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).

  • Patent number: 12017180
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignees: 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
  • Patent number: 11851625
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Inventors: Milind Vaidya, Sebastien Duval, Feras Hamad, Ghulam Shabbir, Nasser Al-Aslai, Ahmad Bahamdan, Richard Baker, Tim Merkel, Kaaeid Lokhandwala
  • Publication number: 20230001349
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Applicants: 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
  • Publication number: 20220380693
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Applicants: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Membrane Technology and Research, Inc
    Inventors: Milind Vaidya, Sebastien Duval, Feras Hamad, Ghulam Shabbir, Nasser Al-Aslai, Ahmad Bahamdan, Richard Baker, Tim Merkel, Kaaeid Lokhandwala
  • Patent number: 11420155
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignees: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY and, MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH
    Inventors: Milind M. Vaidya, Sebastien A. Duval, Feras Hamad, Richard Baker, Tim Merkel, Kaaeid Lokhandwala, Ivy Huang, Ahmad A. Bahamdan, Faisal D. Al-Otaibi
  • Patent number: 11420153
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignees: 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
  • Patent number: 11325065
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignees: 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
  • Patent number: 10738254
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Sachin Joshi
  • Publication number: 20180346833
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Sachin Joshi
  • Patent number: 10059895
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Sachin Joshi
  • Publication number: 20160326446
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Applicant: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Sachin Joshi
  • Patent number: 9302227
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala
  • Patent number: 9221730
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Maliha Williamson, Sachin Joshi
  • Publication number: 20150059577
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH, INC.
    Inventor: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala
  • Patent number: 8906143
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala
  • Publication number: 20140107388
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH, INC.
    Inventors: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Maliha Williamson, Sachin Joshi
  • Publication number: 20130055897
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH, INC
    Inventor: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala
  • Publication number: 20130014643
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH, INC.
    Inventors: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Maliha WIlliamson, Sachin Joshi
  • Patent number: 7758670
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc
    Inventors: Nicholas P. Wynn, Donald A. Fulton, Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Jurgen Kaschemekat
  • Patent number: 7604681
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignees: Lummus Technology, Inc., Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Malsam, Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala