Patents by Inventor Lanny D. Schmidt

Lanny D. Schmidt 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: 9914645
    Abstract: A system for producing ammonia comprises a reactor configured for receiving nitrogen feed gas and hydrogen feed gas, the reactor comprising a catalyst configured to convert at least a portion of the nitrogen gas and at least a portion of the hydrogen feed gas to ammonia to form a reactant mixture comprising the ammonia and unreacted nitrogen feed gas and unreacted hydrogen feed gas, an adsorbent configured to selective adsorb at least a portion of the ammonia from the reactant mixture, and a recycle line to recycle the unreacted nitrogen feed gas, the unreacted hydrogen feed gas, and unabsorbed ammonia to the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Heath H. Himstedt, Mark S. Huberty, Alon V. McCormick, Lanny D. Schmidt, Edward L. Cussler
  • Publication number: 20150125377
    Abstract: A system for producing ammonia comprises a reactor configured for receiving nitrogen feed gas and hydrogen feed gas, the reactor comprising a catalyst configured to convert at least a portion of the nitrogen gas and at least a portion of the hydrogen feed gas to ammonia to form a reactant mixture comprising the ammonia and unreacted nitrogen feed gas and unreacted hydrogen feed gas, an adsorbent configured to selective adsorb at least a portion of the ammonia from the reactant mixture, and a recycle line to recycle the unreacted nitrogen feed gas, the unreacted hydrogen feed gas, and unabsorbed ammonia to the reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Heath H. Himstedt, Mark S. Huberty, Alon V. McCormick, Lanny D. Schmidt, Edward L. Cussler
  • Patent number: 8790546
    Abstract: A method comprising contacting a carbon and hydrogen-containing solid fuel and a metal-based catalyst in the presence of oxygen to produce hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide gas, wherein the contacting occurs at a temperature sufficiently high to prevent char formation in an amount capable of stopping production of the hydrogen gas and the carbon monoxide gas is provided. In one embodiment, the metal-based catalyst comprises a rhodium-cerium catalyst. Embodiments further include a system for producing syngas. The systems and methods described herein provide shorter residence time and high selectivity for hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Lanny D. Schmidt, Paul J. Dauenhauer, Nick J. Degenstein, Bradon J. Dreyer, Joshua L. Colby
  • Patent number: 8702822
    Abstract: Methods and reactors for producing a fuel are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the method uses a biomass feedstock and alkane and/or alcohol feedstock, which can be contacted with a metal-containing catalyst to form products including a bio-oil. In some embodiments, oxygen-containing functional groups can be removed from a bio-oil using one or more zeolite thin films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Aditya Bhan, Michael Tsapatsis, Lanny D. Schmidt, Paul J. Dauenhauer
  • Patent number: 8349289
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for the production of synthesis gas. More particularly, various embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for volatilizing fluid fuel to produce synthesis gas by using a metal catalyst on a solid support matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Lanny D. Schmidt, Paul J. Dauenhauer, Bradon J. Dreyer, James R. Salge
  • Publication number: 20110047864
    Abstract: Methods and reactors for producing a fuel are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the method uses a biomass feedstock and alkane and/or alcohol feedstock, which can be contacted with a metal-containing catalyst to form products including a bio-oil. In some embodiments, oxygen-containing functional groups can be removed from a bio-oil using one or more zeolite thin films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Aditya Bhan, Michael Tsapatsis, Lanny D. Schmidt, Paul J. Dauenhauer
  • Publication number: 20100200810
    Abstract: A method comprising contacting a carbon and hydrogen-containing solid fuel and a metal-based catalyst in the presence of oxygen to produce hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide gas, wherein the contacting occurs at a temperature sufficiently high to prevent char formation in an amount capable of stopping production of the hydrogen gas and the carbon monoxide gas is provided. In one embodiment, the metal-based catalyst comprises a rhodium-cerium catalyst. Embodiments further include a system for producing syngas. The systems and methods described herein provide shorter residence time and high selectivity for hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Lanny D. Schmidt, Paul J. Dauenhauer, Nick J. Degenstein, Bradon J. Dreyer, Joshua L. Colby
  • Patent number: 7683232
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing functionalized olefins from a fuel source including an organic compound including a functional group. Useful fuel sources include, for example, biofeedstocks (e.g., carbohydrates, triglycerides, polyols, and biodiesel). The process is preferably carried out by partial oxidation. The overall process can be carried out autothermally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Lanny D. Schmidt, Ramanathan Subramanian
  • Patent number: 7534372
    Abstract: A process for the production of a reaction product including a carbon containing compound. The process includes providing a film of a fuel source including at least one organic compound on a wall of a reactor, contacting the fuel source with a source of oxygen, forming a vaporized mixture of fuel and oxygen, and contacting the vaporized mixture of fuel and oxygen with a catalyst under conditions effective to produce a reaction product including a carbon containing compound. Preferred products include ?-olefins and synthesis gas. A preferred catalyst is a supported metal catalyst, preferably including rhodium, platinum, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Lanny D. Schmidt, Jakob J. Krummenacher, Kevin N. West
  • Publication number: 20080237542
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for the production of synthesis gas. More particularly, various embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for volatilizing fluid fuel to produce synthesis gas by using a metal catalyst on a solid support matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Lanny D. Schmidt, Paul J. Dauenhauer, Bradon J. Dreyer, James R. Salge, David Rennard
