Patents Assigned to Institut Francais du Petrole
  • Patent number: 7553421
    Abstract: Method for sizing the cells of a centrifugal liquid-liquid chromatography “column” (CPC column) consisting of stacked discs on which the cells connected in cascade (in series) by small channels are engraved. Rotation of the stack creates a high centrifugal acceleration field which makes it possible to keep a liquid phase referred to as stationary phase motionless, whereas a mobile phase circulates along the CPC column. The cells are three-dimensional, with two dimensions (L, l) of the cells oriented in a plane substantially normal to the axis of rotation (?) of the disc and a third dimension (e) oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation, and selected so as to be at least equal to one of the other two dimensions (L, l), thus providing higher efficiency. When the scale of the devices has to be changed, the size of the cells is modified ensuring that, in any case, this third dimension (e) is favored so as to be as great as possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignees: Institut Francais du Petrole, Universite de Nantes
    Inventors: Alain Foucault, Jack Legrand, Luc Marchal, Daniel Durand
  • Patent number: 7550515
    Abstract: Process for the running of a reactor in which reactions take place in multiphase systems, wherein a gaseous phase prevalently consisting of CO and H2 is bubbled into a suspension of a solid in the form of particles (catalyst) in a liquid (prevalently reaction product), according to the Fischer-Tropsch technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignees: ENI S.p.A., Institut Francais du Petrole, Enitecnologie S.p.A.
    Inventors: Cristina Maretto, Giovanni Pederzani
  • Patent number: 7550636
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the hydrotreatment of an olefinic gasoline comprising at least one selective hydrogenation stage, and generally of simultaneous conversion of mercaptans by weight increase, in which the makeup hydrogen used in this stage or these stages has a reduced CO+CO2 content, preferably comprised between 5 and 200 ppmv. Most often, the CO content is comprised between 1 and 20 ppmv. The process typically makes it possible to hydrorefine an olefinic gasoline by more or less eliminating the diolefins and sulphur compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Florent Picard, Sebastien Leplat
  • Patent number: 7547432
    Abstract: A process for the reversible storage of hydrogen, comprising bringing into contact an alloy of magnesium and palladium with the gaseous hydrogen leading to the formation of hydride or corresponding hydrides, comprises the use of a balanced system corresponding to the formula: MgxPdMgxPdHn in which atomic ratio x takes on a value of 3 to 6, and n is the number of hydrogen atoms corresponding to the stoichiometry of the hydride or hydrides formed or to the formula: MgxPdMg2PdH4+Mgx-2Hn in which the atomic ratio x takes on a value of 7 to 9, and n is the number of hydrogen atoms corresponding to the stoichiometry of the hydride or hydrides formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Pascal Raybaud, François Ropital
  • Patent number: 7544284
    Abstract: Process for the treatment of a hydrocarbon mixture that comprises hydrogen, in which the mixture is separated at pressure P1 into a liquid L1 and a gas G1 that is compressed under a pressure P2>2×P1; compressed gas G1** is then brought into contact with at least a portion of L1 so as to recover a liquid L2 and a hydrogen-rich gas G2; at least one stabilized liquid and a light liquid stream LL comprising primarily LPG, of which at least a portion is reduced in pressure and mixed with gas G1 to facilitate its compression, are recovered by fractionation from G1** and/or from L2. The invention also relates to a process for reforming hydrocarbons with such an effluent treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Eric Sanchez, Béatrice Fischer
  • Patent number: 7544419
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a component scavenged by exhaust gases, notably a component of an internal-combustion engine (12) and/or of at least an exhaust gas circulation circuit (14, 16, 18, 20) belonging to an engine set (10). According to the invention, the surfaces in contact with the exhaust gases of at least one component are provided with a protective coating comprising at least partly amorphous carbon of local structure close to diamond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventor: John Lynch
  • Patent number: 7544347
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the synthesis of solid zeolitic ZBM-30, comprising: i) a mixing step, during which a mixture comprising at least one source of a tetravalent metal, at least one source of a trivalent metal, water and at least two amine compounds is prepared, resulting in the production of a gel; and ii) a crystallization step, during which said gel is maintained under conditions allowing the formation of a crystalline solid. The invention also concerns the zeolite ZBM-30 obtained by said process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Gaëlle Hastoy, Johan Martens, Emmanuelle Guillon
  • Patent number: 7540915
    Abstract: The invention relates to a high-performance cement comprising an alumnic cement with an aluminium content of at least more than 30%; microsilica with a grain size of 0.1 - 20 ?m whereby the percentage thereof is 35 % less by weight in comparison with the weight of the cement; mineral particles with a grain size of 0.5 - 500 ?m whereby the percentage thereof is 35% less by weight in comparison with the weight of the cement, the percentage of said particles being less than that of the microsilica; a water-soluble polymer fluidifying agent whereby the percentage thereof is 0.2 to 3.0% in comparison with the weight of the cement; a retarding agent which is used to control the setting time of the slurry; an amount of water the maximum thereof corresponding to 40 % in relation to the cement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Eric Lecolier, Alain Rivereau, Annie Audibert
  • Patent number: 7541505
    Abstract: A process for the production of phenyl alkanes by catalytic alkylation on a solid acid catalyst employs at least one moving-bed reactor. This process comprises a catalytic alkylation stage of an aromatic compound by at least one olefin that has 9 to 16 carbon atoms per molecule, combined with a catalyst reactivation circuit. Each reactor contains n reaction zones, whereby each of said zones consists of an acidic solid catalyst, optionally different from one zone to the next. Entering each reaction zone, a fraction of the total amount of olefins necessary to the alkylation reaction is introduced. The phenyl alkanes that are obtained by the process according to the invention are particularly suitable for the production of detergents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Emmanuelle Guillon, Eric Sanchez
  • Patent number: 7540951
    Abstract: A process for preparation of synthetic crude from a deposit of heavy crude, comprises: (a) the extraction of heavy crude by technology using steam; (b) the separation of crude extract and water; (c) the separation of crude into at least one light fraction and one heavy fraction; (d) the conversion of the heavy fraction of separation into a lighter product, said converted product, and a residue; (e) optionally, the partial or total hydrotreatment of the converted product and/or the light fraction (or fractions) obtained during the separation c), (f) the combustion and/or gasification of the conversion residue; the converted product and the light fraction (or fractions) for separation, optionally having been subjected to a hydrotreatment e), constituting the synthetic crude; said combustion allowing the generation of steam and/or electricity and said gasification allowing the generation of hydrogen; the steam and/or electricity thus generated being used for the extraction a) and/or the electricity and/or hydrog
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Arnault Selmen, Thierry Gauthier, Mathieu Pinault, Eric Benazzi
  • Publication number: 20090111898
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the production of liquid hydrocarbons by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis on solid catalyst particles in a three-phase bed reactor, the apparatus being provided with at least one filter cartridge mounted in a filtration zone in the interior of said reactor, the filter cartridge comprising: a filter intended to separate the filtrate from the solid catalyst particles, a cylindrical casing, an internal element in the form of a hollow cylinder open at its ends and mounted in substantially coaxial relationship with the longitudinal axis of the casing, an annular chamber delimited by the casing and the walls of the internal element, said chamber being intended to collect the filtrate, and a conduit for discharge of said filtrate, wherein the walls of the internal element of the filter cartridge are at least in part formed by the filter of the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicants: INSTITUT FRANCAIS DU PETROLE, ENI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Nathalie Brunard, Jean-Marc Schweitzer
  • Publication number: 20090103586
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the kinetics of gas hydrate formation in a fluid comprising water, wherein the following stages are carried out: a sample of the fluid is provided in form of a water-in-oil stable emulsion, DSC measurements are performed on the sample to obtain at least one peak corresponding to the gas hydrate conversion energy in the water drops of said emulsion, kinetic characteristics of the formation of hydrates in said fluid are deduced from the peak.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: INSTITUT FRANCAIS DU PETROLE
    Inventors: Christine Dalmazzone, Benjamin Herzhaft, Lionel Rousseau
  • Patent number: 7521482
    Abstract: An emulsion is optimized in that it is stabilized by the presence of a surfactant specifically selected according to the type of a polymer, or copolymer, also present in the emulsion. The surfactant and the polymer are selected oppositely charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Jean-François Argillier, Isabelle Henaut
  • Patent number: 7520330
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a system for limiting vortex-induced vibrations on a riser suspended at one end from a support and subjected to substantially transverse fluid flows. The system comprises suspension means (10) for hanging the riser from the support, which include displacement means for moving the end in a transverse direction in relation to the principal axis of the riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Cédric Le Cunff, Daniel Averbuch, Marie-Hélène Klopffer
