Patents by Inventor Fu-Ming Lee
Fu-Ming Lee 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).
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Publication number: 20130240455Abstract: A magnetic filter employs a magnetic core assembly that incorporates a plurality of exchangeable holder sleeves, each enclosing permanent magnets. Neither the sleeves nor magnetic bars are mechanically fixed to the filter housing. The magnet bars and holder sleeves are individually accessible. The number of holder sleeves in the magnetic core assembly is flexible. The magnetic filter in equipped with a screen that partially encloses the elongated holder sleeves to treat streams that contain degradation sludge, iron containing particles or flakes, and non-magnetic polymeric materials. In operation, a feed stream initially contacts the magnetic core assembly where paramagnetic contaminants become deposited onto the exterior surface of the holder sleeves under direct influence of strong magnetic field generated by the magnet bars. The mesh screen cylinder subsequently captures non-magnetic and weakly magnetic contaminants of a certain size before the cleaned stream exits the magnetic filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2012Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicants: AMT International Inc., CPC Corporation, TaiwanInventors: Tzong-Bin Lin, Fu-Ming Lee, Jeng-Cheng Lee, Fred G. Tahmassi, Benjamin Poi Chen, Tsung-Min Chiu, Kuang-Yeu Wu
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Publication number: 20130228448Abstract: Solvent regeneration to recover a polar hydrocarbon (HC) selective solvent substantially free of hydrocarbons (HCs) and other impurities from a solvent-rich stream containing selective solvent, heavy HCs, and polymeric materials (PMs) generated from reactions among thermally decomposed or oxidized solvent, heavy HCs, and additives is provided. A combination of displacement agent and associated co-displacement agent squeezes out the heavy HCs and PMs from the extractive solvent within a solvent clean-up zone. Simultaneously, a filter equipped with a magnetic field is positioned in a lean solvent circulation line to remove paramagnetic contaminants. The presence of the co-displacement agent significantly enhances the capability of the displacement agent in removing the heavy HCs and PMs from the extractive solvent.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2013Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicants: CPC Corporation, Taiwan, AMT International, Inc.Inventors: Fu-Ming Lee, Tzong-Bin Lin, Kuang-Yeu Wu, Jyh-Haur Hwang, Tsung-Min Chiu, Jeng-Cheng Lee, Han-Tjen Jan, Yuan-Fu Sun
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Publication number: 20130228447Abstract: Recovering high purity benzene from hydrocarbon feedstock containing aromatics and non-aromatics is implemented by simple and low-cost modifications to conventional extractive distillation columns (EDCs). Methyl cyclohexane (MCH) that is generated through non-selective hydrogenation of toluene in hydrodesulfurization (HDS) units is a major contaminant in benzene production. To meet MCH specifications, often times the extractive distillation (ED) process for recovering purified benzene is operated with excessive benzene loss to the overhead raffinate stream, producing a lower quality non-aromatic product.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2012Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicants: AMT International, Inc., CPC Corporation, TaiwanInventors: Kuang-Yeu Wu, Tzong-Bin Lin, Fu-Ming Lee, Tsung-Min Chiu, Jeng-Cheng Lee
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Publication number: 20120228231Abstract: A novel design of filters for removing iron rust particulates and other polymeric sludge from refinery and chemical process streams that are paramagnetic in nature is provided. The performance of these filters is greatly enhanced by the presence of the magnetic field induced by magnets. Basically, the filter comprises a high-pressure vessel with means to support the plurality of magnets in the form of bars or plates that are encased in stainless steel tubes or columns. Filters with various configurations are disclosed for accommodating the removal of contaminants from the process streams of different industries, with high efficiency for contaminants removal, simple construction, low operational and maintenance costs, and low hazardous operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: CPC Corporation, TaiwanInventors: Ping-Wen Yen, Yuh-Sheve Ho, Hung-Tzu Chiu, Chung-Jong Hwu, June-Cheng Chang, Tzong-Bin Lin, Tsoung Y. Yan, Cheng-Tsung Hong, Hung-Chung Shen, Jeng-Cheng Lee, Fu-Ming Lee
