Patents by Inventor Keith Kuechler

Keith Kuechler 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).

  • Publication number: 20070260096
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for converting a feed including an oxygenate to a product including a light olefin. In particular, this invention relates to converting an oxygenate feedstock with a silicoaluminophosphate catalyst to a product including a light olefin in a reaction apparatus. More particularly, this invention provides a means by which an optimum level of coke can be determined and utilized to generate an optimum or near-optimum yield of light olefins such as ethylene and propylene in a oxygenates to olefins system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventors: Stephen Vaughn, Keith Kuechler, Thomas Colle, Teng Xu
  • Publication number: 20070244350
    Abstract: The invention relates to a conversion process for making olefin(s) using a molecular sieve catalyst composition. More specifically, the invention is directed to a process for converting a feedstock comprising an oxygenate in the presence of a molecular sieve catalyst composition, wherein the feedstock is free of or substantially free of metal salts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventors: Marcel Janssen, Teng Xu, Cor Van Egmond, Keith Kuechler, Stephen Vaughn, James Beech
  • Publication number: 20070235372
    Abstract: The invention relates to a conversion process for making olefin(s) using a molecular sieve catalyst composition. More specifically, the invention is directed to a process for converting a feedstock comprising an oxygenate in the presence of a molecular sieve catalyst composition, wherein the feedstock is free of or substantially free of metal salts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Marcel Janssen, Teng Xu, Cor Van Egmond, Keith Kuechler, Stephen Vaughn
  • Publication number: 20070078287
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for adding heat to a reactor system used to convert oxygenates to olefin, in which supplemental heat is added with a heating fuel, e.g., a torch oil, having low autoignition temperature, low sulfur, and low nitrogen content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 5, 2007
    Inventors: James Lattner, Keith Kuechler, Richard Walter
  • Publication number: 20070004946
    Abstract: The present invention is a process for removing alkynes and/or dienes from an olefin product stream withdrawn from an oxygenate-to-olefins reactor. The process comprises hydrogenating a first olefin stream that has alkynes and/or dienes in the presence of excess hydrogen and a first hydrogenation catalyst. The hydrogenation of the first olefin stream produces a second olefin stream that has unreacted hydrogen. The second olefin stream is contacted with a second hydrogenation catalyst producing a third olefin stream. The third olefin stream has low levels of hydrogen and alkynes and/or dienes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventors: Keith Kuechler, David Lumgair
  • Publication number: 20060270882
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a reactor system comprising at least one reactor wherein makeup water for said system is preheated by water/steam exiting said reactor. In a preferred embodiment the system comprises plural reactors and the invention provides for each reactor to independently achieve isothermal operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Publication date: November 30, 2006
    Inventors: Stephen Brown, Paul Hamilton, Keith Kuechler
  • Publication number: 20060229483
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hydrocarbon conversion apparatus and process. The apparatus comprises the following: a plurality of riser reactors, each having a first end into which a catalyst is fed, a second end through which the catalyst can exit, and optionally a center axis extending therebetween. The apparatus also includes a separation zone having a plurality of inlets, each inlet not being oriented along the center axes of the riser reactors, the separation zone being provided to separate the catalyst from products of a reaction conducted in the hydrocarbon conversion apparatus. A plurality of deviating members are also provided, each deviating member being in fluid communication between the second end of a respective riser reactor and a respective inlet of the separation zone. The apparatus also includes a catalyst retention zone provided to contain catalyst, which is fed to the riser reactors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: October 12, 2006
    Inventors: Keith Kuechler, James Lattner, Nicolas Coute, Jeffrey Smith, Justin Krieger
  • Publication number: 20060217580
    Abstract: In a process for producing a hydrocarbon composition, a feed comprising at least one C3 to C8 olefin and an olefinic recycle stream rich in C9? hydrocarbons is contacted with a crystalline molecular sieve catalyst having an average crystal size no greater than 0.05 micron and an alpha value between about 100 and about 600 in at least one reaction zone under olefin oligomerization conditions including an inlet temperature between about 150° C. and about 350° C., a pressure of at least 2,860 kPa and a recycle to feed weight ratio of about 0.1 to about 3.0. The contacting produces an oligomerization effluent stream, which is separated into at least a hydrocarbon product stream rich in C9+ hydrocarbons and the olefinic recycle stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Publication date: September 28, 2006
