Patents Examined by Maribel Medina
  • Patent number: 6790430
    Abstract: Hydrogen is produced from solid or liquid carbon-containing fuels in a two-step process. The fuel is gasified with hydrogen in a hydrogenation reaction to produce a methane-rich gaseous reaction product, which is then reacted with water and calcium oxide in a hydrogen production and carbonation reaction to produce hydrogen and calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate may be continuously removed from the hydrogen production and carbonation reaction zone and calcined to regenerate calcium oxide, which may be reintroduced into the hydrogen production and carbonation reaction zone. Hydrogen produced in the hydrogen production and carbonation reaction is more than sufficient both to provide the energy necessary for the calcination reaction and also to sustain the hydrogenation of the coal in the gasification reaction. The excess hydrogen is available for energy production or other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Klaus S. Lackner, Hans J. Ziock, Douglas P. Harrison
  • Patent number: 6790431
    Abstract: Embodiments include methods and apparatus for arranging multiple reaction zones such that at least one hot spot in one of the reaction zones is moderated by a cooler spot in an adjacent reaction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Daxiang Wang, Bang Cheng Xu, Yi Jiang
  • Patent number: 6787118
    Abstract: Catalyst compositions are provided that are useful in selectively removing carbon monoxide from a hydrogen-containing gas. These catalyst compositions preferably have the formula: nN/Ce1−(x+y+z)AxA′yA″zO2−&dgr;, where A, A′, A″ are independently selected from the group consisting of: Zr, Gd, La, Sc, Sr, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, V, Ti, Cu and Ni; N is one or more members of the group consisting of: Pt, Pd, and Au; n is a weight percent between 0 and 25; x, y and z are independently 0 to 0.9; x+y+z is 0.1 to 0.9; and &dgr; is a number which renders the composition charge neutral; or nN/(MOx)y(CeO2−&dgr;)1−y, where M is one or more members of the group selected from: Zr, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, V, Ti, Ni and Cu; N is one or more members of the group selected from: Pt, Pd, and Au; n is a weight percent between 0 and 25; y is 0.1 to 0.9; and x and &dgr; make the compositions charge neutral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Eltron Research
    Inventors: Shane E. Roark, James H. White
  • Patent number: 6787119
    Abstract: The present invention provides an ecofriendly method for preparing dinitramidic acid and its salts by nitration of ammonium sulfamate with fuming nitric acid as a nitrating agent using solid acid catalysts selected from the group consisting of a montmorillonite clay catalyst and metal ion exchanged K10 montmorillonite clay catalysts and surface supported catalysts and preparation of ammonium dinitramide by neutralization of the dinitramidic acid with ammonia and separation of ammonium dinitramide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
    Inventors: Boyapati Manoranjan Choudary, Mannepalli Lakshmi Kantam, Katuri Jeeva Ratnam, Vijayakumar Karasala, Sridhar Chidara, Venkatachalam Subbiah, Santosh Gopalakrishnan, Ramaswamy Rajagopalan, Ninan Ninan Kovoor, Kuchibhatla Sitarama Sastri
  • Patent number: 6783749
    Abstract: Improved method for recovering hydrogen and carbon monoxide from hydrocarbon conversion processes are disclosed. A monolith catalyst reactor means is utilized in treating the waste gas stream from the hydrocarbon conversion process to assist in recovering hydrogen and carbon monoxide from the waste gas stream. The present invention also provides a method for improving the yield of hydrogen and carbon monoxide from a hydrocarbon conversion process utilizing a monolith catalyst reactor means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Natarajan Narasimhan, Ramakrishnan Ramachandran, Satish S. Tamhankar, Weibin Jiang
  • Patent number: 6780395
    Abstract: A method for forming a synthesis gas with a tailored hydrogen/carbon monoxide ratio that is optimized for use in a downstream process wherein membrane gas separation is employed to form a hydrogen rich stream and a separate synthesis gas product which has a tailored hydrogen/carbon monoxide ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Equistar Chemicals, LP
    Inventor: Raghu S. Narayan
  • Patent number: 6780396
    Abstract: A process for the production of hydrogen from a hydrogen sulfide feedstock, comprising a stage for heating feedstock (1) in a heating zone (2, 5) to a suitable temperature so as to produce a hot gas (6) that contains hydrogen and elementary sulfur, whereby this heating is carried out at least in part by an external heat source and a stage for rapid cooling of the hot gas thus obtained, by mixing with a fluid (8) by means of at least one mixer (7), preferably an ejector, so as to obtain a gaseous effluent (9). The mixing time is less than 20 milliseconds. Elementary sulfur (11) is separated from this effluent and the hydrogen is recovered. Application for the elimination of hydrogen sulfide and the production of hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventor: Christian Streicher
  • Patent number: 6776606
    Abstract: A catalyst composition and method for oxidizing fuels is disclosed. The catalyst composition comprises at least one compound having one of a group III, group IIA or Lanthanide element such as, for example, Aluminum, Magnesium or Cesium, and at least one compound having at least one element selected from group IA, group IVA, group VI, group VII, group VIII, group IB, group IIB, and combinations thereof, such as, for example platinum, rhodium and rhenium. A method for oxidizing an fuel, the method comprising providing a fuel and a catalyst mixture; transporting the fuel and the catalyst to the flame zone separately; mixing the fuel and the catalyst; and oxidizing the fuel. The method and catalyst mixture may be used for oxidation of any hydrocarbon based fuel. Improved results from the use of the group III, group IIA or Lanthanide group element include increased power, reduced harmful emissions, and smoother oxidation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Emmissions Technology, LLC
    Inventor: James W. Haskew
  • Patent number: 6773691
    Abstract: A method for generating syngas having a H2:CO ratio of less than 2:1 including selecting a predetermined desired syngas H2:CO molar ratio, selecting a hydrocarbon with a natural H2:CO molar ratio less than the desired ratio, selecting a hydrocarbon with a natural H2:CO molar ratio greater than the desired ratio, mixing the two hydrocarbons such that the natural H2:CO molar ratio of the mixture is the desired ratio, and catalytically partially oxidizing the mixture to produce syngas with the desired ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Sriram Ramani, Joe D. Allison, Alfred E. Keller
  • Patent number: 6773692
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cost-effective method of producing pure hydrogen gas from hydride-based solid materials. The hydride-based solid material is mechanically processed in the presence of a catalyst to obtain pure gaseous hydrogen. Unlike previous methods, hydrogen may be obtained from the solid material without heating, and without the addition of a solvent during processing. The described method of hydrogen production is useful for energy conversion and production technologies that consume pure gaseous hydrogen as a fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Vitalij K. Pecharsky, Viktor P. Balema
  • Patent number: 6770252
    Abstract: A rolling regeneration diesel particulate filter and filtering process that utilizes NO produced in the process to generate additional amounts of NO2 than the NO2 produced by the diesel engine. The process includes the step of flowing diesel engine combustion exhaust through a filter system including a first section and a second section. The first section is positioned upstream of the second section with respect to the direction of the flow of the diesel engine exhaust through the filter. The first section includes a foam constructed and arranged to trap carbon-based particulates in the exhaust. A first catalyst is carried by the foam to promote the conversion of NO in the exhaust from the diesel engine to NO2. The first catalyst also promotes the reaction of NO2 with at least a portion of the carbon-based particulates trapped by the foam to form CO and NO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Shi-Wai S. Cheng
  • Patent number: 6767524
    Abstract: Process and system to produce nearly oil free ammonia using a rotary compressor with liquid injection from a separator tank where the liquid in the tank includes oil and liquid ammonia. The level of oil in the compressed ammonia leaving the separator is much lower than in conventional separators with coalescing elements, because the temperature is lower and there is less oil departure in oil vapor form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventors: Bernard Zimmern, Jean-Louis Picouet
  • Patent number: 6764665
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a layered catalyst composite of the type generally referred to as a three-way conversion catalyst having the capability of simultaneously catalyzing the oxidation of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide and the reduction of nitrogen oxides. The structure of the layered catalyst composite of the present invention is designed wherein there are three layers in conjunction with a carrier: a first layer deposited on the carrier and comprising a high surface area refractory metal oxide; a second layer deposited on the first layer and comprising palladium and/or platinum deposited on a high surface area refractory metal oxide, and having substantially no oxygen storage components; and a third layer deposited on the second layer and comprising platinum and/or rhodium as well as an oxygen storage component, deposited on a high surface area refractory metal oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Engelhard Corporation
