Patents by Inventor Alan George Wonders
Alan George Wonders has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10029973Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2017Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: GROPO PETROTEMEX, S.A. DE C.V.Inventors: Alan George Wonders, Robert Lin, Lee Reynolds Partin, Marcel de Vreede, Wayne Scott Strasser
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Publication number: 20180072648Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2017Publication date: March 15, 2018Applicant: GRUPO PETROTEMEX, S.A. DE C.V.Inventors: Alan George WONDERS, Robert LIN, Lee Reynolds PARTIN, Marcel de VREEDE, Wayne Scott STRASSER
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Patent number: 9505692Abstract: The invention provides improved energy content in and shaft power recovery from off-gas from xylene oxidation reactions while at the same time minimizing wastewater treatment cost. More shaft power is produced using off-gas than is required to drive the main air compressor, even with preferred, relatively low oxidation temperatures. Simultaneously, an amount of wastewater greater than byproduct water from oxidation of xylene is kept in vapor form and treated along with off-gas pollutants in a self-sustaining (self-fueling) gas-phase thermal oxidative destruction unit. Optionally, off-gas is combined from multiple xylene oxidation reactors, comprising primary and/or secondary oxidation reactors and forming TPA and/or IPA. Optionally, air compressor condensate and caustic scrubber blowdown are used in a TPA process or as utility water, effectively eliminating normal flow of liquid wastewater effluent from a TPA plant.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2009Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Grupo Petrotemex, S.A. de C.V.Inventors: Raymond Elbert Fogle, III, Ronald Buford Sheppard, Timothy Alan Upshaw, Alan George Wonders
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Patent number: 9493387Abstract: The invention provides improved energy content in and shaft power recovery from off-gas from xylene oxidation reactions while at the same time minimizing wastewater treatment cost. More shaft power is produced using off-gas than is required to drive the main air compressor, even with preferred, relatively low oxidation temperatures. Simultaneously, an amount of wastewater greater than byproduct water from oxidation of xylene is kept in vapor form and treated along with off-gas pollutants in a self-sustaining (self-fueling) gas-phase thermal oxidative destruction unit. Optionally, off-gas is combined from multiple xylene oxidation reactors, comprising primary and/or secondary oxidation reactors and forming TPA and/or IPA. Optionally, air compressor condensate and caustic scrubber blowdown are used in a TPA process or as utility water, effectively eliminating normal flow of liquid wastewater effluent from a TPA plant.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Grupo Petrotemex, S.A. de C.V.Inventors: Raymond Elbert Fogle, III, Ronald Buford Sheppard, Timothy Alan Upshaw, Alan George Wonders
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Patent number: 9493389Abstract: The invention provides improved energy content in and shaft power recovery from off-gas from xylene oxidation reactions while at the same time minimizing wastewater treatment cost. More shaft power is produced using off-gas than is required to drive the main air compressor, even with preferred, relatively low oxidation temperatures. Simultaneously, an amount of wastewater greater than byproduct water from oxidation of xylene is kept in vapor form and treated along with off-gas pollutants in a self-sustaining (self-fueling) gas-phase thermal oxidative destruction unit. Optionally, off-gas is combined from multiple xylene oxidation reactors, comprising primary and/or secondary oxidation reactors and forming TPA and/or IPA. Optionally, air compressor condensate and caustic scrubber blowdown are used in a TPA process or as utility water, effectively eliminating normal flow of liquid wastewater effluent from a TPA plant.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Grupo Petrotemex, S.A. de C.V.Inventors: Raymond Elbert Fogle, III, Ronald Buford Sheppard, Timothy Alan Upshaw, Alan George Wonders
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Patent number: 9493388Abstract: The invention provides improved energy content in and shaft power recovery from off-gas from xylene oxidation reactions while at the same time minimizing wastewater treatment cost. More shaft power is produced using off-gas than is required to drive the main air compressor, even with preferred, relatively low oxidation temperatures. Simultaneously, an amount of wastewater greater than byproduct water from oxidation of xylene is kept in vapor form and treated along with off-gas pollutants in a self-sustaining (self-fueling) gas-phase thermal oxidative destruction unit. Optionally, off-gas is combined from multiple xylene oxidation reactors, comprising primary and/or secondary oxidation reactors and forming TPA and/or IPA. Optionally, air compressor condensate and caustic scrubber blowdown are used in a TPA process or as utility water, effectively eliminating normal flow of liquid wastewater effluent from a TPA plant.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Grupo Petrotemex, S.A. de C.V.Inventors: Raymond Elbert Fogle, III, Ronald Buford Sheppard, Timothy Alan Upshaw, Alan George Wonders
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Patent number: 8968686Abstract: Disclosed are process and apparatus for vertical splitting of the oxygen supply to a post-oxidation reactor. Further disclosed are process and apparatus for supplying reaction medium to a post-oxidation reactor at a mid-level inlet. Such apparatus and process can assist in reducing oxygen pinch throughout the post-oxidation reactor.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2010Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Grupo Petrotemex, S.A. de C.V.Inventors: Ashfaq Shaikh, Alan George Wonders
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Patent number: 8940255Abstract: Disclosed are process and apparatus for vertical splitting of the oxygen supply to a post-oxidation reactor. Further disclosed are process and apparatus for supplying reaction medium to a post-oxidation reactor at a mid-level inlet. Such apparatus and process can assist in reducing oxygen pinch throughout the post-oxidation reactor.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2010Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Grupo Petrotemex, S.A. de C.V.Inventors: Ashfaq Shaikh, Alan George Wonders
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Patent number: 8936767Abstract: Disclosed are process and apparatus for vertical splitting of the oxygen supply to a post-oxidation reactor. Further disclosed are process and apparatus for supplying reaction medium to a post-oxidation reactor at a mid-level inlet. Such apparatus and process can assist in reducing oxygen pinch throughout the post-oxidation reactor.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2010Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Grupo Petrotemex. S.A. DE C.V.Inventors: Ashfaq Shaikh, Alan George Wonders, David Lange
