Patents by Inventor François Hugues

François Hugues 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: 20110114541
    Abstract: The device described in the present invention can separate fine solid particles in suspension in a viscous liquid, withdrawing a clear liquid from the top of the device, and a dense liquid charged with solid particles is withdrawn from the bottom. The invention also concerns the application of this device to the separation of catalyst particles in a liquid phase Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: ENI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Jean Christophe Viguie, Willi Nastoll, Francois Hugues, Elsa Mignone, Giuseppe Belmonte
  • Publication number: 20110009502
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for optimizing the operation of a reaction section for hydrocarbon synthesis starting from a feed comprising synthesis gas, operated in the presence of a catalyst comprising cobalt. This method comprises the following steps: a) determining the theoretical molar ratio, PH2O:PH2, in the reaction section; b) optionally, adjusting the ratio PH2O:PH2 determined in step a) to a value strictly below 1; c) determining the new value for the theoretical ratio PH2O:PH2 in the reaction section; and repeating steps a) to c) until the ratio of the partial pressures of water and hydrogen, PH2O:PH2, has a value strictly less than 1.1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: IFP
    Inventors: Marie-Claire Marion, Francois Hugues
  • Patent number: 7776287
    Abstract: This present invention describes a novel type of internal exchanger intended to carry out Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. This exchanger has a modular design and comprises a central tube with partitions allowing at the same time the supply of coolant to the hairpins of the module and the recovery of the partially vaporized fluid from these same hairpins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignees: Institut Francais du Petrole, ENI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Francois Hugues, Bertrand Szymkowiak, Jean-Christophe Viguie, Jean-Marc Schweitzer, Michel Munier, Dominique Chretien, Eric Caprani, Damien Douziech
  • Patent number: 7758824
    Abstract: The present invention describes a novel type of internal exchanger for a gas-liquid-solid fluidized bed reactor employing a strongly thermal reaction. Said exchanger is modular in concept and comprises a central tube with separations allowing both supply of cooling fluid to the pins of the module and collection of partially vaporized fluid from said same pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Francois Hugues, Bertrand Szymkowiak, Jean-Christophe Viguie, Jean-Marc Schweitzer, Michel Munier, Dominique Chretien, Eric Caprani, Damien Douziech
  • Patent number: 7696397
    Abstract: An improved catalytic composition for oligomerization, in particular dimerization, of monoolefins comprises the product resulting from bringing the following three constituents into contact in any order: a) at least one divalent nickel compound; b) at least one hydrocarbylaluminium dihalide, optionally enriched with an aluminum trihalide; and c) at least one organic Bronsted acid; the catalytic composition being pre-conditioned in a solvent before using it for oligomerization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Dominique Commereuc, Alain Forestiere, François Hugues, Hélène Olivier
  • Patent number: 7662865
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is a process for the synthesis of hydrocarbons based on a synthesis gas type feedstock in which said synthesis gas is brought into contact with a catalyst in a reactor under Fischer-Tropsch synthesis conditions and in which the partial pressure of water is controlled in order to keep it below a critical value ppH2O-limit defined by the formula: ppH2Olimit=exp(?7751/dp·T)·Ps(T) where T is the reaction temperature in K, dp is the average diameter of the catalyst pores in nm, determined by nitrogen adsorption-desorption (BJH method), Ps(T) is the saturating water vapour pressure at temperature T, in bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignees: Institut Francais du Petrole, ENI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marie-Claire Marion, Francois Hugues, Magalie Roy-Auberger
  • Publication number: 20100029792
    Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst which can be applied to a method for converting synthesis gas, said catalyst comprising: a) a support made of a solid solution containing at least one first aluminate element with a mixed spinel structure of formula MxM?(1-X)AI2O4/AI203.SiO2, x ranging from 0 to 1 being excluded, or a simple spinel structure of formula MAI2O4/AI2O3 SiO2, wherein the support is calcinated in an at least partially oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature ranging from 850° C. to 900° C., b) an active phase which is deposited on the support which contains one or several metals of group VIII, selected from amongst cobalt, nickel, ruthenium or iron. The catalyst is used in a fixed bed or in a suspension in a triphasic reactor for the synthesis of hydrocarbons from a CO, H2 mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Fabrice Diehl, Francois Hugues, Marie-Claire Marion, Denis Uzio
