Patents by Inventor James R. Butler

James R. Butler 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).

  • Dehydrogenation Reactions of N-Butene to Butadiene
    Publication number: 20110245568
    Abstract: A method for the dehydrogenation of n-butene to form butadiene over a dehydrogenation catalyst with a butadiene yield of at least 40 mol % is disclosed. Embodiments involve operating the dehydrogenation reactor at a pressure of 1,000 mbar or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Olga Khabashesku, James R. Butler, Dariusz Wachowicz
  • Method for production of styrene from toluene and syngas
    Patent number: 8030532
    Abstract: A method for the production of styrene comprising reacting toluene and syngas in one or more reactors is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc
    Inventors: Joseph Pelati, James R. Butler
  • Method for Production of Styrene from Toluene and Syngas
    Publication number: 20110207980
    Abstract: A method for the production of styrene comprising reacting toluene and syngas in one or more reactors is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Pelati, James R. Butler
  • PROCESS FOR ETHYLBENZENE PRODUCTION
    Publication number: 20110207982
    Abstract: A method of producing an alkylaromatic by the alkylation of an aromatic with an alkylating agent, such as producing ethylbenzene by an alkylation reaction of benzene, is disclosed. The method includes using an H-beta catalyst in a preliminary alkylation reactor that is located upstream of the primary alkylation reactor. The H-beta catalyst used in a preliminary alkylation reactor can be regenerated and the regenerated H-beta zeolite catalyst can have a deactivation rate that is no more than 120% of the deactivation rate of a fresh H-beta zeolite catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Butler
  • Processes Using Dividing Wall Distillation Column
    Publication number: 20110201862
    Abstract: A method for the separation of hydrocarbon compounds utilizing a dividing wall distillation column is described. The dividing wall distillation column enables one or more side draw stream to be removed from the dividing wall distillation column in addition to an overhead stream and a bottoms stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: FINA TECHNOLOGY, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Butler
  • Asphalt compositions and the preparation thereof
    Patent number: 7998265
    Abstract: Asphalt compositions and methods of forming such are described herein. The asphalt compositions and methods of forming such are generally adapted to enable open air processing while producing asphalt compositions that exhibit properties capable of meeting SUPERPAVE™ specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Buras, William D. Lee, James R. Butler
  • Vaporization and Transportation of Alkali Metal Salts
    Publication number: 20110172480
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for vaporizing and transporting an alkali metal salt is shown. The apparatus has a first conduit capable of transporting an alkali metal salt solution and a second conduit in fluid communication with the first conduit, the second conduit capable of transporting steam so that the alkali metal salt is dissipated into the steam forming a solution that can be transported, such as to a remote reaction zone. The solution can be transported via a third conduit that is capable of being heated by a heat source. The method can be used to add a promoter to a dehydrogenation catalyst during a dehydrogenation reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Pelati, James R. Butler, Hollie Craig
  • Processes using dividing wall distillation column
    Patent number: 7956157
    Abstract: A method for the separation of hydrocarbon compounds utilizing a dividing wall distillation column is described. The dividing wall distillation column enables one or more side draw stream to be removed from the dividing wall distillation column in addition to an overhead stream and a bottoms stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Butler
  • Dilute Liquid Phase Alkylation
    Publication number: 20110130609
    Abstract: Methods of forming ethylbenzene are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes contacting dilute ethylene with benzene in the presence of an alkylation catalyst to form ethylbenzene, wherein such contact occurs in a liquid phase reaction zone and recovering ethylbenzene from the reaction zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: FINA TECHNOLOGY, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Butler
  • Dehydrogenation Catalyst with a Water Gas Shift Co-Catalyst
    Publication number: 20110105818
    Abstract: A catalyst comprising a dehydrogenation catalyst and a water gas shift co-catalyst can be used for the dehydrogenation of alkylaromatic hydrocarbons to alkenylaromatic hydrocarbons. For instance, the catalyst can be used for the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene. The catalyst can include an iron compound, a potassium compound, and a cerium compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Pelati, Hollie Craig, James R. Butler
  • Mixed Metal Oxide Ingredients for Bulk Metal Oxide Catalysts
    Publication number: 20110105316
