Patents by Inventor Joseph Kocal

Joseph 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: 8222464
    Abstract: A catalytic process for generating at least one polyol from a feedstock comprising cellulose is performed in a continuous manner. The process involves, contacting, continuously, hydrogen, water, and a feedstock comprising cellulose, with a catalyst to generate an effluent stream comprising at least one polyol, water, hydrogen, and at least one co-product. The water, hydrogen, and at least one co-product are separated from the effluent stream and recycled to the reaction zone. The polyol is recovered from the effluent stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Tom N. Kalnes, John Q. Chen, Joseph A. Kocal
  • Patent number: 8222462
    Abstract: A process for generating at least one polyol from a feedstock comprising saccharide is performed in a continuous or batch manner. The process involves, contacting, hydrogen, water, and a feedstock comprising saccharide, with a catalyst system to generate an effluent stream comprising at least one polyol and recovering the polyol from the effluent stream. The catalyst system comprises at least one unsupported component and at least one supported component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Tom N. Kalnes, Joseph A. Kocal, John Q. Chen
  • Publication number: 20120018678
    Abstract: A solid material is presented for the partial oxidation of natural gas. The solid material includes a solid oxygen carrying agent and a hydrocarbon activation agent. The material precludes the need for gaseous oxygen for the partial oxidation and provides better control over the reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Deng-Yang Jan, Joel T. Walenga, Kurt M. Vanden Bussche, Joseph A. Kocal, Lisa M. King
  • Publication number: 20120004449
    Abstract: A process and a mixture for oxidizing an alkyl-aromatic compound comprises forming a mixture comprising the alkyl-aromatic compound, a solvent, a bromine source, and a catalyst; and contacting the mixture with an oxidizing agent at oxidizing conditions to produce an oxidation product comprising at least one of an aromatic aldehyde, an aromatic alcohol, an aromatic ketone, and an aromatic carboxylic acid. The solvent comprises a carboxylic acid having from 1 to 7 carbon atoms and an ionic liquid selected from the group consisting of an imidazolium ionic liquid, a pyridinium ionic liquid, a phosphonium ionic liquid, a tetra alkyl ammonium ionic liquid, and combinations thereof. The catalyst comprises at least one of cobalt, titanium, manganese, chromium, copper, nickel, vanadium, iron, molybdenum, tin, cerium, and zirconium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicants: Boreskov Institute of Catalysis, UOP LLC
    Inventors: Alakananda Bhattacharyya, Joseph A. Kocal, Joel T. Walenga, Nikolay Y. Adonin, Nina L. Kuznetsova, Bair S. Bal'zhinimaev
  • Publication number: 20120004450
    Abstract: A solid terephthalic acid composition and a process for producing terephthalic acid from para-xylene. The process comprises forming a mixture comprising the para-xylene, a solvent, a bromine source, and a catalyst; and oxidizing the para-xylene by contacting the mixture with an oxidizing agent at oxidizing conditions to produce a solid oxidation product comprising terephthalic acid, para-toluic acid, 4-carboxybenzaldehyde. The solvent comprises a carboxylic acid having from 1 to 7 carbon atoms and an dialkyl imidazolium ionic liquid; and the catalyst comprises at least one of cobalt, titanium, manganese, chromium, copper, nickel, vanadium, iron, molybdenum, tin, cerium, and zirconium. The solid terephthalic acid composition comprises, less than about 4,000 ppm-wt 4-carboxybenzaldehyde content, and more than about 2,000 ppm-wt a para-toluic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicants: Boreskov Institute of Catalysis, UOP LLC
    Inventors: Alakananda Bhattacharyya, Joseph A. Kocal, Joel T. Walenga, Nikolay Y. Adonin, Nina I. Kuznetsova, Bair S. Bal'zhinimaev
  • Publication number: 20120004454
    Abstract: A process and a mixture for oxidizing an alkyl-aromatic compound comprises forming a mixture comprising the alkyl-aromatic compound, a solvent, a bromine source, and a catalyst; and contacting the mixture with an oxidizing agent at oxidizing conditions to produce an oxidation product comprising at least one of an aromatic aldehyde, an aromatic alcohol, an aromatic ketone, and an aromatic carboxylic acid. The solvent comprises a carboxylic acid having from 1 to 7 carbon atoms and an ionic liquid selected from the group consisting of an imidazolium ionic liquid, a pyridinium ionic liquid, a phosphonium ionic liquid, a tetra alkyl ammonium ionic liquid, and combinations thereof. The catalyst comprises at least one of cobalt, titanium, manganese, chromium, copper, nickel, vanadium, iron, molybdenum, tin, cerium, and zirconium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicants: Boreskov Institute of Catalysis, UOP LLC
    Inventors: Alakananda Bhattacharyya, Joseph A. Kocal, Joel T. Walenga, Nikolay Y. Adonin, Nina I. Kuznetsova, Bair S. Bal'zhinimaev
  • Publication number: 20120004455