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Patent number: 8246815Abstract: An improved solvent regeneration system for extractive distillation and liquid-liquid extraction processes capable of effectively removing heavy hydrocarbons and polymeric materials that otherwise develop in a closed solvent loop. The improved process employs a light hydrocarbon displacement agent, which is at least partially soluble in the solvent to squeeze the heavy hydrocarbons and polymeric materials out of the solvent, with virtually no additional energy requirement. It has been demonstrated that the light non-aromatic hydrocarbons in the raffinate stream generated from the extractive distillation or the liquid-liquid extractive process for aromatic hydrocarbons recovery can displace not only the heavy non-aromatic hydrocarbons but also the heavy aromatic hydrocarbons from the extractive solvent, especially when the aromatic hydrocarbons in the solvent are in the C10+ molecular weight range.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2010Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignees: AMT International Inc., CPC Corporation, TaiwanInventors: Kuang-Yeu Wu, Tzong-Bin Lin, Fu-Ming Lee, Tsung-Min Chiu, Jyh-Haur Hwang, Hung-Chung Shen
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Publication number: 20120181220Abstract: Deasphalted residual oil (DAO) and the aromatics-rich extract that is derived from DAO have low polycyclic aromatics contents, relatively low aniline points, and high flash points. They form blending stocks that improve properties of mixed feedstocks to consistently produce environmentally qualified rubber processing oil (RPO) by extraction under low solvent-to-oil ratios and moderate extraction temperatures. Distilling a petroleum crude oil under atmospheric pressure generates a bottom residual oil which is then subject to vacuum distillation to yield a bottom residual oil. DAO is produced by removing the asphalt from the vacuum bottom residual oil through extraction with light paraffinic solvent. The extract of DAO is a co-product in the production of the bright stock of the lubricating oil through extraction. The feedstock is mixed with the extract from a petroleum fraction boiling in lube oil range.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2011Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: CPC Corporation TaiwanInventors: Chih-Cheng Chang, Jung-Huang Wu, Cheng-Tsung Hong, Jin-Shang Liou, Kuo-Min Wei, Hung-Chung Shen, Fu-Ming Lee
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Patent number: 8172987Abstract: An energy-efficient extractive distillation process for producing anhydrous ethanol from aqueous/ethanol feeds containing any range of ethanol employs an extractive distillation column (EDC) that operates under no or greatly reduced liquid reflux conditions. The EDC can be incorporated into an integrated process for producing anhydrous ethanol used for gasoline blending from fermentation broth. By using a high-boiling extractive distillation solvent, no solvent, is entrained by the vapor phase to the EDC overhead stream, even under no liquid reflux conditions. The energy requirement and severity of the EDC can be further improved by limiting ethanol recovery in the EDC. In this partial ethanol recovery design, ethanol which remains in the aqueous stream from the EDC is recovered in a post-distillation column or the aqueous stream is recycled to a front-end pre-distillation column where the ethanol is readily recovered since the VLE curve for ethanol/water is extremely favorable for distillation.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2011Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignees: AMT International Inc., CPC Corporation, TaiwanInventors: Fu-Ming Lee, Tzong-Bin Lin, Jyh-Haur Hwang, Hung-Chung Shen, Kuang-Yeu Wu, Lindsey Vuong, Fong-Cheng Su, Po-Sung Cheng, Tai-Ping Chang
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Publication number: 20120037542Abstract: An improved solvent regeneration system for extractive distillation and liquid-liquid extraction processes capable of effectively removing heavy hydrocarbons and polymeric materials that otherwise develop in a closed solvent loop. The improved process employs a light hydrocarbon displacement agent, which is at least partially soluble in the solvent to squeeze the heavy hydrocarbons and polymeric materials out of the solvent, with virtually no additional energy requirement. It has been demonstrated that the light non-aromatic hydrocarbons in the raffinate stream generated from the extractive distillation or the liquid-liquid extractive process for aromatic hydrocarbons recovery can displace not only the heavy non-aromatic hydrocarbons but also the heavy aromatic hydrocarbons from the extractive solvent, especially when the aromatic hydrocarbons in the solvent are in the C10+ molecular weight range.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicants: CPC Corporation, Taiwan, AMT International, Inc.Inventors: Kuang-Yeu Wu, Tzong-Bin Lin, Fu-Ming Lee, Tsung-Min Chiu, Jyh-Haur Hwang, Hung-Chung Shen