    Inventors: Michel Deeba, John J. Steger, Harold N. Rabinowitz, John S. Foong
  • Patent number: 6761863
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for removing nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, mercury and mercuric oxide from gas streams such as furnace or utility boiler flue gas streams, particularly those derived from coal-fired utility boilers, or from a gas stream from another pollutant abatement process. Ozone will react with the impurities in the gas stream to form mercuric oxide and higher oxides of nitrogen which can be removed by scrubber means. Additionally, and alternatively, the present invention provides for the use of ozone and ultraviolet radiation to remove nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and mercury from gas streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Shuen-Cheng Hwang, Neeraj Saxena, Robert J. Ferrell, Naresh Suchak, Lev Davydov, James K. Tseng, Chester Gorski
  • Patent number: 6762143
    Abstract: A catalytic material includes a microporous zeolite supported on a mesoporous inorganic oxide support. The microporous zeolite can include zeolite beta, zeolite Y or ZSM-5. The mesoporous inorganic oxide can be, e.g., silica or alumina, and can optionally include other metals. Methods for making and using the catalytic material are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Lummus Global Inc.
    Inventors: Zhiping Shan, Jacobus Cornelius Jansen, Chuen Y. Yeh, Johannes Hendrik Koegler, Thomas Maschmeyer
  • Patent number: 6759021
    Abstract: A method for introducing at least one gaseous reducing agent for a nitrogen oxide into a gas mixture, and a device for carrying out the method. Thermal energy is supplied to a body made from a starting material of the reducing agent, so as to form the reducing agent. The starting material used is urea. The reducing agent formed is ammonia. This method is used in particular to reduce nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas from internal-combustion engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Berthold, Gabriele Preu
  • Patent number: 6758981
    Abstract: A system and method for removing a by-product from a chemical hydride solution is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: (a) withdrawing the chemical hydride solution at a first temperature from the reactor; (b) cooling the chemical hydride solution to a second temperature below the first temperature, wherein a precipitate is formed from a portion of the by-product; (c) removing the precipitate from the chemical hydride solution; (d) heating the chemical hydride solution to a third temperature above the second temperature, to dissolve the remaining precipitate; and (e) delivering the chemical hydride solution back to the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Hydrogenics Corporation
    Inventors: Antonio G. Mazza, Ali Rusta-Sallehy
  • Patent number: 6749829
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing synthesis gas comprising the steps of reacting a hydrogen-containing stream with an oxygen-containing stream and producing an oxidized stream comprising water; contacting a feedstream comprising hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon comprising at least one atom of oxygen with the oxidized stream comprising water and forming a reforming feedstream; and passing the reforming feedstream into a reforming reaction zone at reforming reaction conditions and producing a synthesis gas product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Briscoe
  • Patent number: 6749821
    Abstract: A process for the purification of an inert gas recycled from a polymerization reactor is disclosed, comprising the steps of mixing the gas with oxygen or gas containing oxygen in stoichiometric quantity or in such an excess that the gas at the outlet of the catalyst bed contains no more than 250 ppm of oxygen, circulating the gas through a catalyst bed comprising platinum, which has been subjected to a reducing environment, at temperatures of no more than 300° C. (572° F.) and preferably no more than 250° C. (482° F.) and recycling the gas to the polymerization reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: James F. McGehee, John R. Richmond, Kaoru Tegawa, Yoshiki Nakano
  • Patent number: 6749828
    Abstract: A catalyst formed of a ziroonia carrier carrying ruthenium and a catalyst formed of an inorganic oxide carrier carrying zirconium and ruthenium provide high conversion in autothermal reforming of a variety of hydrocarbons. The catalysts also provide high yield of carbon monoxide in reforming reaction making use of carbon dioxide and exhibit long-term stable characteristics with a small amount of coke deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Idemitsu Kosan Corp Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Fukunaga