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Patent number: 8685334Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Grupo Petrotemex, S.A. de C.V.Inventors: Alan George Wonders, Puneet Gupta, Lee Reynolds Partin, Wayne Scott Strasser, Marcel de Vreede
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Publication number: 20130280141Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Alan George WONDERS, Robert LIN, Lee Reynolds PARTIN, Marcel de VREEDE, Wayne Scott STRASSER
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Patent number: 8501986Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Grupo Petrotemex, S.A. de C.V.Inventors: Alan George Wonders, Robert Lin, Lee Reynolds Partin, Marcel de Vreede, Wayne Scott Strasser
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Patent number: 8470257Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2009Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Grupo Petrotemex, S.A. de C.V.Inventors: Alan George Wonders, Lee Reynolds Partin, Wayne Scott Strasser, Marcel deVreede, Puneet Gupta
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Patent number: 8247522Abstract: A process for producing non-solid-stated polyester polymer particles having one or more properties similar to polyester polymer particles that have undergone solid-state processing.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2011Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Grupo Petrotemex, S.A. de C.V.Inventors: Bruce Roger DeBruin, Tommy Ray Maddox, II, John Alan Wabshall, Jr., Steven Lee Stafford, Stephen Weinhold, Robert Noah Estep, Mary Therese Jernigan, Steven Paul Bellner, Alan George Wonders, John Guy Franjione
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Publication number: 20120202965Abstract: The invention provides improved energy content in and shaft power recovery from off-gas from xylene oxidation reactions while at the same time minimizing wastewater treatment cost. More shaft power is produced using off-gas than is required to drive the main air compressor, even with preferred, relatively low oxidation temperatures. Simultaneously, an amount of wastewater greater than byproduct water from oxidation of xylene is kept in vapor form and treated along with off-gas pollutants in a self-sustaining (self-fueling) gas-phase thermal oxidative destruction unit. Optionally, off-gas is combined from multiple xylene oxidation reactors, comprising primary and/or secondary oxidation reactors and forming TPA and/or IPA.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANYInventors: Raymond Elbert Fogle, III, Ronald Buford Sheppard, Timothy Alan Upshaw, Alan George Wonders
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Patent number: 8236921Abstract: The invention provides improved energy content in and shaft power recovery from off-gas from xylene oxidation reactions while at the same time minimizing wastewater treatment cost. More shaft power is produced using off-gas than is required to drive the main air compressor, even with preferred, relatively low oxidation temperatures. Simultaneously, an amount of wastewater greater than byproduct water from oxidation of xylene is kept in vapor form and treated along with off-gas pollutants in a self-sustaining (self-fueling) gas-phase thermal oxidative destruction unit. Optionally, off-gas is combined from multiple xylene oxidation reactors, comprising primary and/or secondary oxidation reactors and forming TPA and/or IPA.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Eastman Chemical CompanyInventors: Raymond Elbert Fogle, III, Ronald Buford Sheppard, Timothy Alan Upshaw, Alan George Wonders
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Patent number: 8202962Abstract: Processes for making polyesters in a polyester production facility are disclosed, that include the steps of: forming a reaction medium comprising at least one monomer that includes terephthalic acid (TPA) and/or an ester derivative of TPA; subjecting at least a portion of the reaction medium to one or more chemical reactions in the polyester production facility to thereby produce the polyester; heating at least a portion of the reaction medium via indirect heat exchange with high-pressure steam, wherein the heating causes at least a portion of the high-pressure steam to condense and thereby provide pressurized condensed water; flashing at least a portion of the pressurized condensed water to thereby produce lower-pressure steam; and heating one or more process fluid streams of the polyester production facility via indirect heat exchange with at least a portion of the lower-pressure steam, wherein the process fluid streams include any stream that is formed predominately of the reaction medium and/or the at leaType: GrantFiled: September 11, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Grupo Petrotemex, S.A. de C.V.Inventors: Alan George Wonders, James Donald Simpson, Bruce Roger DeBruin
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Patent number: 8198397Abstract: Integrated processes for making polyesters are disclosed, that include the steps of: (a) producing an aromatic polycarboxylic acid in a monomer production facility; (b) producing a polyester in a polyester production facility, wherein the producing of the polyester comprises the substeps of: (i) forming a polyester reaction medium comprising at least a portion of the aromatic polycarboxylic acid from the monomer production facility, (ii) subjecting at least a portion of the polyester reaction medium to one or more chemical reactions to thereby produce the polyester, (iii) heating the polyester reaction medium at one or more locations in the polyester production facility via indirect heat exchange with high-pressure steam, wherein the heating causes at least a portion of the high-pressure steam to condense and thereby provide pressurized condensed water, and (iv) flashing at least a portion of the pressurized condensed water to thereby produce lower-pressure steam; and (c) using at least a portion of the lowerType: GrantFiled: September 11, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Grupo Petrotemex, S.A. de C.V.Inventors: Alan George Wonders, James Donald Simpson, Bruce Roger DeBruin
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Patent number: 8178054Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2010Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Grupo Petrotemex, S. A. DE C. V.Inventors: Alan George Wonders, Lee Reynolds Partin, Wayne Scott Strasser, Marcel de Vreede
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Patent number: 8153840Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Grupo Petrotemex, S.A. de C.V.Inventors: Thomas Earl Woodruff, Alan George Wonders