Patents by Inventor Joao Jorge da Silva Ferreira Alves

Joao Jorge da Silva Ferreira Alves 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: 11708267
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for managing hydrogen sulfide in a refinery is provided. In the process, a hydrogen sulfide stream from said refinery is fed to a sulfur recovery unit to produce sulfur and a sulfur compound stream or to a thermal oxidizer. The sulfur compound stream and the hydrogen sulfide stream are then thermally oxidized to produce a sulfur oxide stream. The sulfur oxide stream is then reacted with an ammonia stream. In aspect, the product of the reaction can be a fertilizer. The ammonia stream can be obtained from stripping the hydrogen sulfide stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Jan De Ren, Haiyan Wang, Joao Jorge Da Silva Ferreira Alves, Ian Clarke, William J. Whyman
  • Publication number: 20220194794
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for managing hydrogen sulfide in a refinery is provided. In the process, a hydrogen sulfide stream from said refinery is fed to a sulfur recovery unit to produce sulfur and a sulfur compound stream or to a thermal oxidizer. The sulfur compound stream and the hydrogen sulfide stream are then thermally oxidized to produce a sulfur oxide stream. The sulfur oxide stream is then reacted with an ammonia stream. In aspect, the product of the reaction can be a fertilizer. The ammonia stream can be obtained from stripping the hydrogen sulfide stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Jan De Ren, Haiyan Wang, Joao Jorge da Silva Ferreira Alves, Ian Clarke, William J. Whyman
  • Patent number: 10458329
    Abstract: A power generation process for use in a processing unit that includes the steps of: using a regenerator to produce a flue gas stream; removing catalyst particles from the flue gas stream; routing the flue gas stream to a combustor/expander unit after performing the step of removing catalyst particles; and using rotation of the turbine of the combustor/expander unit as a source of rotary power. Preferably, the combustor/expander unit includes a combustion chamber and a power recovery turbine housed within a single casing. In certain embodiments, the flue gas stream is routed between the regenerator and the combustor/expander without passing through a compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Xin X. Zhu, Joao Jorge da Silva Ferreira Alves, Paolo Palmas, Richard A. Johnson, II, Michael R. Van de Cotte
  • Patent number: 9328295
    Abstract: Recycle of an extract stream containing a contaminant is used to improve recovery of hydrocarbons in a contaminant removal process. At least a portion of an extract stream is recycled to a contaminant extraction zone and contacted with rich ionic liquid. Contaminants in the recycle extract stream are transferred to the rich ionic liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Rajeswar R. Gattupalli, Beckay J. Mezza, Alakananda Bhattacharyya, Carl J. Stevens, Joao Jorge da Silva Ferreira Alves, Massimo Sangalli
  • Publication number: 20150307418
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for producing a xylene product from a lignin supply. A method includes depolymerizing the lignin supply to produce a lignin aromatic stream, and isomerizing the lignin aromatic stream to produce an isomerized lignin stream. The desired xylene isomer is extracted from the isomerized lignin stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Stanley Joseph Frey, Joao Jorge da Silva Ferreira Alves
  • Publication number: 20150252725
    Abstract: A power generation process for use in a processing unit that includes the steps of: using a regenerator to produce a flue gas stream; removing catalyst particles from the flue gas stream; routing the flue gas stream to a combustor/expander unit after performing the step of removing catalyst particles; and using rotation of the turbine of the combustor/expander unit as a source of rotary power. Preferably, the combustor/expander unit includes a combustion chamber and a power recovery turbine housed within a single casing. In certain embodiments, the flue gas stream is routed between the regenerator and the combustor/expander without passing through a compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Xin X. Zhu, Joao Jorge da Silva Ferreira Alves, Paolo Palmas, Richard A. Johnson II, Michael R. Van de Cotte
  • Publication number: 20150090638
    Abstract: Recycle of an extract stream containing a contaminant is used to improve recovery of hydrocarbons in a contaminant removal process. At least a portion of an extract stream is recycled to a contaminant extraction zone and contacted with rich ionic liquid. Contaminants in the recycle extract stream are transferred to the rich ionic liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Rajeswar R. Gattupalli, Beckay J. Mezza, Alakananda Bhattacharyya, Carl J. Stevens, Joao Jorge da Silva Ferreira Alves, Massimo Sangalli
  • Patent number: 8937206
    Abstract: The process converts FCC olefins to heavier compounds. The heavier compounds are more easily separated from the unconverted paraffins. The heavier compounds can be recycled to an FCC unit or delivered to a separate FCC unit. Suitable conversion zones are oligomerization and aromatic alkylation zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Joao Jorge da Silva Ferreira Alves, James E. Rekoske, Christopher P. Nicholas
  • Publication number: 20140213837
    Abstract: The process converts FCC olefins to heavier compounds. The heavier compounds are more easily separated from the unconverted paraffins. The heavier compounds can be recycled to an FCC unit or delivered to a separate FCC unit. Suitable conversion zones are oligomerization and aromatic alkylation zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Joao Jorge da Silva Ferreira Alves, James E. Rekoske, Christopher P. Nicholas
  • Patent number: 8704021
    Abstract: The process converts FCC olefins to heavier compounds. The heavier compounds are more easily separated from the unconverted paraffins. The heavier compounds can be recycled to an FCC unit or delivered to a separate FCC unit. Suitable conversion zones are oligomerization and aromatic alkylation zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Joao Jorge da Silva Ferreira Alves, James E. Rekoske, Christopher P. Nicholas
  • Publication number: 20130317267