  • Patent number: 7605187
    Abstract: A process for temporarily interrupting a Fischer-Tropsch type reaction carried out on a feed comprising at least carbon monoxide and hydrogen is carried out in a three-phase reaction zone comprising a liquid phase, a gas phase and solid catalyst particles maintained in suspension, said process comprising a step a) for interrupting the reaction and a step b) for restarting said reaction, during which the solid catalyst particles are maintained in suspension in the reaction zone; a) during the step for interrupting the reaction, supply of the feed is stopped, and a blanket of an inhibiting gas comprising less than 1% by volume of hydrogen and at least 5% by volume of at least one inhibiting compound selected from the group formed by carbon monoxide and water is established; and b) during the reaction restart step, in the reaction zone, a blanket of an activating gas with a hydrogen content of at least 20% by volume is established and supply of the feed is restarted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignees: Institut Francais du Petrol, ENI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marie Claire Marion, Francois Hugues
  • Publication number: 20090176894
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is a process for the synthesis of hydrocarbons based on a synthesis gas type feedstock in which said synthesis gas is brought into contact with a catalyst in a reactor under Fischer-Tropsch synthesis conditions and in which the partial pressure of water is controlled in order to keep it below a critical value ppH2Olimit defined by the formula: ppH2Olimit=exp(?7751/dp·T)·Ps(T) where T is the reaction temperature in K, dp is the average diameter of the catalyst pores in nm, determined by nitrogen adsorption-desorption (BJH method), Ps(T) is the saturating water vapour pressure at temperature T, in bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Marie-Claire MARION, Francois Hugues, Magalie Roy-Auberger
  • Publication number: 20080262112
    Abstract: A process for temporarily interrupting a Fischer-Tropsch type reaction carried out on a feed comprising at least carbon monoxide and hydrogen is carried out in a three-phase reaction zone comprising a liquid phase, a gas phase and solid catalyst particles maintained in suspension, said process comprising a step a) for interrupting the reaction and a step b) for restarting said reaction, during which the solid catalyst particles are maintained in suspension in the reaction zone; a) during the step for interrupting the reaction, supply of the feed is stopped, and a blanket of an inhibiting gas comprising less than 1% by volume of hydrogen and at least 5% by volume of at least one inhibiting compound selected from the group formed by carbon monoxide and water is established; and b) during the reaction restart step, in the reaction zone, a blanket of an activating gas with a hydrogen content of at least 20% by volume is established and supply of the feed is restarted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Marie Claire Marion, Francois Hugues
  • Publication number: 20080111764
    Abstract: The assistive device (100) comprises, in a portable housing adapted for use with a single hand: at least two screens (105, 110) adapted to display images representative of messages, a selector (115, 120) for selecting at least one message displayed on one of said screens an emitter (125) for emitting sound messages and a control means (190) for controlling the emission, by said emitter, of sound signals representative of each message selected with said selector. Preferably, at least one of said screens is a touch-screen. In particular embodiments, at least one touch-screen comprises both a capacitive sensor and a resistive sensor. In particular embodiments, at least one of said touch-screens comprises a capacitive sensor comprising a conductive loop positioned under said screen. Said loop is surrounded and/or superposed on a ground plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: SMARTIO SYSTEMS SARL
    Inventors: Thomas Francois HUGUES, Manuel Jose GONZALES
  • Publication number: 20080033224
    Abstract: An improved catalytic composition for oligomerization, in particular dimerization, of monoolefins comprises the product resulting from bringing the following three constituents into contact in any order: a) at least one divalent nickel compound; b) at least one hydrocarbylaluminium dihalide, optionally enriched with an aluminium trihalide; and c) at least one organic Bronsted acid; the catalytic composition being pre-conditioned in a solvent before using it for oligomerization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Dominique Commereuc, Alain Forestiere, Francois Hugues, Helene Olivier
  • Publication number: 20080000623