  • Patent number: 7262334
    Abstract: A process for the production of a reaction product including a carbon containing compound. The process includes providing a film of a fuel source including at least one organic compound on a wall of a reactor, contacting the fuel source with a source of oxygen, forming a vaporized mixture of fuel and oxygen, and contacting the vaporized mixture of fuel and oxygen with a catalyst under conditions effective to produce a reaction product including a carbon containing compound. Preferred products include ?-olefins and synthesis gas. A preferred catalyst is a supported metal catalyst, preferably including rhodium, platinum, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Lanny D. Schmidt, Jakob J. Krummenacher, Kevin N. West
  • Patent number: 7255848
    Abstract: A process for producing hydrogen from ethanol or other alcohols. The alcohol, optionally in combination with water, is contacted with a catalyst comprising rhodium. The overall process is preferably carried out under autothermal conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Regents of the Univeristy of Minnesota
    Inventors: Gregg A. Deluga, Lanny D. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6846773
    Abstract: A process for the production of a mono-olefin from a gaseous paraffinic hydrocarbon having at least two carbon atoms or mixtures thereof comprising reacting said hydrocarbons and molecular oxygen in the presence of a platinum catalyst. The catalyst consists essentially of platinum modified with Sn or Cu and supported on a ceramic monolith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Chikafumi Yokoyama, Sameer S. Bharadwaj, Lanny D. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20040199038
    Abstract: A process for the production of a reaction product including a carbon containing compound. The process includes providing a film of a fuel source including at least one organic compound on a wall of a reactor, contacting the fuel source with a source of oxygen, forming a vaporized mixture of fuel and oxygen, and contacting the vaporized mixture of fuel and oxygen with a catalyst under conditions effective to produce a reaction product including a carbon containing compound. Preferred products include &agr;-olefins and synthesis gas. A preferred catalyst is a supported metal catalyst, preferably including rhodium, platinum, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Lanny D. Schmidt, Jakob J. Krummenacher, Kevin N. West
  • Patent number: 6548447
    Abstract: A process for the production of a mono-olefin from a gaseous paraffinic hydrocarbon having at least two carbon atoms or mixtures thereof comprising reacting the hydrocarbons and molecular oxygen in the presence of a platinum catalyst. The catalyst consists essentially of platinum modified with Sn or Cu and supported on a ceramic monolith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Chikafumi Yokoyama, Sameer S. Bharadwaj, Lanny D. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6455597
    Abstract: Catalytic partial oxidation is effected in the presence of a supported, Group VIII metal catalyst by reacting a light hydrocarbon with an oxygen containing gas, the catalyst support being in a preferred size range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Keith L. Hohn, Lanny D. Schmidt, Sebastian C. Reyes, Jennifer S. Feeley
  • Patent number: 6452061
    Abstract: A process for the production of a mono-olefin from a gaseous paraffinic hydrocarbon having at least two carbon atoms or mixtures thereof comprising reacting said hydrocarbons and molecular oxygen in the presence of a platinum catalyst. The catalyst consist essentially of platinum supported on alumina or zirconia monolith, preferably zirconia and more preferably in the absence of palladium, rhodium and gold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Lanny D. Schmidt, Marylin Huff
  • Publication number: 20020087042
    Abstract: A process and catalyst for the partial oxidation of paraffinic hydrocarbons, such as ethane, propane, naphtha, and natural gas condensates, to olefins, such as ethylene and propylene. The process involves contacting a paraffinic hydrocarbon with oxygen in the presence of a catalyst under autothermal process conditions. The catalyst comprises a Group 8B metal and, optionally, a promoter metal, such as tin or copper, supported on a fiber monolith support, preferably a ceramic fiber mat monolith. In another aspect, the invention is a process of oxidizing a paraffinic hydrocarbon to an olefin under autothermal conditions in the presence of a catalyst comprising a Group 8B metal and, optionally, a promoter metal, the metals being loaded onto the front face of a monolith support. An on-line method of synthesizing and regenerating catalysts for autothermal oxidation processes is also disclosed. This divisional case covers the catalyst composition and the method of preparing an olefin using the catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Lanny D. Schmidt, Ashish Bodke
  • Patent number: 6365543
    Abstract: A process and catalyst for the partial oxidation of paraffinic hydrocarbons, such as ethane, propane, naphtha, and natural gas condensates, to olefins, such as ethylene and propylene. The process involves contacting a paraffinic hydrocarbon with oxygen in the presence of a catalyst under autothermal process conditions. The catalyst comprises a Group 8B metal and, optionally, a promoter metal, such as tin or copper, supported on a fiber monolith support, preferably a ceramic fiber mat monolith. In another aspect, the invention is a process of oxidizing a paraffinic hydrocarbon to an olefin under autothermal conditions in the presence of a catalyst comprising a Group 8B metal and, optionally, a promoter metal, the metals being loaded onto the front face of a monolith support. An on-line method of synthesizing and regenerating catalysts for autothermal oxidation processes is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Lanny D. Schmidt, Ashish Bodke
  • Publication number: 20010027258
    Abstract: Catalytic partial oxidation is effected in the presence of a supported, Group VIII metal catalyst by reacting a light hydrocarbon with an oxygen containing gas, the catalyst support being in a preferred size range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventors: Keith L. Hohn, Lanny D. Schmidt, Sebastian C. Reyes, Jennifer S. Feeley