Patents by Inventor Karl T. Chuang
Karl T. Chuang 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: 9227899Abstract: Propylene glycol methyl ether is produced by feeding a solution of a basic catalyst in methanol to a catalytic distillation column containing a heterogeneous basic catalyst defining a heterogeneous reaction zone, and feeding propylene oxide to the column. The methanol reacts with the propylene oxide according to a dual homogeneous catalytic reaction and heterogeneous catalytic reaction to form propylene glycol methyl ether, which is removed from the column as a bottoms product. Alternatively, methanol can be reacted with propylene oxide in a pre-reactor, to form propylene glycol methyl ether, and, when the temperature in the pre-reactor reaches about 100° C., the reaction products are transferred to the catalytic distillation column for further reaction.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2013Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Shiny Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Karl T. Chuang, Christina Dirk-Faitakis
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Publication number: 20150057468Abstract: Propylene glycol methyl ether is produced by feeding a solution of a basic catalyst in methanol to a catalytic distillation column containing a heterogeneous basic catalyst defining a heterogeneous reaction zone, and feeding propylene oxide to the column. The methanol reacts with the propylene oxide according to a dual homogeneous catalytic reaction and heterogeneous catalytic reaction to form propylene glycol methyl ether, which is removed from the column as a bottoms product. Alternatively, methanol can be reacted with propylene oxide in a pre-reactor, to form propylene glycol methyl ether, and, when the temperature in the pre-reactor reaches about 100° C., the reaction products are transferred to the catalytic distillation column for further reaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2013Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventors: Karl T. Chuang, Christina Dirk-Faitakis
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Patent number: 8575399Abstract: A dual-bed catalytic distillation tower has a catalytic column having an upper catalytic bed filled with low temperature dehydration catalysts and a lower catalytic bed filled with high temperature dehydration catalysts. When using the dual-bed catalytic distillation tower, the feed may be fed to the tower at the top of the upper catalytic bed, between the upper and lower catalytic beds, or at the bottom of the lower catalytic bed for dehydration to obtain DME. The dual-bed catalytic distillation tower has the advantage of flexible set up depending on various feeds, such as anhydrous or crude methanol and on different grades of DME to be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: CPC Corporation, TaiwanInventors: Wei-Bin Su, Hsun-Yi Huang, Jyh-Haur Hwang, Tzong-Bin Lin, Cheng-Tsung Hong, Hung-Chung Shen, Karl T. Chuang
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Patent number: 8574786Abstract: Anode catalysts for conversion of hydrocarbon feeds in solid oxide fuel cell membrane reactors. An anode catalyst may be a mixture of a metal with a metal oxide, for example a mixture of copper or copper-nickel alloy or copper-cobalt alloy with Cr2O3. Mixed oxides can be prepared by dissolving into water soluble salts of the different metals, chelating the metal ions with a chelating agent, neutralizing the solution, removing water by evaporation to form a gel which then is dried, and finally heating the dried gel to form a mixed oxide of the different metals. The chelating agent can be citrate ions, and ammonia can be added to the solution until the pH of the solution is about 8. The mixed oxide so formed then is reduced, for example by hydrogen, to form a composite comprising the metal (Cu, Cu—Co, Cu—Ni) and metal oxide, here Cr2O3.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignees: The Governors of the University of Alberta, Nova Chemicals CorporationInventors: Jing-li Luo, Xian-zhu Fu, Nemanja Danilovic, Karl T. Chuang, Alan R. Sanger, Andrzej Krzywicki
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Publication number: 20130165676Abstract: A continuous epoxidation process for the production of high purity propylene oxide by the reaction of propylene with an oxidant that is a per-acid, such as peracetic acid (PAA), in a reactive distillation (RD) column. The RD column provides excellent heat integration and temperature control, and the process has the advantage of lower investment cost for capital equipment. The process operates at mild temperatures and pressures. A ferric acetylacetonate homogeneous catalyst and/or stabilizer may be included as part of the PAA feed to the process to increase PAA conversion and selectivity to propylene oxide. A pre-reactor can be incorporated upsteam of the RD column to increase the residence time at lower temperatures to enhance productivity.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2011Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: CPC Corporation, TaiwanInventors: Karl T. Chuang, Christina Dirk-Faitakis, Tzong-Bin Lin, Hung-Chung Shen