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods for the production of linear alkylbenzene and optionally biofuel from a natural oil are provided. A method comprises the step of deoxygenating the natural oils to form paraffins. A first portion of the paraffins is hydrocracked to form a first stream of normal and lightly branched paraffins in the C9 to C14 range and a second stream of isoparaffins. The first stream is dehydrogenated to provide mono-olefins. Then, benzene is alkylated with the mono-olefins under alkylation conditions to provide an alkylation effluent comprising alkylbenzenes and benzene. Thereafter, the alkylbenzenes are isolated to provide the alkylbenzene product. Optionally a second portion of the paraffins and the isoparaffins are processed to form biofuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Amarendra Anumakonda, Srikantiah Raghuram, Joao Jorge da SIlva Ferreira Alves, Andrea G. Bozzano
  • Publication number: 20130261359
    Abstract: The process converts FCC olefins to heavier compounds. The heavier compounds are more easily separated from the unconverted paraffins. The heavier compounds can be recycled to an FCC unit or delivered to a separate FCC unit. Suitable conversion zones are oligomerization and aromatic alkylation zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Joao Jorge da Silva Ferreira Alves, James E. Rekoske, Christopher P. Nicholas
  • Patent number: 8507741
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods for co-production of linear alkylbenzene and biofuel from a natural oil are provided. A method comprises the step of deoxygenating the natural oils to form paraffins. A first portion of the paraffins is hydrocracked to form a first stream of normal and lightly branched paraffins in the C9 to C14 range and a second stream of isoparaffins. The first stream is dehydrogenated to provide mono-olefins. Then, benzene is alkylated with the mono-olefins under alkylation conditions to provide an alkylation effluent comprising alkylbenzenes and benzene. Thereafter, the alkylbenzenes are isolated to provide the alkylbenzene product. A second portion of the paraffins and the isoparaffins are processed to form biofuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Amarendra Anumakonda, Srikantiah Raghuram, Joao Jorge da Silva Ferreira Alves, Andrea G. Bozzano
  • Patent number: 8471084
    Abstract: The process converts FCC olefins to heavier compounds. The heavier compounds are more easily separated from the unconverted paraffins. The heavier compounds can be recycled to an FCC unit or delivered to a separate FCC unit. Suitable conversion zones are oligomerization and aromatic alkylation zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Joao Jorge da Silva Ferreira Alves, James E. Rekoske, Christopher P. Nicholas
  • Publication number: 20130131417
    Abstract: One example method of the invention includes a process for producing an olefin comprising the steps of communicating a feed stream that comprises a paraffin to a distillation section, communicating a distillation section output stream to a reactor and reacting the distillation section output stream in the reactor to produce a reactor output stream comprising an olefin. A splitter feed stream that is in communication with and downstream from the reactor output stream is communicated to an olefin splitter, and a splitter output stream is communicated to a heat pump compressor. A heat pump compressor output stream is communicated to the distillation section and heat is used from the heat pump compressor output stream to reheat a distillation section stream that contains unreacted paraffin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Greg Werba, Steven Lankton, Steven Kozup, Joao Jorge da Silva Ferreira Alves, Charles P. Luebke, Kirk Liu
  • Patent number: 8414763
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for recovering product from catalytically converted product streams. Gaseous unstabilized naphtha from an overhead receiver from a main fractionation column is compressed in a compressor. Liquid unstabilized naphtha from the overhead receiver and liquid naphtha fraction from the compressor are sent to a naphtha splitter column upstream of a primary absorber. Consequently, less naphtha is circulated in the gas recovery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Joao Jorge da Silva Ferreira Alves, Saadet Ulas Acikgoz, Xin X. Zhu, Laura E. Leonard
  • Publication number: 20130079570
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods for co-production of linear alkylbenzene and biofuel from a natural oil are provided. A method comprises the step of deoxygenating the natural oils to form paraffins. A first portion of the paraffins is hydrocracked to form a first stream of normal and lightly branched paraffins in the C9 to C14 range and a second stream of isoparaffins. The first stream is dehydrogenated to provide mono-olefins. Then, benzene is alkylated with the mono-olefins under alkylation conditions to provide an alkylation effluent comprising alkylbenzenes and benzene. Thereafter, the alkylbenzenes are isolated to provide the alkylbenzene product. A second portion of the paraffins and the isoparaffins are processed to form biofuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Amarendra Anumakonda, Srikantiah Raghuram, Joao Jorge da Silva Ferreira Alves, Andrea G. Bozzano
  • Patent number: 8388830
    Abstract: A process is presented for the removal of oxygen from a hydrocarbon stream. The oxygen can react and cause polymerization of the hydrocarbons when the hydrocarbon stream is heated. Controlling the removal of the oxygen from the hydrocarbon stream produces a hydrocarbon stream that is substantially free of oxygen and has a reduced activity for generating undesired compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Stephen W. Sohn, Steven P. Lankton, Joao Jorge da Silva Ferreira Alves
  • Patent number: 8231847
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for recovering product from catalytically converted product streams. Gaseous unstabilized naphtha from an overhead receiver from a main fractionation column is compressed in a compressor. Liquid unstabilized naphtha from the overhead receiver and liquid naphtha fraction from the compressor are sent to a naphtha splitter column upstream of a primary absorber. Consequently, less naphtha is circulated in the gas recovery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Joao Jorge da Silva Ferreira Alves, Saadet Ulas Acikgoz, Xin X. Zhu, Laura E. Leonard
  • Patent number: 8128879
    Abstract: The apparatus converts FCC olefins to heavier compounds. The heavier compounds are more easily separated from the unconverted paraffins. The heavier compounds can be recycled to an FCC unit or delivered to a separate FCC unit. Suitable conversion zones are oligomerization and aromatic alkylation zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Joao Jorge da Silva Ferreira Alves, James E. Rekoske, Christopher P. Nicholas