Patents by Inventor Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala
Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala 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: 12017180Abstract: Methods and systems for recovering sulfur dioxide from a Claus unit process emissions stream are provided. The method comprises the steps of generating a process emissions stream from a thermal oxidizer or other combustion device, introducing the emissions stream to an SO2 removal system, introducing the SO2 rich stream from the SO2 removal system to a CO2 removal system, and introducing an enriched SO2 stream back to the Claus unit. The SO2 removal system can include one or more SO2 selective membranes. The CO2 removal system can include one or more CO2 selective membranes.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2021Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.Inventors: Milind Vaidya, Sebastien Duval, Feras Hamad, Richard Baker, Tim Merkel, Kaaeid Lokhandwala, Ahmad Bahamdan, Faisal Al-Otaibi
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Patent number: 11851625Abstract: Methods are provided for reducing the quantity of acid gas reinjected into a reservoir by partial CO2 removal processes. The methods include acid gas removal, acid gas enrichment, generation of a CO2 rich stream and an H2S rich stream, and reinjection of the H2S rich stream into the reservoir. The acid gas enrichment can be performed by a solvent-based acid gas enrichment unit, a membrane-based acid gas enrichment unit, or a combination of a solvent-based acid gas enrichment unit a and membrane-based acid gas enrichment unit. The system includes an acid gas removal unit, one or more acid gas enrichment units, and an acid gas reinjection compressor. The acid gas enrichment unit can be a solvent-based acid gas enrichment unit, a membrane-based acid gas enrichment unit, or a solvent-based acid gas enrichment unit and a membrane-based acid gas enrichment unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2021Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Inventors: Milind Vaidya, Sebastien Duval, Feras Hamad, Ghulam Shabbir, Nasser Al-Aslai, Ahmad Bahamdan, Richard Baker, Tim Merkel, Kaaeid Lokhandwala
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Publication number: 20230001349Abstract: Methods and systems for recovering sulfur dioxide from a Claus unit process emissions stream are provided. The method comprises the steps of generating a process emissions stream from a thermal oxidizer or other combustion device, introducing the emissions stream to an SO2 removal system, introducing the SO2 rich stream from the SO2 removal system to a CO2 removal system, and introducing an enriched SO2 stream back to the Claus unit. The SO2 removal system can include one or more SO2 selective membranes. The CO2 removal system can include one or more CO2 selective membranes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2021Publication date: January 5, 2023Applicants: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Membrane Technology and Research, IncInventors: Milind Vaidya, Sebastien Duval, Feras Hamad, Richard Baker, Tim Merkel, Kaaeid Lokhandwala, Ahmad Bahamdan, Faisal Al-Otaibi
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Publication number: 20220380693Abstract: Methods are provided for reducing the quantity of acid gas reinjected into a reservoir by partial CO2 removal processes. The methods include acid gas removal, acid gas enrichment, generation of a CO2 rich stream and an H2S rich stream, and reinjection of the H2S rich stream into the reservoir. The acid gas enrichment can be performed by a solvent-based acid gas enrichment unit, a membrane-based acid gas enrichment unit, or a combination of a solvent-based acid gas enrichment unit a and membrane-based acid gas enrichment unit. The system includes an acid gas removal unit, one or more acid gas enrichment units, and an acid gas reinjection compressor. The acid gas enrichment unit can be a solvent-based acid gas enrichment unit, a membrane-based acid gas enrichment unit, or a solvent-based acid gas enrichment unit and a membrane-based acid gas enrichment unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2021Publication date: December 1, 2022Applicants: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Membrane Technology and Research, IncInventors: Milind Vaidya, Sebastien Duval, Feras Hamad, Ghulam Shabbir, Nasser Al-Aslai, Ahmad Bahamdan, Richard Baker, Tim Merkel, Kaaeid Lokhandwala
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Patent number: 11420155Abstract: A process for sweetening a syngas stream, the process comprising the steps of: providing a syngas stream to a nonselective amine absorption unit, the sour syngas stream comprising syngas, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide; separating the syngas stream in the nonselective amine absorption unit to obtain an overhead syngas stream and an acid gas stream; introducing the acid gas stream to a membrane separation unit, the acid gas stream comprising hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide; separating the acid gas stream in the membrane separation unit to produce a retentate stream and a permeate stream, wherein the retentate stream comprises hydrogen sulfide, wherein the permeate stream comprises carbon dioxide; introducing the retentate stream to a sulfur recovery unit; processing the retentate stream in the sulfur recovery unit to produce a sulfur stream and a tail gas stream, wherein the sulfur stream comprises liquid sulfur.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2020Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignees: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY and, MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCHInventors: Milind M. Vaidya, Sebastien A. Duval, Feras Hamad, Richard Baker, Tim Merkel, Kaaeid Lokhandwala, Ivy Huang, Ahmad A. Bahamdan, Faisal D. Al-Otaibi