    Abstract: A solid terephthalic acid composition and a process for producing terephthalic acid from para-xylene. The process comprises forming a mixture comprising the para-xylene, a solvent, a bromine source, and a catalyst; and oxidizing the para-xylene by contacting the mixture with an oxidizing agent at oxidizing conditions to produce a solid oxidation product comprising terephthalic acid, para-toluic acid, 4-carboxybenzaldehyde. The solvent comprises a carboxylic acid having from 1 to 7 carbon atoms and an dialkyl imidazolium ionic liquid; and the catalyst comprises at least one of cobalt, titanium, manganese, chromium, copper, nickel, vanadium, iron, molybdenum, tin, cerium, and zirconium. The solid terephthalic acid composition comprises, less than about 4,000 ppm-wt 4-carboxybenzaldehyde content, and more than about 2,000 ppm-wt a para-toluic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicants: Boreskov Institute of Catalysis, UOP LLC
    Inventors: Alakananda Bhattacharyya, Joseph A. Kocal, Joel T. Walenga, Nikolay Y. Adonin, Nina I. Kuznetsova, Bair S. Bal'zhinimaev
  • Publication number: 20110313208
    Abstract: A process for generating at least one polyol from a feedstock comprising saccharide is performed in a continuous or batch manner. The process involves, contacting, hydrogen, water, and a feedstock comprising saccharide, with a catalyst system to generate an effluent stream comprising at least one polyol and recovering the polyol from the effluent stream. The catalyst system comprises at least one unsupported component and at least one supported component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Tom N. Kalnes, Joseph A. Kocal, John Q. Chen
  • Publication number: 20110312488
    Abstract: A catalyst system for generating at least one polyol from a feedstock comprising saccharide is disclosed. Generating the polyol involves, contacting hydrogen, water, and a feedstock comprising saccharide, with a catalyst system to generate an effluent stream comprising at least one polyol and recovering the polyol from the effluent stream. The catalyst system comprises at least one metal component with an oxidation state greater than or equal to 2+.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: John Q. Chen, Tom N. Kalnes, Joseph A. Kocal
  • Publication number: 20110312051
    Abstract: A process for generating at least one polyol from a feedstock comprising saccharide is performed in a continuous or batch manner. The process involves, contacting hydrogen, water, and a feedstock comprising saccharide, with a catalyst system to generate an effluent stream comprising at least one polyol and recovering the polyol from the effluent stream. The catalyst system comprises at least one metal component with an oxidation state greater than or equal to 2+.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Tom A. Kalnes, Joseph A. Kocal, John Q. Chen
  • Publication number: 20110313209
    Abstract: A catalytic process for generating at least one polyol from a feedstock comprising cellulose is performed in a continuous manner. The process involves, contacting, continuously, hydrogen, water, and a feedstock comprising cellulose, with a catalyst to generate an effluent stream comprising at least one polyol, water, hydrogen, and at least one co-product. The water, hydrogen, and at least one co-product are separated from the effluent stream and recycled to the reaction zone. The polyol is recovered from the effluent stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Tom N. Kalnes, John Q. Chen, Joseph A. Kocal
  • Publication number: 20110312487
    Abstract: A catalyst system for generating at least one polyol from a feedstock comprising saccharide is performed in a continuous or batch manner. Generating the polyol involves, contacting, hydrogen, water, and a feedstock comprising saccharide, with a catalyst system to generate an effluent stream comprising at least one polyol and recovering the polyol from the effluent stream. The catalyst system comprises at least one unsupported component and at least one supported component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: John Q. Chen, Tom N. Kalnes, Joseph A. Kocal
  • Publication number: 20110313212
    Abstract: A catalytic process for generating at least one polyol from a feedstock comprising cellulose is performed in a continuous manner. The process involves, contacting, continuously, hydrogen, water, and a feedstock comprising cellulose, with a catalyst to generate an effluent stream comprising at least one polyol, water, hydrogen, and at least one co-product. The water, hydrogen, and at least one co-product are separated from the effluent stream and recycled to the reaction zone. The polyol is recovered from the effluent stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Tom N. Kalnes, John Q. Chen, Joseph A. Kocal, Tao Zhang, Aiqin Wang, Mingyuan Zheng, Changzhi Li, Jifeng Pang
  • Publication number: 20110313210
    Abstract: A catalytic process for generating at least one polyol from a feedstock comprising cellulose is performed in a continuous manner. The process involves, contacting, continuously, hydrogen, water, and a feedstock comprising cellulose, with a catalyst to generate an effluent stream comprising at least one polyol, water, hydrogen, and at least one co-product. The water, hydrogen, and at least one co-product are separated from the effluent stream and recycled to the reaction zone. The polyol is recovered from the effluent stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Tom N. Kalnes, John Q. Chen, Joseph A. Kocal
