Abstract: The present technology is directed to processes involving formation of hydrocarbons and oxygenated hydrocarbons through use of oxygen supplied by ion transport membranes. More particularly, the present technology relates in part to a process involving steam reforming and subsequent production of a synthetic product where carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen downstream of the process is reclaimed to generate the synthetic product. The present technology also relates in part to an ethylene formation process involving a viral-templated coupling catalyst in the presence of an ion transport membrane.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for conducting a hydrocracking or a hydrotreating process in a microchannel reactor. This invention also relates to a process and apparatus for flowing a vapor and liquid into a plurality of microchannels in a microchannel processing unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for converting a carbonaceous material to a desired product comprising methane, methanol and/or dimethyl ether, the process comprising: gasifying the carbonaceous material at a temperature in excess of about 700° C. to form synthesis gas; and flowing the synthesis gas through two or more reaction zones in a microchannel reactor to convert the synthesis gas to the desired product.

Abstract: A new electroless plating approach to generate a porous metallic coating is described in which a metal is electrolessly deposited on a surface. Microparticles in the metal are removed to leave pores in the metal coating. Another method of forming electroless coatings is described in which a blocking ligand is attached to the surface, followed by a second coating step. The invention includes coatings and coated apparatus formed by methods of the invention. The invention also includes catalyst structures comprising a dense substrate and a porous metal adhered to the dense substrate, which is further characterized by one or more of the specified features.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for removing heat from an exothermic reaction. In particular, the present invention provides a process wherein heat can be removed from multiple reaction trains using a common coolant system.

Abstract: The present technology is directed to processes involving formation of hydrocarbons and oxygenated hydrocarbons through use of oxygen supplied by ion transport membranes. More particularly, the present technology relates in part to a process involving steam reforming and subsequent production of a synthetic product where carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen downstream of the process is reclaimed to generate the synthetic product. The present technology also relates in part to an ethylene formation process involving a viral-templated coupling catalyst in the presence of an ion transport membrane.

Abstract: The invention describes features that can be used to control flow to an array of microchannels. The invention also describes methods in which a process stream is distributed to plural microchannels.

Abstract: The present technology is directed to processes involving formation of hydrocarbons and oxygenated hydrocarbons through use of oxygen supplied by ion transport membranes. More particularly, the present technology relates in part to a process involving steam reforming and subsequent production of a synthetic product where carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen downstream of the process is reclaimed to generate the synthetic product. The present technology also relates in part to an ethylene formation process involving a viral-templated coupling catalyst in the presence of an ion transport membrane.

Abstract: Catalyst compositions, methods of making catalysts, and methods of conducting Fischer-Tropsch (FT) reactions are described. It has been discovered that a combination of large crystallite size and high porosity results in catalysts and FT catalyst systems with high stability and low methane selectivity.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of making laminated devices (especially microchannel devices) in which plates are assembled and welded together. Unlike conventional microchannel devices, the inventive laminated devices can be made without brazing or diffusion bonding; thus providing significant advantages for manufacturing. Features such as expansion joints and external welded supports are also described. Laminated devices and methods of conducting unit operations in laminated devices are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for conducting a hydrocracking or a hydrotreating process in a microchannel reactor. This invention also relates to a process and apparatus for flowing a vapor and liquid into a plurality of microchannels in a microchannel processing unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and an apparatus for conducting simultaneous endothermic and exothermic reactions in a microchannel reactor. A start-up procedure for the microchannel reactor is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a modified catalyst support comprising: (a) treating a bare catalyst support material with an aqueous solution or dispersion of one or more titanium metal sources and one or more carboxylic acids; and (b) drying the treated support, and (c) optionally calcining the treated support. Also provided are catalyst support materials obtainable by the methods, and catalysts prepared from such supports.

Abstract: An integrated microchannel reactor and heat exchanger comprising: (a) a waveform sandwiched between opposing shim sheets and mounted to the shim sheets to form a series of microchannels, where each microchannel includes a pair of substantially straight side walls, and a top wall formed by at least one of the opposing shim sheets, and (b) a first set of microchannels in thermal communication with the waveform, where the waveform has an aspect ratio greater than two.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of making laminated devices (especially microchannel devices) in which plates are assembled and welded together. Unlike conventional microchannel devices, the inventive laminated devices can be made without brazing or diffusion bonding; thus providing significant advantages for manufacturing. Features such as expansion joints and external welded supports are also described. Laminated devices and methods of conducting unit operations in laminated devices are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improvements in the design of Fischer-Tropsch catalysts comprising a support and cobalt on the support.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, apparatus and systems in which there is partial boiling of a liquid in a mini-channel or microchannel. The partial boiling removes heat from an exothermic process.

Abstract: Novel manifolds and methods of flow through manifolds are described. Apparatus and techniques are described in which flow from a relatively large volume header is equally distributed to process channels. Methods of making laminated, microchannel devices are also described.

Abstract: The Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process can be controlled to create water that has desirable characteristics for use in secondary processes such as fracking or irrigation.

Abstract: A method of starting up one or more units, the method comprising the steps of: (a) starting up a first unit including a microchannel reactor housing a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst by initially feeding a carbon monoxide source and a hydrogen source to the first unit and through the microchannel reactor; (b) processing, within the microchannel reactor, at least a portion of the carbon monoxide source and the hydrogen source; (c) monitoring at least one of internal pressure, temperature, and concentration at least one of within the microchannel reactor and downstream from the microchannel reactor; (d) at least partially containing the microchannel reactor using a wall of a containment device, the wall cooperating with the microchannel reactor to delineate at least one of a first inlet cavity and a first outlet cavity of the microchannel reactor, where at least one of the first inlet cavity and the first outlet cavity is not in fluid communication with at least one of a second inlet cavity and a second outlet cavity;