Patents by Inventor Erik C. Scher

Erik C. Scher 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: 9718054
    Abstract: Methods for producing ethylene using nanowires as heterogeneous catalysts are provided. The method includes, for example, an oxidative coupling of methane catalyzed by nanowires to provide ethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Siluria Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik C. Scher, Fabio R. Zurcher, Joel M. Cizeron, Wayne P. Schammel, Alex Tkachenko, Joel Gamoras, Dmitry Karshtedt, Greg Nyce
  • Patent number: 9701597
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) systems for small scale and world scale production of olefins. An OCM system may comprise an OCM subsystem that generates a product stream comprising C2+ compounds and non-C2+ impurities from methane and an oxidizing agent. At least one separations subsystem downstream of, and fluidically coupled to, the OCM subsystem can be used to separate the non-C2+ impurities from the C2+ compounds. A methanation subsystem downstream and fluidically coupled to the OCM subsystem can be used to react H2 with CO and/or CO2 in the non-C2+ impurities to generate methane, which can be recycled to the OCM subsystem. The OCM system can be integrated in a non-OCM system, such as a natural gas liquids system or an existing ethylene cracker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Siluria Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Humera A. Rafique, Srinivas Vuddagiri, Hatem Harraz, Guido Radaelli, Erik C. Scher, Jarod McCormick, Rahul Iyer, Suchia Duggal, Joel Cizeron, Jin Ki Hong
  • Patent number: 9688534
    Abstract: Methods for producing nanostructures, particularly Group III-V semiconductor nanostructures, are provided. The methods include use of novel Group III and/or Group V precursors, novel surfactants, oxide acceptors, high temperature, and/or stable co-products. Related compositions are also described. Methods and compositions for producing Group III inorganic compounds that can be used as precursors for nanostructure synthesis are provided. Methods for increasing the yield of nanostructures from a synthesis reaction by removal of a vaporous by-product are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: NANOSYS, INC.
    Inventors: Erik C. Scher, Mihai A. Buretea, William P. Freeman, Joel Gamoras, Baixin Qian, Jeffrey A. Whiteford
  • Patent number: 9670113
    Abstract: Natural gas and petrochemical processing systems including oxidative coupling of methane reactor systems that integrate process inputs and outputs to cooperatively utilize different inputs and outputs of the various systems in the production of higher hydrocarbons from natural gas and other hydrocarbon feedstocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Siluria Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Rahul Iyer, Alex Tkachenko, Sam Weinberger, Erik C. Scher, Fabio R. Zurcher, Joel M. Cizeron, Wayne P. Schammel, Joel Gamoras, Dmitry Karshtedt, Greg Nyce
  • Publication number: 20170113980
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) systems for small scale and world scale production of olefins. An OCM system may comprise an OCM subsystem that generates a product stream comprising C2+ compounds and non-C2+ impurities from methane and an oxidizing agent. At least one separations subsystem downstream of, and fluidically coupled to, the OCM subsystem can be used to separate the non-C2+ impurities from the C2+ compounds. A methanation subsystem downstream and fluidically coupled to the OCM subsystem can be used to react H2 with CO and/or CO2 in the non-C2+ impurities to generate methane, which can be recycled to the OCM subsystem. The OCM system can be integrated in a non-OCM system, such as a natural gas liquids system or an existing ethylene cracker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventors: Guido Radaelli, Humera A. Rafique, Srinivas Vuddagiri, Erik C. Scher, Jarod McCormick, Joel Cizeron, Bipinkumar Patel, Satish Lakhapatri
  • Patent number: 9598328
    Abstract: Integrated systems are provided for the production of higher hydrocarbon compositions, for example liquid hydrocarbon compositions, from methane using an oxidative coupling of methane system to convert methane to ethylene, followed by conversion of ethylene to selectable higher hydrocarbon products. Integrated systems and processes are provided that process methane through to these higher hydrocarbon products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: SILURIA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Greg Nyce, Erik C. Scher, Ajay Madgavkar, Samuel Weinberger, Rahul Iyer, Lawrence Peck, Joel Herger, Benjamin Saydah
  • Patent number: 9567269
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) systems for small scale and world scale production of olefins. An OCM system may comprise an OCM subsystem that generates a product stream comprising C2+ compounds and non-C2+ impurities from methane and an oxidizing agent. At least one separations subsystem downstream of, and fluidically coupled to, the OCM subsystem can be used to separate the non-C2+ impurities from the C2+ compounds. A methanation subsystem downstream and fluidically coupled to the OCM subsystem can be used to react H2 with CO and/or CO2 in the non-C2+ impurities to generate methane, which can be recycled to the OCM subsystem. The OCM system can be integrated in a non-OCM system, such as a natural gas liquids system or an existing ethylene cracker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: SILURIA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Guido Radaelli, Humera A. Rafique, Srinivas Vuddagiri, Erik C. Scher, Jarod McCormick, Joel Cizeron, Bipinkumar Patel, Satish Lakhapatri