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Patent number: 8466302Abstract: A continuous epoxidation process for the production of high purity propylene oxide by the reaction of propylene with an oxidant that is a per-acid, such as peracetic acid (PAA), in a reactive distillation (RD) column. The RD column provides excellent heat integration and temperature control, and the process has the advantage of lower investment cost for capital equipment. The process operates at mild temperatures and pressures. A ferric acetylacetonate homogeneous catalyst and/or stabilizer may be included as part of the PAA feed to the process to increase PAA conversion and selectivity to propylene oxide. A pre-reactor can be incorporated upstream of the RD column to increase the residence time at lower temperatures to enhance productivity.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2011Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: CPC Corporation, TaiwanInventors: Karl T. Chuang, Christina Dirk-Faitakis, Tzong-Bin Lin, Hung-Chung Shen
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Patent number: 8449656Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for reduction of dissolved oxygen content in seawater from about 8 ppm in the feed seawater to about 10 ppb or less. Significant advantages are achieved by: use of a separator in horizontal alignment to provide high gas-liquid contacting area for separation and de-entrainment within the separator, thereby providing higher throughput; and heating seawater to at least 30° C. and up to 60° C., so as to enhance removal of oxygen from seawater; use of once-through fuel gas as stripping gas and its subsequent combustion for heating the seawater provides for high efficiency and reduction of fouling. The combination of these features allows the amount of residual oxygen in deoxygenated seawater to be reduced to below 10 ppb and as low as 2 ppb.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: AMT International Inc.Inventors: Kuang-Yeu Wu, Adam T. Lee, Lindsey Vuong, Edward K. Liu, Karl T. Chuang
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Publication number: 20120142973Abstract: A dual-bed catalytic distillation tower has a catalytic column from the top down having an upper catalytic bed filled with low temperature dehydration catalysts and a lower catalytic bed filled with high temperature dehydration catalysts. When using the dual-bed catalytic distillation tower, the feeding may be fed to the tower from the top of the upper catalytic bed, between the upper and lower catalytic beds or the bottom of the lower catalytic bed for dehydration to obtain DME. The dual-bed catalytic distillation tower has the advantage of flexible set up depending on various feedings such as anhydrous or crude methanol and on different grade of DME to be obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2010Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: CPC CorporationInventors: Wei-Bin Su, Hsun-Yi Huang, Jyh-Haur Hwang, Tzong-Bin Lin, Cheng-Tsung Hong, Hung-Chung Shen, Karl T. Chuang
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Publication number: 20120118154Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for reduction of dissolved oxygen content in seawater from about 8 ppm in the feed seawater to about 10 ppb or less. Significant advantages are achieved by: use of a separator in horizontal alignment to provide high gas-liquid contacting area for separation and de-entrainment within the separator, thereby providing higher throughput; and heating seawater to at least 30° C. and up to 60° C., so as to enhance removal of oxygen from seawater; use of once-through fuel gas as stripping gas and its subsequent combustion for heating the seawater provides for high efficiency and reduction of fouling. The combination of these features allows the amount of residual oxygen in deoxygenated seawater to be reduced to below 10 ppb and as low as 2 ppb.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Inventors: Kuang-Yeu Wu, Adam T. Lee, Lindsey Vuong, Edward K. Liu, Karl T. Chuang
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Publication number: 20110212384Abstract: Anode catalysts for conversion of hydrocarbon feeds in solid oxide fuel cell membrane reactors. An anode catalyst may be a mixture of a metal with a metal oxide, for example a mixture of copper or copper-nickel alloy or copper-cobalt alloy with Cr2O3. Mixed oxides can be prepared by dissolving into water soluble salts of the different metals, chelating the metal ions with a chelating agent, neutralizing the solution, removing water by evaporation to form a gel which then is dried, and finally heating the dried gel to form a mixed oxide of the different metals. The chelating agent can be citrate ions, and ammonia can be added to the solution until the pH of the solution is about 8. The mixed oxide so formed then is reduced, for example by hydrogen, to form a composite comprising the metal (Cu, Cu—Co, Cu—Ni) and metal oxide, here Cr2O3.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTAInventors: Jing-li Luo, Xian-zhu Fu, Nemanja Danilovic, Karl T. Chuang, Alan R. Sanger, Andrzej Krzywicki
