Patents by Inventor John F. Knifton

John F. Knifton 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: 7008914
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a fluorine-containing mordenite catalyst and use thereof in the manufacture of alkylbenzene (LAB) by alkylation of benzene with an olefin. The olefin may have from about 10 to 14 carbons. The fluorine-containing mordenite is prepared typically by treatment with an aqueous hydrogen fluoride solution. The benzene alkylation may be conducted using reactive distillation. This invention is also directed to a process for production of LAB having a high 2-phenyl isomer content by use of the fluorine-containing mordenite in conjunction with a conventional solid LAB alkylation catalyst. The two catalysts may be used in a mixed catalyst bed or may be packed in series, with the relative proportions being adjusted to provide a desired 2-phenyl isomer content of in the final product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Huntsman Petrochemical Corporation
    Inventors: George A. Smith, Prakasa R. Anantaneni, Samir S. Ashrawi, Raeda M. Smadi, John F. Knifton, Melvin Stockton
  • Publication number: 20030166481
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a fluorine-containing mordenite catalyst and use thereof in the manufacture of alkylbenzene (LAB) by alkylation of benzene with an olefin. The olefin may have from about 10 to 14 carbons. The fluorine-containing mordenite is prepared typically by treatment with an aqueous hydrogen fluoride solution. The benzene alkylation may be conducted using reactive distillation. This invention is also directed to a process for production of LAB having a high 2-phenyl isomer content by use of the fluorine-containing mordenite in conjunction with a conventional solid LAB alkylation catalyst. The two catalysts may be used in a mixed catalyst bed or may be packed in series, with the relative proportions being adjusted to provide a desired 2-phenyl isomer content of in the final product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Applicant: Huntsman Petrochemical Corporation
    Inventors: George A. Smith, Prakasa R. Anantaneni, Samir S. Ashrawi, Raeda M. Smadi, John F. Knifton, Melvin Stockton
  • Patent number: 6315964
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a reactive distillation process and system for the alkylation of liquid aromatic compounds with a liquid olefin or olefin/paraffin mixture. The aromatic compound may have from about 6 to about 30 carbons and the olefin may have from about 8 to 30 carbons. The system has a reactor configuration utilizing an alkylation catalyst, a reboiler with product takeoff, and a feed inlet above the catalyst bed. The system may also include a means for in-situ mixing of the aromatic compound and olefin or olefin/paraffin mixture, an overhead condenser and/or a water takeoff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Huntsman Petrochemical Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Knifton, Prakasa Rao Anantaneni, Melvin Stockton
  • Patent number: 5847254
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a fluorine-containing mordenite catalyst and use thereof in the manufacture of linear alkylbenzene (LAB) by alkylation of benzene with an olefin. The olefin may have from about 10 to 14 carbons. The fluorine-containing mordenite is prepared typically by treatment with an aqueous hydrogen fluoride solution. The benzene alkylation may be conducted using reactive distillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Huntsman Petrochemical Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Knifton, Prakasa Rao Anantaneni, P. Eugene Dai
  • Patent number: 5777187
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a fluorine-containing mordenite catalyst and use thereof in the manufacture of linear alkylbenzene (LAB) by alkylation of benzene with an olefin. The olefin may have from about 10 to 14 carbons. The fluorine-containing mordenite is prepared typically by treatment with an aqueous hydrogen fluoride solution. The benzene alkylation may be conducted using reactive distillation. Yield and bromine index of the LAB may be improved by further alkylation using a fluorine containing clay catalyst such as montmorillonite clay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Huntsman Petrochemical Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Knifton, Prakasa Rao Anantaneni
  • Patent number: 5770782
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a reactive distillation process and system for the alkylation of liquid aromatic compounds with a liquid olefin or olefin/paraffin mixture. The aromatic compound may have from about 6 to about 30 carbons and the olefin may have from about 8 to 30 carbons. The system has a reactor configuration utilizing an alkylation catalyst, a reboiler with product takeoff, and a feed inlet above the catalyst bed. The system may also include a means for in-situ mixing of the aromatic compound and olefin or olefin/paraffin mixture, an overhead condenser and/or a water takeoff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Huntsman Petrochemical Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Knifton, Prakasa Rao Anantaneni, Melvin Stockton
