Patents by Inventor John D. Wilkinson
John D. Wilkinson 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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Patent number: 11906244Abstract: A process is provided for treating a hydrocarbon gas stream by condensing a portion of the gas stream to produce a liquid stream, then through several steps subcooling a portion of the liquid stream to be introduced into a midpoint into a fractionation column. Unexpectedly, it has been found that the recompression and refrigeration power requirements are substantially reduced and the minimum approach to carbon dioxide freezing are increased when the liquid stream is introduced to a midpoint in the column when compared to introducing the liquid stream to a top position or a lower position in the fractionation column.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Michael C. Pierce, Stephen N. Peterson, J. Ascencion Anguiano, Hank M. Hudson, John D. Wilkinson
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Patent number: 11643604Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of components from a hydrocarbon gas stream containing significant quantities of components more volatile than methane (hydrogen, nitrogen, etc.). The gas stream is partially condensed, then the remaining vapor is expanded to lower pressure and supplied to a fractionation tower at a mid-column feed position. The condensed liquid is cooled and divided into two portions. The first portion is expanded to tower pressure, heated by cooling the liquid, and supplied to the tower at a lower column feed position. The second portion is further cooled, expanded to tower pressure, and supplied to the tower at a top feed position. The tower overhead vapor is heated by cooling the second portion. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the tower maintain the overhead temperature of the tower whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: J. Ascencion Anguiano, John D. Wilkinson, Scott A. Miller, Stephen N. Peterson, Daryl R. Jensen, Michael C. Pierce, Hank M. Hudson
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Patent number: 11578915Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of components from a hydrocarbon gas stream which is divided into first and second streams. The first stream is cooled, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied to a fractionation tower. The second stream is cooled and separated into vapor and liquid streams. The vapor stream is divided into two portions. A first portion is cooled, expanded to tower pressure, and supplied to the tower at an upper mid-column feed position. The second portion and the liquid stream are expanded to tower pressure and supplied to the tower. After heating, compressing, and cooling, a portion of the tower overhead vapor is cooled, expanded, and supplied to the tower at the top feed position. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the tower maintain the overhead temperature of the tower whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2020Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: J. Ascencio Anguiano, John D. Wilkinson, Hank M. Hudson
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Patent number: 11543180Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C2 (or C3) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. A portion of the outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure, cooled and substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, then expanded to lower pressure and supplied to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2018Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Kyle T. Cuellar, Michael C. Pierce, Scott A. Miller, John D. Wilkinson, Joe T. Lynch, Hank M. Hudson, Andrew F. Johnke, W. Larry Lewis
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Patent number: 11428465Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C2 (or C3) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. The outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure and cooled, then a portion is substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2018Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Inventors: Michael C. Pierce, Kyle T. Cuellar, Scott A. Miller, John D. Wilkinson, Joe T. Lynch, Hank M. Hudson, Andrew F. Johnke, W. Larry Lewis
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Publication number: 20220163257Abstract: A process is provided for treating a hydrocarbon gas stream by condensing a portion of the gas stream to produce a liquid stream, then through several steps subcooling a portion of the liquid stream to be introduced into a midpoint into a fractionation column. Unexpectedly, it has been found that the recompression and refrigeration power requirements are substantially reduced and the minimum approach to carbon dioxide freezing are increased when the liquid stream is introduced to a midpoint in the column when compared to introducing the liquid stream to a top position or a lower position in the fractionation column.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2021Publication date: May 26, 2022Inventors: Michael C. Pierce, Stephen N. Peterson, J. Ascencion Anguiano, Hank M. Hudson, John D. Wilkinson
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Publication number: 20210116174Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of components from a hydrocarbon gas stream containing significant quantities of components more volatile than methane (hydrogen, nitrogen, etc.). The gas stream is partially condensed, then the remaining vapor is expanded to lower pressure and supplied to a fractionation tower at a mid-column feed position. The condensed liquid is cooled and divided into two portions. The first portion is expanded to tower pressure, heated by cooling the liquid, and supplied to the tower at a lower column feed position. The second portion is expanded to tower pressure and supplied to the tower at an upper mid-column feed position. A distillation vapor stream is withdrawn from the fractionation tower below the mid-column feed position and is heated, compressed to higher pressure, and cooled to substantial condensation before it is expanded and supplied to the tower as its top feed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2020Publication date: April 22, 2021Inventors: J. Ascencion Anguiano, John D. Wilkinson, Scott A. Miller, Stephen N. Peterson, Daryl R. Jensen, Hank M. Hudson
