Patents by Inventor Andre Nicolle

Andre Nicolle 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: 11905868
    Abstract: A system that may include an exhaust gas source that provides exhaust gas pollutants, a primary catalytic converter coupled downstream of the exhaust gas source, and an adsorption unit, configured to adsorb exhaust gas pollutants. The adsorption unit may be coupled downstream of the exhaust gas source. A process that may include introducing exhaust gas comprising exhaust gas pollutants into a system that includes an adsorption unit, such that the exhaust gas may flow through the adsorption unit and the exhaust gas pollutants may be adsorbed into an adsorption media in the adsorption unit as adsorbed exhaust gas pollutants. A depleted exhaust gas may pass from the adsorption unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Emmanuel Laigle, Christophe Chaillou, Caroline Norsic, André Nicolle
  • Patent number: 11767781
    Abstract: An exhaust treatment system includes an exhaust line, a series of emission treatment units, and an electronic control unit. The series of emission treatment units includes a catalytic unit, a particulate filter unit, an oxidation catalytic unit, a hydrogen injection unit, and a Lean NOx Trap (LNT) for trapping select emissions. A method of operating an exhaust treatment system includes introducing a fuel to a combustion engine of a motor vehicle, directing emissions from the combustion engine to an exhaust line, and passing the emissions in the exhaust line through a series of emission treatment units on the exhaust line. The method further includes injecting hydrogen into the exhaust line via a hydrogen injection unit, where an amount of hydrogen gas injected from a hydrogen inlet line reduces the trapped emissions in the LNT to an inert gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Emmanuel Laigle, Christophe Chaillou, Caroline Norsic, André Nicolle
  • Publication number: 20230265773
    Abstract: An exhaust treatment system includes an exhaust line, a series of emission treatment units, and an electronic control unit. The series of emission treatment units includes a catalytic unit, a particulate filter unit, an oxidation catalytic unit, a hydrogen injection unit, and a Lean NOx Trap (LNT) for trapping select emissions. A method of operating an exhaust treatment system includes introducing a fuel to a combustion engine of a motor vehicle, directing emissions from the combustion engine to an exhaust line, and passing the emissions in the exhaust line through a series of emission treatment units on the exhaust line. The method further includes injecting hydrogen into the exhaust line via a hydrogen injection unit, where an amount of hydrogen gas injected from a hydrogen inlet line reduces the trapped emissions in the LNT to an inert gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Applicant: ARAMCO OVERSEAS COMPANY B.V.
    Inventors: Emmanuel Laigle, Christophe Chaillou, Caroline Norsic, André Nicolle
  • Patent number: 11686236
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying system for an engine includes a three-way catalyst, a particulate filter, an ammonia sorbent unit, an exhaust gas purifying catalyst unit, and a gas injection component including an oxygen-containing gas, all coupled to an exhaust line. Methods for purifying exhaust gas from an engine include exposing the exhaust gas to a three-way catalyst and a particulate filter, thus generating ammonia. The ammonia may be stored in an ammonia sorbent unit during a cold start condition. An oxygen-containing gas may be injected into the exhaust line. Once the ammonia sorbent has reached a desorption temperature, the ammonia may be released into the exhaust line and exposed to an exhaust gas purifying catalyst unit. The exhaust gas purifying catalyst partially oxidizes the ammonia to nitrous oxides (NOx) and subsequently catalyzes a reaction between the remaining ammonia and the nitrous oxides to give nitrogen gas and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Emmanuel Laigle, Christophe Chaillou, Caroline Norsic, André Nicolle
  • Publication number: 20230193797
    Abstract: A system that may include an exhaust gas source that provides exhaust gas pollutants, a primary catalytic converter coupled downstream of the exhaust gas source, and an adsorption unit, configured to adsorb exhaust gas pollutants. The adsorption unit may be coupled downstream of the exhaust gas source. A process that may include introducing exhaust gas comprising exhaust gas pollutants into a system that includes an adsorption unit, such that the exhaust gas may flow through the adsorption unit and the exhaust gas pollutants may be adsorbed into an adsorption media in the adsorption unit as adsorbed exhaust gas pollutants. A depleted exhaust gas may pass from the adsorption unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Applicant: Aramco Overseas Company B.V.
