Patents by Inventor Brian R. Kromer

Brian R. Kromer 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: 11933538
    Abstract: A moderate pressure nitrogen and argon producing cryogenic air separation unit is provided that includes a three distillation column system and turbine air stream bypass arrangement or circuit. The turbine air stream bypass arrangement or circuit is configured to improve argon and nitrogen recoveries in select operating modes by optionally diverting a portion of the turbine air stream to a nitrogen waste stream circuit drawn from the lower pressure column of the cryogenic air separation unit such that the diverted portion of the turbine air stream bypasses the distillation column system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Kromer, Neil M. Prosser
  • Publication number: 20230221069
    Abstract: A nitrogen liquefier configured to be integrated with an argon and nitrogen producing cryogenic air separation unit and method of nitrogen liquefaction are provided. The integrated nitrogen liquefier and associated methods may be operated in at least three distinct modes including: (i) a nil liquid nitrogen mode; (ii) a low liquid nitrogen mode; and (iii) a high liquid nitrogen mode. The present systems and methods are further characterized in an oxygen enriched stream from the lower pressure column of the air separation unit is an oxygen enriched condensing medium used in the argon condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2023
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Inventors: Brian R. Kromer, Neil M. Prosser, Jeremy M. Cabral, James R. Handley
  • Publication number: 20230212759
    Abstract: A system and method for co-producing ultra-high purity oxygen and ultra-high purity hydrogen from a water electrolysis unit is provided. The presently disclosed system and method includes upgrading the crude oxygen stream coming from the water electrolysis unit by means of a small, stand-alone cryogenic distillation system wherein the refrigeration for such cryogenic distillation system is supplied by a nitrogen recycle refrigeration loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2022
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Brian R. Kromer, Daniel Palaniswamy Otte
  • Patent number: 11629913
    Abstract: A nitrogen liquefier configured to be integrated with an argon and nitrogen producing cryogenic air separation unit and method of nitrogen liquefaction are provided. The integrated nitrogen liquefier and associated methods may be operated in at least three distinct modes including: (i) a nil liquid nitrogen mode; (ii) a low liquid nitrogen mode; and (iii) a high liquid nitrogen mode. The present systems and methods are further characterized in an oxygen enriched stream from the lower pressure column of the air separation unit is an oxygen enriched condensing medium used in the argon condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Brian R. Kromer, Neil M. Prosser, Jeremy M. Cabral, James R. Handley
  • Publication number: 20230055084
    Abstract: A nitrogen liquefier configured to be integrated with an argon and nitrogen producing cryogenic air separation unit and method of nitrogen liquefaction are provided. The integrated nitrogen liquefier and associated methods may be operated in at least three distinct modes including: (i) a nil liquid nitrogen mode; (ii) a low liquid nitrogen mode; and (iii) a high liquid nitrogen mode. The present systems and methods are further characterized in an oxygen enriched stream from the lower pressure column of the air separation unit is an oxygen enriched condensing medium used in the argon condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventors: Brian R. Kromer, Neil M. Prosser, Jeremy M. Cabral, James R. Handley
  • Publication number: 20210356206
    Abstract: A nitrogen liquefier configured to be integrated with an argon and nitrogen producing cryogenic air separation unit and method of nitrogen liquefaction are provided. The integrated nitrogen liquefier and associated methods may be operated in at least three distinct modes including: (i) a nil liquid nitrogen mode; (ii) a low liquid nitrogen mode; and (iii) a high liquid nitrogen mode. The present systems and methods are further characterized in an oxygen enriched stream from the lower pressure column of the air separation unit is an oxygen enriched condensing medium used in the argon condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Inventors: Brian R. Kromer, Neil M. Prosser, Jeremy M. Cabral, James R. Handley
  • Publication number: 20210356205
    Abstract: Enhancements to the distillation column system and cycles for an argon and nitrogen producing cryogenic air separation unit are provided. The enhancements include systems and methods for: (i) recovery of xenon and krypton; (ii) production of oxygen product substantially free of hydrocarbons; and (iii) improvement in the design and performance of the super-stage argon column. The present systems and methods are further characterized in an oxygen enriched stream from the lower pressure column of the air separation unit is an oxygen enriched condensing medium used in the argon condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Inventors: Brian R. Kromer, Neil M. Prosser, James R. Handley, Zhengrong Xu, Henry E. Howard
  • Publication number: 20210348842
    Abstract: A moderate pressure nitrogen and argon producing cryogenic air separation unit is provided that includes a three distillation column system and turbine air stream bypass arrangement or circuit. The turbine air stream bypass arrangement or circuit is configured to improve argon and nitrogen recoveries in select operating modes by optionally diverting a portion of the turbine air stream to a nitrogen waste stream circuit drawn from the lower pressure column of the cryogenic air separation unit such that the diverted portion of the turbine air stream bypasses the distillation column system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: Brian R. Kromer, Neil M. Prosser
  • Patent number: 10969168
    Abstract: A moderate pressure air separation unit and air separation cycle is disclosed that provides for up to about 96% recovery of argon, an overall nitrogen recovery of 98 percent or greater and limited gaseous oxygen production. The air separation is configured to produce a first high purity oxygen enriched stream and a second lower purity oxygen enriched stream from the lower pressure column, one of which is used as the refrigerant to condense the argon in the argon condenser, with the resulting vaporized oxygen stream used to regenerate the temperature swing adsorption pre-purifier unit. All or a portion of the first high purity oxygen enriched stream is vaporized in the main heat exchanger to produce the gaseous oxygen products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Brian R. Kromer, James R. Handley, Neil M. Prosser
  • Patent number: 10816263
    Abstract: A moderate pressure air separation unit and air separation cycle is disclosed that provides for up to about 96% recovery of argon and an overall nitrogen recovery of 98% or greater. The air separation is configured to produce a high purity oxygen enriched stream which is used as the refrigerant to condense the argon in the argon condenser, with the resulting vaporized oxygen stream used to regenerate the temperature swing adsorption prepurifier unit. Argon recovery is facilitated with the use of an argon superstaged column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Neil M. Prosser, James R. Handley, Brian R. Kromer
  • Patent number: 10663223
    Abstract: A moderate pressure air separation unit and air separation cycle is disclosed that provides for up to about 96% recovery of argon, an overall nitrogen recovery of 98% or greater and limited gaseous oxygen production. The air separation is configured to produce a first high purity oxygen enriched stream and a second lower purity oxygen enriched stream from the lower pressure column, one of which is used as the refrigerant to condense the argon in the argon condenser, with the resulting vaporized oxygen stream used to regenerate the temperature swing adsorption pre-purifier unit. All or a portion of the first high purity oxygen enriched stream is vaporized in the main heat exchanger to produce the gaseous oxygen products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: James R. Handley, Neil M. Prosser, Brian R. Kromer
  • Patent number: 10663222
    Abstract: A moderate pressure air separation unit and air separation cycle is disclosed that provides for up to about 96% recovery of argon, an overall nitrogen recovery of 98 percent or greater and limited gaseous oxygen production. The air separation is configured to produce a first high purity oxygen enriched stream and a second lower purity oxygen enriched stream from the lower pressure column, one of which is used as the refrigerant to condense the argon in the argon condenser, with the resulting vaporized oxygen stream used to regenerate the temperature swing adsorption pre-purifier unit. All or a portion of the first high purity oxygen enriched stream is vaporized in the main heat exchanger to produce the gaseous oxygen products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Brian R. Kromer, James R. Handley, Neil M. Prosser
  • Patent number: 10663224
    Abstract: A moderate pressure air separation unit and air separation cycle is disclosed that provides for up to about 96% recovery of argon, an overall nitrogen recovery of 98 percent or greater and limited gaseous oxygen production. The air separation is configured to produce a first high purity oxygen enriched stream and a second lower purity oxygen enriched stream from the lower pressure column, one of which is used as the refrigerant to condense the argon in the argon condenser, with the resulting vaporized oxygen stream used to regenerate the temperature swing adsorption pre-purifier unit. All or a portion of the first high purity oxygen enriched stream is vaporized in the main heat exchanger to produce the gaseous oxygen products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Neil M. Prosser, Brian R. Kromer, James R. Handley
  • Publication number: 20200149807
    Abstract: A moderate pressure air separation unit and air separation cycle is disclosed that provides for up to about 96% recovery of argon, an overall nitrogen recovery of 98 percent or greater and limited gaseous oxygen production. The air separation is configured to produce a first high purity oxygen enriched stream and a second lower purity oxygen enriched stream from the lower pressure column, one of which is used as the refrigerant to condense the argon in the argon condenser, with the resulting vaporized oxygen stream used to regenerate the temperature swing adsorption pre-purifier unit. All or a portion of the first high purity oxygen enriched stream is vaporized in the main heat exchanger to produce the gaseous oxygen products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Brian R. Kromer, James R. Handley, Neil M. Prosser
  • Publication number: 20200149806
    Abstract: A moderate pressure air separation unit and air separation cycle is disclosed that provides for up to about 96% recovery of argon, an overall nitrogen recovery of 98 percent or greater and limited gaseous oxygen production. The air separation is configured to produce a first high purity oxygen enriched stream and a second lower purity oxygen enriched stream from the lower pressure column, one of which is used as the refrigerant to condense the argon in the argon condenser, with the resulting vaporized oxygen stream used to regenerate the temperature swing adsorption pre-purifier unit. All or a portion of the first high purity oxygen enriched stream is vaporized in the main heat exchanger to produce the gaseous oxygen products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Neil M. Prosser, Brian R. Kromer, James R. Handley
  • Publication number: 20190331418
    Abstract: A moderate pressure air separation unit and air separation cycle is disclosed that provides for up to about 96% recovery of argon and an overall nitrogen recovery of 98% or greater. The air separation is configured to produce a high purity oxygen enriched stream which is used as the refrigerant to condense the argon in the argon condenser, with the resulting vaporized oxygen stream used to regenerate the temperature swing adsorption prepurifier unit. Argon recovery is facilitated with the use of an argon superstaged column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: Neil M. Prosser, James R. Handley, Brian R. Kromer
  • Publication number: 20190331417
    Abstract: A moderate pressure air separation unit and air separation cycle is disclosed that provides for up to about 96% recovery of argon, an overall nitrogen recovery of 98 percent or greater and limited gaseous oxygen production. The air separation is configured to produce a first high purity oxygen enriched stream and a second lower purity oxygen enriched stream from the lower pressure column, one of which is used as the refrigerant to condense the argon in the argon condenser, with the resulting vaporized oxygen stream used to regenerate the temperature swing adsorption pre-purifier unit. All or a portion of the first high purity oxygen enriched stream is vaporized in the main heat exchanger to produce the gaseous oxygen products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: Brian R. Kromer, James R. Handley, Neil M. Prosser
  • Publication number: 20190331419
    Abstract: A moderate pressure air separation unit and air separation cycle is disclosed that provides for up to about 96% recovery of argon, an overall nitrogen recovery of 98% or greater and limited gaseous oxygen production. The air separation is configured to produce a first high purity oxygen enriched stream and a second lower purity oxygen enriched stream from the lower pressure column, one of which is used as the refrigerant to condense the argon in the argon condenser, with the resulting vaporized oxygen stream used to regenerate the temperature swing adsorption pre-purifier unit. All or a portion of the first high purity oxygen enriched stream is vaporized in the main heat exchanger to produce the gaseous oxygen products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: James R. Handley, Neil M. Prosser, Brian R. Kromer
  • Publication number: 20190331416
    Abstract: A moderate pressure air separation unit and air separation cycle is disclosed that provides for up to about 96% recovery of argon, an overall nitrogen recovery of 98 percent or greater and limited gaseous oxygen production. The air separation is configured to produce a first high purity oxygen enriched stream and a second lower purity oxygen enriched stream from the lower pressure column, one of which is used as the refrigerant to condense the argon in the argon condenser, with the resulting vaporized oxygen stream used to regenerate the temperature swing adsorption pre-purifier unit. All or a portion of the first high purity oxygen enriched stream is vaporized in the main heat exchanger to produce the gaseous oxygen products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: Neil M. Prosser, Brian R. Kromer, James R. Handley
  • Patent number: 9453644
    Abstract: A method and system for generating electrical power in which a high pressure synthesis gas stream generated in a gasifier is partially oxidized in an oxygen transport membrane based reactor, expanded and thereafter, is combusted in an oxygen transport membrane based boiler. A low pressure synthesis gas slip stream is split off downstream of the expanders and used as the source of fuel in the oxygen transport membrane based partial oxidation reactors to allow the oxygen transport membrane to operate at low fuel pressures with high fuel utilization. The combustion within the boiler generates heat to raise steam to in turn generate electricity by a generator coupled to a steam turbine. The resultant flue gas can be purified to produce a carbon dioxide product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Brian R. Kromer, Michael M. Litwin, Sean M. Kelly