Patents by Inventor Curtis L. Munson

Curtis L. Munson 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).

  • Publication number: 20240072286
    Abstract: A method is described for generating carbon-neutral electricity using purified hydrogen as an energy source. A recyclable LOHC is provided to the process for reversible dehydrogenation. Hydrogen generated by dehydrogenation is purified and electrochemically converted to electricity. Heat for maintaining the dehydrogenation reaction temperature is derived from combustion of a portion of the liquid products from dehydrogenation, the portion combusted being less than or equal to the portion of carbon-neutral component included in the recyclable LOHC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: The Claire Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Allinson, Curtis L. Munson, Steven F. Sciamanna, Alan W. Klaassen
  • Patent number: 11848467
    Abstract: A method is described for generating carbon-neutral electricity using purified hydrogen as an energy source. A recyclable LOHC is provided to the process for reversible dehydrogenation. Hydrogen generated by dehydrogenation is purified and electrochemically converted to electricity. Heat for maintaining the dehydrogenation reaction temperature is derived from combustion of a portion of the liquid products from dehydrogenation, the portion combusted being less than or equal to the portion of carbon-neutral component included in the recyclable LOHC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Claire Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Paul A. Allinson, Curtis L. Munson, Steven F. Sciamanna, Alan W. Klaassen
  • Patent number: 11848468
    Abstract: This present disclosure relates generally to a liquid carbon-neutral energy facility (CNEF) operating as a system and the associated apparatus, methods and processes (methodology) for the generation of Carbon-Neutral Hydrogen (CNH) and Carbon-Neutral Electricity (CNE) in a new facility or alternatively in association with an existing greenfield, oil/gas field, or wholly or partially converted oil refinery and the like, and further relating to the generation and storage of energy and/or electricity by means of chemical potential energy operating as a liquid battery using Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Claire Technologies
    Inventors: Alan W Klaassen, Curtis L. Munson, Steven F. Sciamanna, Paul A. Allinson
  • Publication number: 20230402636
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a carbon-neutral process for the generation of carbon-neutral hydrogen and carbon-neutral electricity. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to compositions, methods and apparatus employing a carbon-neutral process for generating electricity employing a liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) for supplying hydrogen for generating the carbon neutral electricity. The present disclosure also relates more specifically to carbon-neutral compositions consisting of liquid organic hydrogen carriers used for supplying hydrogen to generate electricity that may be regenerated in a carbon-neutral process using an apparatus with a net zero atmospheric emission of carbon oxides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Applicant: The Claire Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Allinson, Robert P. Hohmann, Curtis L. Munson, Dennis J. O'Rear, Steven F. Sciamanna, William L. Schinski, Charles R. Wilson, Alan W. Klaassen
  • Patent number: 11817610
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a carbon-neutral process for the generation of carbon-neutral hydrogen and carbon-neutral electricity. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to compositions, methods and apparatus employing a carbon-neutral process for generating electricity employing a liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) for supplying hydrogen for generating the carbon neutral electricity. The present disclosure also relates more specifically to carbon-neutral compositions consisting of liquid organic hydrogen carriers used for supplying hydrogen to generate electricity that may be regenerated in a carbon-neutral process using an apparatus with a net zero atmospheric emission of carbon oxides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: The Claire Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Allinson, Robert P. Hohmann, Curtis L. Munson, Dennis J. O'Rear, Steven F. Sciamanna, William L. Schinski, Charles R. Wilson, Alan W. Klaassen
  • Publication number: 20220380691
    Abstract: Apparatus, means and methods of employing fuel cell power modules are disclosed for generating electricity by electrochemical conversion of hydrogen, which is provided by dehydrogenation of a liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) as a renewable fuel source. Also disclosed are fuel cell units that are energy balanced with a dehydrogenation unit, such that the fuel cell units are the sole source of heat for the dehydrogenation unit. Also disclosed are means of employing the liquid organic hydrogen carrier with carbon-neutral additives within improved fuel cells employing liquid heat transfer fluids and distribution means that efficiently repurpose generated heat to provide for overall net carbon-neutral and net zero carbon-based hydrogen emissions using the disclosed apparatus, means and methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Applicant: The Claire Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Allinson, Alan W. Klaassen, Curtis L. Munson, Steven F. Sciamanna, Charles R. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20220349525
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods and technologies are described for utilizing a liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) fueling station to supply fresh or hydrogen laden LOHC and to recover spent or hydrogen depleted LOHC liquid fuels from mobile vehicles and tanker trucks to support the use of LOHC as carbon-neutral hydrogen fuels to power vehicles, to generate and store electricity, to generate and capture hydrogen, and to replace the use of conventional hydrocarbon fuels while maintaining an overall carbon-neutral balance with respect to the environment. The disclosure includes apparatus, methods and technologies to resupply a modular LOHC fueling station, to store, dispense and recover LOHC fuels, and to transfer the LOHC liquid fuels while balancing displaced vapors to maintain an overall carbon-neutral environmental footprint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Applicant: The Claire Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Allinson, Alan Klaassen, Curtis L. Munson, Steven F. Sciamanna, Charles R. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20220298436
    Abstract: Deep hydrotreating of fluid catalytic cracker cycle oil streams is used to produce lower cost Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHC) for use in large scale liquid batteries and other applications employing hydrogen or requiring a source of labile hydrogen. Coprocessing of bio-feedstocks in a fluid catalytic cracking process is used to further provide lower cost materials and methods involving enhanced carbon-neutral applications of LOHC systems in large scale liquid batteries as well as in mobile applications including trucking, shipping, trains, and aviation employing LOHC products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Applicant: The Claire Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Allinson, Alan Klaassen, Curtis L. Munson, Steven F. Sciamanna, Charles R. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20220285714
    Abstract: This present disclosure relates generally to a liquid carbon-neutral energy facility (CNEF) operating as a system and the associated apparatus, methods and processes (methodology) for the generation of Carbon-Neutral Hydrogen (CNH) and Carbon-Neutral Electricity (CNE) in a new facility or alternatively in association with an existing greenfield, oil/gas field, or wholly or partially converted oil refinery and the like, and further relating to the generation and storage of energy and/or electricity by means of chemical potential energy operating as a liquid battery using Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Applicant: The Claire Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Alan W. Klaassen, Curtis L. Munson, Steven F. Sciamanna, Paul A. Allinson
  • Publication number: 20220115682
    Abstract: A method is described for generating carbon-neutral electricity using purified hydrogen as an energy source. A recyclable LOHC is provided to the process for reversible dehydrogenation. Hydrogen generated by dehydrogenation is purified and electrochemically converted to electricity. Heat for maintaining the dehydrogenation reaction temperature is derived from combustion of a portion of the liquid products from dehydrogenation, the portion combusted being less than or equal to the portion of carbon-neutral component included in the recyclable LOHC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Applicant: THE CLAIRE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul A. Allinson, Curtis L. Munson, Steven F. Sciamanna, Alan W. Klaassen
  • Publication number: 20220109175
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a carbon-neutral process for the generation of carbon-neutral hydrogen and carbon-neutral electricity. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to compositions, methods and apparatus employing a carbon-neutral process for generating electricity employing a liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) for supplying hydrogen for generating the carbon neutral electricity. The present disclosure also relates more specifically to carbon-neutral compositions consisting of liquid organic hydrogen carriers used for supplying hydrogen to generate electricity that may be regenerated in a carbon-neutral process using an apparatus with a net zero atmospheric emission of carbon oxides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Applicant: The Claire Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Allinson, Robert P. Hohmann, Curtis L. Munson, Dennis J. O'Rear, Steven F. Sciamanna, William L. Schinski, Charles R. Wilson, Alan W. Klaassen
  • Patent number: 9035113
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a high energy density jet fuel composition, having a smoke point about 18 mm as determined by ASTM D1322 and a thermal stability of no more than 25 mm Hg as determined by ASTM D 3241, and a method for making a jet fuel composition, wherein the net heat of combustion is determined by the aromatics content, cycloparaffins content, and normal plus or iso paraffins content in the jet fuel composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Cherron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Jaime Lopez, Janine Lichtenberger, William J. Cannella, Curtis L. Munson
  • Publication number: 20120048109
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are mixed matrix membranes which include a continuous phase organic polymer with molecular sieves interspersed therein, the molecular sieves comprising one or more zeolites having an HEU structure type; wherein the membrane exhibits a mixed matrix effect and further wherein the membrane has a N2/CH4 selectivity of greater than about 5, at 35° C. and a pressure of 100 psia (690 kPa). Methods for their preparation and use are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: CHEVRON U. S. A. INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Chinn, De Q. Vu, Stephen J. Miller, Paul F. Bryan, Curtis L. Munson
  • Publication number: 20100270205
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a high energy density jet fuel composition, having a smoke point about 18 mm as determined by ASTM D1322 and a thermal stability of no more than 25 mm Hg as determined by ASTM D 3241, and a method for making a jet fuel composition, wherein the net heat of combustion is determined by the aromatics content, cycloparaffins content, and normal plus or iso paraffins content in the jet fuel composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Jaime Lopez, Janine Lichtenberger, William J. Cannella, Curtis L. Munson
  • Patent number: 6911569
    Abstract: Sulfur resistant/tolerant adsorbents useful for separating olefins from paraffins in a cracked gas stream including hydrogen sulfide. The method comprises the steps of contacting the gaseous mixture with an adsorbent which preferentially adsorbs the alkene, at a selected temperature and pressure, thereby producing a non-adsorbed component and an alkene-rich adsorbed component; the adsorbent comprising a carrier having a surface area, the carrier having been impregnated with a silver compound by incipient wetness, the silver compound releasably retaining the alkene; and changing at least one of the pressure and temperature to thereby release the alkene-rich component from the adsorbent. The adsorbent substantially maintains its adsorbent capacity and preference for the alkene in the presence of the sulfur compound. Sulfur resistant/tolerant adsorbents useful for selectively separating dienes from a mixture, particularly one containing mono-olefins and hydrogen sulfide, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of Michigan, Chevron U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis L. Munson, Ralph T. Yang
  • Patent number: 6768035
    Abstract: A Fischer-Tropsch C3-C4 olefin stream is simultaneously dehydrated and isomerized to convert alcohols to olefins and 1-butenes to 2-butenes and thereby lower the oxygenate content. Another Fischer-Tropsch fraction is hydrotreated and hydrocracked to provide an isobutane stream. The treated C3-C4 olefin stream having an oxygenate content less than 4000 ppm, is reacted with the isobutane stream to provide a highly branched, high octane isoparaffinic alkylate. The alkylate is useful as a blending component in motor gasoline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Rear, Steven S. Mathur, Thomas Van Harris, Curtis L. Munson, Cong-Yan Chan
  • Patent number: 6743962
    Abstract: A Fischer-Tropsch C3-C4 olefin stream is treated to lower the oxygenate content to below 4000 ppm. Another Fischer-Tropsch fraction is hydrotreated and hydrocracked to provide an isobutane-containing stream. The treated C3-C4 olefin stream is reacted with the isobutane stream in an alkylation reactor to provide a highly branched, high octane isoparaffinic alkylate. The alkylate is useful as a blending component in motor gasoline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Rear, Steven S. Mathur, Thomas Van Harris, Curtis L. Munson, Cong-Yan Chan
  • Patent number: 6723756
    Abstract: Unreacted syngas containing CO2 from a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactor, a methanol synthesis reactor or a dual functional syngas conversion is scrubbed with an aqueous medium to adsorb at least some of the CO2. At least a portion of the unreacted CO2-depleted syngas is then recycled to the reactor. The aqueous medium containing absorbed CO2 is treated to desorb CO2. A CO2-enriched stream and a CO2-depleted stream are recovered. A portion of the CO2-enriched stream may be recycled to a syngas generator while another portion is dissolved in an aqueous phase and disposed in a marine environment and/or a terrestrial formation. The CO2-depleted stream preferably is used in the scrubber to absorb CO2 from the unreacted syngas. The process reduces the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere while improving the over-all efficiency of the syngas conversion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis L. Munson, Dennis J. O'Rear, Daniel Chinn
  • Publication number: 20030203983
    Abstract: Unreacted syngas containing CO2 from a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactor, a methanol synthesis reactor or a dual functional syngas conversion is scrubbed with an aqueous medium to adsorb at least some of the CO2. At least a portion of the unreacted CO2-depleted syngas is then recycled to the reactor. The aqueous medium containing absorbed CO2 is treated to desorb CO2. A CO2-enriched stream and a CO2-depleted stream are recovered. A portion of the CO2-enriched stream may be recycled to a syngas generator while another portion is dissolved in an aqueous phase and disposed in a marine environment and/or a terrestrial formation. The CO2-depleted stream preferably is used in the scrubber to absorb CO2 from the unreacted syngas. The process reduces the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere while improving the over-all efficiency of the syngas conversion process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Rear, Curtis L. Munson, Daniel Chinn
  • Patent number: 6623659
    Abstract: Methods for separating olefins from non-olefins, such as paraffins, including cycloparaffins, oxygenates and aromatics, are provided. The methods use metal salts to complex olefins, allowing the non-olefins to be separated by a variety of methods, including decantation and distillation. The metal salts are dissolved in ionic liquids, which tend to have virtually no vapor pressure, and which poorly solubilize the non-olefins. Accordingly, the non-olefins phase separate well, and can be distilled without carrying over any of the ionic liquid into the distillate. Preferred salts are Group IB salts, more preferably silver salts. A preferred silver salt is silver tetrafluoroborate. Preferred ionic liquids are those which form stable solutions or dispersions of the metal salts, and which do not dissolve the non-olefins. Further, if the olefins are subject to isomerization, the ionic liquid is preferably relatively non-acidic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis L. Munson, Laura C. Boudreau, Michael S. Driver, William L. Schinski