    Inventors: Emmanuel Laigle, Christophe Chaillou, Caroline Norsic, André Nicolle
  • Patent number: 11661872
    Abstract: An exhaust purification system may include at least one catalyst in an exhaust flow path of an internal combustion engine to decrease gaseous pollutants from an exhaust gas, a first particulate filter downstream of the catalyst, and a second particulate filter with a porosity lower and a lower mean pore size than the first particulate filter and in a bypass flow line downstream of the first particulate filter, the bypass flow line being configured to open and close based on at least one condition of the exhaust purification system or conditions of the exhaust gas. The second particulate filter may be configured to be removed and replaced when full. A method of purifying an exhaust gas through the exhaust purification system is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Emmanuel Laigle, Christophe Chaillou, Caroline Norsic, André Nicolle
  • Patent number: 11441464
    Abstract: Systems for reducing the content of residual pollutants from tailpipes emissions in an exhaust line having a cold part may include an ozone generation system; an MnO2 catalyst; and a lean NOx trap (LNT) catalyst. In these systems, the ozone, MnO2 catalyst, and LNT catalyst may be provided in the cold part of the exhaust line. In these systems, the residuals pollutants may be oxidized at temperatures of from about 20° C. to about 150° C. in rich or lean conditions and NO2 may have a concentration of less than 0.1 mg/km in the tailpipe emissions downstream of the cold part of the exhaust line. Corresponding methods may include generating ozone from an ozonizer; injecting the ozone in a mixing chamber comprising the residual pollutants to form a first mixture; converting the first mixture using an MnO2 catalyst to form a second mixture; and converting the second mixture using an LNT catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Emmanuel Laigle, Christophe Chaillou, Caroline Norsic, André Nicolle
  • Publication number: 20220243626
    Abstract: Systems for reducing the content of residual pollutants from tailpipes emissions in an exhaust line having a cold part may include an ozone generation system; an MnO2 catalyst; and a lean NOx trap (LNT) catalyst. In these systems, the ozone, MnO2 catalyst, and LNT catalyst may be provided in the cold part of the exhaust line. In these systems, the residuals pollutants may be oxidized at temperatures of from about 20° C. to about 150° C. in rich or lean conditions and NO2 may have a concentration of less than 0.1 mg/km in the tailpipe emissions downstream of the cold part of the exhaust line. Corresponding methods may include generating ozone from an ozonizer; injecting the ozone in a mixing chamber comprising the residual pollutants to form a first mixture; converting the first mixture using an MnO2 catalyst to form a second mixture; and converting the second mixture using an LNT catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Applicant: ARAMCO OVERSEAS COMPANY B.V.
    Inventors: Emmanuel Laigle, Christophe Chaillou, Caroline Norsic, André Nicolle
  • Publication number: 20220220875
    Abstract: An exhaust purification system may include at least one catalyst in an exhaust flow path of an internal combustion engine to decrease gaseous pollutants from an exhaust gas, a first particulate filter downstream of the catalyst, and a second particulate filter with a porosity lower and a lower mean pore size than the first particulate filter and in a bypass flow line downstream of the first particulate filter, the bypass flow line being configured to open and close based on at least one condition of the exhaust purification system or conditions of the exhaust gas. The second particulate filter may be configured to be removed and replaced when full. A method of purifying an exhaust gas through the exhaust purification system is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Applicant: ARAMCO OVERSEAS COMPANY B.V.
    Inventors: Emmanuel Laigle, Christophe Chaillou, Caroline Norsic, André Nicolle
  • Patent number: 11365364
    Abstract: A fuel formulation having a derived cetane number of at least 35 includes a petroleum fraction and a polyoxymethylene dimethyl ether (OMEx) oligomer mix. The petroleum fraction includes a naphtha fraction with a boiling point in the range from 30° C. to 178° C. The polyoxymethylene dimethyl ether oligomer mix has the general formula H3CO—(CH2O)n—CH3 in which n is between 2 and 7, inclusive. A related method for reducing emissions in a compression-ignited engine includes preparing the fuel formulation having a derived cetane number of at least 35 and combusting the fuel formulation in the compression-ignited engine in place of a diesel fuel, thereby reducing emission of at least one of NOx, CO2, or particulates from the compression-ignited engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Nicolas Rankovic, Patrick Gaillard, André Nicolle
  • Publication number: 20220106533
    Abstract: A fuel formulation having a derived cetane number of at least 35 includes a petroleum fraction and a polyoxymethylene dimethyl ether (OMEx) oligomer mix. The petroleum fraction includes a naphtha fraction with a boiling point in the range from 30° C. to 178° C. The polyoxymethylene dimethyl ether oligomer mix has the general formula H3CO—(CH2O)n—CH3 in which n is between 2 and 7, inclusive. A related method for reducing emissions in a compression-ignited engine includes preparing the fuel formulation having a derived cetane number of at least 35 and combusting the fuel formulation in the compression-ignited engine in place of a diesel fuel, thereby reducing emission of at least one of NOx, CO2, or particulates from the compression-ignited engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2020
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Nicolas Rankovic, Patrick Gaillard, André Nicolle
  • Patent number: 9739482
    Abstract: This invention describes a new porous hydrogen burner that is intended to be installed on different types of furnaces requiring a precise monitoring of the thermal flux, and in particular furnaces for steam-reforming of natural gas or naphtha.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: IFPEN
    Inventors: Jerome Colin, Andre Nicolle, Willi Nastoll
  • Patent number: 8475728
    Abstract: A device for mixing and distributing two gases upstream of the catalytic zone of a reactor by producing a homogeneous mixture and a profile of velocities which are as flat as possible. The device uses a plurality of internal chambers (I) enclosed in an external chamber (II), the external chamber communicating with each of the internal chambers via orifices pierced in the wall of said internal chambers (I) at a well-defined height. The external chamber (II) is provided with a perforated plate placed at a distance H2 from the inlet pipe for said chamber (II). The device is applied to the inlet of an autothermal reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: IFP Energies Nouvelles
    Inventors: Christophe Boyer, Andre Nicolle
  • Patent number: 8096804
    Abstract: This invention describes a new device for controlling the radial profile of the temperature of a confined gas stream that is designed to be used as a coolant in an exchanger that is located downstream from said device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: IFP Energies Nouvelles
    Inventors: Christophe Boyer, André Nicolle, Willi Nastoll, Robert Sanger
  • Publication number: 20110185954
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a combustion chamber comprising an enclosure (1) having at least one fuel injection means (2), at least one oxidizer injection means (3) and at least one combustion fumes withdrawal means (5), wherein enclosure (1) has the shape of a bent closed tube of any section, and the fuel (2) and oxidizer (3) injection means are arranged on enclosure (1) so as to be offset by an angle ? formed by each of the oxidizer and fuel injection positions with respect to centre (C) of the enclosure, ranging between 10° and 90°, and wherein the oxidizer injection means is a means of injecting an oxidant that is a gas with an oxygen concentration above 90%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Jérôme Colin, Ali Hoteit, Willi Nastoll, André Nicolle
  • Publication number: 20110027739
    Abstract: This invention describes a new porous hydrogen burner that is intended to be installed on different types of furnaces requiring a precise monitoring of the thermal flux, and in particular furnaces for vapor-reforming of natural gas or naphtha.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Institut Francais Du Petrole
    Inventors: Jerome Colin, Andre Nicolle, Willi Nastoll
  • Publication number: 20110017326
    Abstract: A device for mixing and distributing two gases upstream of the catalytic zone of a reactor by producing a homogeneous mixture and a profile of velocities which are as flat as possible. The device uses a plurality of internal chambers (I) enclosed in an external chamber (II), the external chamber communicating with each of the internal chambers via orifices pierced in the wall of said internal chambers (I) at a well-defined height. The external chamber (II) is provided with a perforated plate placed at a distance H2 from the inlet pipe for said chamber (II). The device is applied to the inlet of an autothermal reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: IFP
    Inventors: Christophe BOYER, Andre Nicolle
  • Patent number: 7767177
    Abstract: The present invention describes a new device which permits a reduction of NOx emissions contained in the fumes from FCC regenerators. The device consists essentially of a conveyance conduit which connects the two regeneration stages and which has an outlet opening into the dilute phase of the second stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Thierry Gauthier, Romain Roux, André Nicolle
  • Publication number: 20090272301
    Abstract: This invention describes a new device for controlling the radial profile of the temperature of a confined gas stream that is designed to be used as a coolant in an exchanger that is located downstream from said device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Christophe Boyer, Andre Nicolle, Willi Nastoll, Robert Sanger
  • Publication number: 20080152566
    Abstract: The present invention describes a new device which permits a reduction of NOx emissions contained in the fumes from FCC regenerators. The device consists essentially of a conveyance conduit which connects the two regeneration stages and which has an outlet opening into the dilute phase of the second stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Thierry Gauthier, Romain Roux, Andre Nicolle