    Inventors: Keith Kuechler, Stephen Brown, Helge Jaensch, Georges Mathys, Shifang Luo, Jane Cheng
  • Publication number: 20060199984
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon composition comprises at least 90 wt. % of C9 to C20 non-normal olefins, non-normal saturates or combinations thereof based on the weight of the hydrocarbon composition, at least 2 wt. % and not greater than 25 wt. % of C9 hydrocarbons based on the weight of the hydrocarbon composition, and less than 15 wt. % of C17+ hydrocarbons based on the weight of the hydrocarbon composition, wherein said hydrocarbon composition has a specific gravity at 15° C. of at least 0.730 and less than 0.775. The composition is produced by oligomerization of at least one C3 to C8 olefin and an olefinic recycle stream containing no more than 10 wt. % of C10+ non-normal olefins. The composition is useful in producing fuel blends, such as jet fuel and diesel fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Publication date: September 7, 2006
    Inventors: Keith Kuechler, Stephen Brown, An Verberckmoes, Marc Puttemans, Steven Silverberg
  • Publication number: 20060199987
    Abstract: A process for producing a hydrocarbon composition that comprises contacting a feed stream, that comprises at least one C3 to C8 olefin, and an olefinic recycle stream, that comprises a first olefinic recycle stream and no more than 10 wt % of C10+ non-normal olefins, with a molecular sieve catalyst in a reaction zone under olefin oligomerization conditions producing an oligomerization effluent stream; separating the oligomerization effluent stream to produce a first olefinic stream, that has a weight ratio of C4?/(C5-C8) molecules from about 0.8 to about 1.2 times the weight ratio of C4?/(C5-C8) molecules found in the oligomerization effluent stream, and a first hydrocarbon product stream, that comprises at least 1 wt % and no more than 30 wt % of C9 non-normal olefin; and splitting the first olefinic stream to produce the first olefinic recycle stream and a first purge stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Publication date: September 7, 2006
    Inventors: Keith Kuechler, Stephen Brown, An Verberckmoes, Marc Puttemans, Steven Silverberg
  • Publication number: 20060199985
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon composition that comprises species of at least 3 different carbon numbers, at least about 95 wt % non-normal hydrocarbons, no greater than 1000 wppm aromatics, no greater than 10 wt % naphthenes, and also has a certain boiling point range; and a process for making the hydrocarbon composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Publication date: September 7, 2006
    Inventors: Keith Kuechler, Stephen Brown, An. Verberckmoes, Steven Silverberg, Marc Puttemans, Mark Welford, John Godsmark
  • Publication number: 20060199988
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon fluid composition that comprises species of at least two different carbon numbers, an aerobic biodegradability of greater than 40% at 28 days, a cetane number of less than 60, and a certain boiling point range; and a process for making the hydrocarbon fluid composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Publication date: September 7, 2006
    Inventors: Ralph Kowalik, Thomas Gribschaw, Keith Kuechler, Ronald Hill
  • Publication number: 20060096617
    Abstract: The invention is to a process for removing contaminants from a compressor and/or compressor intercooler in a methanol to olefin separation system. The process comprises compressing an effluent in a compressor having an inlet and an outlet and a compressor surface, the compressing occurring under conditions effective to form a contaminant on the compressor surface. A contaminant-removal medium is injected into the compressor or intercooler and the contaminant-removal medium contacts the contaminant under conditions effective to remove the contaminant from the compressor or intercooler inner surface thereby forming a mobile contaminant. The mobile contaminant is then removed from the compressor or intercooler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Publication date: May 11, 2006
    Inventors: Keith Kuechler, David Lumgair, Nicolas Coute, Paul Chisholm, Cor van Egmond
  • Publication number: 20060014991
    Abstract: A process is described for producing olefins from a vapor product stream from an oxygenate to olefin conversion reaction, the vapor product stream comprising C2 to C4 olefins, C5+ hydrocarbons, at least one oxygenate and water. In the process, the vapor product stream is cooled to remove water therefrom and produce a first vapor effluent stream. The first vapor effluent stream is then cooled and compressed to produce a condensed liquid effluent stream comprising C5+ hydrocarbons and at least one oxygenate, and a residual vapor effluent stream comprising C2 to C4 olefins. At least part of the condensed liquid effluent stream is contacted with a liquid water-containing stream in a liquid-liquid contacting device to at least partly separate said condensed liquid effluent stream, or portion thereof, into an aqueous phase rich in said at least one oxygenate and an organic phase rich in said C5+ hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Publication date: January 19, 2006
    Inventors: Keith Kuechler, Jeffrey Brinen, Philip Ruziska
  • Publication number: 20060014990
    Abstract: A process is described for producing olefins from a vapor product stream from an oxygenate to olefin conversion reaction, the vapor product stream comprising C2 to C4 olefins, C5+ hydrocarbons, at least one oxygenate and water. In the process, the vapor product stream is cooled to remove water therefrom and produce a first vapor effluent stream. The first vapor effluent stream is then cooled and compressed to produce a condensed liquid effluent stream comprising C5+ hydrocarbons and at least one oxygenate, and a residual vapor effluent stream comprising C2 to C4 olefins. At least part of the condensed liquid effluent stream is contacted with a liquid water-containing stream in a liquid-liquid contacting device to at least partly separate said condensed liquid effluent stream, or portion thereof, into an aqueous phase rich in said at least one oxygenate and an organic phase rich in said C5+ hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Publication date: January 19, 2006
    Inventors: Keith Kuechler, Jeffrey Brinen, Philip Ruziska
  • Publication number: 20060004239
    Abstract: A process for producing olefins comprises providing a vapor product stream from an oxygenate to olefin reaction, the vapor product stream comprising C2 to C4 olefins, C2 to C6 carbonyl compounds and water. The vapor product stream is cooled to provide a first vapor effluent stream comprising no more than 10 wt. % water, and a liquid water-rich stream. The first vapor effluent stream, and a first wash flash vapor stream, are compressed from a first pressure to a second pressure greater than said first pressure to form a second vapor effluent stream, which is then cooled to form a cooled second effluent stream that is at least partially in the vapor state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Inventors: Keith Kuechler, Jeffrey Brinen, Philip Ruziska
  • Publication number: 20050283038
    Abstract: A process is described for producing an olefins stream from a first vapor effluent stream from an oxygenate to olefin conversion reaction, said first vapor effluent stream comprising C2 and C3 olefins, C4 hydrocarbons, and C2 to C6 carbonyl compounds. In the process, the temperature and pressure of the first vapor effluent stream are adjusted to produce a second vapor effluent stream having a pressure ranging from about 100 psig to about 350 psig (790 to 2514 kPa) and a temperature ranging from about 70° F. to about 120° F. (21 to 49° C.), said second vapor effluent stream containing about 50 wt. % or more C4 hydrocarbons based upon the total weight of C4 hydrocarbons in the first vapor effluent stream. The second vapor effluent stream is then washed with a liquid alcohol-containing stream to produce a third vapor effluent stream, whereafter the third vapor effluent stream is washed with liquid water to provide a fourth vapor effluent stream comprising the C2 and C3 olefins and about 1.0 wt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Publication date: December 22, 2005
    Inventors: Keith Kuechler, Jeffrey Brinen, Philip Ruziska
  • Publication number: 20050152814
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hydrocarbon conversion apparatus. The apparatus comprises the following: a plurality of riser reactors, each of the riser reactors having a first end into which a catalyst can be fed and a second end through which the catalyst can exit the riser reactor, a separation zone into which the second ends of the riser reactors extend, the separation zone being provided to separate the catalyst from products of a reaction conducted in the hydrocarbon conversion apparatus; and at least one catalyst return in fluid communication with the separation zone and the first ends of the riser reactors, the catalyst return being provided to transfer the catalyst from the separation zone to the first ends of the riser reactors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Publication date: July 14, 2005
    Inventors: James Lattner, Jeffrey Smith, Nicolas Coute, Keith Kuechler
  • Publication number: 20050124838
    Abstract: The present invention provides various processes for fluidizing molecular sieve catalyst compositions in a fluidized bed reaction system. The invention comprises fluidizing a molecular sieve catalyst composition with a reactive fluidizing medium under conditions effective to convert at least a portion of the fluidizing medium to additional product. The invention is ideally suited for implementation into an oxygenate to olefin reaction system, in which the fluidizing medium optionally comprises byproducts of the oxygenate to olefin conversion reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: June 9, 2005
    Inventors: Keith Kuechler, Nicolas Coute, Jeffrey Smith, Stephen Brown, Richard Hall, Teng Xu, Stephen Vaughn
  • Publication number: 20050113623
    Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for converting oxygenate to olefins which comprises: contacting a feedstock comprising oxygenate with a catalyst comprising a molecular sieve under conditions effective to produce a vaporous product comprising the olefins, water and unreacted oxygenate; condensing the vaporous product to provide a liquid stream rich in the water and unreacted oxygenate, and an olefins-rich vapor stream; introducing at least part of the liquid stream to a feed tray in a fractionation tower which provides an oxygenate-rich overhead product and a water-rich liquid bottoms product; providing a liquid, oxygenate-rich stream comprising at least about 20 wt % oxygenate above the feed tray; and passing the olefins-rich vapor stream through a recovery train to recover at least some of the olefins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 26, 2005
    Inventors: Keith Kuechler, Jeffrey Brinen, James Lattner, Allen Gawlik