Patents Assigned to Rentech, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130105008Abstract: An apparatus including at least one seal pot having at least one penetration through a surface other than the top of the seal pot, each of the at least one penetrations being configured for introduction, into the at least one seal pot, of solids from a separator upstream of the at least one seal pot; a substantially non-circular cross section; or both at least one penetration through a surface other than the top of the seal pot and a substantially non-circular cross section.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: Rentech, Inc.Inventors: Weibin JIANG, Bruce E. McComish, Bryan C. Borum, Benjamin H. Carryer, Mark D. Ibsen, Mark K. Robertson, Eric R. Elrod, Sim Weeks, Harold A. Wright
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Publication number: 20130109765Abstract: A method of producing synthesis gas by introducing a feed material to be gasified into a gasification apparatus comprising at least one fluidized component operable as a fluidized bed, wherein the gasification apparatus is configured to convert at least a portion of the feed material into a gasifier product gas comprising synthesis gas; and maintaining fluidization of the at least one fluidized component by introducing a fluidization gas thereto, wherein the fluidization gas comprises at least one component other than steam. A system for producing synthesis gas is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: Rentech, Inc.Inventors: Weibin JIANG, Bruce E. McComish, Bryan C. Borum, Benjamin H. Carryer, Mark D. Ibsen, Mark K. Robertson, Eric R. Elrod, Sim Weeks, Harold A. Wright
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Publication number: 20130109561Abstract: An iron-based Fischer-Tropsch catalyst comprising magnetite and characterized by integrable X-ray diffraction reflections corresponding to (311), (511), (440), and (400), such that the relative intensity of the (400) reflection to the (300) reflection is less than about 39%. A method of preparing an activated iron-based Fischer-Tropsch catalyst by providing a precipitated catalyst comprising oxides including at least iron oxide; and activating the precipitated catalyst to provide the activated iron-based Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, wherein activating the precipitated catalyst comprises exposing the precipitated catalyst to an activation gas and increasing the temperature from a first temperature to a second temperature at a ramp rate, whereby the ratio of the intensity of the (400) reflection of the activated iron-based Fischer-Tropsch catalyst to the intensity of the (311) reflection thereof is less than 38%.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: Rentech, Inc.Inventor: Karl C. KHARAS
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Patent number: 8431081Abstract: Solvent extraction is used to remove wax and contaminants from an iron-based Fischer-Tropsch catalyst in a natural circulation continuous-flow system. The wax-free catalyst is then subjected to controlled oxidation to convert the iron to its initial oxidized state, Fe2O3. Reactivation of the oxide catalyst precursor is carried out by addition of synthesis gas.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Rentech, Inc.Inventors: Belma Demirel, Mark S. Bohn, Charles B. Benham, James E. Siebarth, Mark D. Ibsen
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Patent number: 8367741Abstract: A method of producing synthesis gas by mixing a carbonaceous feed comprising at least one carbonaceous material with superheated steam to produce a reformer feedstock and reforming the reformer feedstock to produce a first synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide by introducing the reformer feedstock into a plurality of coiled tubes within a reformer at a reformer temperature and a reformer pressure at which at least a portion of the reformer feedstock is converted to synthesis gas.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2011Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Rentech, Inc.Inventors: Randy Blevins, Joshua B. Pearson, Harold A. Wright
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Publication number: 20130028802Abstract: A system configured for the production of at least one product selected from the group consisting of syngas, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis products, power, and chemicals, the system comprising a dual fluidized bed gasification apparatus and at least one apparatus selected from power production apparatus configured to produce power from the gasification product gas, partial oxidation reactors configured for oxidation of at least a portion of the product gas, tar removal apparatus configured to reduce the amount of tar in the product gas, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis apparatus configured to produce Fischer-Tropsch synthesis products from at least a portion of the product gas, chemical production apparatus configured for the production of at least one non-Fischer-Tropsch product from at least a portion of the product gas, and dual fluidized bed gasification units configured to alter the composition of the product gas. Methods of operating the system are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: RENTECH, INC.Inventors: Weibin Jiang, Bruce E. McComish, Bryan C. Borum, Benjamin H. Carryer, Mark D. Ibsen, Mark Robertson, Eric Elrod, Sim Weeks, Harold A. Wright
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Publication number: 20130030062Abstract: A system configured for the production of at least one product selected from the group consisting of syngas, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis products, power, and chemicals, the system comprising a dual fluidized bed gasification apparatus and at least one apparatus selected from power production apparatus configured to produce power from the gasification product gas, partial oxidation reactors configured for oxidation of at least a portion of the product gas, tar removal apparatus configured to reduce the amount of tar in the product gas, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis apparatus configured to produce Fischer-Tropsch synthesis products from at least a portion of the product gas, chemical production apparatus configured for the production of at least one non-Fischer-Tropsch product from at least a portion of the product gas, and dual fluidized bed gasification units configured to alter the composition of the product gas. Methods of operating the system are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: RENTECH, INC.Inventors: Weibin Jiang, Bruce E. McComish, Bryan C. Borum, Benjamin H. Carryer, Mark D. Ibsen, Mark Robertson, Eric Elrod, Sim Weeks, Harold A. Wright