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Patent number: 11420153Abstract: A process for recovering sulfur from a sour gas is provided. The process includes the steps of: providing the sour gas to a membrane separation unit having a carbon dioxide-selective membrane that comprises a perfluoropolymer, wherein the sour gas comprises carbon dioxide and at least 1 mol % hydrogen sulfide; separating the sour gas using the carbon dioxide-selective membrane in the membrane separation stage to obtain hydrogen sulfide-enriched gas and hydrogen sulfide-stripped gas, wherein the hydrogen sulfide-enriched gas has a hydrogen sulfide concentration of at least 20 mol %, and wherein the hydrogen sulfide-stripped gas comprises carbon dioxide; and processing the hydrogen sulfide-enriched gas in a sulfur recovery unit to obtain sulfur.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2020Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignees: MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH, INC.Inventors: Milind M. Vaidya, Sebastien A. Duval, Feras Hamad, Richard Baker, Tim Merkel, Kaaeid Lokhandwala, Ahmad A. Bahamdan, Faisal D. Al-Otaibi
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Patent number: 11325065Abstract: A process for recovering sulfur and carbon dioxide from a sour gas stream, the process comprising the steps of: providing a sour gas stream to a membrane separation unit, the sour gas stream comprising hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide; separating the hydrogen sulfide from the carbon dioxide in the membrane separation unit to obtain a retentate stream and a first permeate stream, wherein the retentate stream comprises hydrogen sulfide, wherein the permeate stream comprises carbon dioxide; introducing the retentate stream to a sulfur recovery unit; processing the retentate stream in the sulfur recovery unit to produce a sulfur stream and a tail gas stream, wherein the sulfur stream comprises liquid sulfur; introducing the permeate stream to an amine absorption unit; and processing the permeate stream in the amine absorption unit to produce an enriched carbon dioxide stream.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2020Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignees: MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH, INC.Inventors: Milind M. Vaidya, Sebastien A. Duval, Feras Hamad, Richard Baker, Tim Merkel, Kaaeid Lokhandwala, Ahmad A. Bahamdan, Faisal D. Al-Otaibi
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Patent number: 10738254Abstract: A process and system for recovering natural gas liquids (NGL) using a combination of J-T cooling and membrane separation. The process involves compressing, separating, and cooling a flare gas stream comprising at least methane and C3+ hydrocarbons prior to being introduced to a J-T valve. The cooled stream exiting the J-T valve is further separated, producing a NGL product stream and an uncondensed gas stream. The uncondensed gas stream is directed to a membrane separation step, which results in a C3+ hydrocarbon enriched stream and a C3+ hydrocarbon depleted stream. The C3+ hydrocarbon enriched stream may be recycled back to the process to recover more NGL.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.Inventors: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Sachin Joshi
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Publication number: 20180346833Abstract: A process and system for recovering natural gas liquids (NGL) using a combination of J-T cooling and membrane separation. The process involves compressing, separating, and cooling a flare gas stream comprising at least methane and C3+ hydrocarbons prior to being introduced to a J-T valve. The cooled stream exiting the J-T valve is further separated, producing a NGL product stream and an uncondensed gas stream. The uncondensed gas stream is directed to a membrane separation step, which results in a C3+ hydrocarbon enriched stream and a C3+ hydrocarbon depleted stream. The C3+ hydrocarbon enriched stream may be recycled back to the process to recover more NGL.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2018Publication date: December 6, 2018Applicant: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.Inventors: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Sachin Joshi
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Patent number: 10059895Abstract: A process and system for recovering natural gas liquids (NGL) using a combination of J-T cooling and membrane separation. The process involves compressing, separating, and cooling a flare gas stream comprising at least methane and C3+ hydrocarbons prior to being introduced to a J-T valve. The cooled stream exiting the J-T valve is further separated, producing a NGL product stream and an uncondensed gas stream. The uncondensed gas stream is directed to a membrane separation step, which results in a C3+ hydrocarbon enriched stream and a C3+ hydrocarbon depleted stream. The C3+ hydrocarbon enriched stream may be recycled back to the process to recover more NGL.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2016Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.Inventors: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Sachin Joshi
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Publication number: 20160326446Abstract: A process and system for recovering natural gas liquids (NGL) using a combination of J-T cooling and membrane separation. The process involves compressing, separating, and cooling a flare gas stream comprising at least methane and C3+ hydrocarbons prior to being introduced to a J-T valve. The cooled stream exiting the J-T valve is further separated, producing a NGL product stream and an uncondensed gas stream. The uncondensed gas stream is directed to a membrane separation step, which results in a C3+ hydrocarbon enriched stream and a C3+ hydrocarbon depleted stream. The C3+ hydrocarbon enriched stream may be recycled back to the process to recover more NGL.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2016Publication date: November 10, 2016Applicant: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.Inventors: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Sachin Joshi