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Publication number: 20110266134Abstract: An energy-efficient extractive distillation process for producing anhydrous ethanol from aqueous/ethanol feeds containing any range of ethanol employs an extractive distillation column (EDC) that operates under no or greatly reduced liquid reflux conditions. The EDC can be incorporated into an integrated process for producing anhydrous ethanol used for gasoline blending from fermentation broth. By using a high-boiling extractive distillation solvent, no solvent, is entrained by the vapor phase to the EDC overhead stream, even under no liquid reflux conditions. The energy requirement and severity of the EDC can be further improved by limiting ethanol recovery in the EDC. In this partial ethanol recovery design, ethanol which remains in the aqueous stream from the EDC is recovered in a post-distillation column or the aqueous stream is recycled to a front-end pre-distillation column where the ethanol is readily recovered since the VLE curve for ethanol/water is extremely favorable for distillation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicants: CPC Corporation, Taiwan, ATM International Inc.Inventors: Fu-Ming Lee, Tzong-Bin Lin, Jyh-Haur Hwang, Hung-Chung Shen, Kuang-Yeu Wu, Lindsey Vuong, Fong-Cheng Su, Po-Sung Cheng, Tai-Ping Chang
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Patent number: 8002953Abstract: An energy-efficient extractive distillation process for producing anhydrous ethanol from aqueous/ethanol feeds containing any range of ethanol employs an extractive distillation column (EDC) that operates under no or greatly reduced liquid reflux conditions. The EDC can be incorporated into an integrated process for producing anhydrous ethanol used for gasoline blending from fermentation broth. By using a high-boiling extractive distillation solvent, no solvent is entrained by the vapor phase to the EDC overhead stream, even under no liquid reflux conditions. The energy requirement and severity of the EDC can be further improved by limiting ethanol recovery in the EDC. In this partial ethanol recovery design, ethanol which remains in the aqueous stream from the EDC is recovered in a post-distillation column or the aqueous stream is recycled to a front-end pre-distillation column where the ethanol is readily recovered since the VLE curve for ethanol/water is extremely favorable for distillation.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2007Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignees: AMT International Inc., CPC Corporation, TaiwanInventors: Fu-Ming Lee, Kuang-Yeu Wu, Lindsey Vuong, Fong-Cheng Su, Tzong-Bin Lin, Jyh-Haur Hwang, Hung-Chung Shen, Po-Sung Cheng, Tai-Ping Chang
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Patent number: 7879225Abstract: An energy efficient, high throughput process for aromatics recovery can be readily implemented by revamping existing sulfolane solvent extraction facilities, or constructing new ones, so as to incorporate unique process operations involving liquid-liquid extraction and extractive distillation. Current industrial sulfolane solvent based liquid-liquid extraction processes employ a liquid-liquid extraction column, an extractive stripping column, a solvent recovery column, a raffinate wash column, and a solvent regenerator. The improved process for aromatic hydrocarbon recovery from a mixture of aromatic and non-aromatic hydrocarbons requires transformation of the extractive stripping column into a modified extractive distillation column. The revamping incorporates the unique advantages of liquid-liquid extraction and extractive distillation into one process to significantly reduce energy consumption and increase process throughput.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignees: CPC Corporation Taiwan, AMT International, IncInventors: Fu-Ming Lee, Kuang-Yeu Wu, Tsung-Min Chiu, Zong-Ying Chen, Jyh-Haur Hwang, Tzong-Bin Lin, Hung-Chung Shen, Tung-Hsiung Kuo, Yu-Ming Wu
