsion layer or phase containing surface active amine salt with an acid selected from the group comprising mineral acids and carbon dioxide in an amount sufficient and under conditions to produce an amine salt of said mineral acid or an amine bicarbonate, wherein said surface active amine salt is produced via emulsion fractionation with said surface active amine (b) separating an upper layer and a lower aqueous layer; (c) adding, to the lower aqueous layer, an inorganic base if step (a) utilizes a mineral acid, or heating at a temperature and for a time sufficient if step (a) utilizes carbon dioxide, to raise the pH of the aqueous layer to greater than or equal to 8; (d) blowing gas through said aqueous layer to produce a foam containing said surface active amine; (e) recovering said foam containing said surface active amine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: Ramesh Varadaraj
  • Patent number: 6022471
    Abstract: A FCC catalyst having improved coke selectivity and a FCC process for converting hydrocarbon feedstocks to lower boiling products. The catalyst comprises a crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite, gibbsite, rare earth metal compound and a silica matrix prepared from at least one of a silica sol made by an ion-exchange process and an acidic silica sol prepared by mixing sodium silicate, an acid and an aluminum salt of an acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: William A. Wachter, Vinh T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6008164
    Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a method for producing a lubricating base stock having a preselected oxidative stability comprising the steps of: (a) separating, into a plurality of fractions based on molecular shape, a hydroisomerized hydrocarbon wax, (b) collecting the fractions of step (a) which have the preselected oxidative stability for use as a lubricating base stock, wherein the fractions to be collected are determined by measuring the oxidative stability of each of said fractions of said plurality of fractions to determine which fractions have said preselected oxidative stability. The invention is also directed to an improved lubricating base oil and a formulated lubricating composition using said lubricating base oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Haven Scott Aldrich, Robert Jay Wittenbrink
  • Patent number: 5997723
    Abstract: The present invention includes a process for blending two or more petroleum oils, any component of which may be an unprocessed crude oil or a processed oil derived from petroleum, in a manner to minimize fouling and coking of refinery process equipment. The blending method includes the steps of determining the insolubility number, I, for each oil, determining the solubility blending number, S, for each oil, and combining the petroleum oils in the proportions in order to keep the solubility blending number of the mixture higher than 1.4 times the insolubility number of any oil in the mixture. The present invention also includes selecting petroleum oils to minimize fouling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Irwin A. Wiehe, Raymond J. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5994279
    Abstract: A lubricant composition especially useful for saw guide use comprises a base oil composed of at least one synthetic ester and a thickener composed of a styrene-olefin copolymer dissolved in a vegetable oil. The thickener is present in an amount sufficient to provide the lubricant with a viscosity at 40.degree. C. of greater than about 100 cSt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Gerald Felsky, Chung-Lai Wong, Todd Timothy Nadasdi
  • Patent number: 5989411
    Abstract: A hydroprocessing process for removing impurities from a feed comprising a hydrocarbonaceous liquid comprises at least two cocurrent, upflow hydroprocessing reaction stages and a non-catalytic, vapor-liquid contacting stage. The reaction and contacting stages may all be in the same reactor vessel. The feed and a hydrogen treat gas are passed up into a catalyst bed which comprises the first reaction stage, which produces a partially hydroprocessed liquid and vapor effluent. This first stage vapor is passed up into the contacting stage in which it contacts a hydrocarbonaceous liquid which reduces the vapor impurity content. The impurity-enriched contacting liquid passes down and mixes with the first stage liquid effluent. The combined effluents and hydrogen are passed up into the second reaction stage to form a processed product liquid and hydrogen-containing vapor effluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: Ramesh Gupta
  • Patent number: 5985131
    Abstract: A process for upgrading a liquid petroleum or chemical stream wherein said stream flows countercurrent to the flow of a treat gas, such as a hydrogen-containing gas, in at least one reaction zone. The reaction vessel used in the practice of the present invention contains vapor and optionally liquid passageway means to bypass one or more catalyst beds. This permits more stable and efficient reaction vessel operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Ramesh Gupta, David C. Dankworth, Dennis D. Fleming, Edward S. Ellis, James J. Schorfheide
  • Patent number: 5976360
    Abstract: The viscosity of hydrocarbon feeds in reduced from crudes or crude by thermal treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Saul Charles Blum, William Neergaard Olmstead
  • Patent number: 5968366
    Abstract: Compositions useful in separating molecules or catalytic conversions comprise a substrate, a zeolite or zeolite-like layer, a selectivity enhancing coating in contact with the zeolite layer and optionally a permeable intermediate layer in contact with the substrate the zeolite layer being in contact either with the substrate or the optional intermediate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Harry William Deckman, Edward William Corcoran, Jr., James Alexander Mc Henry, Wenyih Frank Lai, Lothar Ruediger Czarnetzki, William Edward Wales
  • Patent number: 5965008
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for decreasing the Conradson carbon content of petroleum streams by forming a mixture of the petroleum stream and an essentially aqueous electrolysis medium, and passing an electric current through the mixture at an anodic voltage and pH sufficient to produce a petroleum fraction having decreased Conradson carbon content. The anodic voltage is from +0.5 to +1.5V vs. SCE. Preferably the pH is acidic. The invention provides a method for enhancing the value of petroleum feeds that traditionally have limited use in refineries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Mark Alan Greaney, Michael Charles Kerby
  • Patent number: 5961817
    Abstract: A FCC catalyst having improved coke selectivity and greater catalyst strength, and a FCC process for converting hydrocarbon feedstocks to lower boiling products. The catalyst comprises a crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite, gibbsite, and a silica matrix prepared from at least one of a silica sol made by an ion-exchange process and an acidic silica sol prepared by mixing sodium silicate, an acid and an aluminum salt of an acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: William A. Wachter, Stuart L. Soled, Nikos J. Maris, Mark P. Lapinski, Carol P. Fitzpatrick
  • Patent number: 5958819
    Abstract: Stable, zirconia-pillared clays of reduced gallery height, useful as supports for hydroconversion catalysts, are prepared by treating clays with a zirconium compound, a surfactant and water, and compositing the reduced gallery height clay with suitable metal or metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Jack Wayne Johnson, John Francis Brody
  • Patent number: 5955403
    Abstract: A sulfur free lubricating composition comprises a major portion of a synthetic base lubricating oil and a minor portion of a tri(alkyl phenyl) phosphate or di(alkylphenyl)phosphoric acid antiwear agent, an amine antioxidant a substituted succinamide rust inhibitor and a tolytriazole. The tri(alkylphenyl)phosphate antiwear agent is incorporated in the oil in an amount ranging between about 0.1 to 2.0 wt % and the amine antioxidant in amount ranging from about 0.1 to 5 wt %. The succinamide is present in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to 0.5 wt % and the tolytriazole, from about 0.01 to 0.5 wt %. In the foregoing, the wt % is based on the weight of oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: Chung-Lai Wong
  • Patent number: 5947080
    Abstract: The invention is directed towards a method for adjusting the NO.sub.2 to NO content of a diesel engine's exhaust without affecting engine performance. The NO.sub.2 to NO ratio is adjusted by varying the amount and tinting of secondary hydrocarbon injection during the engine's expansion stroke. The appropriate amount of secondary injected hydrocarbon and the appropriate injection timing are determined from calibration values obtained by direct engine measurements and the desired NO.sub.2 :NO ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Walter Weissman, Anthony Marion Dean, Harry Stuard Pink
  • Patent number: 5942119
    Abstract: The present invention is an improvement in a separation process. When molecular sieve membranes are used in a separation process transport flux decays over time. It has been discovered that the presence of hydrogen in the feed stream, permeate stream, or feed stream when present, either alone or in combination, causes a reduction in flux decay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Harry William Deckman, Edward William Corcoran, Jr., Lothar R. Czarnetzki, James Alexander McHenry
  • Patent number: 5939352
    Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst for conversion of methanol, ethanol alone or in combination with n-propanol to isobutanol and the process for making and using the catalyst. The catalyst is a noble metal supported on at least a first phase of mixed oxide crystallites containing from about 60 to about 74 atomic % (on a metals basis only) zirconium, from about 21 to about 31 atomic % manganese and from about 5 to about 9 atomic % zinc, and less than about 1 atomic % alkali, a second phase of zirconium-doped hetaerolite particles containing from about 65 to about 69 atomic % manganese, from about 31 to about 35 atomic % zinc, from about 0.5 to about 5 atomic % zirconium, and optionally a trace atomic % of alkali, and a third phase containing from about 29 to about 55 atomic % manganese, from about 13 to about 55 atomic % zinc and from about 13 to about 35 atomic % zirconium. The first phase mixed oxide crystallites have a zirconium oxide-like structure have a particle size of at least about 40 .ANG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Thomas Henry Vanderspurt, Mark Alan Greaney, Daniel Paul Leta, Russell John Koveal, Mark Michael Disko, Angela V. Klaus, Sutinder K. Behal, Robert B. Harris
  • Patent number: 5935421
    Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated, continuous process for the removal of organically bound sulfur (e.g., mercaptans, sulfides and thiophenes) comprising the steps of contacting a heavy oil, sodium hydroxide, hydrogen and water at a temperature of from about 380.degree. C. to 450.degree. C. to partially desulfurize the heavy oil and to form sodium sulfide, contacting said sodium sulfide via steam stripping to convert the sodium sulfide to sodium hydroxide and the sulfur recovered as hydrogen sulfide. The sodium hydroxide is recirculated for reuse. The partially desulfurized, dewatered heavy oil is treated with sodium metal under desulfurizing conditions, typically at a temperature of from about 340.degree. C. to about 450.degree. C., under a hydrogen pressure of at least about 50 psi to essentially desulfurize the oil, and form sodium sulfide. Optionally, the sodium salt generated can be regenerated to sodium metal using regeneration technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Glen Brons, Ronald D. Myers, Roby Bearden
  • Patent number: 5910242
    Abstract: A process for reducing the total acid number of an acidic crude by treating the crude with hydrogen treat gas in the presence of a hydrotreating catalyst wherein the treat gas also contains hydrogen sulfide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Thomas R. Halbert, Kenneth L. Riley, Kenneth L. Trachte, David L. Vannauker
  • Patent number: 5910440
    Abstract: A process to remove organic sulfur from organic compounds and organic carbonaceous fuel substrates containing sulfur compounds having sulfur-carbon bonds is disclosed. The steps of the process include oxidizing the sulfur species to the sulfone and/or sulfoxide form, and reacting the sulfone and/or sulfoxide form in an aqueous media of the reacting step including a hydride transfer reducing agent. In a particular embodiment, the reducing agent is sodium formate, the oxidizing agent is a microorganism as exemplified by Rhodococcus species ATCC 55309 or Rhodococcus species ATCC 55310 or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Matthew J. Grossman, Michael Siskin, David T. Ferrughelli, M. Kathryn Lee, James D. Senius