  • Patent number: 5637778
    Abstract: Disclosed is a one-step method for synthesis of methyl tertiary butyl ether, diisopropyl ether and isopropyl ether from crude streams containing acetone, methanol and t-butyl alcohol which comprises reacting an acetone-rich feed over a bifunctional catalyst comprising 5-45% by weight of a catalyst consisting essentially of a hydrogenation catalyst selected from the group consisting of one or more metals selected from the group consisting of IB, VIB or VIII of the Periodic Table and a heteropoly acid on a 55%-95% of the total weight of the catalyst of a support comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of:a. a metal phosphate;b. 5 to 95% by weight metal phosphate supported on 95 to 5 wt % Group III or IV oxide; andc. a large pore silicoaluminophosphate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Texaco Chemical Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Taylor, Jr., Pei-Shing E. Dai, John F. Knifton, Bobby R. Martin
  • Patent number: 5583266
    Abstract: A two-step integrated process for the generation of diisopropyl ether from a crude by-product acetone stream which comprises:a) Hydrogenating said crude acetone over a supported, hydrogenation catalyst to give an isopropanol-rich effluent;b) passing said isopropanol-rich intermediate directly to a second reactor, andc) subject said IPA to dehydration conditions in the presence of hydrogen and a strong acid zeolite catalyst from the group consisting of .beta.-zeolite, optionally modified with one or more metals from Groups IB, VIB, VIIB and VIII of the Periodic Table, and a dealuminized Y-zeolite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Taylor, Jr., Pei-Shing E. Dai, John F. Knifton
  • Patent number: 5550300
    Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated process for the generation of a mixture of ethers, such as diisopropyl ether, methyl tertiary butyl ether, and/or isopropyl tertiary butyl ether, from a crude by-product acetone stream composed of acetone, tertiary butyl alcohol and methanol by passing such a stream, in the presence of hydrogen, over a catalyst system characterized by having both a hydrogenation activity gradient along the reactor in one direction and an etherification activity gradient in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Texaco Chemical Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Taylor, Jr., Pei-Shing E. Dai, John F. Knifton
  • Patent number: 5527970
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for preparing ethyl t-butyl ether in one-step which comprises reacting tertiary butanol and ethanol in the presence of a catalyst consisting essentially of a macroreticular acid resin or a pentasil zeolite at a temperature of about 40.degree.-140.degree. C. and atmospheric pressure to about 500 psig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Texaco Chemical Inc.
    Inventors: Rei-Yu J. Hwan, John F. Knifton, Brian L. Benac
  • Patent number: 5488178
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of selective preparation of ditertiary butyl peroxide from tertiary butyl hydroperoxide and t-butanol which comprises reacting said tertiary butyl hydroperoxide and t-butanol over a solid acid catalyst selected from:a) an acidic montmorillonite clay;b) an acidic zeolite selected from the group consisting of dealuminized Y-zeolite and pentasil zeolite;c) an acidic organic resin; andd) heteropoly acids supported on an oxide selected from Group III or Group IV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Texaco Chemical Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Knifton, Edward T. Marquis, Pei-Shing E. Dai
  • Patent number: 5488179
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of selective preparation of ditertiary butyl peroxide from tertiary butyl hydroperoxide and t-butanol which comprises reacting said tertiary butyl hydroperoxide and t-butanol over a Beta-zeolite catalyst under hydroperoxide conversion conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Texaco Chemical Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Knifton, Edward T. Marquis, Pei-Shing E. Dai
  • Patent number: 5476972
    Abstract: Disclosed is a one-step method for synthesis of ethers from mixtures of acetone and t-butyl alcohol which comprises reacting an acetone-rich feed over a bifunctional catalyst comprising 5%-45% by weight hydrogenation catalyst on 55%-95% of the total catalyst weight of a support comprising a zeolite and a Group III or IV oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Texaco Chemical Inc.
