Patents Assigned to Valero Services, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20260250583
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of renewable fuel production. More particularly, the disclosure is directed to systems and methods for processing renewable feedstocks in a fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) process unit to produce renewable gasoline, gasoline blendstocks, and/or other hydrocarbon products. The disclosure includes modifications to the point of introduction of the renewable feed into the FCC unit and adjustments to one or more operating conditions to accommodate feedstocks that differ substantially in composition and properties from conventional petroleum derived feeds. A renewable feedstock is optionally pretreated and/or hydroprocessed, then introduced into a fractionator associated with the FCC unit, where it is preheated by indirect or direct contact with an FCC reactor product stream. Such modifications enable efficient operation and conversion of renewable feed materials while maintaining desired product yields, catalyst performance, and unit operability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2026
    Publication date: August 27, 2026
    Applicant: Valero Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Malatak
  • Publication number: 20260225041
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides multi-element membrane assemblies for selective separation and capture of gaseous effluents. The assemblies may include stacked membrane units in, for example, either cubic or cylindrical configurations, providing high surface-area-to-volume ratios and thermal stability. The cubic configuration comprises flat membrane panels with metallic borders and support stringers, while the cylindrical configuration comprises toroid segments with thermally compatible gaskets. Both configurations maintain hermetic seals at elevated temperatures and provide efficient gas flow channels for feed and permeant gases. Manufacturing methods include pressing, casting, and additive manufacturing techniques. The assemblies are particularly suitable for separating carbon dioxide from high-temperature gas mixtures using lithium zirconate membranes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2025
    Publication date: August 6, 2026
    Applicant: Valero Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Miller, Josh L. Mangum
  • Publication number: 20260216664
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatus, methods, and systems for manufacturing membrane assemblies for selective carbon dioxide (CO?) separation. The apparatus includes coaxially arranged perforated tubes defining an annular space containing a solid-state lithium zirconate membrane. The method includes steps for introducing and compressing membrane material within the annular space to form a dense, selective membrane structure. The system provides mechanical components for controlled formation of the membrane assembly. The disclosure enables practical implementation of solid-state CO? capture technology for industrial and vehicle emissions through a novel manufacturing approach that overcomes traditional limitations in processing ionic solid membranes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2025
    Publication date: July 30, 2026
    Applicant: Valero Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Miller, Terrence F. Alger, II, Barrett W. Mangold, Graham Thomas Conway, Jason Daniel Herrera
  • Publication number: 20260216641
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides integrated systems and methods that combine waste heat recovery (WHR) with carbon capture operations. By simultaneously managing process stream temperatures and generating power from recovered thermal energy, the disclosed technology offers comprehensive solutions for both thermal management and power consumption challenges. The system maintains optimal lithium-zirconate (LZO) operating temperatures while converting waste heat to electrical power through various thermodynamic cycles, including Brayton, Rankine, and thermoelectric generation. Applications span both stationary facilities and mobile implementations, enabling carbon capture while reducing overall system power requirements and improving operational efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2025
    Publication date: July 30, 2026
    Applicant: Valero Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence F. Alger, II, Graham Thomas Conway
  • Publication number: 20260208141
    Abstract: Provided is are methods and systems to operate a alkylation process, the method includes receiving, by one or more processors and from one or more sensors, measurements indicative of one or more operating parameters of an alkylation process; determining, by the one or more processors, a difference between the one or more operating parameters of the alkylation process and one or more target operating parameters of the alkylation process; determining, by the one or more processors, a factor associated with one or more of the one or more operating parameters, wherein the factor is based on the difference; and providing, by the one or more processors, an indication of the factor to an operator of the alkylation process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2026
    Publication date: July 23, 2026
    Applicant: Valero Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jill Burns, Zachary Macdonald, Alexandria Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20260199830
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for processing and storing captured CO2 from engine applications through a split-system architecture with vacuum and high-pressure sections connected by an intermediate accumulator volume. The system processes CO2 from initial capture conditions of up to 750°C and sub-ambient pressures through multiple compression and cooling stages to achieve stable storage conditions. Novel heat management approaches utilize combinations of air, water-glycol, and refrigerant cooling loops. The system accommodates varying input conditions while maintaining stable storage conditions, making it particularly suitable for both stationary and mobile engine applications. Active temperature control maintains optimal storage conditions in either supercritical or two-phase states. The system provides an efficient and practical solution for handling captured CO2 across a wide range of engine applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2025
    Publication date: July 16, 2026
    Applicant: Valero Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Natalie R. Smith, Jason D. Bensmiller, Owen Pryor, Cole J. Replogle, Douglas C. Hofer
  • Publication number: 20260159383
    Abstract: A method of producing hydrogen from methane and renewable hydrocarbons is disclosed. The method includes producing hydrogen with a lower carbon life cycle emission score by utilizing (1) a blend of renewable feedstocks and natural gas and (2) a carbon dioxide recovery and sequestration process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2026
    Publication date: June 11, 2026
    Applicant: Valero Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Malatak
  • Publication number: 20260158437
