Patents by Inventor Francis S. Lau

Francis S. Lau 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: 9234149
    Abstract: Steam generating gasification reactors for providing high-pressure and high-temperature steam for catalytic gasification of a carbonaceous feedstock can be based on oxygen blown gasification reactors adapted for processing a slurry feedstock comprising at least 40% water. The exhaust from the slurry gasifier comprises at least steam, carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The slurry composition and the oxygen to fuel ratio can be varied to control the ratio of carbonaceous gases in the generator exhaust. By directing substantially all of exhaust gases produced from the slurry gasification reactor through the catalytic gasifier and subsequent gas separation and sequestration processes, a greatly higher energy efficiency and decreased carbon footprint can be realized. The subsequent gas separation process produces a syngas stream which is recycled and directed into the slurry gasifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: GreatPoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis S. Lau, Earl T. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20150175914
    Abstract: Steam generating gasification reactors for providing high-pressure and high-temperature steam for catalytic gasification of a carbonaceous feedstock can be based on oxygen blown gasification reactors adapted for processing a slurry feedstock comprising at least 40% water. The exhaust from the slurry gasifier comprises at least steam, carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The slurry composition and the oxygen to fuel ratio can be varied to control the ratio of carbonaceous gases in the generator exhaust. By directing substantially all of exhaust gases produced from the slurry gasification reactor through the catalytic gasifier and subsequent gas separation and sequestration processes, a greatly higher energy efficiency and decreased carbon footprint can be realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Francis S. Lau, Earl T. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20150166910
    Abstract: Systems to convert a carbonaceous feedstock into a plurality of gaseous products are described. The systems include, among other units, two, three or four separate gasification reactors for the gasification of a carbonaceous feedstock in the presence of an alkali metal catalyst into the plurality of gaseous products including at least methane. Each of the gasification reactors may be supplied with the feedstock from a single or separate catalyst loading and/or feedstock preparation unit operations. Similarly, the hot gas streams from each gasification reactor may be purified via their combination at a heat exchanger, acid gas removal, or methane removal unit operations. Product purification may comprise trace contaminant removal units, ammonia removal and recovery units, and sour shift units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: Earl T. Robinson, Francis S. Lau, Dwain Dodson
  • Patent number: 8999020
    Abstract: Processes for the catalytic conversion of a carbonaceous composition into a gas stream comprising methane are provided. In addition, the processes provide for the generation of a hydrogen-enriched gas stream and, optionally, a carbon monoxide-enriched gas stream, which can be mixed or used separately as an energy source for subsequent catalytic gasification processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: GreatPoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Pattabhi K. Raman, Francis S. Lau, Earl T. Robinson
  • Patent number: 8647402
    Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and continuous processes for preparing gaseous products, and in particular, methane via the catalytic gasification of carbonaceous feedstocks in the presence of steam. In one aspect of the invention, the processes comprise at least partially combusting a first carbonaceous feedstock with an oxygen-rich gas stream in an oxygen-blown gasifier, under suitable temperature and pressure, to generate a first gas stream comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide and superheated steam; and reacting a second carbonaceous feedstock and the first gas stream in a catalytic gasifier in the presence of a gasification catalyst under suitable temperature and pressure to form a second gas stream comprising a plurality of gaseous products comprising methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Greatpoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl T. Robinson, Francis S. Lau, Pattabhi K. Raman, Vincent G. Reiling, Dwain Dodson, Mustafiz Rahman, Nicholas Charles Nahas
  • Patent number: 8361428
    Abstract: Processes for the generation of steam are provided for use in an integrated catalytic gasification process for converting carbonaceous materials to combustible gases, such as methane. Generally, the exhaust gas from a steam generating reactor is provided along with steam, a carbonaceous feedstock, and a gasification catalyst, to a catalytic gasifier, wherein under appropriate temperature and pressure conditions, the carbonaceous feedstock is converted into a plurality of product gases, including, but not limited to, methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. As substantially all the carbon dioxide produced from the steam generation process and the gasification process are subsequently directed though gas purification and separation processes, substantially all the carbon dioxide may be recovered, yielding a process having a near zero carbon footprint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: GreatPoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Pattabhi K. Raman, Francis S. Lau, Earl T. Robinson, Donald Anthony
  • Patent number: 8192716
