Patents Examined by Helane Myers
  • Patent number: 5976361
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon source feed is upgraded using a solvent deasphalting (SDA) unit employing a solvent having a critical temperature T.sub.c by initially separating from a first hydrocarbon input stream fractions with an atmospheric equivalent boiling temperature less than about T.sub.f .degree. F. for producing a stream of T.sub.f.sup.- fractions and a residue stream (T.sub.f.sup.+ stream), where T.sub.f is greater than about T.sub.c -50.degree. F. In the SDA unit, a second hydrocarbon input stream which includes the residue stream is deasphalted for producing a first product stream of substantially solvent-free asphaltenes, and a second product stream containing substantially solvent-free deasphalted oil (DAO). The source feed may be included in either the first or second input streams. The DAO in the second product stream is thermally cracked for producing an output stream that includes thermally cracked fractions and by-product asphaltenes produced by thermally cracking the DAO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Ormat Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard L. Hood, Phillip B. Rettger, Randall S. Goldstein, Lucien Y. Bronicki, Benjamin Doron, Joseph Sinai
  • Patent number: 5968343
    Abstract: A catalyst composition and a process for converting a hydrocarbon stream such as, for example, gasoline to olefins and C.sub.6 to C.sub.8 aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene and xylenes are disclosed. The catalyst composition comprises a zeolite, a binder, and boron wherein the weight of boron is in the range of from about 0.01 to about 10 weight %. The process comprises contacting a hydrocarbon stream with the catalyst composition under a condition sufficient to effect the conversion of a hydrocarbon to an olefin and a C.sub.6 to C.sub.8 aromatic hydrocarbon. Also disclosed is a process for producing the catalyst composition which comprises: (1) combining a zeolite with a coke-reducing amount of a binder under a condition effective to produce a zeolite-binder mixture; (2) contacting said zeolite-binder mixture with coke-reducing amount of a boron compound under a condition effective to produce a boron-incorporated or -impregnated zeolite; and (3) calcining the boron-incorporated or -impregnated zeolite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Charles A. Drake, An-hsiang Wu
  • Patent number: 5961821
    Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a process for extracting organic acids including naphthenic acids, heavy metals, and sulfur from a starting crude oil comprising the steps of:(a) treating the starting crude oil containing organic acids, heavy metals, and sulfur with an amount of an ethoxylated amine and water under conditions and for a time and at a temperature sufficient to form a water-in-oil emulsion of amine salt wherein said ethoxylated amine has the following formula: ##STR1## where m=1 to 10 and R=C.sub.3 to C.sub.6 hydrocarbon; (b) separating said emulsion of step (a) into a plurality of layers, wherein one of such layers contains a treated crude oil having decreased amounts of organic acids, heavy metals and sulfur;(c) recovering said layer of step (b) containing said treated crude oil having decreased amounts of organic acids, heavy metal and sulfur and layers containing water and ethoxylated amine salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co
    Inventors: Ramesh Varadaraj, David William Savage, William Edward Wales
  • Patent number: 5954942
    Abstract: A process for thermally and catalytically upgrading a heavy feed in a single riser reactor FCC unit is disclosed. A heavy feed is cracked in the base of the riser at higher than normal cracking temperatures for at least 1.0 seconds of vapor residence time, then quenched. Quenching with large amounts of quench, preferably downstream of the mid point of the riser, increases conversion as compared to use of the same amount of quench within one second. Small amounts of quench, near the riser outlet, crack heavy feed roughly as well as large amounts of quench, near the base of the riser. High velocity, atomizing quench nozzles reduce riser pressure and/or catalyst slip in downstream portions of the riser, further increasing gasoline selectivity and reducing coke yields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Peter M. Adornato, Amos A. Avidan, David L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5954950
    Abstract: Intensive hydrofining of petroleum fractions wherein an at least partly together with hydrogen circulate in a given direction, in at least one reactor containing at least one fixed bed of a hydrofining catalyst in solid form, is characterized in that the reactor is equipped with at least one inlet pipe for the mixture of the petroleum fraction and hydrogen and at least one outlet pipe for the resultant hydrofined petroleum fraction, and that at least one static mixer is positioned upstream from said outlet of the hydrofined petroleum fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Institut Francais Du Petrole
    Inventors: Frederic Morel, Pierre Trambouze, Jean-Paul Euzen, Stephane Kressmann
  • Patent number: 5954947
    Abstract: A mild hydroconversion process for petroleum cuts using a catalyst comprising at least one matrix, at least one Y zeolite with a lattice parameter which is in the range 24.15 .ANG. to 24.38 .ANG. (1 nm--10 .ANG.), at least one Y zeolite with a lattice parameter of more than 24.38 .ANG. and less than or equal to 24.51 .ANG., and at least one hydro-dehydrogenating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Samuel Mignard, Nathalie George-Marchal, Eric Benazzi, Slavik Kasztelan
  • Patent number: 5951847
    Abstract: A process for catalytically dehazing lubricating base oils is disclosed, which comprises contacting the lubricating base oil in the presence of hydrogen with a catalyst comprising naturally occurring and/or synthetic ferrierite which ferrierite has been modified to reduce the mole percentage of alumina and a low acidity refractory oxide binder material which is essentially free of alumina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Pierre Grandvallet, Laurent Georges Huve
  • Patent number: 5951852
    Abstract: A process for removal of halide from a halide containing organic compound in a solvent, a process for simultaneous removal of halide from a halide containing organic compound and reduction of an oxygen containing organic compound in a solvent, a process for removal of halide from a halide containing organic compound, a process for reduction of an oxygen containing organic compound in a solvent, a system for removal of halide from a halide containing organic compound in a solvent, a system for simultaneous removal of halide from a halide containing organic compound and the reduction of an oxygen containing organic compound in a solvent, and a system for reducing an oxygen containing organic compound in a solvent are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Commonwealth Scientific And Industrial Research Organisation et al.