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Publication number: 20210115338Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of components from a hydrocarbon gas stream containing significant quantities of components more volatile than methane (hydrogen, nitrogen, etc.). The gas stream is partially condensed, then the remaining vapor is expanded to lower pressure and supplied to a fractionation tower at a mid-column feed position. The condensed liquid is cooled and divided into two portions. The first portion is expanded to tower pressure, heated by cooling the liquid, and supplied to the tower at a lower column feed position. The second portion is further cooled, expanded to tower pressure, and supplied to the tower at a top feed position. The tower overhead vapor is heated by cooling the second portion. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the tower maintain the overhead temperature of the tower whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2020Publication date: April 22, 2021Inventors: J. Ascencion Anguiano, John D. Wilkinson, Scott A. Miller, Stephen N. Peterson, Daryl R. Jensen, Michael C. Pierce, Hank M. Hudson
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Patent number: 10793492Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to fractionate lighter components from mixed hydrocarbon streams. The hydrocarbon stream is supplied to the processing assembly between an absorbing means and a mass transfer means. A distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the absorbing means and cooled in a first heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to partially condense it, forming a volatile stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is supplied to the absorbing means as its top feed. A distillation liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the mass transfer means and heated in a second heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to strip out its volatile components, forming a relatively less volatile stream and a vaporized stream. The vaporized stream is supplied to the mass transfer means as its bottom feed.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2017Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Inventors: Joe T. Lynch, John D. Wilkinson, Scott A. Miller, Hank M. Hudson, Kyle T. Cuellar, Andrew F. Johnke, W. Larry Lewis
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Publication number: 20200292230Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of components from a hydrocarbon gas stream which is divided into first and second streams. The first stream is cooled, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied to a fractionation tower. The second stream is cooled and separated into vapor and liquid streams. The vapor stream is divided into two portions. A first portion is cooled, expanded to tower pressure, and supplied to the tower at an upper mid-column feed position. The second portion and the liquid stream are expanded to tower pressure and supplied to the tower. After heating, compressing, and cooling, a portion of the tower overhead vapor is cooled, expanded, and supplied to the tower at the top feed position. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the tower maintain the overhead temperature of the tower whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2020Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventors: J. Ascencio Anguiano, John D. Wilkinson, Hank M. Hudson
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Patent number: 10753678Abstract: A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is cooled and is thereafter expanded to the fractionation tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at a lower mid-column feed position. A distillation stream is withdrawn from the column below the feed point of the stream and is then directed into heat exchange relation with the tower overhead vapor stream to cool the distillation stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the fractionation tower at an upper mid-column feed position. A recycle stream is withdrawn from the tower overhead after it has been warmed and compressed. The compressed recycle stream is cooled sufficiently to substantially condense it, and is then expanded to the pressure of the fractionation tower and supplied to the tower at a top column feed position.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2015Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: Ortloff Engineers, Ltd.Inventors: Richard N. Pitman, John D. Wilkinson, Joe T. Lynch, Hank M. Hudson, Kyle T. Cuellar, Tony L. Martinez
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Patent number: 10551119Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C2 (or C3) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. A portion of the outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure, cooled and substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, then expanded to lower pressure and supplied to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2016Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignees: Ortloff Engineers, Ltd., S.M.E. Products LPInventors: Scott A. Miller, John D. Wilkinson, Joe T. Lynch, Hank M. Hudson, Kyle T. Cuellar, Andrew F. Johnke, W. Larry Lewis
