Patents by Inventor Albert A. Vierheilig

Albert A. Vierheilig 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).

  • Patent number: 9259719
    Abstract: A method of increasing an amount of zeolite contained in a zeolite-containing material, where the method includes the steps of: providing a sample of a zeolite-containing material having at least one rare earth element therein; increasing the amount of zeolite in the sample of the zeolite-containing material by reacting the sample of the zeolite-containing material with an extracting agent that extracts at least a portion of the at least one rare earth element from the sample of the zeolite-containing material; separating the reacted sample, from which has been extracted at least some of the at least one rare earth element previously associated therewith, from the extracting agent; and obtaining the reacted sample in which the amount of zeolite in the reacted sample has been increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventor: Albert A. Vierheilig
  • Publication number: 20140072509
    Abstract: Processes described include reacting a fresh or spent catalyst, or sorbent, with a solution containing an extracting agent (such as an acid or a base). Preferably, the catalyst contains both alumina and a molecular sieve (or a sorbent), and the reaction is performed under relatively mild conditions such that the majority of the base material does not dissolve into the solution. Thus, the catalyst can be re-used, and in certain instances the catalyst performance even improves, with or without re-incorporating certain of the metals back into the catalyst. Additionally, metals contained in the catalyst, such as Na, Mg, Al, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, V, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Zn Sb, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pb, or their equivalent oxides, can be removed from the catalyst. Some of the metals that are removed are relatively valuable (such as the rare earth elements of La, Ce, Pr and Nd).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Albert A. Vierheilig
  • Patent number: 8614159
    Abstract: A method of re-using a spent fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst, previously used in an FCC process, in an additional FCC process, where the method includes the steps of: providing FCC catalyst that has been utilized in an FCC process, defined as spent FCC catalyst, wherein the spent FCC catalyst includes both aluminum and at least one rare earth element therein; and reacting the spent FCC catalyst with an extracting agent to extract at least a portion of the at least one rare earth element from the spent FCC catalyst, while extracting no more than half of the aluminum from the spent FCC catalyst. After performing the reacting step, the reacted spent FCC catalyst can be used in an additional FCC process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Albert A. Vierheilig
  • Publication number: 20120318713
    Abstract: Processes described include reacting a fresh or spent catalyst, or sorbent, with a solution containing an extracting agent (such as an acid or a base). Preferably, the catalyst contains both alumina and a molecular sieve (or a sorbent), and the reaction is performed under relatively mild conditions such that the majority of the base material does not dissolve into the solution. Thus, the catalyst can be re-used, and in certain instances the catalyst performance even improves, with or without re-incorporating certain of the metals back into the catalyst. Additionally, metals contained in the catalyst, such as Na, Mg, Al, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, V, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Zn Sb, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pb, or their equivalent oxides, can be removed from the catalyst. Some of the metals that are removed are relatively valuable (such as the rare earth elements of La, Ce, Pr and Nd).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Albert A. Vierheilig
  • Patent number: 8263028
    Abstract: Processes described include reacting a fresh or spent catalyst, or sorbent, with a solution containing an extracting agent (such as an acid or a base). Preferably, the catalyst contains both alumina and a molecular sieve (or a sorbent), and the reaction is performed under relatively mild conditions such that the majority of the base material does not dissolve into the solution. Thus, the catalyst can be re-used, and in certain instances the catalyst performance even improves, with or without re-incorporating certain of the metals back into the catalyst. Additionally, metals contained in the catalyst, such as Na, Mg, Al, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, V, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Zn Sb, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pb, or their equivalent oxides, can be removed from the catalyst. Some of the metals that are removed are relatively valuable (such as the rare earth elements of La, Ce, Pr and Nd).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Albert A. Vierheilig
  • Patent number: 8216532
    Abstract: Processes described include reacting a fresh or spent catalyst, or sorbent, with a solution containing an extracting agent (such as an acid or a base). Preferably, the catalyst contains both alumina and a molecular sieve (or a sorbent), and the reaction is performed under relatively mild conditions such that the majority of the base material does not dissolve into the solution. Thus, the catalyst can be re-used, and in certain instances the performance of the catalyst even improves, with or without re-incorporating certain of the metals back into the catalyst. Additionally, metals contained in the catalyst, such as Na, Mg, Al, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, V, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Zn Sb, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pb, or their equivalent oxides, can be removed from the catalyst. Some of the metals that are removed are relatively valuable (such as the rare earth elements of La, Ce, Pr and Nd).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Albert A. Vierheilig
  • Patent number: 8197669
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to catalytic cracking additives comprising a metals trapping material; and a high activity catalyst. The present invention is directed to processes for the catalytic cracking of feedstock comprising contacting said feedstock under catalytic cracking conditions with a composition comprising a bulk catalyst and a catalytic cracking additive, wherein the catalytic cracking additive comprises a metals trapping material; and a high activity catalyst. The invention is also directed to processes for increasing the performance of a bulk catalyst in the presence of at least one metal comprising contacting a feedstock with a catalytic cracking additive comprising a metals trapping material; and a high activity catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Intercat, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert A. Vierheilig
  • Publication number: 20100025297
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to catalytic cracking additives comprising a metals trapping material; and a high activity catalyst. The present invention is directed to processes for the catalytic cracking of feedstock comprising contacting said feedstock under catalytic cracking conditions with a composition comprising a bulk catalyst and a catalytic cracking additive, wherein the catalytic cracking additive comprises a metals trapping material; and a high activity catalyst. The invention is also directed to processes for increasing the performance of a bulk catalyst in the presence of at least one metal comprising contacting a feedstock with a catalytic cracking additive comprising a metals trapping material; and a high activity catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Albert A. VIERHEILIG
  • Patent number: 7431825
    Abstract: The present invention describes novel methods for reducing sulfur in gasoline with hydrotalcite like compound additives, calcined hydrotalcite like compounds, and/or mixed metal oxide solution solutions. The additives can optionally further comprise one or more metallic oxidants and/or supports. The invention is also directed to methods for reducing gasoline sulfur comprising contacting a catalytic cracking feedstock with a mixed metal oxide compound comprising magnesium and aluminum and having an X-ray diffraction pattern displaying a reflection at least at a two theta peak position at about 43 degrees and about 62 degrees, wherein the ratio of magnesium to aluminum in the compound is from about 1:1 to about 10:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Intercat, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert A. Vierheilig, Bruce Keener
  • Publication number: 20080202984
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for mitigating the deleterious effect of at least one metal on an FCC catalyst. This objective is achieved by using a mixed metal oxide compound comprising magnesium and aluminum, that has not been derived from a hydrotalcite compound, and having an X-ray diffraction pattern displaying at least a reflection at a two theta peak position at about 43 degrees and about 62 degrees, wherein the ratio of magnesium to aluminum in the compound is from about 0.6:1 to about 10:1. In one embodiment, the ratio of magnesium to aluminum in the compound is from about 1:1 to about 6:1. In one embodiment, the ratio of magnesium to aluminum in the compound is from about 1.5:1 to about 10:1. In another embodiment, the invention is directed to methods wherein the ratio of magnesium to aluminum in the compound is from about 1.5:1 to about 6:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Albert A. Vierheilig
  • Patent number: 7417005
    Abstract: Anionic clay compounds such as hydrotalcite-like compounds can be made by a process wherein a non-hydrotalcite-like compound (or a hydrotalcite-like compound) are heat treated and then hydrated to form hydrotalcite-like compounds having properties (e.g., increased hardness and/or density) that differ from those of hydrotalcite-like compounds made by prior art methods wherein non-hydrotalcite-like compounds (or hydrotalcite-like compounds) are not similarly heat treated and hydrated to form such hydrotalcite-like compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Intercal, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert A. Vierheilig
  • Publication number: 20080145291
    Abstract: The sulfur oxide removing additive suitable for a FCC unit at low oxygen environment condition is described. The SOx removing additive includes one or more sorbents and one or more oxidation catalysts. The sorbent includes a source of Al and a divalent component. The divalent component is selected from a group consisting of magnesium, calcium, and combinations of two or more. The oxidation catalyst includes a source of cerium The SOx removing additive is substantially free of vanadium. Also described is a method of removing the sulfur oxide content of a sulfur oxide-containing gas from an FCC unit. The method includes contacting the gas with a SOx removing additive at a low oxygen environment condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Albert A. VIERHEILIG
  • Patent number: 7361264
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for mitigating the deleterious effect of at least one metal on an FCC catalyst. This objective is achieved by using a mixed metal oxide compound comprising magnesium and aluminum, that has not been derived from a hydrotalcite compound, and having an X-ray diffraction pattern displaying at least a reflection at a two theta peak position at about 43 degrees and about 62 degrees, wherein the ratio of magnesium to aluminum in the compound is from about 0.6:1 to about 10:1. In one embodiment, the ratio of magnesium to aluminum in the compound is from about 1:1 to about 6:1. In one embodiment, the ratio of magnesium to aluminum in the compound is from about 1.5:1 to about 10:1. In another embodiment, the invention is directed to methods wherein the ratio of magnesium to aluminum in the compound is from about 1.5:1 to about 6:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Intercat, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert A. Vierheilig
  • Patent number: 7361319
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for reducing SOx, NOx, and CO emissions from a fluid stream comprising contacting said fluid stream with a compound comprising magnesium and aluminum and having an X-ray diffraction pattern displaying at least a reflection at a two theta peak position at about 43 degrees and about 62 degrees, wherein the ratio of magnesium to aluminum in the compound is from about 1:1 to about 10:1. In one embodiment, the ratio of magnesium to aluminum in the compound is from about 1:1 to about 6:1. In one embodiment, the ratio of magnesium to aluminum in the compound is from about 1.5:1 to about 10:1. In another embodiment, the invention is directed to methods wherein the ratio of magnesium to aluminum in the compound is from about 1.5:1 to about 6:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Intercat, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Vierheilig
  • Patent number: 7347929
    Abstract: The present invention describes novel methods for reducing sulfur in gasoline with hydrotalcite like compound additives, calcined hydrotalcite like compounds, and/or mixed metal oxide solution. The additives can optionally further comprise one or more metallic oxidants and/or supports. The invention is also directed to methods for reducing gasoline sulfur comprising contacting a catalytic cracking feedstock with a mixed metal oxide compound comprising magnesium and aluminum and having an X-ray diffraction pattern displaying a reflection at least at a two theta peak position at about 43 degrees and about 62 degrees, wherein the ratio of magnesium to aluminum in the compound is from about 1:1 to about 10:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Intercat, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert A. Vierheilig, Bruce Keener
  • Publication number: 20060276328
    Abstract: Anionic clay compounds such as hydrotalcite-like compounds can be made by a process wherein a non-hydrotalcite-like compound (or a hydrotalcite-like compound) are heat treated and then hydrated to form hydrotalcite-like compounds having properties (e.g., increased hardness and/or density) that differ from those of hydrotalcite-like compounds made by prior art methods wherein non-hydrotalcite-like compounds (or hydrotalcite-like compounds) are not similarly heat treated and hydrated to form such hydrotalcite-like compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: December 7, 2006
    Inventor: Albert Vierheilig
  • Patent number: 7112313
    Abstract: Anionic clay compounds such as hydrotalcite-like compounds can be made by a process wherein a non-hydrotalcite-like compound (or a hydrotalcite-like compound) are heat treated and then hydrated to form hydrotalcite-like compounds having properties (e.g., increased hardness and/or density) that differ from those of hydrotalcite-like compounds made by prior art methods wherein non-hydrotalcite-like compounds (or hydrotalcite-like compounds) are not similarly heat treated and hydrated to form such hydrotalcite-like compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Intercat, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert A Vierheilig
  • Patent number: 7067093
    Abstract: Reduced sulfur gas species (e.g., H2S, COS and CS2) are removed from a gas stream by compositions wherein a zinc titanate ingredient is associated with a metal oxide-aluminate phase material in the same particle species. Nonlimiting examples of metal oxides comprising the compositions include magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, calcium oxide, nickel oxide, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignees: Research Triangle Institute, Intercat, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert A. Vierheilig, Raghubir P. Gupta, Brian S. Turk
  • Publication number: 20060067866
    Abstract: Reduced sulfur gas species (e.g., H2S, COS and CS2) are removed from a gas stream by compositions wherein a zinc titanate ingredient is associated with a metal oxide-aluminate phase material in the same particle species. Nonlimiting examples of metal oxides comprising the compositions include magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, calcium oxide, nickel oxide, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Applicants: Research Triangel Institute, INTERCAT, INC.
    Inventors: Albert Vierheilig, Raghubir Gupta, Brian Turk
  • Publication number: 20060060504
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to catalytic cracking additives comprising a metals trapping material; and a high activity catalyst. The present invention is directed to processes for the catalytic cracking of feedstock comprising contacting said feedstock under catalytic cracking conditions with a composition comprising a bulk catalyst and a catalytic cracking additive, wherein the catalytic cracking additive comprises a metals trapping material; and a high activity catalyst. The invention is also directed to processes for increasing the performance of a bulk catalyst in the presence of at least one metal comprising contacting a feedstock with a catalytic cracking additive comprising a metals trapping material; and a high activity catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Publication date: March 23, 2006
    Inventor: Albert Vierheilig