  • Patent number: 7513990
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for sulfurization of catalysts for hydrotreatment, in particular the catalysts for hydrotreating refractory oxides by sulfurization, in which said catalysts are subjected to a sulfurization stage under a gas atmosphere that contains hydrogen sulfide (H2S), hydrogen (H2), and optionally a cover gas for dilution and in which the H2S/H2 molar ratio is more than 4 and the H2S partial pressure is at least equal to 1 kPa. Said sulfurization stage can be carried out in the hydrotreatment unit (sulfurization in situ) or, prior to the charging of the catalyst, in the hydrotreatment unit (sulfurization ex situ) and is generally carried out at a temperature of less than 600° C., preferably less than 500° C. The invention also relates to the catalysts that are sulfurized by said sulfurization process and their use for hydrorefining and/or hydroconversion/hydrocracking of hydrocarbon feedstocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Denis Guillaume, Sylvie Lopez, Tivadar Cseri
  • Patent number: 7507325
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and installation for treating heavy petroleum feedstocks for producing a gas oil fraction that has a sulfur content of less than 50 ppm and most often 10 ppm that includes the following stages: a) mild hydrocracking in a fixed catalyst bed, b) separation from hydrogen sulfide of a distillate fraction that includes a gas oil fraction and a heavier fraction than the gas oil, c) hydrotreatment (including desulfurization) of said distillate fraction, and d) separation of a gas oil fraction with less than 50 ppm of sulfur. Advantageously, the heavy fraction is sent into catalytic cracking. The process preferably operates with make-up hydrogen that is brought to stage c), and very advantageously all of the make-up hydrogen of the process in introduced in stage c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Christophe Gueret, Pierre Marion, Cecile Plain, Jerome Bonnardot, Eric Benazzi, Olivier Martin
  • Patent number: 7504022
    Abstract: A process for desulphurizing a gasoline cut containing olefins, sulphur-containing compounds and optionally molecules belonging to C3 and C4 cuts comprises at least a first step A for contacting said gasoline cut with an acidic resin having an acid capacity of more than 4.7 equivalents per kg and a specific surface area of less than 55 m2/g, and a second step B for fractionation of the mixture from the first step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventor: Florent Picard
  • Patent number: 7504548
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for formulation of a synthetic gas oil or an additive for gas oil in which an alkyl-aromatic compound or a mixture of alkyl-aromatic compounds is selected based on at least one parameter that is selected from the group that consists of the number of cycles of the aromatic core, the number of alkyl chains that are grafted to the aromatic cycle, the length of the alkyl chain or chains, the position of the aromatic cycle or cycles on the alkyl chain or chains of said alkyl-aromatic compound or compounds such that the cetane number of the synthetic gas oil or the additive for gas oil is greater than 30. The invention also relates to a process for the production of alkyl-aromatic compounds for use as a gas oil or additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Patrick Briot, Sylvie Lacombe, Jean-François Joly, Eric Llido
  • Patent number: 7500658
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for mixing and distributing a gas and a liquid, arranged upstream from a granular bed. The device includes a substantially horizontal lower plate, said lower plate being equipped with a plurality of risers evenly distributed over the surface of said plate, each riser having an upper part and a lower end communicating with the underside of said plate, the upper part of the risers being provided with at least one lateral orifice. A substantially horizontal upper plate is provided above which the gas and the liquid are supplied, wherein said upper plate rests on risers extending upwardly from the lower plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Institut Francais Du Petrole
    Inventors: Christophe Boyer, Daniel Svezia
  • Patent number: 7494792
    Abstract: A process for producing cellulolytic and/or hemicellulolytic enzymes uses the residue from the ethanolic fermentation of enzymatic hydrolyzates of cellulosic or ligno-cellulosic materials. This process may be integrated into a process for the production of ethanol from cellulosic or ligno-cellulosic materials which comprises the following steps: 1) chemical and/or physical pre-treatment of a cellulosic or ligno-cellulosic substrate; 2) enzymatic hydrolysis of the pre-treated substrate using cellulolytic and/or hemicellulolytic enzymes; 3) ethanolic fermentation, by a suitable alcohologenic microorganism, of the hydrolyzate from step (2) and production of a fermentation must; and 4) separation of the alcohologenic microorganism used in step (3), separation/purification of the ethanol and production of an aqueous phase constituting a residue; and in which said residue serves for the production of the cellulolytic and/or hemicellulolytic enzymes used in step 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Michel Warzywoda, Daniel Ballerini, Frédéric Monot