    Inventor: Christopher John Reginald Fookes
  • Patent number: 5951851
    Abstract: Elemental sulfur present in fluids such as refined petroleum products, e.g., gasoline, jet, diesel, kerosene or fuel additives such as ethers, is removed from such fluids by contacting the contaminated fluid with an adsorbent of Mg2AlNO3 or Mg3AlNO3 or by adding to the fluids a quantity of hydrocarbyl mercaptan and passing the resulting mixture through an adsorbent selected from the group consisting of alumina, bayerite, brucite and hydrotalcite like materials of the formula M.sub.x.sup.2+ M.sub.y.sup.3+ (OH).sub.2x+3y-z (NO.sub.3)mH.sub.2 O wherein M.sup.2+ is Magnesium, M.sup.3+ is aluminum, and x, y and z are values from 1 to 6 and m is the number of waters of hydration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventors: Marc-Andre Poirier, Christian Detellier
  • Patent number: 5951853
    Abstract: In an atmospheric pipestill stripping process where steam is utilized as the stripping gas to strip bottoms and side stream products, the improvement comprising utilizing ammonia or a ammonia and steam mixture as said stripping gas wherein when an ammonia and steam mixture is utilized the ratio of ammonia to steam is about 0.1:1 to about 100:1. In a refinery atmospheric pipestill stripping process utilizing a stripping gas, said process comprising utilizing a gas selected from the group consisting of ammonia and a mixture of ammonia and steam as said stripping gas wherein when an ammonia and steam mixture is utilized the ratio of ammonia to steam is about 0.1:1 to about 100:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: David W. Savage, Guido Sartori
  • Patent number: 5948237
    Abstract: The present invention relates to crude oils and products derived therefrom, comprising, as asphaltene-dispersing agent, sarcosinates of the formula (I) ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 is C.sub.7 -C.sub.21 -alkyl or -alkenyl andR.sub.2 is H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.22 -alkyl.Precipitating out of asphaltenes is prevented by these dispersing agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Clariant GmbH
    Inventors: Dennis Miller, Axel Vollmer, Michael Feustel, Peter Klug
  • Patent number: 5944980
    Abstract: A method for preparing a modified optically isotropic pitch comprising, preparing a synthetic pitch by reacting a member selected from the group consisting of a conjugated polycyclic hydrocarbon containing a low molecular weight alkyl group or a material containing such a substituted hydrocarbon in the presence of hydrofluoric acid/boron trifluoride, and treating the synthetic pitch by passing an oxidizing gas through the synthetic pitch at elevated temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Takahumi Yoshimura, Koichi Kanno, Yasuhiro Hirai, Yukio Sakai, Nobuyuki Koike, Yuzuru Takahashi, Hitoshi Sakamoto, Jitsuo Oishi, Takaaki Higashiizumi, Kyoko Shibahara
  • Patent number: 5935422
    Abstract: Removal of aromatic sulfur compounds from an FCC feedstock with minimal adsorption of aromatic hydrocarbons is achieved using a zeolite Y exchanged with alkali or alkaline earth cations. KY is an especially effective adsorbent. Where the KY is impregnated with a group VIII metal, particular palladium or platinum, the adsorbent is effectively regenerated by treatment with hydrogen at elevated temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Herman A. Zinnen
  • Patent number: 5935418
    Abstract: A reactor system is provided which is particularly suitable for hydroprocessing a heavy hydrocarbon under catalytic slurry hydroprocessing conditions. This reactor system includes a single reaction zone containing at least one filter element for the separation of liquid product from catalyst particles in the reaction zone. Means are provided for backwashing the filter element. Preferably, at least two filter elements are provided one of which is used for separation of product and the other for introduction of hydrogen into the reactor. Additionally, means are provided for switching the flow between the two filter elements thereby permitting continuous operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Tapantosh Chakrabarty, Ghosh Mainak
  • Patent number: 5935421
    Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated, continuous process for the removal of organically bound sulfur (e.g., mercaptans, sulfides and thiophenes) comprising the steps of contacting a heavy oil, sodium hydroxide, hydrogen and water at a temperature of from about 380.degree. C. to 450.degree. C. to partially desulfurize the heavy oil and to form sodium sulfide, contacting said sodium sulfide via steam stripping to convert the sodium sulfide to sodium hydroxide and the sulfur recovered as hydrogen sulfide. The sodium hydroxide is recirculated for reuse. The partially desulfurized, dewatered heavy oil is treated with sodium metal under desulfurizing conditions, typically at a temperature of from about 340.degree. C. to about 450.degree. C., under a hydrogen pressure of at least about 50 psi to essentially desulfurize the oil, and form sodium sulfide. Optionally, the sodium salt generated can be regenerated to sodium metal using regeneration technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Glen Brons, Ronald D. Myers, Roby Bearden