  • Patent number: 9556086
    Abstract: Systems and methods conducive to the formation of one or more alkene hydrocarbons using a methane source and an oxidant in an oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) reaction are provided. One or more vessels each containing one or more catalyst beds containing one or more catalysts each having similar or differing chemical composition or physical form may be used. The one or more catalyst beds may be operated under a variety of conditions. At least a portion of the catalyst beds may be operated under substantially adiabatic conditions. At least a portion of the catalyst beds may be operated under substantially isothermal conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: SILURIA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Wayne P. Schammel, Julian Wolfenbarger, Milind Ajinkya, Jon McCarty, Joel M. Cizeron, Sam Weinberger, Justin Dwight Edwards, David Sheridan, Erik C. Scher, Jarod McCormick, Fabio R. Zurcher, Alex Tkachenko, Joel Gamoras, Dmitry Karshtedt, Greg Nyce
  • Publication number: 20160368834
    Abstract: Integrated systems are provided for the production of higher hydrocarbon compositions, for example liquid hydrocarbon compositions, from methane using an oxidative coupling of methane system to convert methane to ethylene, followed by conversion of ethylene to selectable higher hydrocarbon products. Integrated systems and processes are provided that process methane through to these higher hydrocarbon products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Greg Nyce, Peter Czerpak, Carlos Faz, Jarod McCormick, William Michalak, Bipinkumar Patel, Guido Radaelli, Tim A. Rappold, Ron Runnebaum, Erik C. Scher, Aihua Zhang, Joel Cizeron
  • Patent number: 9512047
    Abstract: Integrated systems are provided for the production of higher hydrocarbon compositions, for example liquid hydrocarbon compositions, from methane using an oxidative coupling of methane system to convert methane to ethylene, followed by conversion of ethylene to selectable higher hydrocarbon products. Integrated systems and processes are provided that process methane through to these higher hydrocarbon products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: SILURIA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Greg Nyce, Peter Czerpak, Carlos Faz, Jarod McCormick, William Michalak, Bipinkumar Patel, Guido Radaelli, Tim A. Rappold, Ron Runnebaum, Erik C. Scher, Aihua Zhang, Joel Cizeron
  • Publication number: 20160340272
    Abstract: Metal oxide catalysts comprising various dopants are provided. The catalysts are useful as heterogenous catalysts in a variety of catalytic reactions, for example, the oxidative coupling of methane to C2 hydrocarbons such as ethane and ethylene. Related methods for use and manufacture of the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Joel M. Cizeron, Erik C. Scher, Fabio R. Zurcher, Wayne P. Schammel, Greg Nyce, Anja Rumplecker, Jarod McCormick, Marian Alcid, Joel Gamoras, Daniel Rosenberg, Erik-Jan Ras
  • Patent number: 9469577
    Abstract: Systems and methods conducive to the formation of one or more alkene hydrocarbons using a methane source and an oxidant in an oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) reaction are provided. One or more vessels each containing one or more catalyst beds containing one or more catalysts each having similar or differing chemical composition or physical form may be used. The one or more catalyst beds may be operated under a variety of conditions. At least a portion of the catalyst beds may be operated under substantially adiabatic conditions. At least a portion of the catalyst beds may be operated under substantially isothermal conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Siluria Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne P. Schammel, Julian Wolfenbarger, Milind Ajinkya, Jon McCarty, Joel M. Cizeron, Sam Weinberger, Justin Dwight Edwards, Dave Sheridan, Erik C. Scher, Jarod McCormick, Fabio R. Zurcher, Alex Tkachenko, Joel Gamoras, Dmitry Karshtedt, Greg Nyce
  • Patent number: 9469538
    Abstract: Methods for producing nanostructures, particularly Group III-V semiconductor nanostructures, are provided. The methods include use of novel Group III and/or Group V precursors, novel surfactants, oxide acceptors, high temperature, and/or stable co-products. Related compositions are also described. Methods and compositions for producing Group III inorganic compounds that can be used as precursors for nanostructure synthesis are provided. Methods for increasing the yield of nanostructures from a synthesis reaction by removal of a vaporous by-product are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Nanosys, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik C. Scher, Mihai A. Buretea, William P. Freeman, Joel Gamoras, Baixin Qian, Jeffrey A. Whiteford
  • Publication number: 20160272556
