Patents by Inventor Alan H. Zacher
Alan H. Zacher 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: 9404063Abstract: A system and process are described for clean separation of biocrudes and water by-products from hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) product mixtures of organic and biomass-containing feedstocks at elevated temperatures and pressures. Inorganic compound solids are removed prior to separation of biocrude and water by-product fractions to minimize formation of emulsions that impede separation. Separation may be performed at higher temperatures that reduce heat loss and need to cool product mixtures to ambient. The present invention thus achieves separation efficiencies not achieved in conventional HTL processing.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2014Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignees: Battelle Memorial Institute, Genifuel CorporationInventors: Douglas C. Elliott, Todd R. Hart, Gary G. Neuenschwander, James R. Oyler, Leslie J. Rotness, Jr., Andrew J. Schmidt, Alan H. Zacher
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Publication number: 20150126758Abstract: A system and process are described for clean separation of biocrudes and water by-products from hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) product mixtures of organic and biomass-containing feedstocks at elevated temperatures and pressures. Inorganic compound solids are removed prior to separation of biocrude and water by-product fractions to minimize formation of emulsions that impede separation. Separation may be performed at higher temperatures that reduce heat loss and need to cool product mixtures to ambient. The present invention thus achieves separation efficiencies not achieved in conventional HTL processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2014Publication date: May 7, 2015Applicants: GENIFUEL CORPORATION, BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTEInventors: Douglas C. Elliott, Todd R. Hart, Gary G. Neuenschwander, James R. Oyler, Leslie J. Rotness, JR., Andrew J. Schmidt, Alan H. Zacher
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Patent number: 9012699Abstract: Hydrogenolysis systems are provided that can include a reactor housing an Ru-comprising hydrogenolysis catalyst and wherein the contents of the reactor is maintained at a neutral or acidic pH. Reactant reservoirs within the system can include a polyhydric alcohol compound and a base, wherein a weight ratio of the base to the compound is less than 0.05. Systems also include the product reservoir comprising a hydrogenolyzed polyhydric alcohol compound and salts of organic acids, and wherein the moles of base are substantially equivalent to the moles of salts or organic acids. Processes are provided that can include an Ru-comprising catalyst within a mixture having a neutral or acidic pH. A weight ratio of the base to the compound can be between 0.01 and 0.05 during exposing.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2014Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Johnathan E. Holladay, Danielle S. Muzatko, James F. White, Alan H. Zacher
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Publication number: 20150094498Abstract: Processes and systems for converting glycerol to propylene glycol are disclosed. The glycerol feed is diluted with propylene glycol as the primary solvent, rather than water which is typically used. The diluted glycerol feed is sent to a reactor where the glycerol is converted to propylene glycol (as well as other byproducts) in the presence of a catalyst. The propylene glycol-containing product from the reactor is recycled as a solvent for the glycerol feed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTEInventors: John G. Frye, Jr., Aaron A. Oberg, Alan H. Zacher
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Patent number: 8937202Abstract: Processes and systems for converting glycerol to propylene glycol are disclosed. The glycerol feed is diluted with propylene glycol as the primary solvent, rather than water which is typically used. The diluted glycerol feed is sent to a reactor where the glycerol is converted to propylene glycol (as well as other byproducts) in the presence of a catalyst. The propylene glycol-containing product from the reactor is recycled as a solvent for the glycerol feed.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2010Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: John G. Frye, Aaron A. Oberg, Alan H. Zacher
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Patent number: 8907135Abstract: The present disclosure relates to facilities, systems, methods and/or catalysts for use in chemical production. In particular, the disclosure provides innovations relating to dehydration of multihydric compounds such as glycerol to form acrolein. Some of these innovations include continuous reaction systems as well as system parameters that allow for long term production.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2013Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: James J. Strohm, Alan H. Zacher, James F. White, Michel J. Gray, Vanessa Lebarbier
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Publication number: 20140249335Abstract: Hydrogenolysis systems are provided that can include a reactor housing an Ru-comprising hydrogenolysis catalyst and wherein the contents of the reactor is maintained at a neutral or acidic pH. Reactant reservoirs within the system can include a polyhydric alcohol compound and a base, wherein a weight ratio of the base to the compound is less than 0.05. Systems also include the product reservoir comprising a hydrogenolyzed polyhydric alcohol compound and salts of organic acids, and wherein the moles of base are substantially equivalent to the moles of salts or organic acids. Processes are provided that can include an Ru-comprising catalyst within a mixture having a neutral or acidic pH. A weight ratio of the base to the compound can be between 0.01 and 0.05 during exposing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Johnathan E. Holladay, Danielle S. Muzatko, James F. White, Alan H. Zacher
