Patents by Inventor Keith Couch

Keith Couch 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: 7935314
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing regenerated and carbonized catalyst involves obstructing upward flow of catalyst by one or more baffles between a catalyst inlet and a feed distributor. Each catalyst stream may be passed to opposite sides of a riser. Baffles obstruct upward flow to effect mixing of regenerated and carbonized catalyst to obtain a more uniform temperature and catalyst mixture before contacting the feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Keith A. Couch, Kelly D. Seibert, Robert L. Mehlberg, Daniel R. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110056871
    Abstract: A process for distributing a deflecting media into an axial center of a riser to push catalyst outwardly toward the feed injectors ensures better contacting between hydrocarbon feed and catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Keith A. Couch, Paolo Palmas, Jason P. Lambin, Giovanni Spinelli
  • Publication number: 20110058989
    Abstract: An apparatus for distributing a deflecting media into an axial center of a riser to push catalyst outwardly toward the feed injectors ensures better contacting between hydrocarbon feed and catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Keith A. Couch, Paolo Palmas, Jason P. Lambin, Giovanni Spinelli
  • Publication number: 20100303698
    Abstract: A process is provided for increasing mixing in a regenerator. Streamlines of gas and some catalyst may form in a regenerator as a result of cyclone inlet horns positioned in the same direction. Overall mixing in the regenerator may decrease because of these streamlines. A dampening device may be used to interrupt the streamlines and increase mixing in the regenerator. The dampening device may be a baffle and direct streamlines from the outside of the chamber toward the center to collide and mix. In another embodiment, a dampening device may be a secondary disengager such as a T-disengager or an inverted can arrangement that may discharge gas and catalyst near the center of the upper chamber and interrupt the streamlines. In another embodiment, a dampening device may have swirl arms that redirect stream lines counter to the direction of flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Mehlberg, Mohammad-Reza Mostofi-Ashtiani, Keith A. Couch
  • Publication number: 20100224463
    Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed in which a sulfiding agent is added to a catalytic conversion reactor to prevent metal catalyzed coking. The catalytic reactor may be downstream from a first fluid catalytic cracking reactor that provides C10— hydrocarbons as feed to the downstream catalytic reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Keith A. Couch, Christopher D. Gosling
  • Publication number: 20100224534
    Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed in which a sulfiding agent is added to a catalytic conversion reactor to prevent metal catalyzed coking. The catalytic reactor may be downstream from a first fluid catalytic cracking reactor that provides C10-hydrocarbons as feed to the downstream catalytic reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Keith A. Couch, Christopher D. Gosling
  • Patent number: 7758820
    Abstract: Apparatus and process is provided for increasing mixing in a regenerator. Streamlines of gas and some catalyst may form in a regenerator as a result of cyclone inlet horns positioned in the same direction. Overall mixing in the regenerator may decrease because of these streamlines. A dampening device may be used to interrupt the streamlines and increase mixing in the regenerator. The dampening device may be a baffle and direct streamlines from the outside of the chamber toward the center to collide and mix. In another embodiment, a dampening device may be a secondary disengager such as a T-disengager or an inverted can arrangement that may discharge gas and catalyst near the center of the upper chamber and interrupt the streamlines. In another embodiment, a dampening device may have swirl arms that redirect stream lines counter to the direction of flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Mehlberg, Reza Mohammad Mostofi Ashtiani, Keith A. Couch
  • Patent number: 7757493
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for recovering power from hot flue gas of a catalyst regenerator in an FCC unit and an integrated fluid catalytic cracking steam pressure letdown. The system includes a flue gas power recovery system including an expander and a turbine for generating power by letting down steam from a higher pressure to a lower pressure for use in a refinery process such as an FCC unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Leonard E. Bell, Keith A. Couch
  • Patent number: 7727380
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for combusting dry gas to heat the air supplied to an FCC regenerator to increase its temperature and minimize production of undesirable combustion products. Preferably, the dry gas is a selected FCC product gas. Alternatively or additionally, dry gas from an FCC product stream is separated and delivered to an expander to recover power before combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Keith A. Couch, Xin X. Zhu, James P. Glavin
  • Patent number: 7727486
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for combusting dry gas to heat the air fed to an FCC regenerator to increase its temperature and minimize production of undesirable combustion products. Preferably, the dry gas is a selected FCC product gas. Alternatively or additionally, dry gas from an FCC product stream is separated and delivered to an expander to recover power before combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Keith A. Couch, Xin X. Zhu, James P. Glavin
  • Publication number: 20100080741
