Patents by Inventor Anna Lee Tonkovich

Anna Lee Tonkovich 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).

  • PROCESS FOR MAKING STYRENE USING MIRCOHANNEL PROCESS TECHNOLOGY
    Publication number: 20110112348
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process for converting ethylbenzene to styrene, comprising: flowing a feed composition comprising ethylbenzene in at least one process microchannel in contact with at least one catalyst to dehydrogenate the ethylbenzene and form a product comprising styrene; exchanging heat between the process microchannel and at least one heat exchange channel in thermal contact with the process microchannel; and removing product from the process microchannel. Also disclosed is an apparatus comprising a process microchannel, a heat exchange channel, and a heat transfer wall positioned between the process microchannel and heat exchange channel wherein the heat transfer wall comprises a thermal resistance layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Kai Tod Paul Jarosch, Bin Yang, Francis P. Daly, Thomas P. Hickey, Jeffrey Marco, Timothy J. LaPlante, Richard Q. Long
  • Catalytic reaction process using microchannel technology
    Patent number: 7935734
    Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a process for conducting a chemical reaction between at least one liquid reactant and at least one gaseous reactant in a process microchannel containing at least one catalyst, the catalyst comprising a solid phase catalyst or a homogeneous catalyst immobilized on a solid. In one embodiment, the process microchannel comprises a processing zone containing one or more structures for disrupting fluid flow and a reaction zone containing one or more structures for contacting and/or supporting the catalyst, the one or more structures for contacting and/or supporting the catalyst containing openings to permit the reactants to flow through the one or more structures and contact the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Kai Tod Paul Jarosch, Timothy J. Sullivan, Terry Mazanec, Sean Patrick Fitzgerald, Maddalena Fanelli
  • Integrated combustion reactors and methods of conducting simultaneous endothermic and exothermic reactions
    Patent number: 7931875
    Abstract: Integrated Combustion Reactors (ICRs) and methods of making ICRs are described in which combustion chambers (or channels) are in direct thermal contact to reaction chambers for an endothermic reaction. Particular reactor designs are also described. Processes of conducting reactions in integrated combustion reactors are described and results presented. Some of these processes are characterized by unexpected and superior results, and/or results that can not be achieved with any prior art devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Velocys
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Gary Roberts, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Paul W. Neagle, Dongming Qiu, Matthew B. Schmidt, Steven T. Perry, David J. Hesse, Robert J. Luzenski, G. Bradley Chadwell, Ying Peng, James A. Mathias, Nathan P. Gano, Ravi Arora, Barry L. Yang, David J. Kuhlmann, Thomas D. Yuschak, John Arthur Monahan
  • PROCESS FOR TREATING HEAVY OIL
    Publication number: 20110083997
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for hydroprocessing heavy oil under process intensification conditions to form an upgraded hydrocarbon product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Laura J. Silva, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Stephen Claude LeViness, Kai Tod Paul Jarosch, Edward Rode
  • Process for making unsaturated hydrocarbons using microchannel process technology
    Patent number: 7923592
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process for converting a feed composition comprising one or more hydrocarbons to a product comprising one or more unsaturated hydrocarbons, the process comprising: flowing the feed composition and steam in contact with each other in a microchannel reactor at a temperature in the range from about 200° C. to about 1200° C. to convert the feed composition to the product, the process being characterized by the absence of catalyst for converting the one or more hydrocarbons to one or more unsaturated hydrocarbons. Hydrogen and/or oxygen may be combined with the feed composition and steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Thomas Yuschak, Timothy J. LaPlante, Scott Rankin, Steven T. Perry, Sean Patrick Fitzgerald, Wayne W. Simmons, Terry Mazanec, Eric Daymo
  • Process of conducting reactions or separation in a microchannel with internal fin support for catalyst or sorption medium
    Patent number: 7896935
    Abstract: A process of conducting a catalyst reaction or fluid separation in comprising: at least one process microchannel having a height, width and length, the height being up to about 10 mm, the process microchannel having a base wall extending in one direction along the width of the process microchannel and in another direction along the length of the process microchannel; at least one fin projecting into the process microchannel from the base wall and extending along at least part of the length of the process microchannel; and a catalyst or sorption medium supported by the fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Dongming Qiu, Richard Q. Long, Barry L. Yang, Thomas Yuschak, Steven T. Perry
  • Fluidization and Solids Processing In Microchannel Devices
    Publication number: 20110039955
    Abstract: This invention describes gas-solid, liquid-solid and gas-solid-liquid processes in microchannels devices including such processes as heterogeneous catalysis, particle formation, particle attrition, particle separation and adsorption or desorption of selected species. Various processes can be enhanced by the unique properties of microchannels such as the predominance of laminar flow, high rates of shear, high rates of heat transfer and high rates of mass transfer. Also encompassed by this invention are methods for the introduction to and removal from microchannels of particle containing fluid streams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: VELOCYS INC.
    Inventors: Kai Jarosch, Anna Lee Tonkovich, David J. Hesse, Eric Daymo, Steven T. Perry, Laura J. Silva
  • Methods of making devices by stacking sheets and processes of conducting unit operations using such devices
    Patent number: 7883670
    Abstract: New designs, methods and processes are described that in which laminated devices and configured in a style named the “ortho” style. To form a device in the ortho style, plates or sheets are machined to have apertures and then stacked together such that the apertures connect and fluid can flow through the device in a direction that is substantially parallel to the direction of sheet thickness. Various laminated devices and processes using them are also described. For example, devices in which non-rectangular microchannels conform around reaction chambers or other bodies that need to be heated or cooled, are described. Features that separate or trip boundary layer and enhance heat transfer are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Gary Roberts, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Paul W Neagle, Dongming Qiu, Matthew Schmidt
  • Protected alloy surfaces in microchannel apparatus and catalysts, alumina supported catalysts, catalyst intermediates, and methods of forming catalysts and microchannel apparatus
    Patent number: 7874432
    Abstract: The invention describes microchannel apparatus and catalysts that contain a layer of a metal aluminide or are made in a process in which a metal aluminide layer is formed as an intermediate. Certain processing conditions have surprisingly been found to result in superior coatings. The invention includes chemical processes conducted through apparatus described in the specification. Other catalysts and catalyst synthesis techniques are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Velocys
    Inventors: Barry L. Yang, Francis P. Daly, Junko M. Watson, Terry Manzanec, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Bradley R. Johnson, Xiaohong Li, Chunshe Cao, Ya-Huei Chin, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Ravi Arora, David J. Hesse, Dongming Qiu, Rachid Taha, Jeffrey J. Ramler, Yong Wang, Richard Long
  • MICROCHANNEL WITH INTERNAL FIN SUPPORT FOR CATALYST OR SORPTION MEDIUM
    Publication number: 20110002818
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus, comprising: at least one process microchannel having a height, width and length, the height being up to about 10 mm, the process microchannel having a base wall extending in one direction along the width of the process microchannel and in another direction along the length of the process microchannel; at least one fin projecting into the process microchannel from the base wall and extending along at least part of the length of the process microchannel; and a catalyst or sorption medium supported by the fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Dongming Qiu, Richard Q. Long, Barry L. Yang, Thomas Yuschak, Steven T. Perry
  • Process for making styrene using mircochannel process technology
    Patent number: 7847138
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process for converting ethylbenzene to styrene, comprising: flowing a feed composition comprising ethylbenzene in at least one process microchannel in contact with at least one catalyst to dehydrogenate the ethylbenzene and form a product comprising styrene; exchanging heat between the process microchannel and at least one heat exchange channel in thermal contact with the process microchannel; and removing product from the process microchannel. Also disclosed is an apparatus comprising a process microchannel, a heat exchange channel, and a heat transfer wall positioned between the process microchannel and heat exchange channel wherein the heat transfer wall comprises a thermal resistance layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Kai Tod Paul Jarosch, Bin Yang, Francis P. Daly, Thomas P. Hickey, Jeffrey Marco, Timothy J. LaPlante, Richard Q. Long
  • Fluidization and solids processing in microchannel devices
    Patent number: 7820445
    Abstract: This invention describes gas-solid, liquid-solid and gas-solid-liquid processes in microchannels devices including such processes as heterogeneous catalysis, particle formation, particle attrition, particle separation and adsorption or desorption of selected species. Various processes can be enhanced by the unique properties of microchannels such as the predominance of laminar flow, high rates of shear, high rates of heat transfer and high rates of mass transfer. Also encompassed by this invention are methods for the introduction to and removal from microchannels of particle containing fluid streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Velocys
    Inventors: Kai Jarosch, Anna Lee Tonkovich, David J. Hesse, Eric Daymo, Steven T. Perry, Laura J. Silva
  • MICROCHANNEL APPARATUS COMPRISING STRUCTURED WALLS, CHEMICAL PROCESSES, METHODS OF MAKING FORMALDEHYDE
    Publication number: 20100267993
    Abstract: Methods for controlling series or series-parallel reactions are described. Novel microchannel apparatus having mesoporous structures adjacent to bulk flow paths are described. Methods of synthesizing formaldehyde from methanol are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: VELOCYS INC.
    Inventors: Soumitra Deshmukh, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Terry Mazanec, Bin Yang, Kai Jarosch, Richard Long
  • Multiphase mixing process using microchannel process technology
    Patent number: 7816411
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process for making a multiphase mixture, comprising: flowing a first fluid stream through a process microchannel, the first fluid stream comprising at least one liquid and/or at least one gas, the process microchannel having an apertured section; flowing a second fluid stream through the apertured section into the process microchannel in contact with the first fluid stream to form the multiphase mixture, the second fluid stream comprising at least one gas and/or at least one microbody-forming material, the first fluid stream forming a continuous phase in the multiphase mixture, the second fluid stream forming a discontinuous phase dispersed in the continuous phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Laura J. Silva, David John Hesse, Michael Alan Marchiando, Micheal Jay Lamont, Dongming Qiu, Terence Andrew Dritz, Kristina M. Pagnotto, Richard Stevenson, Steven T. Perry, Maddalena Fanelli, Ravi Arora, Bin Yang, Sean Patrick Fitzgerald, Timothy J. Sullivan, Kai Tod Paul Jarosch, Thomas Yuschak
  • Flow Control Through Plural, Parallel Connection Channels To/From a Manifold
    Publication number: 20100258198
    Abstract: The invention provides apparatuses and techniques for controlling flow between a manifold and two or more connecting microchannels. Flow between plural connecting microchannels, that share a common manifold, can be made more uniform by the use of flow straighteners and distributors that equalize flow in connecting channels. Alternatively, flow can be made more uniform by sections of narrowed diameter within the channels. Methods of making apparatus and methods of conducting unit operations in connecting channels are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: Velocys Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Bin Yang, Steven T. Perry, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Ravi Arora, Robert Luzenski, Thomas D. Yuschak
  • Integrated reactors, methods of making same, and methods of conducting simultaneous exothermic and endothermic reactions
    Patent number: 7803325
    Abstract: Integrated Combustion Reactors (ICRs) and methods of making ICRs are described in which combustion chambers (or channels) are in direct thermal contact to reaction chambers for an endothermic reaction. Superior results were achieved for combustion chambers which contained a gap for flee flow through the chamber. Particular reactor designs are also described. Processes of conducting reactions in integrated combustion reactors are described and results presented. Some of these processes are characterized by unexpected and superior results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Gary Roberts, Steven T. Perry, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Robert S. Wegeng, Yong Wang, David Vanderwiel, Jennifer L. Marco
  • STEAM REFORMING METHODS AND CATALYSTS
    Publication number: 20100196226
    Abstract: The present invention provides catalysts, reactors, and methods of steam reforming over a catalyst. Surprisingly superior results and properties obtained in methods and catalysts of the present invention are also described. For example, a coated catalyst was demonstrated to be highly stable under steam reforming conditions (high temperature and high pressure of steam). Methods of making steam reforming catalysts are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: VELOCYS INC.
    Inventors: Junko M. Watson, Francis P. Daly, Yong Wang, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Steven T. Perry, Laura J. Silva, Rachid Taha, Enrique Aceves de Alba, Ya-Huei Chin, Robert Rozmiarek, XiaoHong Li
  • Dehydrogenation reactions in narrow reaction chambers and integrated reactors
    Patent number: 7754935
    Abstract: Methods of dehydrogenating hydrocarbons to yield unsaturated compounds are described. Reactor configurations useful for dehydrogenation are also described. Hydrocarbons can be dehydrogenated, for relatively long periods of time-on-stream, in a reaction chamber having a dimension of 2 mm or less to produce H2 and an olefin. Techniques have been developed that reduce coke and allow stable, relatively long-term operation in small reactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Velocys
    Inventors: John H. Brophy, Gary Roberts, G. Bradley Chadwell, Matthew B. Schmidt, Anna Lee Tonkovich
  • PROCESS AND APPARATUS EMPLOYING MICROCHANNEL PROCESS TECHNOLOGY
    Publication number: 20100174124
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for conducting a hydrocracking or a hydrotreating process in a microchannel reactor. This invention also relates to a process and apparatus for flowing a vapor and liquid into a plurality of microchannels in a microchannel processing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Ravi Arora, John Brophy, Francis P. Daly, Soumitra Deshmukh, Maddalena Fanelli, Kai Tod Paul Jarosch, Timothy J. LaPlante, Richard Q. Long, Terry Mazanec, Daniel Francis Ryan, Laura J. Silva, Wayne W. Simmons, Bruce Stangeland, Yong Wang, Thomas Yuschak, Steven T. Perry, Jeffrey Dale Marco, Michael Alan Marchiando, Robert Dwayne Litt
  • Microchannel reactors for catalytic oxidative dehydrogenation
    Patent number: 7744829
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH). Conducting ODH in microchannels has unexpectedly been found to yield superior performance when compared to the same reactions at the same conditions in larger reactors. ODH methods employing a Mo—V—Mg—O catalyst is also described. Microchannel apparatus for conducting ODH is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Velocys
    Inventors: John H. Brophy, Kai Jarosch, Terry J. Mazanec, Matthew B. Schmidt, Laura J. Silva, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Fred Pesa, David J. Hesse