Patents Assigned to Tronox, LLC
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Patent number: 8691167Abstract: The present invention provides for a process for handling carbonyl sulfide waste and waste metal halides produced in industrial processes and, more particularly chlorination processes. The process includes the steps of hydrolyzing the carbonyl sulfide to produce a waste stream containing hydrogen sulfide and sulfidizing the resulting hydrogen sulfide containing stream with a solution of the waste metal halides. The resulting metal sulfide and metal halide-containing stream can be neutralized before disposal of the produced waste solids.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Tronox LLCInventor: Harry Eugene Flynn
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Patent number: 8663518Abstract: A method of producing a titanium dioxide pigment is provided. Also provided is a method of improving the processability of titanium dioxide particles without adversely affecting the rheological properties of the titanium dioxide particles.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Tronox LLCInventors: Kamlesh G. Panjnani, David F. Marshall, Jeffrey D. Elliott
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Publication number: 20140023573Abstract: The present invention provides for a process for handling carbonyl sulfide waste and waste metal halides produced in industrial processes and, more particularly chlorination processes. The process includes the steps of hydrolyzing the carbonyl sulfide to produce a waste stream containing hydrogen sulfide and sulfidizing the resulting hydrogen sulfide containing stream with a solution of the waste metal halides. The resulting metal sulfide and metal halide-containing stream can be neutralized before disposal of the produced waste solids.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2012Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: Tronox, LLCInventor: Harry Eugene Flynn
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Publication number: 20130161856Abstract: A method of producing a titanium dioxide pigment is provided. Also provided is a method of improving the processability of titanium dioxide particles without adversely affecting the rheological properties of the titanium dioxide particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2011Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: Tronox LLCInventors: Kamlesh G. Panjnani, David F. Marshall, Jeffrey D. Elliott
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Patent number: 8387901Abstract: The current invention provides an improved jet nozzle suitable for use in a micronizing jet mill or retrofitting to an existing jet mill. The improved jet nozzle incorporates a coanda effect inducing element to enhance entrainment of particles to be ground within the vortex created by the micronizing jet mill. When the jet mill uses steam to generate the jet, use of the improved nozzle will reduce energy costs by increasing the efficiency of the jet mill.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2006Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Tronox LLCInventors: Harry E. Flynn, Robert O. Martin, Charles A. Natalle
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Publication number: 20120232187Abstract: The invention provides a coated inorganic oxide pigment. The inventive coated inorganic oxide pigment comprises an inorganic oxide base pigment, a porous inorganic coating formed on the base pigment, and a dense inorganic coating formed on the base pigment. The porous inorganic coating and dense inorganic coating each consist essentially of a material selected from the group consisting of silica and alumina. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a coated inorganic oxide pigment. In yet another aspect, the invention provides a polymer composition comprising a base polymer, and a coated inorganic oxide pigment admixed with the base polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2011Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: Tronox LLCInventors: Venkata Rama Rao Goparaju, Michael L. Ashley
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Patent number: 8215825Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for influencing mixing of a first fluid injected through a slot into a second fluid flowing through a conduit, by automatically or remotely adjusting the slot width to provide at least a certain slot velocity of the first fluid being introduced into the conduit. In particular, methods and apparatus are provided for mixing control in injecting titanium tetrachloride into an oxygen stream in a process for making titanium dioxide.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Tronox LLCInventors: Harry E. Flynn, Robert O. Martin, Charles A. Natalie
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Patent number: 8128127Abstract: A piping elbow capable of facilitating a fluid flow direction change in a smaller space than conventional piping elbows, without causing the larger pressure losses found when using conventional elbows in the equivalent space. Piping elbows of the present invention comprise a substantially-cylindrical body having a first end, a second end, and a substantially-constant inside diameter; a tangential inlet attached to the body near the first end of the body and having an inside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the body; and a tangential outlet attached to the body near the second end of the body and having an inside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the body. Fluid flows linearly through the tangential inlet and enters the body. Inside the body, linear motion of the fluid is converted into a rotational or spiral motion. The fluid in the body continues its spiral motion as it also moves axially through the body toward the tangential outlet.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Tronox LLCInventors: Harry Eugene Flynn, Robert O. Martin, Charles A. Natalie