    Abstract: A bulk metal oxide catalyst can be prepared by combining metal oxide powders or oxide-producing species and reacting selected ingredients prior to their inclusion in the formulation of the catalyst. Mixed metal oxide phases can be designed and prepared for use as an ingredient for a bulk metal oxide catalyst to alter properties for catalytic performance or physical properties that would not be obtained using mixtures of singular metal oxide ingredients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Pelati, Hollie Craig, James R. Butler
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING EXECUTABLE MACHINE INSTRUCTIONS IN A DATA STREAM
    Publication number: 20110099635
    Abstract: Detecting executable machine instructions in a data is accomplished by accessing a plurality of values representing data contained within a memory of a computer system and performing pre-processing on the plurality of values to produce a candidate data subset. The pre-processing may include determining whether the plurality of values meets (a) a randomness condition, (b) a length condition, and/or (c) a string ratio condition. The candidate data subset is inspected for computer instructions, characteristics of the computer instructions are determined, and a predetermined action taken based on the characteristics of the computer instructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Peter J. Silberman, James R. Butler, II, Nick J. Harbour
  • Petrochemical Processes
    Publication number: 20110083998
    Abstract: Petrochemical processes, including reforming processes are described herein. The reforming processes generally include introducing an input stream to a reforming unit having a reforming catalyst disposed therein, wherein the input stream includes a naphtha having an N+2A value of from about 65 to about 85 and contacting the input stream with the reforming catalyst and hydrogen to form an output stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Hamper, James R. Butler
  • Method for production of styrene from toluene and syngas
    Patent number: 7919661
    Abstract: A method for the production of styrene comprising reacting toluene and syngas in one or more reactors is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Pelati, James R. Butler
  • Process for Catalyst Regeneration and Extended Use
    Publication number: 20110077443
    Abstract: A method of producing an alkylaromatic by the alkylation of an aromatic with an alkylating agent, such as producing ethylbenzene by an alkylation reaction of benzene, is disclosed. The method includes using an H-beta catalyst to minimize process upsets due to alkylation catalyst deactivation and the resulting catalyst regeneration or replacement. The H-beta catalyst can be used in a preliminary alkylation reactor that is located upstream of the primary alkylation reactor. The H-beta catalyst used in a preliminary alkylation reactor can lead to the reactivation of the catalyst in the primary alkylation reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Butler
  • Metathesis Catalyst for Olefin Production
    Publication number: 20110077444
    Abstract: A catalyst includes a metathesis catalyst and an isomerization catalyst. In one embodiment, WO3 is supported on MgO. Alternate embodiments include an inert support, such as alumina or silica, where either one or both of WO3 and MgO are supported on said inert support. The metathesis catalyst can be used for the metathesis of olefins, such as the metathesis of 2-butene and ethylene to produce propylene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Butler
  • Offgas Stream Direct Contact Condenser
    Publication number: 20110071330
    Abstract: Methods and systems for the dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons include a direct contact condenser to remove compounds from an offgas process stream. The reduction of compounds can decrease duty on the offgas compressor by removing steam and aromatics from the offgas. The dehydrogenation reaction system can be applicable for reactions such as the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to produce styrene, the dehydrogenation of isoamiline to produce isoprene, or the dehydrogenation of n-pentene to produce piperylene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent A. Welch, James R. Butler
  • ASPHALT COMPOSITIONS AND THE PREPARATION THEREOF
    Publication number: 20110015311
    Abstract: Asphalt compositions and methods of forming such are described herein. The asphalt compositions and methods of forming such are generally adapted to enable open air processing while producing asphalt compositions that exhibit properties capable of meeting SUPERPAVE™ specifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Buras, William D. Lee, James R. Butler
  • Asphalt compositions and the preparation thereof
    Patent number: 7824485
    Abstract: Asphalt compositions and methods of forming such are described herein. The asphalt compositions and methods of forming such are generally adapted to enable open air processing while producing asphalt compositions that exhibit properties capable of meeting SUPERPAVE™ specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Buras, William Lee, James R. Butler
  • Oxidative Coupling of Hydrocarbons as Heat Source
    Publication number: 20100249473
    Abstract: A process for the coupling of hydrocarbons and utilizing the heat energy produced by the reaction is disclosed. In one embodiment the process can include reacting methane with oxygen to form a product stream containing ethane and further processing the ethane to ethylene in an existing ethylene production facility while using the heat energy produced by the reaction within the facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Butler