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Publication number: 20130030064Abstract: A system configured for the production of at least one product selected from the group consisting of syngas, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis products, power, and chemicals, the system comprising a dual fluidized bed gasification apparatus and at least one apparatus selected from power production apparatus configured to produce power from the gasification product gas, partial oxidation reactors configured for oxidation of at least a portion of the product gas, tar removal apparatus configured to reduce the amount of tar in the product gas, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis apparatus configured to produce Fischer-Tropsch synthesis products from at least a portion of the product gas, chemical production apparatus configured for the production of at least one non-Fischer-Tropsch product from at least a portion of the product gas, and dual fluidized bed gasification units configured to alter the composition of the product gas. Methods of operating the system are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: RENTECH, INC.Inventors: Weibin Jiang, Bruce E. McComish, Bryan C. Borum, Benjamin H. Carryer, Mark D. Ibsen, Mark Robertson, Eric Elrod, Sim Weeks, Harold A. Wright
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Publication number: 20130028801Abstract: A system configured for the production of at least one product selected from the group consisting of syngas, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis products, power, and chemicals, the system comprising a dual fluidized bed gasification apparatus and at least one apparatus selected from power production apparatus configured to produce power from the gasification product gas, partial oxidation reactors configured for oxidation of at least a portion of the product gas, tar removal apparatus configured to reduce the amount of tar in the product gas, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis apparatus configured to produce Fischer-Tropsch synthesis products from at least a portion of the product gas, chemical production apparatus configured for the production of at least one non-Fischer-Tropsch product from at least a portion of the product gas, and dual fluidized bed gasification units configured to alter the composition of the product gas. Methods of operating the system are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: RENTECH, INC.Inventors: Weibin Jiang, Bruce E. McComish, Bryan C. Borum, Benjamin H. Carryer, Mark D. Ibsen, Mark Robertson, Eric Elrod, Sim Weeks, Harold A. Wright
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Publication number: 20130025281Abstract: A system configured for the production of at least one product selected from the group consisting of syngas, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis products, power, and chemicals, the system comprising a dual fluidized bed gasification apparatus and at least one apparatus selected from power production apparatus configured to produce power from the gasification product gas, partial oxidation reactors configured for oxidation of at least a portion of the product gas, tar removal apparatus configured to reduce the amount of tar in the product gas, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis apparatus configured to produce Fischer-Tropsch synthesis products from at least a portion of the product gas, chemical production apparatus configured for the production of at least one non-Fischer-Tropsch product from at least a portion of the product gas, and dual fluidized bed gasification units configured to alter the composition of the product gas. Methods of operating the system are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: RENTECH, INC.Inventors: Weibin Jiang, Bruce E. McComish, Bryan C. Borum, Benjamin H. Carryer, Mark D. Ibsen, Mark Robertson, Eric Elrod, Sim Weeks, Harold A. Wright
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Publication number: 20120256133Abstract: A system, for production of high-quality syngas, comprising a first dual fluidized bed loop having a fluid bed conditioner operable to produce high quality syngas comprising a first percentage of components other than CO and H2 from a gas feed, wherein the conditioner comprises an outlet for a first catalytic heat transfer stream comprising a catalytic heat transfer material and having a first temperature, and an inlet for a second catalytic heat transfer stream comprising catalytic heat transfer material and having a second temperature greater than the first temperature; a fluid bed combustor operable to combust fuel and oxidant, wherein the fluid bed combustor comprises an inlet connected with the outlet for a first catalytic heat transfer stream of the conditioner, and an outlet connected with the inlet for a second catalytic heat transfer stream of the conditioner; and a catalytic heat transfer material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: RENTECH, INC.Inventors: George Apanel, Harold A. Wright
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Patent number: 8241523Abstract: A system, for production of high-quality syngas, comprising a first dual fluidized bed loop having a fluid bed conditioner operable to produce high quality syngas comprising a first percentage of components other than CO and H2 from a gas feed, wherein the conditioner comprises an outlet for a first catalytic heat transfer stream comprising a catalytic heat transfer material and having a first temperature, and an inlet for a second catalytic heat transfer stream comprising catalytic heat transfer material and having a second temperature greater than the first temperature; a fluid bed combustor operable to combust fuel and oxidant, wherein the fluid bed combustor comprises an inlet connected with the outlet for a first catalytic heat transfer stream of the conditioner, and an outlet connected with the inlet for a second catalytic heat transfer stream of the conditioner; and a catalytic heat transfer material.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Rentech, Inc.Inventors: George Apanel, Harold A. Wright