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Patent number: 10551118Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C2 (or C3) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. A portion of the outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure, cooled and substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, then expanded to lower pressure and supplied to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2016Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignees: Ortloff Engineers, Ltd., S.M.E. Products LPInventors: Hank M. Hudson, John D. Wilkinson, Joe T. Lynch, Scott A. Miller, Kyle T. Cuellar, Andrew F. Johnke, W. Larry Lewis
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Patent number: 10533794Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C2 (or C3) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. A portion of the outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure, cooled and substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, then expanded to lower pressure and supplied, to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2016Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignees: Ortloff Engineers, Ltd., S.M.E. Proudcts, LPInventors: Joe T. Lynch, John D. Wilkinson, Hank M. Hudson, Scott A. Miller, Kyle T. Cuellar, Andrew F. Johnke, W. Larry Lewis
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Publication number: 20190170435Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The stream is divided into first and second streams. The first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied to a fractionation tower at an upper mid-column feed position. The second stream is cooled sufficiently to partially condense it and separated into vapor and liquid streams. The vapor stream is divided into first and second portions. The first portion is cooled to condense substantially all of it, expanded to the tower pressure, and supplied to the tower at the top feed position. The second portion is expanded to the tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at an intermediate mid-column feed position. The liquid stream is expanded to the tower pressure and supplied to the column at a lower mid-column feed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2019Publication date: June 6, 2019Inventors: J. Ascencion Anguiano, John D. Wilkinson, Joe T. Lynch, Hank M. Hudson
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Patent number: 10227273Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to remove C5 and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The hydrocarbon gas stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied to the processing assembly between an absorbing means and a mass transfer means. A distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the absorbing means and cooled in a first heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to partially condense it, forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is supplied to the absorbing means at its top feed point. A distillation liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the mass transfer means and directed into a second heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to heat it and strip out its volatile components.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2017Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignees: Ortloff Engineers, Ltd., S.M.E. Products, LPInventors: Scott A. Miller, John D. Wilkinson, Joe T. Lynch, Hank M. Hudson, Kyle T. Cuellar, Andrew F. Johnke, W. Larry Lewis
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Publication number: 20180347899Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C2 (or C3) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. A portion of the outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure, cooled and substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, then expanded to lower pressure and supplied to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2018Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventors: Kyle T. Cuellar, Michael C. Pierce, Scott A. Miller, John D. Wilkinson, Joe t. Lynch, Hank M. Hudson, Andrew F. Johnke, W. Larry Lewis
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Publication number: 20180347898Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C2 (or C3) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. The outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure and cooled, then a portion is substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2018Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventors: Michael C. Pierce, Kyle T. Cuellar, Scott A. Miller, John D. Wilkinson, Joe T. Lynch, Hank M. Hudson, Andrew F. Johnke, W. Larry Lewis
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Publication number: 20180245845Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C2 (or C3) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. A portion of the outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure, cooled and substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, then expanded to lower pressure and supplied, to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2016Publication date: August 30, 2018Inventors: Joe T. Lynch, John D. Wilkinson, Hank M. Hudson, Scott A. Miller, Kyle T. Cuellar, Andrew F. Johnke, W. Larry Lewis
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Patent number: 9939195Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover ethane, ethylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied as a feed between two absorbing means. The second stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied as a bottom feed to the lower absorbing means. A distillation liquid stream from the bottom of the lower absorbing means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components. A distillation vapor stream from the top of the heat and mass transfer means is cooled by a distillation vapor stream from the top of the upper absorbing means, thereby forming a condensed stream that is supplied as a top feed to the upper absorbing means.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2010Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignees: Ortloff Engineers, Ltd., S.M.E. Products LLPInventors: Andrew F. Johnke, W. Larry Lewis, John D. Wilkinson, Joe T. Lynch, Hank M. Hudson, Kyle T. Cuellar