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Publication number: 20110195342Abstract: An integral ceramic membrane for a fuel cell is provided, with a non-porous layer and porous layers both formed of proton conducting material. The proton-conducting material may be a compound or mixture of compounds of the formula X1-X2-O3-? where X1=Ba, Sr or mixtures thereof and X2=Ce, Zr, Y, Nd, Yb, Sm, La, Hf, Pr or mixtures thereof. The combined atomic ratio of Y, Nd, Yb, Sm and La to Ba and Sr may in an embodiment be between 0.1 and 0.3 inclusive.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2010Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTAInventors: Jing-li Luo, Xian-zhu Fu, Nemanja Danilovic, Karl T. Chuang, Alan R. Sanger
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Patent number: 7909966Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to catalytic distillation column internals providing improved liquid reaction mixture and catalyst contacting for simultaneous catalytic reaction and separation of the reaction mixture. The invention is an improved catalytic distillation apparatus providing optimum balance of catalytic reaction and mass transfer steps, wherein distribution, mixing and feeding of liquid reaction mixture to the reaction zone and distillation section are better controlled and more uniformly applied. At least one catalyst bed is situated in at least one receiving pan of a distillation tray so that the tray performs the functions of both of the reaction section and the distillation section of the catalytic distillation column simultaneously within a stage.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2005Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignees: AMT International, Inc., CPC Corporation, TaiwanInventors: Kuang-Yeu Wu, Pai-Yu Polly Chiang, Tzong-Bin Lin, Hung-Chung Shen, Karl T. Chuang
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Patent number: 7338587Abstract: An electrochemical process for the oxidation of an alkane to at least one corresponding alkene uses an electrochemical cell having an anode chamber on one side of a proton conducting medium, and a cathode chamber on the other side of the said medium. The alkane is oxidized in the anode chamber to produce at least one corresponding alkene and protons are transferred through a proton conducting membrane to the cathode chamber where protons combine with a proton acceptor, while generating electricity and water. An apparatus for use in the process is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: The Governors of the University of AlbertaInventors: Karl T. Chuang, Alan R. Sanger, Jingli Luo, Stefan V. Slavov
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Patent number: 7235702Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to the production of alcohols. A first aspect of the invention relates to a process for production of alcohols, and in particular to a process for the catalytic hydration of an olefin to the corresponding alcohol in substantially anhydrous form, under selected mild reaction conditions, and using a selected catalyst. A second aspect of the invention relates to a process for dehydration of an azeotropic mixture, including a first alcohol and water. A hydration reaction between the water in the azeotropic mixture and an added olefin, under selected mild conditions, and using a selected catalyst, produces a product including a second alcohol corresponding to the olefin, and the first alcohol, in substantially anhydrous form.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2004Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Governors of the University of AlbertaInventors: Karl T. Chuang, Yung F. Chen
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Patent number: 7211702Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to the production of alcohols. A first aspect of the invention relates to a process for production of alcohols, and in particular to a process for the catalytic hydration of an olefin to the corresponding alcohol in substantially anhydrous form, under selected mild reaction conditions, and using a selected catalyst. A second aspect of the invention relates to a process for dehydration of an azeotropic mixture, including a first alcohol and water. A hydration reaction between the water in the azeotropic mixture and an added olefin, under selected mild conditions, and using a selected catalyst, produces a product including a second alcohol corresponding to the olefin, and the first alcohol, in substantially anhydrous form.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: The Governors of the University of AlbertaInventors: Karl T. Chuang, Yung F. Chen