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Patent number: 9302227Abstract: A membrane separation assembly that includes an integrated filter element and at least one membrane module housed within a first vessel and a second vessel containing at least one membrane module, which is stacked or aligned adjacent to the first vessel. The first vessel is configured to allow liquids to be trapped and removed from the assembly, and gases to flow to and through the membrane modules of the first vessel and the membrane modules of the second vessel, which are ultimately withdrawn from the assembly. The assembly is useful in the conditioning of fuel gas to separate methane from C2+ hydrocarbons.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.Inventor: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala
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Patent number: 9221730Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for conditioning natural gas containing C3+ hydrocarbons, so that it can be used as combustion fuel to run gas-powered equipment, including gas engines and turbine-driven compressors, in the gas field or the gas processing plant. The claimed process use glassy polymeric membranes that are preferentially permeable to methane over C2+ hydrocarbons to produce a partially purified methane stream. The process operates at a stage cut of at least about 5%.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2013Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.Inventors: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Maliha Williamson, Sachin Joshi
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Publication number: 20150059577Abstract: A membrane separation assembly that includes an integrated filter element and at least one membrane module housed within a first vessel and a second vessel containing at least one membrane module, which is stacked or aligned adjacent to the first vessel. The first vessel is configured to allow liquids to be trapped and removed from the assembly, and gases to flow to and through the membrane modules of the first vessel and the membrane modules of the second vessel, which are ultimately withdrawn from the assembly. The assembly is useful in the conditioning of fuel gas to separate methane from C2+ hydrocarbons.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH, INC.Inventor: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala
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Patent number: 8906143Abstract: Disclosed herein is a membrane separation apparatus that includes an integrated filter element and a membrane element housed within a single vessel. The vessel is configured to allow liquids to be trapped and removed from the vessel, and gases to flow to and through the membrane element. The apparatus is useful in the conditioning of fuel gas to separate methane from C2+ hydrocarbons.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.Inventor: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala
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Publication number: 20140107388Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for conditioning natural gas containing C3+ hydrocarbons, so that it can be used as combustion fuel to run gas-powered equipment, including gas engines and turbine-driven compressors, in the gas field or the gas processing plant. The claimed process use glassy polymeric membranes that are preferentially permeable to methane over C2+ hydrocarbons to produce a partially purified methane stream. The process operates at a stage cut of at least about 5%.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH, INC.Inventors: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Maliha Williamson, Sachin Joshi
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Publication number: 20130055897Abstract: Disclosed herein is a membrane separation apparatus that includes an integrated filter element. The apparatus is useful in the conditioning of fuel gas to separate methane from C2+ hydrocarbons.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2011Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH, INCInventor: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala
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Publication number: 20130014643Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for conditioning natural gas containing C3+ hydrocarbons, so that it can be used as combustion fuel to run gas-powered equipment, including gas engines and turbine-driven compressors, in the gas field or the gas processing plant. The claimed process uses glassy polymeric membranes that are preferentially permeable to methane over C2+ hydrocarbons to produce a partially purified methane stream. Conditioned fuel gas has lower heating value, higher methane number, and will result in greatly reduced emissions from the engines.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH, INC.Inventors: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Maliha WIlliamson, Sachin Joshi
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Patent number: 7758670Abstract: A gas-separation membrane assembly, and a gas-separation process using the assembly. The assembly incorporates multiple gas-separation membranes in an array within a single vessel or housing, and is equipped with two permeate ports, enabling permeate gas to be withdrawn from both ends of the membrane module permeate pipes.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2006Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, IncInventors: Nicholas P. Wynn, Donald A. Fulton, Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Jurgen Kaschemekat
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Patent number: 7604681Abstract: A process for removing carbon dioxide or nitrogen from gas, especially natural gas. The process uses three membrane separation stages without compression between the second and third stages.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2006Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignees: Lummus Technology, Inc., Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.Inventors: Michael G. Malsam, Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala