Patents by Inventor John L. Potts

John L. Potts 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: 9040443
    Abstract: Catalysts and processes for forming catalysts for use in hydrogenating acetic acid to form ethanol. In one embodiment, the catalyst comprises a first metal, a silicaceous support, and at least one metasilicate support modifier. Preferably, the first metal is selected from the group consisting of copper, iron, cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, platinum, titanium, zinc, chromium, rhenium, molybdenum, and tungsten. In addition the catalyst may comprise a second metal preferably selected from the group consisting of copper, molybdenum, tin, chromium, iron, cobalt, vanadium, tungsten, palladium, platinum, lanthanum, cerium, manganese, ruthenium, rhenium, gold, and nickel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Victor J. Johnston, Barbara F. Kimmich, John L. Potts, Heiko Weiner, Radmila Wollrab, James H. Zink, Josefina T. Chapman, Laiyuan Chen
  • Patent number: 8993815
    Abstract: A process for selective formation of ethanol from acetic acid includes contacting a feed stream containing acetic acid and hydrogen at an elevated temperature with catalyst comprising platinum and tin on a high surface area silica promoted with calcium metasilicate. Selectivities to ethanol of over 85% are achieved at 280° C. with catalyst life in the hundreds of hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Heiko Weiner, Radmila Wollrab, Victor J. Johnston, John L. Potts
  • Patent number: 8802904
    Abstract: A process for selective formation of ethanol from acetic acid by hydrogenating acetic acid in the presence of first metal, a silicaceous support, and at least one support modifier. Preferably, the first metal is selected from the group consisting of copper, iron, cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, platinum, titanium, zinc, chromium, rhenium, molybdenum, and tungsten. In addition the catalyst may comprise a second metal preferably selected from the group consisting of copper, molybdenum, tin, chromium, iron, cobalt, vanadium, tungsten, palladium, platinum, lanthanum, cerium, manganese, ruthenium, rhenium, gold, and nickel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Victor J. Johnston, Laiyuan Chen, Barbara F. Kimmich, Josefina T. Chapman, James H. Zink, Heiko Weiner, John L. Potts, Radmilla Wollrab
  • Patent number: 8754270
    Abstract: A process for selective formation of ethanol from acetic acid includes contacting a feed stream containing acetic acid and hydrogen at an elevated temperature with catalyst comprising platinum and tin on a high surface area silica promoted with calcium metasilicate. Selectivities to ethanol of over 85% are achieved at 280° C. with catalyst life in the hundreds of hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Heiko Weiner, Radmila Wollrab, Victor J. Johnston, John L. Potts
  • Publication number: 20140128642
    Abstract: A process for selective formation of ethanol from acetic acid includes contacting a feed stream containing acetic acid and hydrogen at an elevated temperature with catalyst comprising platinum and tin on a high surface area silica promoted with calcium metasilicate. Selectivities to ethanol of over 85% are achieved at 280° C. with catalyst life in the hundreds of hours.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Heiko Weiner, Radmila Wollrab, Victor J. Johnston, John L. Potts
  • Patent number: 8680321
    Abstract: A process for selective formation of ethanol and/or ethyl acetate from acetic acid by hydrogenating acetic acid in the presence of a Pt/Sn catalyst or a Re/Pd catalyst. The catalyst may further comprise a support modifier to improve selectivity for the desired product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Victor J. Johnston, Laiyuan Chen, Barbara F. Kimmich, Josefina T. Chapman, James H. Zink, Heiko Weiner, John L. Potts, Radmila Jevtic
  • Patent number: 8680317
    Abstract: A process for hydrogenating acetic acid to form of ethyl acetate and mixtures of ethyl acetate and ethanol. The hydrogenation is done in the presence of catalyst, preferably on a support that optionally includes a support modifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Victor J. Johnston, Laiyuan Chen, Barbara F. Kimmich, Josefina T. Chapman, James H. Zink, Heiko Weiner, John L. Potts, Radmila Jevtic
  • Publication number: 20130296164