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Patent number: 7943103Abstract: A process is provided for handling waste solids produced from the chlorination of titanium-bearing ores in the presence of coke as a reducing agent. The process includes the steps of combining waste metal chloride solids and unreacted ore and coke solids with a liquid whereby waste metal chloride solids are dissolved in the liquid and unreacted ore and coke solids are slurried in the liquid, and separating out the unreacted ore and coke solids from the liquid. The liquid including the dissolved waste metal chlorides is then divided into a recycle substream and a bleed substream. The recycle substream is recycled such that it comprises at least a part of the liquid which is combined with the waste metal chloride solids and unreacted ore and coke solids in the product stream. The bleed substream is neutralized to produce a filterable or directly landfillable mass of waste metal hydroxide solids.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2006Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Tronox LLCInventors: Harry E. Flynn, Leslie E. Crowder
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Patent number: 7935753Abstract: Surface treated inorganic oxide pigments are provided wherein one or more of the ethylene glycol esters and diesters are applied to the surface of a base inorganic oxide pigment, for example, an anatase titanium dioxide pigment from the calciner of a conventional sulfate route process for making titanium dioxide pigments or especially a rutile titanium dioxide pigment from the oxidizer in a conventional chloride route process for making titanium dioxide pigments.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2006Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Tronox LLCInventor: Thomas W. Rachal
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Patent number: 7854917Abstract: A process for manufacturing titanium dioxide by the chloride process is provided. In one embodiment, a particle size control agent comprising an ionizing agent such as potassium chloride is introduced into the reaction zone of the oxidation reactor to control the particle size of the titanium dioxide. In a first aspect, the effectiveness of the particle size control agent in controlling the particle size of the titanium dioxide is improved by adding the particle size control agent to at least one of the reactant streams at a sufficient distance upstream of the oxidization reactor to allow the ionizing agent to efficiently ionize and the particle size control agent to thoroughly admix with the stream(s) prior to entering the reaction zone. In a second aspect, the particle size control agent comprises an ionizing agent and fumed silica. In another embodiment, the amount of alumina added to the reaction zone of the oxidization reactor is increased in order to control the particle size of the titanium dioxide.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Tronox LLCInventors: Harry E. Flynn, Robert O. Martin, Charles A. Natalie, Jeffrey W. Giles
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Publication number: 20100025502Abstract: The current invention provides an improved jet nozzle suitable for use in a micronizing jet mill or retrofitting to an existing jet mill. The improved jet nozzle incorporates a coanda effect inducing element to enhance entrainment of particles to be ground within the vortex created by the micronizing jet mill. When the jet mill uses steam to generate the jet, use of the improved nozzle will reduce energy costs by increasing the efficiency of the jet mill.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2006Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicant: Tronox LLCInventors: Harry E. Flynn, Robert O. Martin, Charles A. Natalle
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Publication number: 20080260627Abstract: A process for manufacturing titanium dioxide by the chloride process is provided. In one embodiment, a particle size control agent comprising an ionizing agent such as potassium chloride is introduced into the reaction zone of the oxidation reactor to control the particle size of the titanium dioxide. In a first aspect, the effectiveness of the particle size control agent in controlling the particle size of the titanium dioxide is improved by adding the particle size control agent to at least one of the reactant streams at a sufficient distance upstream of the oxidization reactor to allow the ionizing agent to efficiently ionize and the particle size control agent to thoroughly admix with the stream(s) prior to entering the reaction zone. In a second aspect, the particle size control agent comprises an ionizing agent and fumed silica. In another embodiment, the amount of alumina added to the reaction zone of the oxidization reactor is increased in order to control the particle size of the titanium dioxide.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2005Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: TRONOX LLCInventors: Harry E. Flynn, Robert O. Martin, Charles A. Natalie, Jeffrey W. Giles
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Publication number: 20080219087Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for influencing mixing of a first fluid injected through a slot into a second fluid flowing through a conduit, by automatically or remotely adjusting the slot width to provide at least a certain slot velocity of the first fluid being introduced into the conduit. In particular, methods and apparatus are provided for mixing control in injecting titanium tetrachloride into an oxygen stream in a process for making titanium dioxide.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2005Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: TRONOX LLCInventors: Harry E. Flynn, Robert O. Martin, Charles A. Natalie