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for manufacturing monolithic membrane structures using additive manufacturing of lithium zirconate-based materials. The methods enable creation of complex internal geometries optimized for carbon dioxide (CO2) separation and capture from gas mixtures. Further, the disclosure provides specific material formulations combining lithium zirconate with various additives and process parameters for successful additive manufacturing. The resulting monolithic membrane structures feature alternating feed and permeant channels arranged orthogonally, with selective membrane walls enabling efficient CO2 capture through chemisorption. The disclosed technology enables practical implementation of solid-state CO2 capture technology for industrial and vehicle emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2025
    Publication date: June 11, 2026
    Applicant: Valero Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Miller, Jason Daniel Herrera, Carl F. Popelar, Matthew A. Poerner
  • Publication number: 20260158443
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for manufacturing solid-state zirconate membranes for selective carbon dioxide separation from high-temperature gas effluents. A first method involves applying a metal carbonate suspension to a porous zirconia substrate, followed by calcination. A second method involves saturating a porous zirconia substrate with metal hydroxides, converting the hydroxides to carbonates through carbon dioxide exposure, and subsequent calcination. Both methods produce mechanically robust membranes suitable for industrial and vehicle carbon dioxide separation applications. The methods utilize combinations of lithium and other metals, such as potassium, as the metal components, with specific molar ratios optimized for membrane performance. The resulting membranes exhibit improved mechanical stability while maintaining high carbon dioxide selectivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2025
    Publication date: June 11, 2026
    Applicant: Valero Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Daniel Herrera, Michael J. Rubal
  • Patent number: 12565423
    Abstract: A method of producing hydrogen from methane and renewable hydrocarbons is disclosed. The method includes producing hydrogen with a lower carbon life cycle emission score by utilizing (1) a blend of renewable feedstocks and natural gas and (2) a carbon dioxide recovery and sequestration process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2026
    Assignee: Valero Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Malatak
  • Publication number: 20260035620
    Abstract: A method, process, and system are disclosed for removing silicon-containing compounds from refinery hydrocarbon streams using alkaline treatment. The refinery stream, which may originate from units such as a crude stream, delayed coker, or other process unit, is contacted with an alkaline agent, such as a solid or an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or an amine. This treatment extracts at least a portion of the silicon-containing compounds, including organic silicon species, from the hydrocarbon stream. The process may be applied to whole streams or specific fractions such as LPG, naphtha, kerosene, diesel, or coker gas oil. Following alkaline treatment, the hydrocarbon stream may be directed to a hydrotreating unit, where reduced silicon content reduces catalyst poisoning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2025
    Publication date: February 5, 2026
    Applicant: Valero Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Darryl Seillier, Jill Burns, Russell Wiltse
  • Publication number: 20260029318
    Abstract: Provided are analytic methods for determining stability of a chemical sample, the methods comprising: heating the chemical sample within a calorimetric device, measuring a pressure within the calorimetric device while applying heat to the chemical sample, measuring a temperature of the chemical sample while applying heat to the chemical sample, identifying a pressure inflection point in the pressure data, identifying the temperature at the identified pressure inflection point, and determining stability of the chemical sample at the pressure inflection point by comparing the identified temperature and a predetermined threshold temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2025
    Publication date: January 29, 2026
    Applicant: Valero Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Nelson J. Carvajal, Marisa Werner, Israel I. Sierra, Don O’Donnell, Craig Hoaglin, Jill Burns
  • Patent number: 12281271
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for the production of transportation fuels from renewable plant- and animal-based resources. The methods disclosed herein present an environmentally-friendly process for using or recycling plant- and animal-based fats and oils. The renewable feed stocks can be used to produce a variety of hydrocarbon fuels, including renewable gasoline. The disclosure also relates to fuel products and fuel blend stocks produced from renewable hydrocarbon starting materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: VALERO SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: William Malatak
  • Patent number: 12281272
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for the production of transportation fuels from renewable paraffinic feed stocks. The methods disclosed herein present an environmentally-friendly process for using renewable paraffinic feed stocks from various sources. The renewable paraffinic feed stocks can be used to produce a variety of hydrocarbon fuels, including renewable gasoline. The disclosure also relates to fuel products and fuel blend stocks produced from renewable paraffinic feed stocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: VALERO SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: William Malatak
  • Publication number: 20230019086
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for the production of a renewable crude oil from plant oils and animal fats. The renewable crude is a drop-in renewable crude that can be processed in a petroleum refinery with minimal or no modifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Applicant: VALERO SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: William MALATAK
  • Publication number: 20220280884
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an improved sieve tray assembly for a liquid-liquid treating column. The tray is a modular design with inlet and outlet downcomer assemblies that are mounted flush to or raised above the sieve deck upper surface. The raised downcomer assemblies provide increased surface area for light liquid upflow perforations and enhanced liquid-liquid contacting capacity and efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Applicant: VALERO SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Daryl HANSON
  • Patent number: 9361615
    Abstract: A system and method provide for secure activation of physical credit cards from a display provided at a store. Temporary spending cards (TSP) for use as credit cards are provided in tamper evident packages found in the display. The TSPs are initially inactivated. Upon removal of the TSP from the package, a user may scan the QR code on the TSP to direct the user's mobile device to a secure location that prompts the user for credit related information. A credit card system evaluates the information using business rules to determine whether or not to approve the user for activation. If approved, then the user is prompted to enter a serial number found on the card to allow immediate spending. The serial number is different from an account number for the card. The TSP expires within a predetermined relatively short time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Valero Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Max Clemence, Craig Sperry, Teresa Jo Prock, RaLynda Elaine Christie, Loretta Jeanne Chandler, Marvin Elton Burns, Loyd Dane Williams, Anne Porter