    Abstract: Catalysts and processes for forming catalysts for use in hydrogenating acetic acid to form ethanol. In one embodiment, the catalyst comprises a first metal, a silicaceous support, and at least one metasilicate support modifier. Preferably, the first metal is selected from the group consisting of copper, iron, cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, platinum, titanium, zinc, chromium, rhenium, molybdenum, and tungsten. In addition the catalyst may comprise a second metal preferably selected from the group consisting of copper, molybdenum, tin, chromium, iron, cobalt, vanadium, tungsten, palladium, platinum, lanthanum, cerium, manganese, ruthenium, rhenium, gold, and nickel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Victor J. Johnston, Barbara F. Kimmich, John L. Potts, Heiko Weiner, Radmila Wollrab, James H. Zink, Josefina T. Chapman, Laiyuan Chen
  • Publication number: 20130231510
    Abstract: A process for selective formation of ethanol from acetic acid by hydrogenating acetic acid in the presence of first metal, a silicaceous support, and at least one support modifier. Preferably, the first metal is selected from the group consisting of copper, iron, cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, platinum, titanium, zinc, chromium, rhenium, molybdenum, and tungsten. In addition the catalyst may comprise a second metal preferably selected from the group consisting of copper, molybdenum, tin, chromium, iron, cobalt, vanadium, tungsten, palladium, platinum, lanthanum, cerium, manganese, ruthenium, rhenium, gold, and nickel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: CELANESE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Victor J. Johnston, Laiyuan Chen, Barbara F. Kimmich, Josefina T. Chapman, James H. Zink, Heiko Weiner, John L. Potts, Radmila Wollrab
  • Patent number: 8501652
    Abstract: Catalysts and processes for forming catalysts for use in hydrogenating acetic acid to form ethanol. In one embodiment, the catalyst comprises a first metal, a silicaceous support, and at least one metasilicate support modifier. Preferably, the first metal is selected from the group consisting of copper, iron, cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, platinum, titanium, zinc, chromium, rhenium, molybdenum, and tungsten. In addition the catalyst may comprise a second metal preferably selected from the group consisting of copper, molybdenum, tin, chromium, iron, cobalt, vanadium, tungsten, palladium, platinum, lanthanum, cerium, manganese, ruthenium, rhenium, gold, and nickel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Victor J. Johnston, Laiyuan Chen, Barbara F. Kimmich, Josefina T. Chapman, James H. Zink, Heiko Weiner, John L. Potts, Radmila Jevtic
  • Patent number: 8471075
    Abstract: A process for selective formation of ethanol from acetic acid by hydrogenating acetic acid in the presence of first metal, a silicaceous support, and at least one support modifier. Preferably, the first metal is selected from the group consisting of copper, iron, cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, platinum, titanium, zinc, chromium, rhenium, molybdenum, and tungsten. In addition the catalyst may comprise a second metal preferably selected from the group consisting of copper, molybdenum, tin, chromium, iron, cobalt, vanadium, tungsten, palladium, platinum, lanthanum, cerium, manganese, ruthenium, rhenium, gold, and nickel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Victor J. Johnston, Laiyuan Chen, Barbara F. Kimmich, Josefina T. Chapman, James H. Zink, Heiko Weiner, John L. Potts, Radmila Jevtic
  • Patent number: 8309772
    Abstract: A process for selective formation of ethanol from acetic acid includes contacting a feed stream containing acetic acid and hydrogen at an elevated temperature with catalyst comprising platinum and tin on a high surface area silica promoted with calcium metasilicate. Selectivities to ethanol of over 85% are achieved at 280° C. with catalyst life in the hundreds of hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Heiko Weiner, Victor J. Johnston, John L. Potts, Radmila Jevtic
  • Patent number: 8080694
    Abstract: A process for selective formation of ethanol from acetic acid includes contacting a feed stream containing acetic acid and hydrogen at an elevated temperature with catalyst comprising platinum and tin on a high surface area silica promoted with calcium metasilicate. Selectivities to ethanol of over 85% are achieved at 280° C. with catalyst life in the hundreds of hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Heiko Weiner, Victor J. Johnston, John L. Potts, Radmila Jevtic
  • Publication number: 20110263891
