Patents Assigned to Velocys
  • Surface features in microprocess technology
    Patent number: 8122909
    Abstract: This invention relates to microchannel apparatus that includes microchannels with interior surface features for modifying flow; processes utilizing this microchannel architecture, and methods of making apparatus having these features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Velocys
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Bin Yang, Steven T. Perry, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Ravi Arora, Kai Jarosch, Thomas D. Yuschak, Maddalena Fanelli, Tim Sullivan, Terry Mazanec
  • Tailored and uniform coatings in microchannel apparatus
    Patent number: 8124177
    Abstract: Interior microchannels within microchannel apparatus are uniformly coated. Remarkably, these uniform coatings are formed from materials that are applied to the interior microchannels after an apparatus has been assembled or manufactured. Coatings can be made uniform along the length of a microchannel, in the corner of a microchannel, and/or throughout numerous microchannels in an array of microchannels. Techniques for tailoring the application of washcoats onto microchannels is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Velocys
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Barry L. Yang, Terry Mazanec, Francis P. Daly, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Ravi Arora, Dongming Qiu, Bin Yang, Steven T. Perry, Kai Jarosh, Paul W. Neagle, David J. Hesse, Rachid Taha, Richard Long, Jeff Marco, Thomas D. Yuschak, Jeffrey J. Ramler, Mike Marchiando
  • Catalytic oxidative dehydrogenation, and microchannel reactors for catalytic oxidative dehydrogenation
    Patent number: 8106249
    Abstract: Methods of oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) is provided wherein conducting ODH in microchannels has unexpectedly been found to yield superior performance when compared to the same reactions at the same conditions in larger reactors. ODH methods employing a Mo—V—Mg—O catalyst is also described. Microchannel apparatus for conducting ODH is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Velocys
    Inventors: John H. Brophy, Kai Jarosch, Terry J. Mazanec, Matthew B. Schmidt, Laura J. Silva, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Fred Pesa, David J. Hesse
  • Process for upgrading a carbonaceous material using microchannel process technology
    Patent number: 8100996
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for converting a carbonaceous material to a desired product comprising one or more hydrocarbons or one or more alcohols, the process comprising: (A) gasifying the carbonaceous material at a temperature in excess of about 700° C. to form synthesis gas; and (B) flowing the synthesis gas in a microchannel reactor in contact with a catalyst to convert the synthesis gas to the desired product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne W. Simmons, Robert Dwayne Litt, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Laura J. Silva, Daniel Francis Ryan, Bruce Stangeland, John Brophy, Jeffrey S. McDaniel
  • Stable, catalyzed, high temperature combustion in microchannel, integrated combustion reactors
    Patent number: 8062623
    Abstract: Catalysts containing 30 weight percent or more platinum have surprisingly been discovered to possess superior stability and activity for catalyzing combustion reactions. The addition of rhenium improves catalyst performance in fuel lean conditions but has undesirable effects in fuel rich conditions. The invention provides integrated combustion microreactors, chemical systems utilizing these integrated combustion microreactors, methods of combustion, and methods of providing heat to endothermic reactions in integrated combustion microreactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Velocys
    Inventors: Francis P. Daly, Junko M. Watson, Yong Wang, Jianli Hu, Chunshe Cao, Richard Long
  • Process for treating and/or forming a non-Newtonian fluid using microchannel process technology
    Patent number: 8048383
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process, comprising: conducting unit operations in at least two process zones in a process microchannel to treat and/or form a non-Newtonian fluid, a different unit operation being conducted in each process zone; and applying an effective amount of shear stress to the non-Newtonian fluid to reduce the viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid in each process zone, the average shear rate in one process zone differing from the average shear rate in another process zone by a factor of at least about 1.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Ravi Arora, David Kilanowski, Eric Daymo
  • Process and apparatus for improved methods for making vinyl acetate monomer (VAM)
    Patent number: 8029748
    Abstract: The invention provides methods, apparatus and chemical systems for making vinyl acetate from ethylene, oxygen, and acetic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignees: Velocys, Inc, Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Terry Mazanec, Victor J. Johnston, Michael Huckman, Sean P. Fitzgerald, James A. Foster, Daniel Lindley, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Francis P. Daly, Leslie Wade, Tony Hammock, Thomas Yuschak, Bin Yang, Kai Jarosch
  • Methods for applying microchannels to separate methane using liquid absorbents, especially ionic liquid absorbents from a mixture comprising methane and nitrogen
    Patent number: 8029604
    Abstract: Methods of using microchannel separation systems including absorbents to improve thermal efficiency and reduce parasitic power loss. Energy is typically added to desorb methane and then energy or heat is removed to absorb methane using a working solution. The working solution or absorbent may comprise an ionic liquid, or other fluids that demonstrate a difference in affinity between methane and nitrogen in a solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Robert D. Litt, Qiu Dongming, Laura J. Silva, Micheal Jay Lamont, Maddalena Fanelli, Wayne W. Simmons, Steven Perry
  • Microchannel apparatus and methods of conducting catalyzed oxidative dehydrogenation
    Patent number: 7999144
    Abstract: Methods of oxidative dehydrogenation are described. Surprisingly, Pd and Au alloys of Pt have been discovered to be superior for oxidative dehydrogenation in microchannels. Methods of forming these catalysts via an electroless plating methodology are also described. An apparatus design that minimizes heat transfer to the apparatus' exterior is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Velocys
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Bin Yang, Steven T. Perry, Terry Mazanec, Ravi Arora, Francis P. Daly, Richard Long, Thomas D. Yuschak, Paul W. Neagle, Amanda Glass
  • Protected Alloy Surfaces In Microchannel Apparatus and Catalysts, Alumina Supported Catalysts, Catalyst Intermediates, and Methods of Forming Catalysts and Microchannel Apparatus
    Publication number: 20110182804
    Abstract: The invention describes microchannel apparatus and catalysts that contain a layer of a metal aluminide or are made in a process in which a metal aluminide layer is formed as an intermediate. Certain processing conditions have surprisingly been found to result in superior coatings. The invention includes chemical processes conducted through apparatus described in the specification. Other catalysts and catalyst synthesis techniques are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: VELOCYS INC.
    Inventors: Richard Long, Barry L. Yang, Francis P. Daly, Junko M. Watson, Terry Mazanec, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Bradley R. Johnson, Xiaohong Li, Chunshe Cao, Ya-Huei Chin, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Ravi Arora, David J. Hesse, Dongming Qiu, Rachid Taha, Jeffrey J. Ramler, Yong Wang
  • Catalysts, methods of making catalysts, and methods of combustion
    Patent number: 7981831
    Abstract: Catalysts are described in which an active catalyst is disposed on a low surface area, oxide support. Methods of forming catalysts are described in which a Cr-containing metal is oxidized to form a chromium oxide layer and an active catalyst is applied directly on the chromium oxide layer. Methods of making new catalysts are described in which the surface is sonicated prior to depositing the catalyst. Catalyst systems and methods of oxidation are also described. The inventive systems, catalysts and methods are, in some instances, characterized by surprisingly superior results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Velocys
    Inventors: Barry Lee-Mean Yang, Ruiqiang Long, Junko M. Watson, Abhishek Gupta
  • Microchannel Technology Having Structures With Reduced Material and Enhanced Volumetric Productivity
    Publication number: 20110147665
    Abstract: Novel designs for microchannel apparatus are described in which microchannels are shaped to reduce the amount of material needed to build an apparatus. In these designs, some microchannels are shaped, in cross-section, to provide relatively more structural material in areas of greatest stress, while leaving greater area for unit operations in areas of the apparatus that are subjected to relatively less stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: VELOCYS INC.
    Inventors: Paul W. Neagle, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Soumitra Deshmukh, Ravi Arora
  • CATALYTIC OXIDATIVE DEHYDROGENATION, AND MICROCHANNEL REACTORS FOR CATALYTIC OXIDATIVE DEHYDROGENATION
    Publication number: 20110152597
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH). Conducting ODH in microchannels has unexpectedly been found to yield superior performance when compared to the same reactions at the same conditions in larger reactors. ODH methods employing a Mo—V—Mg—O catalyst is also described. Microchannel apparatus for conducting ODH is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Velocys Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Brophy, Kai Jarosch, Terry J. Mazanec, Matthew B. Schmidt, Laura J. Silva, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Fred Pesa, David J. Hesse
  • Hydrogen peroxide production in microchannel reactors
    Patent number: 7959880
    Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatuses for producing hydrogen peroxide using microchannel technology. An exemplary process for producing hydrogen peroxide comprises flowing feed streams into intimate fluid communication with one another within a process microchannel to form a reactant mixture stream comprising a hydrogen source and an oxygen source such as, without limitation, hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. Thereafter, a catalyst is contacted by the reactant mixture and is operative to convert a majority of the reactant mixture to hydrogen peroxide that is withdrawn via an egressing product stream. During the hydrogen peroxide chemical reaction, exothermic energy is generated and absorbed by the fluid within the microchannel as well as the microchannel itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Bin Yang, William Allen Rogers, Jr., Paul William Neagle, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Kai Tod Paul Jarosch, Dongming Qiu, David J. Hesse, Micheal Lamont
  • Integrated combustion reactors and methods of conducting simultaneous endothermic and exothermic reactions