  • Patent number: 5935415
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon feedstock is catalytically reformed in a sequence comprising a continuous-reforming zone, consisting essentially of a moving-bed catalytic reforming zone and continuous regeneration of catalyst particles, and a zeolitic-reforming zone containing a catalyst comprising a platinum-group metal and a nonacidic zeolite. The process combination permits higher severity, higher aromatics yields and/or increased throughput in the continuous-reforming zone, thus showing surprising benefits over prior-art processes, and is particularly useful in upgrading existing moving-bed reforming facilities with continuous catalyst regeneration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Robert S. Haizmann, John Y. G. Park, Michael B. Russ
  • Patent number: 5935417
    Abstract: A process for producing a lubricating oil basestock having at least 90 wt. % saturates and a VI of at least 105 by selectively hydroconverting a raffinate from a solvent extraction zone in a two step hydroconversion zone followed by a hydrofinishing zone and a dewaxing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Ian A. Cody, Douglas R. Boate, William J. Murphy, Daniel P. Leta
  • Patent number: 5932089
    Abstract: A method is provided for cooling prior to decoking a petroleum coke drum having a substantially solidified mass of petroleum coke by initiating the injection of water into the coke drum while the average temperature of the coke within the coke drum is greater than about 500.degree. F., wherein the average flow rate of water injected into the coke drum over the initial 10 minute period of water injection is from about 0.0033 to about 0.01 gpm per cubic foot of coke in the coke drum; and thereafter continuing the injection of water into the drum for a total injection time of at least about 60 minutes, at a flow rate during the 50 minute period immediately following the initial 10 minute period less than about 0.0036 to about 0.011 gpm per cubic foot of coke in the coke drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventor: David E. Moore
  • Patent number: 5932090
    Abstract: The process for the conversion of heavy crude oils or distillation residues to distillates comprises the following steps:mixing the heavy crude oil or distillation residue with a suitable hydrogenation catalyst and sending the mixture obtained to a hydrotreating reactor introducing hydrogen or a mixture of hydrogen and H.sub.2 S;sending the stream containing the hydrotreating reaction product and the catalyst in slurry phase to a distillation zone where the most volatile fractions are separated;sending the high-boiling fraction obtained in the distillation step to a deasphaltation step obtaining two streams, one consisting of deasphalted oil (DAO), the other consisting of asphaltenes, catalyst in slurry phase, possibly coke and rich in metals coming from the initial charge;recycling at least 60%, preferably at least 80% of the stream consisting of asphaltenes, catalyst in slurry phase, optionally coke and rich in metals, to the hydrotreatment zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Snamprogetti S.p.A.
    Inventors: Mario Marchionna, Alberto DelBianco, Nicoletta Panariti
  • Patent number: 5932777
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon conversion process comprises: (1) contacting a hydrocarbon feed such as, for example, gasoline, with a catalyst under a sufficient condition to effect the conversion of the hydrocarbon to a product stream comprising aromatic hydrocarbons and olefins; (2) separating the product stream into a lights fraction comprising primarily hydrocarbons less than 6 carbon atoms per molecule, a middle fraction comprising C.sub.6 -C.sub.8 aromatic hydrocarbons and non-aromatic hydrocarbons, and a C.sub.9 + fraction comprising aromatic compounds; (3) separating the C.sub.6 -C.sub.8 aromatic hydrocarbons from the middle fraction; and (4) separating hydrocarbons containing 5 or more carbons per molecule (C.sub.5 + hydrocarbons) from the lights fraction. The C.sub.5 + hydrocarbons can be combined with the hydrocarbon feed. The non-aromatic hydrocarbons can also be converted to olefins by a thermal cracking process. Furthermore, the middle fraction can also be obtained by reforming naphtha.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Edward L. Sughrue, II, Charles A. Drake, Scott D. Love