    Abstract: A process for selective formation of ethanol from acetic acid includes contacting a feed stream containing acetic acid and hydrogen at an elevated temperature with catalyst comprising platinum and tin on a high surface area silica promoted with calcium metasilicate. Selectivities to ethanol of over 85% are achieved at 280° C. with catalyst life in the hundreds of hours.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: CELANESE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Heiko Weiner, Victor J. Johnston, John L. Potts, Radmila Jevtic
  • Publication number: 20110098501
    Abstract: A process for selective formation of ethanol and/or ethyl acetate from acetic acid by hydrogenating acetic acid in the presence of a Pt/Sn catalyst or a Re/Pd catalyst. The catalyst may further comprise a support modifier to improve selectivity for the desired product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: CELANESE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Victor J. Johnston, Laiyuan Chen, Barbara F. Kimmich, Josefina T. Chapman, James H. Zink, Heiko Weiner, John L. Potts, Radmila Jevtic
  • Publication number: 20100197959
    Abstract: A process for hydrogenating acetic acid to form of ethyl acetate and mixtures of ethyl acetate and ethanol. The hydrogenation is done in the presence of catalyst, preferably on a support that optionally includes a support modifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: CELANESE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Victor J. Johnston, Laiyuan Chen, Barbara F. Kimmich, Josefina T. Chapman, James H. Zink, Heiko Weiner, John L. Potts, Radmila Jevtic
  • Publication number: 20100197485
    Abstract: Catalysts and processes for forming catalysts for use in hydrogenating acetic acid to form ethanol. In one embodiment, the catalyst comprises a first metal, a silicaceous support, and at least one metasilicate support modifier. Preferably, the first metal is selected from the group consisting of copper, iron, cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, platinum, titanium, zinc, chromium, rhenium, molybdenum, and tungsten. In addition the catalyst may comprise a second metal preferably selected from the group consisting of copper, molybdenum, tin, chromium, iron, cobalt, vanadium, tungsten, palladium, platinum, lanthanum, cerium, manganese, ruthenium, rhenium, gold, and nickel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: CELANESE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Victor J. Johnston, Laiyuan Chen, Barbara F. Kimmich, Josefina T. Chapman, James H. Zink, Heiko Weiner, John L. Potts, Radmila Jevtic
  • Publication number: 20100197985
    Abstract: A process for selective formation of ethanol from acetic acid by hydrogenating acetic acid in the presence of first metal, a silicaceous support, and at least one support modifier. Preferably, the first metal is selected from the group consisting of copper, iron, cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, platinum, titanium, zinc, chromium, rhenium, molybdenum, and tungsten. In addition the catalyst may comprise a second metal preferably selected from the group consisting of copper, molybdenum, tin, chromium, iron, cobalt, vanadium, tungsten, palladium, platinum, lanthanum, cerium, manganese, ruthenium, rhenium, gold, and nickel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: CELANESE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Victor J. Johnston, Laiyuan Chen, Barbara F. Kimmich, Josefina T. Chapman, James H. Zink, Heiko Weiner, John L. Potts, Radmila Jevtic
  • Publication number: 20100197486
    Abstract: Catalysts and processes for making catalysts suitable for use in processes for hydrogenating acetic acid to form of ethyl acetate and mixtures of ethyl acetate and ethanol. In a first embodiment, the catalyst includes a high loading of nickel, palladium or platinum. In a second embodiment, the catalyst comprises a first metal selected from nickel and palladium and a second metal selected from tin and zinc. In a third embodiment, the catalyst comprises one or more metals on a support that has been modified with an acidic support modifier or a redox support modifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: CELANESE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Victor J. Johnston, Laiyuan Chen, Barbara F. Kimmich, Josefina T. Chapman, James H. Zink, Heiko Weiner, John L. Potts, Radmila Jevtic
  • Publication number: 20100121114
    Abstract: A process for selective formation of ethanol from acetic acid includes contacting a feed stream containing acetic acid and hydrogen at an elevated temperature with catalyst comprising platinum and tin on a high surface area silica promoted with calcium metasilicate. Selectivities to ethanol of over 85% are achieved at 280° C. with catalyst life in the hundreds of hours.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Heiko Weiner, Victor J. Johnston, John L. Potts, Radmila Jevtic