    Patent number: 7931875
    Abstract: Integrated Combustion Reactors (ICRs) and methods of making ICRs are described in which combustion chambers (or channels) are in direct thermal contact to reaction chambers for an endothermic reaction. Particular reactor designs are also described. Processes of conducting reactions in integrated combustion reactors are described and results presented. Some of these processes are characterized by unexpected and superior results, and/or results that can not be achieved with any prior art devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Velocys
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Gary Roberts, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Paul W. Neagle, Dongming Qiu, Matthew B. Schmidt, Steven T. Perry, David J. Hesse, Robert J. Luzenski, G. Bradley Chadwell, Ying Peng, James A. Mathias, Nathan P. Gano, Ravi Arora, Barry L. Yang, David J. Kuhlmann, Thomas D. Yuschak, John Arthur Monahan
  • Process for making unsaturated hydrocarbons using microchannel process technology
    Patent number: 7923592
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process for converting a feed composition comprising one or more hydrocarbons to a product comprising one or more unsaturated hydrocarbons, the process comprising: flowing the feed composition and steam in contact with each other in a microchannel reactor at a temperature in the range from about 200° C. to about 1200° C. to convert the feed composition to the product, the process being characterized by the absence of catalyst for converting the one or more hydrocarbons to one or more unsaturated hydrocarbons. Hydrogen and/or oxygen may be combined with the feed composition and steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Thomas Yuschak, Timothy J. LaPlante, Scott Rankin, Steven T. Perry, Sean Patrick Fitzgerald, Wayne W. Simmons, Terry Mazanec, Eric Daymo
  • Process of conducting reactions or separation in a microchannel with internal fin support for catalyst or sorption medium
    Patent number: 7896935
    Abstract: A process of conducting a catalyst reaction or fluid separation in comprising: at least one process microchannel having a height, width and length, the height being up to about 10 mm, the process microchannel having a base wall extending in one direction along the width of the process microchannel and in another direction along the length of the process microchannel; at least one fin projecting into the process microchannel from the base wall and extending along at least part of the length of the process microchannel; and a catalyst or sorption medium supported by the fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Dongming Qiu, Richard Q. Long, Barry L. Yang, Thomas Yuschak, Steven T. Perry
  • Fluidization and Solids Processing In Microchannel Devices
    Publication number: 20110039955
    Abstract: This invention describes gas-solid, liquid-solid and gas-solid-liquid processes in microchannels devices including such processes as heterogeneous catalysis, particle formation, particle attrition, particle separation and adsorption or desorption of selected species. Various processes can be enhanced by the unique properties of microchannels such as the predominance of laminar flow, high rates of shear, high rates of heat transfer and high rates of mass transfer. Also encompassed by this invention are methods for the introduction to and removal from microchannels of particle containing fluid streams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: VELOCYS INC.
    Inventors: Kai Jarosch, Anna Lee Tonkovich, David J. Hesse, Eric Daymo, Steven T. Perry, Laura J. Silva
  • Protected alloy surfaces in microchannel apparatus and catalysts, alumina supported catalysts, catalyst intermediates, and methods of forming catalysts and microchannel apparatus
    Patent number: 7874432
    Abstract: The invention describes microchannel apparatus and catalysts that contain a layer of a metal aluminide or are made in a process in which a metal aluminide layer is formed as an intermediate. Certain processing conditions have surprisingly been found to result in superior coatings. The invention includes chemical processes conducted through apparatus described in the specification. Other catalysts and catalyst synthesis techniques are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Velocys
    Inventors: Barry L. Yang, Francis P. Daly, Junko M. Watson, Terry Manzanec, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Bradley R. Johnson, Xiaohong Li, Chunshe Cao, Ya-Huei Chin, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Ravi Arora, David J. Hesse, Dongming Qiu, Rachid Taha, Jeffrey J. Ramler, Yong Wang, Richard Long
  • Process for making styrene using mircochannel process technology
    Patent number: 7847138
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process for converting ethylbenzene to styrene, comprising: flowing a feed composition comprising ethylbenzene in at least one process microchannel in contact with at least one catalyst to dehydrogenate the ethylbenzene and form a product comprising styrene; exchanging heat between the process microchannel and at least one heat exchange channel in thermal contact with the process microchannel; and removing product from the process microchannel. Also disclosed is an apparatus comprising a process microchannel, a heat exchange channel, and a heat transfer wall positioned between the process microchannel and heat exchange channel wherein the heat transfer wall comprises a thermal resistance layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Kai Tod Paul Jarosch, Bin Yang, Francis P. Daly, Thomas P. Hickey, Jeffrey Marco, Timothy J. LaPlante, Richard Q. Long