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) systems for small scale and world scale production of olefins. An OCM system may comprise an OCM subsystem that generates a product stream comprising C2+ compounds and non-C2+ impurities from methane and an oxidizing agent. At least one separations subsystem downstream of, and fluidically coupled to, the OCM subsystem can be used to separate the non-C2+ impurities from the C2+ compounds. A methanation subsystem downstream and fluidically coupled to the OCM subsystem can be used to react H2 with CO and/or CO2 in the non-C2+ impurities to generate methane, which can be recycled to the OCM subsystem. The OCM system can be integrated in a non-OCM system, such as a natural gas liquids system or an existing ethylene cracker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Humera A. Rafique, Srinivas Vuddagiri, Guido Radaelli, Erik C. Scher, Jarod McCormick, Joel Cizeron
  • Publication number: 20160272557
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) systems for small scale and world scale production of olefins. An OCM system may comprise an OCM subsystem that generates a product stream comprising C2+ compounds and non-C2+ impurities from methane and an oxidizing agent. At least one separations subsystem downstream of, and fluidically coupled to, the OCM subsystem can be used to separate the non-C2+ impurities from the C2+ compounds. A methanation subsystem downstream and fluidically coupled to the OCM subsystem can be used to react H2 with CO and/or CO2 in the non-C2+ impurities to generate methane, which can be recycled to the OCM subsystem. The OCM system can be integrated in a non-OCM system, such as a natural gas liquids system or an existing ethylene cracker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Guido Radaelli, Humera A. Rafique, Srinivas Vuddagiri, Erik C. Scher, Jarod McCormick, Joel Cizeron, Bipinkumar Patel, Satish Lakhapatri
  • Patent number: 9446387
    Abstract: Metal oxide catalysts comprising various dopants are provided. The catalysts are useful as heterogenous catalysts in a variety of catalytic reactions, for example, the oxidative coupling of methane to C2 hydrocarbons such as ethane and ethylene. Related methods for use and manufacture of the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Siluria Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel M. Cizeron, Erik C. Scher, Fabio R. Zurcher, Wayne P. Schammel, Greg Nyce, Anja Rumplecker, Jarod McCormick, Marian Alcid, Joel Gamoras, Daniel Rosenberg, Erik-Jan Ras
  • Publication number: 20160200643
    Abstract: Integrated systems are provided for the production of higher hydrocarbon compositions, for example liquid hydrocarbon compositions, from methane using an oxidative coupling of methane system to convert methane to ethylene, followed by conversion of ethylene to selectable higher hydrocarbon products. Integrated systems and processes are provided that process methane through to these higher hydrocarbon products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: Greg Nyce, Peter Czerpak, Carlos Faz, Jarod McCormick, William Michalak, Bipinkumar Patel, Guido Radaelli, Tim A. Rappold, Ron Runnebaum, Erik C. Scher, Aihua Zhang, Joel Cizeron
  • Patent number: 9352295
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) systems for small scale and world scale production of olefins. An OCM system may comprise an OCM subsystem that generates a product stream comprising C2+ compounds and non-C2+ impurities from methane and an oxidizing agent. At least one separations subsystem downstream of, and fluidically coupled to, the OCM subsystem can be used to separate the non-C2+ impurities from the C2+ compounds. A methanation subsystem downstream and fluidically coupled to the OCM subsystem can be used to react H2 with CO and/or CO2 in the non-C2+ impurities to generate methane, which can be recycled to the OCM subsystem. The OCM system can be integrated in a non-OCM system, such as a natural gas liquids system or an existing ethylene cracker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Siluria Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Humera A. Rafique, Srinivas Vuddagiri, Guido Radaelli, Erik C. Scher, Jarod McCormick, Joel Cizeron
  • Patent number: 9334204
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) systems for small scale and world scale production of olefins. An OCM system may comprise an OCM subsystem that generates a product stream comprising C2+ compounds and non-C2+ impurities from methane and an oxidizing agent. At least one separations subsystem downstream of, and fluidically coupled to, the OCM subsystem can be used to separate the non-C2+ impurities from the C2+ compounds. A methanation subsystem downstream and fluidically coupled to the OCM subsystem can be used to react H2 with CO and/or CO2 in the non-C2+ impurities to generate methane, which can be recycled to the OCM subsystem. The OCM system can be integrated in a non-OCM system, such as a natural gas liquids system or an existing ethylene cracker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Siluria Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Guido Radaelli, Humera A. Rafique, Srinivas Vuddagiri, Erik C. Scher, Jarod McCormick, Joel Cizeron, Bipinkumar Patel, Satish Lakhapatri
  • Publication number: 20160122261
    Abstract: Metal oxide catalysts comprising various dopants are provided. The catalysts are useful as heterogenous catalysts in a variety of catalytic reactions, for example, the oxidative coupling of methane to C2 hydrocarbons such as ethane and ethylene. Related methods for use and manufacture of the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Wayne P. Schammel, Anja Rumplecker, Joel M. Cizeron, Erik C. Scher, Fabio R. Zurcher, Greg Nyce, Jarod McCormick, Marian Alcid, Joel Gamoras, Daniel Rosenberg, Erik-Jan Ras