    Abstract: Processes for the catalytic conversion of a carbonaceous composition into a gas stream comprising methane are provided, where a sour shift reaction is used to remove carbon monoxide gas stream produced by the gasification process. The incorporation of the sour shift reaction provides an efficient and cost-effective means of eliminating carbon monoxide from the gas stream. In addition, the sour shift reaction also generates additional hydrogen, thus increasing the amount of hydrogen produced from the gasification process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Greatpoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Pattabhi K. Raman, Francis S. Lau, Earl T. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20100071262
    Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and continuous processes for preparing gaseous products, and in particular, methane via the catalytic gasification of carbonaceous feedstocks in the presence of steam. In one aspect of the invention, the processes comprise at least partially combusting a first carbonaceous feedstock with an oxygen-rich gas stream in an oxygen-blown gasifier, under suitable temperature and pressure, to generate a first gas stream comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide and superheated steam; and reacting a second carbonaceous feedstock and the first gas stream in a catalytic gasifier in the presence of a gasification catalyst under suitable temperature and pressure to form a second gas stream comprising a plurality of gaseous products comprising methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: GREATPOINT ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Earl T. Robinson, Francis S. Lau, Pattabhi K. Raman, Vincent G. Reiling, Dwain Dodson, Mustafiz Rahman, Nicholas Charles Nahas
  • Publication number: 20090324460
    Abstract: Systems to convert a carbonaceous feedstock into a plurality of gaseous products are described. The systems include, among other units, four separate gasification reactors for the gasification of a carbonaceous feedstock in the presence of an alkali metal catalyst into the plurality of gaseous products including at least methane. Each of the gasification reactors may be supplied with the feedstock from a single or separate catalyst loading and/or feedstock preparation unit operations. Similarly, the hot gas streams from each gasification reactor may be purified via their combination at a heat exchanger, acid gas removal, or methane removal unit operations. Product purification may comprise trace contaminant removal units, ammonia removal and recovery units, and sour shift units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: GREATPOINT ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Earl T. Robinson, Francis S. Lau, Dwain Dodson
  • Publication number: 20090324461
    Abstract: Systems to convert a carbonaceous feedstock into a plurality of gaseous products are described. The systems include, among other units, four separate gasification reactors for the gasification of a carbonaceous feedstock in the presence of an alkali metal catalyst into the plurality of gaseous products including at least methane. Each of the gasification reactors may be supplied with the feedstock from a single or separate catalyst loading and/or feedstock preparation unit operations. Similarly, the hot gas streams from each gasification reactor may be purified via their combination at a heat exchanger, acid gas removal, or methane removal unit operations. Product purification may comprise trace contaminant removal units, ammonia removal and recovery units, and sour shift units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: GREATPOINT ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Earl T. Robinson, Francis S. Lau, Dwain Dodson
  • Publication number: 20090324459
    Abstract: Systems to convert a carbonaceous feedstock into a plurality of gaseous products are described. The systems include, among other units, three separate gasification reactors for the gasification of a carbonaceous feedstock in the presence of an alkali metal catalyst into the plurality of gaseous products including at least methane. Each of the gasification reactors may be supplied with the feedstock from a single or separate catalyst loading and/or feedstock preparation unit operations. Similarly, the hot gas streams from each gasification reactor may be purified via their combination at a heat exchanger, acid gas removal or methane removal unit operations. Product purification may comprise trace contaminant removal units, ammonia removal and recovery units, and sour shift units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: GREATPOINT ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Earl T. Robinson, Francis S. Lau, Dwain Dodson
  • Publication number: 20090324458
    Abstract: Systems for converting a carbonaceous feedstock into a plurality of gaseous products are described. The systems include, among other units, two separate gasification reactors to convert a carbonaceous feedstock in the presence of an alkali metal catalyst into the plurality of gaseous products including at least methane. Each of the gasification reactors may be supplied with the feedstock from a single or separate catalyst loading and/or feedstock preparation unit operations. Similarly, the hot gas streams from each gasification reactor may be purified via their combination at a heat exchanger, acid gas removal, or methane removal unit operations. Product purification may comprise trace contaminant removal units, ammonia removal and recovery units, and sour shift units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: GREATPOINT ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Earl T. Robinson, Francis S. Lau, Dwain Dodson
  • Publication number: 20090324462
    Abstract: Systems to convert a carbonaceous feedstock into a plurality of gaseous products are described. The systems include, among other units, four separate gasification reactors for the gasification of a carbonaceous feedstock in the presence of an alkali metal catalyst into the plurality of gaseous products including at least methane. Each of the gasification reactors may be supplied with the feedstock from a single or separate catalyst loading and/or feedstock preparation unit operations. Similarly, the hot gas streams from each gasification reactor may be purified via their combination at a heat exchanger, acid gas removal, or methane removal unit operations. Product purification may comprise trace contaminant removal units, ammonia removal and recovery units, and sour shift units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: GreatPoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl T. Robinson, Francis S. Lau, Dwain Dodson