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing regenerated and carbonized catalyst involves obstructing upward flow of catalyst by one or more baffles between a catalyst inlet and a feed distributor. Each catalyst stream may be passed to opposite sides of a riser. Baffles obstruct upward flow to effect mixing of regenerated and carbonized catalyst to obtain a more uniform temperature and catalyst mixture before contacting the feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Keith A. Couch, Kelly D. Seibert, Robert L. Mehlberg, Daniel R. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100078357
    Abstract: A process for mixing regenerated and carbonized catalyst involves obstructing upward flow of catalyst by one or more baffles between a catalyst inlet and a feed distributor. Each catalyst stream may be passed to opposite sides of a riser. Baffles obstruct upward flow to effect mixing of regenerated and carbonized catalyst to obtain a more uniform temperature and catalyst mixture before contacting the feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Keith A. Couch, Kelly D. Seibert, Robert L. Mehlberg, Daniel R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7686944
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for recovering power from an FCC product. The dry gas is combusted and combined with FCC regenerator flue gas to raise the power recovery capability of the flue gas. The flue gas can be used to generate electrical power or steam. Alternatively or additionally, dry gas from an FCC product stream is separated and delivered to an expander to recover power before combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Xin X. Zhu, Keith A. Couch, James P. Glavin
  • Publication number: 20100075829
    Abstract: A process for stripping gases from catalyst material in which catalyst travels down baffles at a first acute angle and then at a second acute angle on the same baffle. Traveling down the baffle at the second angle assures the catalyst will cross a downcomer channel and land on an adjacent baffle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Jason P. Lambin, Keith A. Couch, Paolo Palmas, Giovanni Spinelli
  • Publication number: 20100074806
    Abstract: An apparatus for stripping gases from catalyst material comprises baffles having a second face that extends toward a downcomer channel between baffles to spread catalyst out on adjacent baffles for better contact with stripping gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Jason P. Lambin, Keith A. Couch, Paolo Palmas, Giovanni Spinelli
  • Patent number: 7682576
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for recovering power from an FCC product. The dry gas is combusted and combined with FCC regenerator flue gas to raise the power recovery capability of the flue gas. The flue gas can be used to generate electrical power or steam. Alternatively or additionally, dry gas from an FCC product stream is separated and delivered to an expander to recover power before combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Xin X. Zhu, Keith A. Couch, James P. Glavin
  • Publication number: 20090283446
    Abstract: Process for increasing mixing in a fluidized bed. A slide, which may be in the form of a tube or trough, transports particles from an upper zone downward to a lower zone at a different horizontal position, thereby changing the horizontal position of the particle and creating lateral mixing in the fluidized bed. Increased mixing may improve efficiency for an apparatus using a fluidized bed. For example, increased lateral mixing in a regenerator may increase temperature and oxygen mixing and reduce stagnation to improve efficiency. A slide may be relatively unobtrusive, inexpensive, and simple for a retrofit or design modification and may improve combustion efficiency at high rates by enhancing the lateral blending of spent and regenerated catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Brian W. Hedrick, Keith A. Couch, Robert L. Mehlberg, Mohammad Reza Mostofi Ashtiani
  • Patent number: 7585470
    Abstract: Apparatus and process for increasing mixing in a fluidized bed. A slide, which may be in the form of a tube or trough, transports particles from an upper zone downward to a lower zone at a different horizontal position, thereby changing the horizontal position of the particle and creating lateral mixing in the fluidized bed. Increased mixing may improve efficiency for an apparatus using a fluidized bed. For example, increased lateral mixing in a regenerator may increase temperature and oxygen mixing and reduce stagnation to improve efficiency. A slide may be relatively unobtrusive, inexpensive, and simple for a retrofit or design modification and may improve combustion efficiency at high rates by enhancing the lateral blending of spent and regenerated catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Brian W. Hedrick, Keith A. Couch, Robert L. Mehlberg, Mohammad Reza Mostofi Ashtiani
  • Publication number: 20090035191
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for combusting dry gas to heat the air fed to an FCC regenerator to increase its temperature and minimize production of undesirable combustion products. Preferably, the dry gas is a selected FCC product gas. Alternatively or additionally, dry gas from an FCC product stream is separated and delivered to an expander to recover power before combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Keith A. Couch, Xin X. Zhu, James P. Glavin
  • Publication number: 20090035193
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for recovering power from an FCC product. The dry gas is combusted and combined with FCC regenerator flue gas to raise the power recovery capability of the flue gas. The flue gas can be used to generate electrical power or steam. Alternatively or additionally, dry gas from an FCC product stream is separated and delivered to an expander to recover power before combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Xin X. Zhu, Keith A. Couch, James P. Glavin