Patents by Inventor James A. Ritter

James A. Ritter 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: 11717786
    Abstract: The current disclosure provides systems and methods for multiple beds undergoing a feed step at the same time with the same feed flow rate and multiple beds undergoing a light reflux step at the same time with the same light reflux flow rate to process a gas stream in a multi-bed, multi-unit vacuum swing adsorption (VSA) process using reasonably sized beds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: University of South Carolina
    Inventors: James A. Ritter, Armin D. Ebner, Charles E. Holland
  • Publication number: 20210346837
    Abstract: The current disclosure provides systems and methods for multiple beds undergoing a feed step at the same time with the same feed flow rate and multiple beds undergoing a light reflux step at the same time with the same light reflux flow rate to process a gas stream in a multi-bed, multi-unit vacuum swing adsorption (VSA) process using reasonably sized beds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Applicant: University of South Carolina
    Inventors: James A. Ritter, Armin D. Ebner, Charles E. Holland
  • Patent number: 11148092
    Abstract: Methods and systems for capture of CO2 from a hydrated gaseous stream are described. Systems can be utilized for direct air capture of CO2 and incorporate a low energy temperature-vacuum swing adsorption (TVSA) process. A TVSA process can include a multi-step CO2 capture bed regeneration process that includes depressurization of the bed, heating of the bed, venting and purging of the bed, and cooling of the bed. Multiple beds can be cycled between CO2 capture and regeneration, during which captured CO2 is recovered. Off-gas from a CO2 capture bed can be used in regenerating a parallel bed for increased efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: University of South Carolina
    Inventors: James A. Ritter, Armin D. Ebner, Charles E. Holland
  • Patent number: 11007473
    Abstract: Methods and systems for removing water vapor from a feed gas prior to further processing the feed gas according to a downstream PSA process are described. The feed gas can include CO2 and/or CO and/or H2 and the PSA process can be used to separate components of the feed gas from one another, for instance, for CO2 capture. Light product off of the PSA process is utilized to regenerate desiccant of a dryer used in the water vapor removal process that is carried out prior to the feed gas entering the PSA process. The water vapor removal process can be heated by providing thermal energy directly to the dryer and/or to a regenerating stream that regenerates the desiccant of the dryer. The thermal energy can be low cost energy—for instance, waste heat off of a system that provides the feed gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: University of South Carolina
    Inventors: James A. Ritter, Armin D. Ebner
  • Publication number: 20200001225
    Abstract: Methods and systems for capture of CO2 from a hydrated gaseous stream are described. Systems can be utilized for direct air capture of CO2 and incorporate a low energy temperature-vacuum swing adsorption (TVSA) process. A TVSA process can include a multi-step CO2 capture bed regeneration process that includes depressurization of the bed, heating of the bed, venting and purging of the bed, and cooling of the bed. Multiple beds can be cycled between CO2 capture and regeneration, during which captured CO2 is recovered. Off-gas from a CO2 capture bed can be used in regenerating a parallel bed for increased efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: James A. Ritter, Armin D. Ebner, Charles E. Holland
  • Patent number: 10315152
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for recovering a volatile organic compound (VOC) using pressure swing adsorption carried out with two beds that includes feeding the VOC to the first bed for adsorption and, while the VOC is being adsorbed by the adsorbent material in the first bed, simultaneously extracting the VOC adsorbed by the adsorbent material in the second bed through executing a desorption step by reducing the pressure of the second bed to cause desorption of the VOC in the adsorbent material of the second bed, executing a reflux step by transferring gas to the second bed and removing the transferred gas from the second bed, and executing a repressurization step by increasing pressure of the second bed to a pressure suitable for adsorption of the VOC by the adsorbent material in the second bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: DK ENGINEERING CONSULTING LLC
    Inventors: Yuedan Dong, Junming Dong, James A. Ritter, Armin D. Ebner
  • Publication number: 20180363955
    Abstract: The invention described herein enables a variety of heating, cooling, energy transformation, and energy storage options with a small number or components. Described are Pressure Swing Adsorption and Pressure Swing Desorption cycles, processes, and apparatuses including multiple sorption beds and active energy input by a pump and energy storage as pressure differentials. A preferred embodiment includes two activated carbon sorption beds, water vapor as the adsorbate, control valves, and a compressor or vacuum pump. In operation these components provide a range of heating, cooling, and energy storage options. Operational cycles are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Ray M. Alden, James A. Ritter, Armin D. Ebner
  • Publication number: 20180353895
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for recovering a volatile organic compound (VOC) using pressure swing adsorption carried out with two beds that includes feeding the VOC to the first bed for adsorption and, while the VOC is being adsorbed by the adsorbent material in the first bed, simultaneously extracting the VOC adsorbed by the adsorbent material in the second bed through executing a desorption step by reducing the pressure of the second bed to cause desorption of the VOC in the adsorbent material of the second bed, executing a reflux step by transferring gas to the second bed and removing the transferred gas from the second bed, and executing a repressurization step by increasing pressure of the second bed to a pressure suitable for adsorption of the VOC by the adsorbent material in the second bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Yuedan DONG, Junming DONG, James A. RITTER, Armin D. EBNER
  • Patent number: 9579598
    Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system and a PSA process including a PSA cycle schedule are disclosed. The PSA cycle schedule includes an unlimited number of equalization steps, no idle steps, no dead time and a minimum number of three PSA adsorbent beds assisted with two or more equalization tanks. The PSA system, process and cycle schedule include the following sequence of cycle steps: a feed step, two or more down equalization steps either between beds or between a bed and a tank, an optional forced cocurrent depressurization step coupled with a forced intermediary light end pressurization step, a countercurrent depressurization step, a light reflux step, two or more up equalization steps between beds or between a bed and a tank, an optional forced intermediary light end pressurization step coupled with the forced cocurrent depressurization step, and a light product pressurization step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Apache Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Ritter, Armin D. Ebner, Jason G. S. Ho
  • Publication number: 20160271554
    Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system and a PSA process including a PSA cycle schedule are disclosed. The PSA cycle schedule includes an unlimited number of equalization steps, no idle steps, no dead time and a minimum number of three PSA adsorbent beds assisted with two or more equalization tanks. The PSA system, process and cycle schedule include the following sequence of cycle steps: a feed step, two or more down equalization steps either between beds or between a bed and a tank, an optional forced cocurrent depressurization step coupled with a forced intermediary light end pressurization step, a countercurrent depressurization step, a light reflux step, two or more up equalization steps between beds or between a bed and a tank, an optional forced intermediary light end pressurization step coupled with the forced cocurrent depressurization step, and a light product pressurization step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Applicant: Apache Corporation
    Inventors: James A. RITTER, Armin D. EBNER, Jason G.S. HO
  • Patent number: 9016084
    Abstract: The invention described herein enables a variety of heating, cooling, energy transformation, and energy storage options with a small number or components. Described are Pressure Swing Adsorption and Pressure Swing Desorption cycles, processes, and apparatuses including multiple sorption beds and active energy input by a pump and energy storage as pressure differentials. A preferred embodiment includes two zeolite 13X sorption beds, CO2 adsorbate, solenoid valves, and a compressor pump. In operation these components provide a range of heating, cooling, and energy storage options. Operational cycles are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventors: Ray M. Alden, James A. Ritter, Armin D. Ebner
  • Publication number: 20120324931
    Abstract: The invention described herein enables a variety of heating, cooling, energy transformation, and energy storage options with a small number or components. Described are Pressure Swing Adsorption and Pressure Swing Desorption cycles, processes, and apparatuses including multiple sorption beds and active energy input by a pump and energy storage as pressure differentials. A preferred embodiment includes two zeolite 13X sorption beds, CO2 adsorbate, solenoid valves, and a compressor pump. In operation these components provide a range of heating, cooling, and energy storage options. Operational cycles are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Ray M. Alden, James A. Ritter, Armin D. Ebner
  • Patent number: 8153554
    Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a process for synthesis of a complex hydride material for hydrogen storage is provided. The process includes mixing a borohydride with at least one additive agent and at least one catalyst and heating the mixture at a temperature of less than about 600° C. and a pressure of H2 gas to form a complex hydride material. The complex hydride material comprises MAlxByHz, wherein M is an alkali metal or group IIA metal, Al is the element aluminum, x is any number from 0 to 1, B is the element boron, y is a number from 0 to 13, and z is a number from 4 to 57 with the additive agent and catalyst still being present. The complex hydride material is capable of cyclic dehydrogenation and rehydrogenation and has a hydrogen capacity of at least about 4 weight percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: University of South Carolina
    Inventors: James A. Ritter, Tao Wang, Armin D. Ebner, Charles E. Holland
  • Publication number: 20110218099
    Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a process for synthesis of a complex hydride material for hydrogen storage is provided. The process includes mixing a borohydride with at least one additive agent and at least one catalyst and heating the mixture at a temperature of less than about 600° C. and a pressure of H2 gas to form a complex hydride material. The complex hydride material comprises MAlxByHz, wherein M is an alkali metal or group IIA metal, Al is the element aluminum, x is any number from 0 to 1, B is the element boron, y is a number from 0 to 13, and z is a number from 4 to 57 with the additive agent and catalyst still being present. The complex hydride material is capable of cyclic dehydrogenation and rehydrogenation and has a hydrogen capacity of at least about 4 weight percent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
    Inventors: James A. Ritter, Tao Wang, Armin D. Ebner, Charles E. Holland
  • Publication number: 20090142258
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a process for cyclic dehydrogenation and rehydrogenation of hydrogen storage materials is provided. The process includes liberating hydrogen from a hydrogen storage material comprising hydrogen atoms chemically bonded to one or more elements to form a dehydrogenated material and contacting the dehydrogenated material with a solvent in the presence of hydrogen gas such that the solvent forms a reversible complex with rehydrogenated product of the dehydrogenated material wherein the dehydrogenated material is rehydrogenated to form a solid material containing hydrogen atoms chemically bonded to one or more elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: University of South Carolina
    Inventors: James A. Ritter, Armin D. Ebner, Jun Wang, Tao Wang, Charles E. Holland
  • Patent number: 7384574
    Abstract: A hydrogen storage material having improved hydrogen absorbtion and desorption kinetics is provided by adding graphite to a complex hydride such as a metal-doped alanate, i.e., NaAlH4. The incorporation of graphite into the complex hydride significantly enhances the rate of hydrogen absorbtion and desorption and lowers the desorption temperature needed to release stored hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignees: Westinghouse Savannah River Co., University of South Carolina
    Inventors: Ragaiy Zidan, James A. Ritter, Armin D. Ebner, Jun Wang, Charles E. Holland