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Patent number: 7871514Abstract: Extractive distillation processes whereby water-soluble extractive distillation (ED) solvents are regenerated and recovered employ improved operations of the extractive distillation column (EDC) so that polar hydrocarbons are recovered and purified from mixtures containing polar and less polar hydrocarbons and measurable amounts of hydrocarbons that are heavier than intended feedstock and/or polymers that are generated in the ED process. The improved process can effectively remove and recover the heavy hydrocarbons and/or remove polymer contaminants from the solvent in a closed solvent circulating loop through mild operating conditions with no additional process energy being expended. With the improved process, the overhead reflux of the EDC may be eliminated to further reduce energy consumption and to enhance the loading and performance within the upper portion of the EDC, especially when two liquid phases exists therein.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignees: CPC Corporation, Taiwan, AMT International Inc.Inventors: Fu-Ming Lee, Tzong-Bin Lin, Jyh-Haur Hwang, Hung-Chung Shen, Kuang-Yeu Wu, Tsung-Min Chiu, Zong-Ying Chen, Tung-Hsiung Kuo, Yu-Ming Wu
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Publication number: 20100065504Abstract: A novel design of filters for removing iron rust particulates and other polymeric sludge from refinery and chemical process streams that are paramagnetic in nature is provided. The performance of these filters is greatly enhanced by the presence of the magnetic field induced by magnets. Basically, the filter comprises a high-pressure vessel with means to support the plurality of magnets in the form of bars or plates that are encased in stainless steel tubes or columns. Filters with various configurations are disclosed for accommodating the removal of contaminants from the process streams of different industries, with high efficiency for contaminants removal, simple construction, low operational and maintenance costs, and low hazardous operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventors: Ping-Wen Yen, Yuh-Sheve Ho, Hung-Tzu Chiu, Chung-Jong Hwu, June-Cheng Chang, Tzong-Bin Lin, Tsoung Y. Yan, Cheng-Tsung Hong, Hung-Chung Shen, Jeng-Cheng Lee, Fu-Ming Lee
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Patent number: 7666297Abstract: An improved oxidative process that employ a robust, non-aqueous, and oil-soluble organic peroxide oxidant for effective desulfurization and denitrogenation of hydrocarbons including petroleum fuels, hydrotreated vacuum gas oil (VGO), non-hydrotreated VGO, petroleum crude oil, synthetic crude oil from oil sand, and residual oil. Even at low concentrations and without the assistance of catalysts, the non-aqueous organic peroxide oxidant is extremely active and fast in oxidizing the sulfur and nitrogen compounds in the hydrocarbon feedstocks. Furthermore, the process generates a valuable organic acid by-product that is also used internally as the extractive solvent for effective removal of the oxidized sulfur and nitrogen from the hydrocarbons without the need of a final adsorption step. Novel process steps are also disclosed to substantially prevent yield loss in the oxidative process.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: CPC Corporation, TaiwanInventors: Fu-Ming Lee, Tzong-Bin Lin, Hsun-Yi Huang, Jyh-Haur Hwang, Hung-Chung Shen, Karl Tze-Tang Chuang
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Publication number: 20090255853Abstract: An energy efficient, high throughput process for aromatics recovery can be readily implemented by revamping existing sulfolane solvent extraction facilities, or constructing new ones, so as to incorporate unique process operations involving liquid-liquid extraction and extractive distillation. Current industrial sulfolane solvent based liquid-liquid extraction processes employ a liquid-liquid extraction column, an extractive stripping column, a solvent recovery column, a raffinate wash column, and a solvent regenerator. The improved process for aromatic hydrocarbon recovery from a mixture of aromatic and non-aromatic hydrocarbons requires transformation of the extractive stripping column into a modified extractive distillation column. The revamping incorporates the unique advantages of liquid-liquid extraction and extractive distillation into one process to significantly reduce energy consumption and increase process throughput.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2008Publication date: October 15, 2009Inventors: Fu-Ming Lee, Kuang-Yeu Wu, Tsung-Min Chiu, Zong-Ying Chen, Jyh-Haur Hwang, Tzong-Bin Lin, Hung-Chung Shen, Tung-Hsiung Kuo, Yu-Ming Wu
