Patents by Inventor Joseph A. Kocal

Joseph A. Kocal 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: 4783566
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon conversion process is disclosed which extends the useful life of a regenerable zeolite-containing hydrocarbon conversion catalyst. In one aspect of this process, a hydrocarbon feed containing fluorides is passed through a fluoride removal system which reduces the fluoride concentration of the feed to below 100 ppb. The hydrocarbon feed containing less than 100 ppb fluorine is then converted over a regenerable zeolite-containing hydrocarbon conversion catalyst. The zeolite-containing hydrocarbon conversion catalyst is regenerated with an oxygen-containing gas stream as necessary to burn off carbonaceous deposits on the catalyst so as to return the zeolite catalyst to a high level of activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: UOP Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Kocal, David C. Martindale, Paul J. Kuchar
  • Patent number: 4746763
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing aromatic compounds from C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 aliphatic hydrocarbons. In this process, a feedstock containing C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 aliphatic hydrocarbons is passed into a reaction zone and into contact with a catalyst zone containing two discrete catalysts. The first catalyst of the discrete catalyst system is comprised in part of a ZSM-5 zeolite component while the second catalyst of the discrete catalyst system is comprised in part of a catalytically active component that is not ZSM-5 which exhibits an acidity lower than that of the first discrete catalyst. A metallic component selected from the Group IIB to IVB Elements of the Periodic Table may be a component of one or both of the discrete catalysts of the instant process as can be a phosphorus-containing alumina component. The discrete catalytic system of the present invention is particularly suited for selectively producing aromatic compounds from C.sub.2 -C.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: UOP Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Kocal
  • Patent number: 4724271
    Abstract: A process for catalytic dehydrocyclodimerization and regeneration of the catalyst. C.sub.2 to C.sub.5 aliphatic hydrocarbons are reacted to produce aromatics, using a water-sensitive catalyst of a composition especially adapted to minimize deposition of coke on the catalyst. The catalyst is comprised of alumina which contains phosphorus, gallium, and a crystalline aluminosilicate having a silica to alumina ratio of at least 12. The use of this catalyst has resulted in a five-fold reduction in the rate of coke deposition, compared to a conventional dehydrocyclodimerization catalyst. However, the activity of this catalyst is significantly reduced by exposure to water at the temperatures normally used in removing the coke, which is accomplished by burning the coke in a combustion zone in the presence of oxygen, producing carbon dioxide and water. At least a portion of the gas leaving the combustion zone catalyst bed is combined with air and recycled back to the combustion zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: UOP Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Martindale, Joseph A. Kocal, Tai-Hsiang Chao
  • Patent number: 4677245
    Abstract: A novel hydrocarbon alkylation process is disclosed wherein the feed hydrocarbons are dried to maintain the water content of the alkylation catalyst at less than 2.0 wt. %, where said alkylation catalyst is comprised of a mineral acid and an ether component selected from the group consisting of tert-butyl ether, methylphenyl ether, tert amylmethyl ether (TAME), or methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). This process also incorporates a method of regenerating at least a portion of the alkylation catalyst to prevent build-up of more than 15 wt. % of polymer products therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: UOP Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Kocal, Tamotsu Imai
  • Patent number: 4665271
    Abstract: A novel hydrocarbon alkylation catalyst is disclosed comprising a mineral acid and an ether component. A process for utilizing the novel catalyst is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: UOP Inc.
    Inventors: Tamotsu Imai, Joseph A. Kocal
  • Patent number: 4636488
    Abstract: A novel hydrocarbon alkylation catalyst is disclosed comprising a mineral acid and an ether component. A process for utilizing the novel catalyst is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: UOP Inc.
    Inventors: Tamotsu Imai, Joseph A. Kocal
  • Patent number: 4634801
    Abstract: A novel hydrocarbon alkylation catalyst is disclosed comprising a mineral acid and an ether component. A process for utilizing the novel catalyst is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Assignee: UOP Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Kocal, Tamotsu Imai
  • Patent number: 4465874
    Abstract: Olefins containing from 2 to about 6 carbon atoms may be directly hydrated by treatment with water in the presence of a catalyst comprising an alpha-zirconium phosphate. The use of this catalyst which possesses desirable thermal stability characteristics will enable the reaction to be effected at higher operating conditions than is possible when utilizing other catalysts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1984
    Assignee: UOP Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Kocal