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Patent number: 7014941Abstract: The present invention relates to an anode catalyst for use in the electrochemical oxidation of H2S to elemental sulfur and water, specifically in a fuel cell having an ion-conducting membrane. The catalyst comprises a material prepared from two or more metal sulfides of the formula MSx, wherein M is selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, Fe, Mo, Cu, Cr, W and Mn, and x is between about 1.0 and about 2.5; a conductive material suitable for fuel cell operation; and a porous material. The invention further provides methods of preparing the catalyst, fuel cells comprising the catalyst and methods of electrochemically oxidizing H2S using the catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2002Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: The Governors of the University of AlbertaInventors: Karl T. Chuang, Jingli Luo, Guolin Wei, Alan R. Sanger
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Patent number: 6833483Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to the production of alcohols. A first aspect of the invention relates to a process for production of alcohols, and in particular to a process for the catalytic hydration of an olefin to the corresponding alcohol in substantially anhydrous form, under selected mild reaction conditions, and using a selected catalyst. A second aspect of the invention relates to a process for dehydration of an azeotropic mixture, including a first alcohol and water. A hydration reaction between the water in the azeotropic mixture and an added olefin, under selected mild conditions, and using a selected catalyst, produces a product including a second alcohol corresponding to the olefin, and the first alcohol, in substantially anhydrous form.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2001Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Assignee: The Governors of the University of AlbertaInventors: Karl T. Chuang, Yung F Chen
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Publication number: 20040171890Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to the production of alcohols. A first aspect of the invention relates to a process for production of alcohols, and in particular to a process for the catalytic hydration of an olefin to the corresponding alcohol in substantially anhydrous form, under selected mild reaction conditions, and using a selected catalyst. A second aspect of the invention relates to a process for dehydration of an azeotropic mixture, including a first alcohol and water. A hydration reaction between the water in the azeotropic mixture and an added olefin, under selected mild conditions, and using a selected catalyst, produces a product including a second alcohol corresponding to the olefin, and the first alcohol, in substantially anhydrous form.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2004Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: Karl T. Chuang, Yung F. Chen
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Publication number: 20040167365Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to the production of alcohols. A first aspect of the invention relates to a process for production of alcohols, and in particular to a process for the catalytic hydration of an olefin to the corresponding alcohol in substantially anhydrous form, under selected mild reaction conditions, and using a selected catalyst. A second aspect of the invention relates to a process for dehydration of an azeotropic mixture, including a first alcohol and water. A hydration reaction between the water in the azeotropic mixture and an added olefin, under selected mild conditions, and using a selected catalyst, produces a product including a second alcohol corresponding to the olefin, and the first alcohol, in substantially anhydrous form.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2003Publication date: August 26, 2004Applicant: The Governors of the University of AlbertaInventors: Karl T. Chuang, Yung F. Chen
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Publication number: 20040050713Abstract: An electrochemical process for the oxidation of an alkane to at least one corresponding alkene uses an electrochemical cell having an anode chamber on one side of a proton conducting medium, and a cathode chamber on the other side of the said medium. The alkane is oxidized in the anode chamber to produce at least one corresponding alkene and protons are transferred through a proton conducting membrane to the cathode chamber where protons combine with a proton acceptor, while generating electricity and water. An apparatus for use in the process is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2003Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventors: Karl T. Chuang, Alan R. Sanger, Jingli Luo, Stefan V. Slavov