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Patent number: 8754266Abstract: Hydrogenolysis systems are provided that can include a reactor housing an Ru-comprising hydrogenolysis catalyst and wherein the contents of the reactor is maintained at a neutral or acidic pH. Reactant reservoirs within the system can include a polyhydric alcohol compound and a base, wherein a weight ratio of the base to the compound is less than 0.05. Systems also include the product reservoir comprising a hydrogenolyzed polyhydric alcohol compound and salts of organic acids, and wherein the moles of base are substantially equivalent to the moles of salts or organic acids. Processes are provided that can include an Ru-comprising catalyst within a mixture having a neutral or acidic pH. A weight ratio of the base to the compound can be between 0.01 and 0.05 during exposing.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2013Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Johnathan E. Holladay, Danielle S. Muzatko, James F. White, Alan H. Zacher
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Publication number: 20130253231Abstract: Hydrogenolysis systems are provided that can include a reactor housing an Ru-comprising hydrogenolysis catalyst and wherein the contents of the reactor is maintained at a neutral or acidic pH. Reactant reservoirs within the system can include a polyhydric alcohol compound and a base, wherein a weight ratio of the base to the compound is less than 0.05. Systems also include the product reservoir comprising a hydrogenolyzed polyhydric alcohol compound and salts of organic acids, and wherein the moles of base are substantially equivalent to the moles of salts or organic acids. Processes are provided that can include an Ru-comprising catalyst within a mixture having a neutral or acidic pH. A weight ratio of the base to the compound can be between 0.01 and 0.05 during exposing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Johnathan E. Holladay, Danielle S. Muzatko, James F. White, Alan H. Zacher
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Publication number: 20130253227Abstract: The present disclosure relates to facilities, systems, methods and/or catalysts for use in chemical production. In particular, the disclosure provides innovations relating to dehydration of multihydric compounds such as glycerol to form acrolein. Some of these innovations include continuous reaction systems as well as system parameters that allow for long term production.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: Battelle Momerial InstituteInventors: James J. Strohm, Alan H. Zacher, James F. White, Michel J. Gray, Vanessa Lebarbier
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Patent number: 8530703Abstract: The present disclosure relates to facilities, systems, methods and/or catalysts for use in chemical production. In particular, the disclosure provides innovations relating to dehydration of multihydric compounds such as glycerol to form acrolein. Some of these innovations include continuous reaction systems as well as system parameters that allow for long term production.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: James J. Strohm, Alan H. Zacher, James F. White, Michel J. Gray, Vanessa Lebarbier
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Patent number: 8501963Abstract: The invention includes methods of processing an initial di-carbonyl compound by conversion to a cyclic compound. The cyclic compound is reacted with an alkylating agent to form a derivative having an alkylated ring nitrogen. The invention encompasses a method of producing an N-alkyl product. Ammonia content of a solution is adjusted to produce a ratio of ammonia to di-carboxylate compound of from about 1:1 to about 1.5:1. An alkylating agent is added and the initial compound is alkylated and cyclized. The invention includes methods of making N-methyl pyrrolidinone (NMP). Aqueous ammonia and succinate is introduced into a vessel and ammonia is adjusted to provide a ratio of ammonia to succinate of less than 2:1. A methylating agent is reacted with succinate at a temperature of from greater than 100° C. to about 400° C. to produce N-methyl succinimide which is purified and hydrogenated to form NMP.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2011Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Todd A. Werpy, John G. Frye, Jr., James F. White, Johnathan E. Holladay, Alan H. Zacher
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Patent number: 8241605Abstract: Continuous processing of wet biomass feedstock by catalytic hydrothermal gasification must address catalyst fouling and poisoning. One solution can involve heating the wet biomass with a heating unit to a temperature sufficient for organic constituents in the feedstock to decompose, for precipitates of inorganic wastes to form, for preheating the wet feedstock in preparation for subsequent separation of sulfur contaminants, or combinations thereof. Treatment further includes separating the precipitates out of the wet feedstock, removing sulfur contaminants, or both using a solids separation unit and a sulfur separation unit, respectively. Having removed much of the inorganic wastes and the sulfur that can cause poisoning and fouling, the wet biomass feedstock can be exposed to the heterogeneous catalyst for gasification.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Douglas C. Elliott, Robert Scott Butner, Gary G. Neuenschwander, Alan H. Zacher, Todd R. Hart
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Publication number: 20110306780Abstract: A method of reducing hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) where a starting material containing HMF in a solvent comprising water is provided. H2 is provided into the reactor and the starting material is contacted with a catalyst containing at least one metal selected from Ni, Co, Cu, Pd, Pt, Ru, Ir, Re and Rh, at a temperature of less than or equal to 250° C. A method of hydrogenating HMF includes providing an aqueous solution containing HMF and fructose. H2 and a hydrogenation catalyst are provided. The HMF is selectively hydrogenated relative to the fructose at a temperature at or above 30° C. A method of producing tetrahydrofuran dimethanol (THFDM) includes providing a continuous flow reactor having first and second catalysts and providing a feed comprising HMF into the reactor. The feed is contacted with the first catalyst to produce furan dimethanol (FDM) which is contacted with the second catalyst to produce THFDM.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Richard T. Hallen, Todd A. Werpy, James F. White, Johnathan E. Holladay, John G. Frye, JR., Alan H. Zacher