    Inventors: Pei-Shing E. Dai, Robert J. Taylor, Jr., John F. Knifton, Bobby R. Martin
  • Patent number: 5466778
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for polymerization of tetrahydrofuran to prepare poly(tetrahydrofuran) products with a MW range of 200 to 5000 and a dispersity of <2, which comprises premixing a carboxylic anhydride, such as, for example acetic anhydride and a dealuminated Y-zeolite and subsequently adding tetrahydrofuran at a temperature below 100.degree. C., wherein the order of addition of reactants is critical and the yield is improved by premixing the acetic anhydride and zeolite and then adding tetrahydrofuran.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Huntsman Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy L. Lambert, John F. Knifton
  • Patent number: 5457243
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing organic acids and derivatives thereof from a crude methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) stream of the type found in the feed to, or effluent from, a reactor for a one-step process for producing MTBE which comprises:contacting said crude MTBE stream in a treating zone over one or more beds of a solid base for a period of time sufficient to neutralize said organic acids and derivatives thereof; andwithdrawing a substantially organic acid-free crude MTBE product from said treating zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Texaco Chemical Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Knifton, Mark A. Mueller, Michael W. Peters
  • Patent number: 5449838
    Abstract: Disclosed is a two-step process for the generation of isopropyl t-butyl ether from a crude by-product acetone stream which comprises:a) Hydrogenating said crude acetone over a bulk metal, nickel-rich catalyst to give an isopropanol-rich effluent;b) subjecting said isopropanol-rich intermediate to etherification conditions in the presence of a strong acid catalyst selected from:(1) a cationic resin;(2) a .beta.-zeolite;(3) dealuminized Y-zeolites; and(4) metal-modified .beta.-zeolites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Texaco Chemical Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Knifton, Ernest L. Yeakey, Pei-Shing E. Dai
  • Patent number: 5449839
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for preparing ethyl t-butyl ether in one step which comprises reacting tertiary butanol and ethanol in the presence of a catalyst selected from zeolite beta and zeolite beta modified with multimetals selected from the group consisting of Groups IB, VB, VIB, VIIB or VIII of the Periodic Table at a temperature of about 20.degree. C. to 250.degree. C. and atmospheric pressure to about 1000 psig, wherein when the temperature is in the operating range above about 140.degree. C., the product comprises a two-phase mix of an ETBE-isobutylene and, optionally, diisobutylene product-rich phase and a heavier aqueous ethanol-rich phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Texaco Chemical Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Knifton, Pei-Shing E. Dai
  • Patent number: 5430198
    Abstract: Disclosed is a two-step process for the generation of diisopropyl ether from a crude by-product acetone stream which comprises:a) Hydrogenating said crude acetone over a bulk-metal, nickel-rich catalyst to give an isopropanol-rich effluent;b) Dehydrating said isopropanol-rich intermediate in the presence of a strong acid zeolite catalyst from the group consisting of .beta.-zeolite, optionally modified with one or more metals from Group IB, VB, VIB, VIIB and VIII of the Periodic Table, and a dealuminized Y-zeolite, wherein the dehydration temperature is from about 80.degree. C. to 200.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Texaco Chemical Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Knifton, Pei-Shing E. Dai
  • Patent number: 5414162
    Abstract: A method for preparing tertiary butyl alcohol wherein a feedstock comprising a solvent solution of tertiary butyl hydroperoxide in tertiary butyl alcohol or a mixture of tertiary butyl alcohol with isobutane is charged to a hydroperoxide decomposition reaction zone containing a catalytically effective amount of a hydroperoxide decomposition catalyst consisting essentially of pentagonally cross-sectioned alumina having palladium deposited thereon and is brought into contact with the catalyst in liquid phase with agitation under hydroperoxide decomposition reaction conditions to convert the tertiary butyl hydroperoxide to decomposition products, principally tertiary butyl alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Texaco Chemical Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Sanderson, John F. Knifton
  • Patent number: 5414163
    Abstract: A method for preparing tertiary butyl alcohol wherein a feedstock comprising a solvent solution of tertiary butyl hydroperoxide in tertiary butyl alcohol or a mixture of tertiary butyl alcohol with isobutane is charged to a hydroperoxide decomposition reaction zone containing a catalytically effective amount of a hydroperoxide decomposition catalyst consisting essentially of titania or zirconia and is brought into contact with the catalyst in liquid phase under hydroperoxide decomposition reaction conditions to convert the tertiary butyl hydroperoxide to decomposition products, principally tertiary butyl alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Texaco Chemical Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Sanderson, John F. Knifton, Edward T. Marquis