  • Publication number: 20090260287
    Abstract: Processes for conversion of a carbonaceous composition into a gas stream comprising methane are provided, where an energy-efficient process and/or apparatus is used to separate methane out of a gas stream comprising methane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen. Particularly, methane can be separated from hydrogen and carbon monoxide using novel processes and/or apparatuses that generate methane hydrates. Because hydrogen and carbon monoxide do not readily form hydrates, the methane is separated from a gas stream. The methane can be captured as a substantially pure stream of methane gas by dissociating the methane from the hydrate and separating out any residual water vapor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: GreatPoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis S. Lau
  • Publication number: 20090259080
    Abstract: Processes for the catalytic conversion of a carbonaceous composition into a gas stream comprising methane are provided. In addition, the processes provide for the generation of a hydrogen-enriched gas stream and, optionally, a carbon monoxide-enriched gas stream, which can be mixed or used separately as an energy source for subsequent catalytic gasification processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: GREATPOINT ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Pattabhi K. Raman, Francis S. Lau, Earl T. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20090246120
    Abstract: Processes for the catalytic conversion of a carbonaceous composition into a gas stream comprising methane are provided, where a sour shift reaction is used to remove carbon monoxide gas stream produced by the gasification process. The incorporation of the sour shift reaction provides an efficient and cost-effective means of eliminating carbon monoxide from the gas stream. In addition, the sour shift reaction also generates additional hydrogen, thus increasing the amount of hydrogen produced from the gasification process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: GREATPOINT ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Pattabhi K. Raman, Francis S. Lau, Earl T. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20090217585
    Abstract: Processes for the generation of steam are provided for use in an integrated catalytic gasification process for converting carbonaceous materials to combustible gases, such as methane. Generally, the exhaust gas from a steam generating reactor is provided along with steam, a carbonaceous feedstock, and a gasification catalyst, to a catalytic gasifier, wherein under appropriate temperature and pressure conditions, the carbonaceous feedstock is converted into a plurality of product gases, including, but not limited to, methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. As substantially all the carbon dioxide produced from the steam generation process and the gasification process are subsequently directed though gas purification and separation processes, substantially all the carbon dioxide may be recovered, yielding a process having a near zero carbon footprint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: GreatPoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Pattabhi K. Raman, Francis S. Lau, Earl T. Robinson, Donald Anthony
  • Publication number: 20090165384
    Abstract: Continuous processes for converting a carbonaceous feedstock into a plurality of gaseous products are described. The continuous processes include, among other steps, recovering a substantial portion of alkali metal from the solid char that results from the gasification of a carbonaceous feedstock. The alkali metal is recovered as an alkali metal carbonate. A gasification catalyst for a subsequent gasification step may comprise the recovered alkali metal carbonate and a makeup amount of alkali metal hydroxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: GREATPOINT ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Francis S. Lau, Earl T. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20090165380
    Abstract: Particulate compositions are described comprising an intimate mixture of a petroleum coke and an alkali metal gasification catalyst, where the alkali metal gasification catalyst comprises a combination of an alkali metal hydroxide and one or more other alkali metal compounds are loaded onto coke for gasification in the presence of steam to yield a plurality of gases including methane and at least one or more of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other higher hydrocarbons are formed. Processes are also provided for the preparation of the particulate compositions and converting the particulate composition into a plurality of gaseous products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: GREATPOINT ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Francis S. Lau, Earl T. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20090165376
    Abstract: Steam generating gasification reactors for providing high-pressure and high-temperature steam for catalytic gasification of a carbonaceous feedstock can be based on oxygen blown gasification reactors adapted for processing a slurry feedstock comprising at least 40% water. The exhaust from the slurry gasifier comprises at least steam, carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The slurry composition and the oxygen to fuel ratio can be varied to control the ratio of carbonaceous gases in the generator exhaust. By directing substantially all of exhaust gases produced from the slurry gasification reactor through the catalytic gasifier and subsequent gas separation and sequestration processes, a greatly higher energy efficiency and decreased carbon footprint can be realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: GREATPOINT ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Francis S. Lau, Earl T. Robinson