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Publication number: 20120153639Abstract: A method for meeting both base-load and peak-load demand in a power production facility. By integrating a Fischer-Tropsch (FT) hydrocarbon production facility with an electrical power generating facility, peak-load power demand can be met by reducing the temperature of the FT reactor thereby increasing the quantity of tail gases and using FT tail gases to fuel a gas turbine generator set. The method enables rapid power response and allows the synthesis gas generating units and the FT units to operate with constant flow rates.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2012Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: RENTECH, INC.Inventors: Dennis L. YAKOBSON, Claude C. Corkadel, III, Charles B. Benham, Belma Demirel, Peter S. Pedersen
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Publication number: 20120134888Abstract: A system for the production of synthesis gas, the system including a mixing apparatus configured for combining steam with at least one carbonaceous material to produce a reformer feedstock; and a reformer comprising a cylindrical vessel containing a plurality of coiled tubes, wherein each of the plurality of coiled tubes has a vertical height in the range of from about 40 feet 12.2 m) to about 100 feet (30.5 m) and a coil length that is at least four times the vertical height; at least one burner configured to combust a fuel and provide heat to maintain the reformer at a reformer temperature; at least one outlet for reformer product comprising synthesis gas; and at least one outlet for flue gas produced via combustion of fuel in the burners. A suitable mixing apparatus is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: RENTECH, INC.Inventors: Randy BLEVINS, Joshua B. Pearson, Harold A. Wright
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Publication number: 20120126176Abstract: A method of producing synthesis gas by mixing a carbonaceous feed comprising at least one carbonaceous material with superheated steam to produce a reformer feedstock and reforming the reformer feedstock to produce a first synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide by introducing the reformer feedstock into a plurality of coiled tubes within a reformer at a reformer temperature and a reformer pressure at which at least a portion of the reformer feedstock is converted to synthesis gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: RENTECH, INC.Inventors: Randy Blevins, Joshua B. Pearson, Harold A. Wright
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Patent number: 8168686Abstract: A method and system for reforming a carbonaceous feedstock comprising the steps, reforming the feedstock produce a first synthesis gas, subjecting a portion of the first synthesis gas to catalytic conversion, separating from the synthesis gas conversion product at least one byproduct, and utilizing at least a portion of the at least one byproduct during reforming of additional carbonaceous material. In certain instances, the method and system may be used to produce a liquid fuel.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Rentech, Inc.Inventors: Randy Blevins, Joshua B. Pearson, Harold A. Wright
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Patent number: 8146368Abstract: A method for meeting both base-load and peak-load demand in a power production facility. By integrating a Fischer-Tropsch (FT) hydrocarbon production facility with an electrical power generating facility, peak-load power demand can be met by reducing the temperature of the FT reactor thereby increasing the quantity of tail gases and using FT tail gases to fuel a gas turbine generator set. The method enables rapid power response and allows the synthesis gas generating units and the FT units to operate with constant flow rates.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2009Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Rentech, Inc.Inventors: Dennis L. Yakobson, Claude C. Corkadel, III, Charles B. Benham, Belma Demirel, Peter S. Pedersen
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Patent number: 8138115Abstract: A method of producing an iron catalyst for catalyzing the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide is disclosed. The method comprises using a reduced amount of acid for iron dissolution compared to certain previous methods. The resulting acidic iron mixture is heated without boiling to obtain a nitrate solution having a Fe2+:Fe3+ ratio in the range of about 0.01%:99.99% to about 100%:0% (wt:wt). Iron phases are precipitated at a lower temperature compared to certain previous methods. The recovered catalyst precursor is dried and sized to form particles having a size distribution between 10 microns and 100 microns. In embodiments, the Fe2+:Fe3+ ratio in the nitric acid solution may be in the range of from about 3%:97% to about 30%:70% (wt:wt) and the calcined catalyst may comprise a maghemite:hematite ratio of about 1%:99% to about 70%:30%.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2010Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Rentech, Inc.Inventors: Belma Demirel, Charles B. Benham, Jesse W. Taylor, Pandurang V. Nikrad, Sara L. Rolfe, Olga P. Ionkina, Dawid J. Duvenhage, Harold A. Wright
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Publication number: 20120055090Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the process of gasification and the production of synthesis gas. More particularly, the various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the process of biomass gasification and the reduction or elimination of tars from the hydrocarbon-rich product gas derived from biomass gasification. The present invention comprises systems and methods for the reduction of tar from a synthesis gas derived from biomass gasification.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2011Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: Rentech, Inc.Inventor: Herman FELDMANN
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Patent number: 8105403Abstract: A novel method of combining the CTL fuel plant and IGCC electrical plant by sharing the systems of coal intake, coal preparation, gas separation, and water units is described herein. This configuration allows for the combined facility to offer advantages in efficiencies of production, operational flexibility, scalability, and reliability by a multi-path integration of the processing units.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Rentech, Inc.Inventors: Joseph A. Regnery, Richard O. Sheppard