  • Publication number: 20110312050
    Abstract: A catalytic process for generating at least one polyol from a feedstock comprising cellulose is performed in a continuous manner using a catalyst comprising nickel tungsten carbide. The process involves, contacting, continuously, hydrogen, water, and a feedstock comprising cellulose, with the catalyst to generate an effluent stream comprising at least one polyol and recovering the polyol from the effluent stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Tao Zhang, Aiqin Wang, Mingyuan Zheng, Changzhi Li, Jifeng Pang, Tom N. Kalnes, John Q. Chen, Joseph A. Kocal
  • Patent number: 8058492
    Abstract: A process for controlling the concurrent production of both diesel range hydrocarbons and aviation range hydrocarbons from renewable feedstocks such as plant oils and animal oils. The process involves determining the required specification of the desired products and the desired relative yields of the product that still meet the required specifications. The necessary isomerization and selective hydrocracking zone conditions are determined in order to create a mixture of paraffins which meet the required product specifications and yields. The necessary fractionation zone conditions are determined to separate the desired products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Amarendra Anumakonda, Michael J. McCall, Timothy A. Brandvold, Joseph A. Kocal
  • Patent number: 8039682
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon product stream having hydrocarbons with boiling points in the aviation fuel range is produced from renewable feedstocks such as plant and animal oils. The process involves treating a renewable feedstock by hydrogenating, deoxygenating, isomerization, and selectively hydrocracking the feedstock to produce paraffinic hydrocarbons having from about 9 to about 16 carbon atoms and a high iso/normal ratio in a single reaction zone containing a multifunctional catalyst, or set of catalysts, having hydrogenation, deoxygenation, isomerization and selective hydrocracking functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. McCall, Joseph A. Kocal, Alakananda Bhattacharyya, Tom N. Kalnes, Timothy A. Brandvold
  • Publication number: 20110232166
    Abstract: Methods are provided for producing low oxygen biomass-derived pyrolysis oil from carbonaceous biomass feedstock. In an embodiment, hydrogen gas is produced in the presence of a low temperature reforming catalyst from hemicellulose extracted from the carbonaceous biomass feedstock. The carbonaceous biomass feedstock, both whole and hemicellulose-depleted, is pyrolyzed in the presence of a pyrolysis upgrading catalyst to produce char and pyrolysis gases comprising oxygenated hydrocarbons and steam. A portion of the oxygenated hydrocarbons are converted into hydrocarbons. A residual portion of the oxygenated hydrocarbons of the pyrolysis gases is deoxygenated with the hydrogen and optionally, additional hydrogen gas. A condensable portion of the pyrolysis gases is condensed into low oxygen biomass-derived pyrolysis oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Joseph A. Kocal
  • Publication number: 20110201855
    Abstract: Low oxygen biomass-derived pyrolysis oils and methods for producing them from carbonaceous biomass feedstock are provided. The carbonaceous biomass feedstock is pyrolyzed in the presence of a catalyst comprising base metal-based catalysts, noble metal-based catalysts, treated zeolitic catalysts, or combinations thereof to produce pyrolysis gases. During pyrolysis, the catalyst catalyzes a deoxygenation reaction whereby at least a portion of the oxygenated hydrocarbons in the pyrolysis gases are converted into hydrocarbons. The oxygen is removed as carbon oxides and water. A condensable portion (the vapors) of the pyrolysis gases is condensed to low oxygen biomass-derived pyrolysis oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Richard Marinangeli, Timothy A. Brandvold, Joseph A. Kocal
  • Publication number: 20110201854
    Abstract: Methods are provided for producing low oxygen biomass-derived pyrolysis oil from carbonaceous biomass feedstock. The carbonaceous biomass feedstock is pyrolyzed in the presence of a steam reforming catalyst to produce char and pyrolysis gases. During pyrolysis, a portion of the oxygenated hydrocarbons in the pyrolysis gases is converted into hydrocarbons by steam reforming also yielding carbon oxides and hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas at least partially deoxygenates a residual portion of the oxygenated hydrocarbons. Additional hydrogen gas may also be produced by water-gas shift reactions to deoxygenate the residual portion of the oxygenated hydrocarbons in the pyrolysis gases. Deoxygenation may occur in the presence of a hydroprocessing catalyst. A condensable portion of the pyrolysis gases is condensed to form low oxygen biomass-derived pyrolysis oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Joseph A. Kocal, Richard Marinangeli, Francis Stephen Lupton, Lisa King