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Publication number: 20110263874Abstract: The invention includes methods of processing an initial di-carbonyl compound by conversion to a cyclic compound. The cyclic compound is reacted with an alkylating agent to form a derivative having an alkylated ring nitrogen. The invention encompasses a method of producing an N-alkyl product. Ammonia content of a solution is adjusted to produce a ratio of ammonia to di-carboxylate compound of from about 1:1 to about 1.5:1. An alkylating agent is added and the initial compound is alkylated and cyclized. The invention includes methods of making N-methyl pyrrolidinone (NMP). Aqueous ammonia and succinate is introduced into a vessel and ammonia is adjusted to provide a ratio of ammonia to succinate of less than 2:1. A methylating agent is reacted with succinate at a temperature of from greater than 100° C. to about 400° C. to produce N-methyl succinimide which is purified and hydrogenated to form NMP.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Inventors: Todd A. Werpy, John G. Frye, JR., James F. White, Johnathan E. Holladay, Alan H. Zacher
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Publication number: 20110257419Abstract: A method of reducing hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) where a starting material containing HMF in a solvent comprising water is provided. H2 is provided into the reactor and the starting material is contacted with a catalyst containing at least one metal selected from Ni, Co, Cu, Pd, Pt, Ru, Ir, Re and Rh, at a temperature of less than or equal to 250° C. A method of hydrogenating HMF includes providing an aqueous solution containing HMF and fructose. H2 and a hydrogenation catalyst are provided. The HMF is selectively hydrogenated relative to the fructose at a temperature at or above 30° C. A method of producing tetrahydrofuran dimethanol (THFDM) includes providing a continuous flow reactor having first and second catalysts and providing a feed comprising HMF into the reactor. The feed is contacted with the first catalyst to produce furan dimethanol (FDM) which is contacted with the second catalyst to produce THFDM.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Richard T. Hallen, Todd A. Werpy, James F. White, Johnathan E. Holladay, John G. Frye, JR., Alan H. Zacher
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Publication number: 20110207971Abstract: Processes and systems for converting glycerol to propylene glycol are disclosed. The glycerol feed is diluted with propylene glycol as the primary solvent, rather than water which is typically used. The diluted glycerol feed is sent to a reactor where the glycerol is converted to propylene glycol (as well as other byproducts) in the presence of a catalyst. The propylene glycol-containing product from the reactor is recycled as a solvent for the glycerol feed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventors: John G. Frye, Aaron A. Oberg, Alan H. Zacher
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Publication number: 20110207972Abstract: Catalysts for replacing rhenium-containing multimetallic catalysts for the hydrogenolysis of organic compounds to desired polyols, including the conversion of glycerol to propylene glycol, are described. The catalysts are carried on carbon supports, as well as carbon supports impregnated with Zirconium Scandium (ZrSc), Zirconium Yttrium (ZrY), Titanium Scandium (TiSc), or Titanium Yttrium (TiY) to texture the carbon support and to create oxygen-ion vacancies that can be used during the desired reactions. Processes for the hydrogenolysis of organic compounds to desired polyols using the disclosed catalysts, including the conversion of glycerol to propylene glycol, are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventors: Heather M. Brown, John G. Frye, Jonathan L. Male, Daniel M. Santosa, Alan H. Zacher
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Patent number: 7994347Abstract: A method of reducing hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) where a starting material containing HMF in a solvent comprising water is provided. H2 is provided into the reactor and the starting material is contacted with a catalyst containing at least one metal selected from Ni, Co, Cu, Pd, Pt, Ru, Ir, Re and Rh, at a temperature of less than or equal to 250° C. A method of hydrogenating HMF includes providing an aqueous solution containing HMF and fructose. H2 and a hydrogenation catalyst are provided. The HMF is selectively hydrogenated relative to the fructose at a temperature at or above 30° C. A method of producing tetrahydrofuran dimethanol (THFDM) includes providing a continuous flow reactor having first and second catalysts and providing a feed comprising HMF into the reactor. The feed is contacted with the first catalyst to produce furan dimethanol (FDM) which is contacted with the second catalyst to produce THFDM.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2007Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Michael A. Lilga, Richard T. Hallen, Todd A. Werpy, James F. White, Johnathan E. Holladay, John G. Frye, Jr., Alan H. Zacher
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Patent number: 7973177Abstract: The invention includes methods of processing an initial di-carbonyl compound by conversion to a cyclic compound. The cyclic compound is reacted with an alkylating agent to form a derivative having an alkylated ring nitrogen. The invention encompasses a method of producing an N-alkyl product. Ammonia content of a solution is adjusted to produce a ratio of ammonia to di-carboxylate compound of from about 1:1 to about 1.5:1. An alkylating agent is added and the initial compound is alkylated and cyclized. The invention includes methods of making N-methylpyrrolidinone (NMP). Aqueous ammonia and succinate is introduced into a vessel and ammonia is adjusted to provide a ratio of ammonia to succinate of less than 2:1. A methylating agent is reacted with succinate at a temperature of from greater than 100° C. to about 400° C. to produce N-methyl succinimide which is purified and hydrogenated to form NMP.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2010Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Todd A. Werpy, John G. Frye, Jr., James F. White, Johnathan E. Holladay, Alan H. Zacher