Patents by Inventor Kent E. Hatfield

Kent E. Hatfield 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: 9371486
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for achieving improved throughput capacity of indirectly heated rotary kilns used to produce pyrolysis products such as shale oils or coal oils that are susceptible to decomposition by high kiln wall temperatures is disclosed. High throughput is achieved by firing the kiln such that optimum wall temperatures are maintained beginning at the point where the materials enter the heating section of the kiln and extending to the point where the materials leave the heated section. Multiple high velocity burners are arranged such that combustion products directly impact on the area of the kiln wall covered internally by the solid material being heated. Firing rates for the burners are controlled to maintain optimum wall temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: COATES ENGINEERING, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph L. Coates, L. Douglas Smoot, Kent E. Hatfield
  • Publication number: 20120292232
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for achieving improved throughput capacity of indirectly heated rotary kilns used to produce pyrolysis products such as shale oils or coal oils that are susceptible to decomposition by high kiln wall temperatures is disclosed. High throughput is achieved by firing the kiln such that optimum wall temperatures are maintained beginning at the point where the materials enter the heating section of the kiln and extending to the point where the materials leave the heated section. Multiple high velocity burners are arranged such that combustion products directly impact on the area of the kiln wall covered internally by the solid material being heated. Firing rates for the burners are controlled to maintain optimum wall temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Ralph L. Coates, L. Douglas Smoot, Kent E. Hatfield
  • Patent number: 8298406
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for achieving improved throughput capacity of indirectly heated rotary kilns used to produce pyrolysis products such as shale oils or coal oils that are susceptible to decomposition by high kiln wall temperatures is disclosed. High throughput is achieved by firing the kiln such that optimum wall temperatures are maintained beginning at the point where the materials enter the heating section of the kiln and extending to the point where the materials leave the heated section. Multiple high velocity burners are arranged such that combustion products directly impact on the area of the kiln wall covered internally by the solid material being heated. Firing rates for the burners are controlled to maintain optimum wall temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Coates Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph L. Coates, L. Douglas Smoot, Kent E. Hatfield
  • Publication number: 20100294700
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for achieving improved throughput capacity of indirectly heated rotary kilns used to produce pyrolysis products such as shale oils or coal oils that are susceptible to decomposition by high kiln wall temperatures is disclosed. High throughput is achieved by firing the kiln such that optimum wall temperatures are maintained beginning at the point where the materials enter the heating section of the kiln and extending to the point where the materials leave the heated section. Multiple high velocity burners are arranged such that combustion products directly impact on the area of the kiln wall covered internally by the solid material being heated. Firing rates for the burners are controlled to maintain optimum wall temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Ralph L. Coates, L. Douglas Smoot, Kent E. Hatfield
  • Publication number: 20080202985
    Abstract: A continuous, efficient surface method for thermal recovery of hydrocarbons from a solid feedstock is described that includes a self-contained process that produces hydrogen for upgrading the hydrocarbons to produce motor fuel. The hydrogen also is used as a clean burning fuel for the thermal processing. The hydrogen is produced as a component of synthesis gas formed by gasification of coal. The synthesis gas is processed to remove and dispose of carbon dioxide and by-product sulfur. Combustion of the hydrogen to provide indirect heating of the solid feedstock maximizes hydrocarbons that can be upgraded and reduces or eliminates the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Combustion Resources, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kent E. Hatfield, Ralph L. Coates, L. Douglas Smoot
  • Patent number: 6221310
    Abstract: A reactor system that includes a reactor nozzle for use with a reactor vessel and process for its use for producing sodium metal, by a reaction of an alkali hydroxide, preferably sodium hydroxide, as a reactant, with methane gas as a reductant, at high heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Powerball Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jed H. Checketts, Kent E. Hatfield, Ramaswami Neelameggham