    Abstract: This present invention describes a novel type of internal exchanger intended to carry out Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. This exchanger has a modular design and comprises a central tube with partitions allowing at the same time the supply of coolant to the hairpins of the module and the recovery of the partially vaporized fluid from these same hairpins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Francois Hugues, Bertrand Szymkowiak, Jean-Christophe Viguie, Jean-Mare Schweitzer, Michel Munier, Dominique Chretien, Eric Caprani, Damien Douziech
  • Publication number: 20080000622
    Abstract: The present invention describes a novel type of internal exchanger for a gas-liquid-solid fluidized bed reactor employing a strongly thermal reaction. Said exchanger is modular in concept and comprises a central tube with separations allowing both supply of cooling fluid to the pins of the module and collection of partially vaporized fluid from said same pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Francois Hugues, Bertrand Szymkowiak, Jean-Christophe Viguie, Jean-Marc Schweitzer, Michel Munier, Dominique Chretien, Eric Caprani, Damien Douziech
  • Patent number: 7235703
    Abstract: An improved catalytic composition for oligomerization, in particular dimerization, of monoolefins comprises the product resulting from bringing the following three constituents into contact in any order: a) at least one divalent nickel compound; b) at least one hydrocarbylaluminium dihalide, optionally enriched with an aluminium trihalide; and c) at least one organic Bronsted acid; the catalytic composition being pre-conditioned in a solvent before using it for oligomerization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Institut Francais Du Petrole
    Inventors: Dominique Commereuc, Alain Forestiere, François Hugues, Hélène Olivier
  • Publication number: 20050192471
    Abstract: An improved catalytic composition for oligomerization, in particular dimerization, of monoolefins comprises the product resulting from bringing the following three constituents into contact in any order: a) at least one divalent nickel compound; b) at least one hydrocarbylaluminium dihalide, optionally enriched with an aluminium trihalide; and c) at least one organic Bronsted acid; the catalytic composition being pre-conditioned in a solvent before using it for oligomerization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Publication date: September 1, 2005
    Inventors: Dominique Commereuc, Alain Forestiere, Francois Hugues, Helene Olivier
  • Publication number: 20050187417
    Abstract: A process for the production of phenylalkanes comprising a reaction for alkylation of at least one aromatic compound by at least one hydrocarbon fraction that is directly obtained from the Fischer-Tropsch process comprising linear olefins that have 9 to 16 carbon atoms per molecule and oxygenated compounds is described. Said alkylation reaction is carried out in a catalytic reactor that contains at least one reaction zone that comprises at least one acidic solid catalyst, and said hydrocarbon fraction does not undergo any purification treatment prior to its introduction into said reaction zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Patrick Briot, Emmanuelle Guillon, Francois Hugues, Marie-Claire Marion
  • Publication number: 20040252571
    Abstract: A circuit (200) for protection against voltage or current spikes receives an initial clock signal (CI) and transmits at least one resultant clock signal (CN1, CN2, CP1, CP2) to a downstream circuit. This resultant clock signal is inactive if a random voltage or current spike appears upstream. This averts the possibility of disturbing the operation of the downstream circuit. Application to the protection of clock circuits for integrated circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS SA
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Hugues, Philippe Roche
  • Patent number: 6825237
    Abstract: A process for synthesising hydrocarbons by reacting a mixture comprising at least carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst is carried out in a three-phase reactor in which the liquid Peclet number is in the range 0 (excluded) to about 10, with a superficial gas velocity Ug that is preferably less than 35 cm.s−1, to encourage gas transfer into the liquid phase and avoid too much attrition of the catalyst grains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignees: Institut Francais DuPetrole, AGIP Petroli S.p.A., ENI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Schweitzer, Pierre Galtier, Francois Hugues, Cristina Maretto
  • Patent number: 6765405
    Abstract: Disclosed are protection circuitry, and methods of operating the same, for use with clock circuits associated with integrated circuits (ICs). According to one exemplary embodiment, the protection circuitry is operable to generate at least two intermediate clock signals as a function of a received clock signal, and process the at least two intermediate clock signals to (i) cause an output of the protection circuitry to enter a high-impedance state when the at least two intermediate clock signals are different, and (ii) generate a resultant clock signal at the output of the protection circuitry equal to the received clock signal when the at least two intermediate clock signals are identical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Hugues, Philippe Roche, Richard Ferrant