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Patent number: 7285225Abstract: The current invention provides improved methods and filter stacks for concentrating a slurry of titanium dioxide. The improved filter stack comprises a series of filter disks and diverter trays arranged in parallel. The present invention provides an improvement over prior art filter stacks by using a substantially complete weld to attach a diverter plate to the diverter trays. The current invention also provides an improved method for pre-conditioning a filter stack. The improved method is designed to pre-condition and gradually prepare the filter stack for production of the desired slurry of titanium dioxide. Further, the current invention provides an improved process for preparing and transporting a slurry of titanium dioxide. Finally, the current invention provides a method for enhancing the lifespan of a filter stack.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2004Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Tronox, LLCInventors: John W. Copeland, John A. Parker
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Publication number: 20070221575Abstract: The current invention provides improved methods and filter stacks for concentrating a slurry of titanium dioxide. The improved filter stack comprises a series of filter disks and diverter trays arranged in parallel. The present invention provides an improvement over prior art filter stacks by using a substantially complete weld to attach a diverter plate to the diverter trays. The current invention also provides an improved method for pre-conditioning a filter stack. The improved method is designed to pre-condition and gradually prepare the filter stack for production of the desired slurry of titanium dioxide. Further, the current invention provides an improved process for preparing and transporting a slurry of titanium dioxide. Finally, the current invention provides a method for enhancing the lifespan of a filter stack.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2004Publication date: September 27, 2007Applicant: TRONOX LLCInventors: John Copeland, John Parker
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Patent number: 7250080Abstract: An improved process for making an organosilicon compound surface-treated titanium dioxide material, comprising (a) forming a mixture of the titanium dioxide material in water, (b) wet milling the mixture, (c) adjusting the pH of the slurry resulting from step (b) to between about 5.0 and about 8.5, (d) after step (c), removing the titanium dioxide material from the mixture by vacuum or pressure filtration, (e) after step (d), washing the titanium dioxide material so removed, (f) after step (e), converting the washed titanium dioxide material to a fluid dispersion having a pH of from about 3.5 to less than about 7 via addition of a fluidizing agent comprising a water-soluble monoprotic acid, (g) after, or concurrently with, step (f), adding to the resulting dispersion of titanium dioxide material an organosilicon compound, with mixing, and (h) spray drying the dispersion of the washed titanium dioxide material resulting from step (g) to yield a dry titanium dioxide pigment powder.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2006Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Tronox LLCInventors: Daniel H. Craig, Mark D. Westmeyer
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Patent number: 7250144Abstract: Novel methods for the removal of sodium perchlorate from electrolytic processes for the production of sodium chlorate have been discovered, allowing sodium chlorate production processes to proceed with low levels of sodium perchlorate. A portion of the mother liquor from the sodium chlorate crystallization is fed to a secondary crystallization step to concentrate sodium perchlorate in a second mother liquor. In this manner, at least a portion of the sodium perchlorate in the sodium chlorate production process is isolated in the second mother liquor, which can be removed from the sodium chlorate production process. The process is run until the concentration of sodium perchlorate in the second mother liquor reaches a desired concentration, at which point at least a portion of the second mother liquor can be removed, thereby removing a portion of the sodium perchlorate from the sodium chlorate production process.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2005Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Tronox LLCInventors: Keenan D. Sanders, Kevin E. Partlow
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Patent number: 7238231Abstract: An improved process is described for manufacturing zirconia-treated titanium dioxide pigments, wherein the zirconia treatment is accomplished in the process of fluidizing a titanium dioxide filter or press cake and then drying the same, through the addition to the filter or press cake of one or more alkaline water-soluble zirconium reagents selected from ammonium zirconyl carbonate, the water-soluble ammonium zirconyl carboxylates and mixtures of these. Aqueous solutions of such zirconium reagents, in addition to being effective for imparting a zirconia surface treatment to the titanium dioxide materials, also prove to be effective fluidizing agents for forming high solids dispersions of the zirconia-treated titanium dioxide pigment materials which can be spray dried without substantial dilution and excessive energy requirements.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Tronox LLCInventors: Daniel H. Craig, Jeffrey D. Elliott, Harmon E. Ray
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Patent number: 7238450Abstract: Intercalation cathode materials especially suited for use in high-voltage, high-energy lithium rechargeable batteries, having the formulae Li[Li(1-2x)/3MyMn(2?x)/3Ni(x-y)O2, where 0<x<0.5, 0<y?0.25, x>y, and M is one or more divalent cations from Ca, Cu, Mg, and Zn. A process for making such materials is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Tronox LLCInventors: Wilmont Frederick Howard, Jr., Stephen Wilfred Sheargold, Anthony Michael Thurston, Felix Mbanga Towa