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Publication number: 20090105514Abstract: Extractive distillation processes whereby water-soluble extractive distillation (ED) solvents are regenerated and recovered employ improved operations of the extractive distillation column (EDC) so that polar hydrocarbons are recovered and purified from mixtures containing polar and less polar hydrocarbons and measurable amounts of hydrocarbons that are heavier than intended feedstock and/or polymers that are generated in the ED process. The improved process can effectively remove and recover the heavy hydrocarbons and/or remove polymer contaminants from the solvent in a closed solvent circulating loop through mild operating conditions with no additional process energy being expended. With the improved process, the overhead reflux of the EDC may be eliminated to further reduce energy consumption and to enhance the loading and performance within the upper portion of the EDC, especially when two liquid phases exists therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2008Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventors: Fu-Ming Lee, Tzong-Bin Lin, Jyh-Haur Hwang, Hung-Chung Shen, Kuang-Yeu Wu, Tsung-Min Chiu, Zong-Ying Chen, Tung-Hsiung Kuo, Yu-Ming Wu
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Publication number: 20090014313Abstract: An energy-efficient extractive distillation process for producing anhydrous ethanol from aqueous/ethanol feeds containing any range of ethanol employs an extractive distillation column (EDC) that operates under no or greatly reduced liquid reflux conditions. The EDC can be incorporated into an integrated process for producing anhydrous ethanol used for gasoline blending from fermentation broth. By using a high-boiling extractive distillation solvent, no solvent is entrained by the vapor phase to the EDC overhead stream, even under no liquid reflux conditions. The energy requirement and severity of the EDC can be further improved by limiting ethanol recovery in the EDC. In this partial ethanol recovery design, ethanol which remains in the aqueous stream from the EDC is recovered in a post-distillation column or the aqueous stream is recycled to a front-end pre-distillation column where the ethanol is readily recovered since the VLE curve for ethanol/water is extremely favorable for distillation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2007Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventors: Fu-Ming Lee, Kuang-Yeu Wu, Lindsey Vuong, Fong-Cheng Su, Tzong-Bin Lin, Jyh-Haur Hwang, Hung-Chung Shen, Po-Sung Cheng, Tai-Ping Chang
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Publication number: 20070102323Abstract: An improved oxidative process that employ a robust, non-aqueous, and oil-soluble organic peroxide oxidant for effective desulfurization and denitrogenation of hydrocarbons including petroleum fuels, hydrotreated vacuum gas oil (VGO), non-hydrotreated VGO, petroleum crude oil, synthetic crude oil from oil sand, and residual oil. Even at low concentrations and without the assistance of catalysts, the non-aqueous organic peroxide oxidant is extremely active and fast in oxidizing the sulfur and nitrogen compounds in the hydrocarbon feedstocks. Furthermore, the process generates a valuable organic acid by-product that is also used internally as the extractive solvent for effective removal of the oxidized sulfur and nitrogen from the hydrocarbons without the need of a final adsorption step. Novel process steps are also disclosed to substantially prevent yield loss in the oxidative process.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2006Publication date: May 10, 2007Inventors: Fu-Ming Lee, Tzong-Bin Lin, Hsun-Yi Huang, Jyh-Haur Hwang, Hung-Chung Shen, Karl Chuang
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Patent number: 6982234Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing a catalyst from a reaction mixture formed by reacting a hydrocarbon or an oxygenated hydrocarbon with an oxidant in the presence of the catalyst in a reactor, in which the reaction mixture contains one or more dibasic acids. The catalyst is removed by adding water and/or cooling the reaction mixture to cause phase separation, recycling the polar phase to the reactor, and transferring the less-polar phase to an ion exchange unit to remove catalyst contained therein.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2002Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: GTC Technology Inc.Inventors: Fu-Ming Lee, Randi Wright Wytcherley, Ronald G. Gualy
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Publication number: 20050218038Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a process for selectively removing polyene compounds from a hydrocarbon stream. The process comprises the steps of contacting the polyene compounds with sulfuric acid at ambient temperature and sufficient time to form two phases. The phases consist of a hydrocarbon phase with substantially no loss in octane number and a spent acid phase. The hydrocarbon phase can then be sent to an optimized desulfurization process.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2004Publication date: October 6, 2005Inventors: Vincent Nero, Alkis Rappas, Fu-Ming Lee