Patents by Inventor Larry Jack Melnichuk

Larry Jack Melnichuk 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: 20220098504
    Abstract: A process to optimize carbon from carbon dioxide in synthesis gas used to produce synthetic chemicals and fuels. The process involves using captured carbon dioxide from any source and controlling its reformation with gaseous hydrocarbons to produce a synthesis gas with a specific carbon monoxide to hydrogen ratio suitable for selected intermediate and end products. The carbon from carbon dioxide displaces fossil carbon and lowers the carbon intensity of the products. The process uses any hydrocarbon gas, fossil or renewable, and may utilize steam to optimize the synthesis gas composition. The invention also includes recycling gases and the generation of heat, steam and electrical power for the reformer and other equipment, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: LARRY JACK MELNICHUK, KAREN SUE KELLY
  • Patent number: 10625176
    Abstract: This invention describes a method to extract and separate compounds from plant or animal material in a continuous process. The method uses dimethyl ether as a safe and efficient solvent which will extract polar and non-polar compounds. The extracted compounds are separated by distillation which is configured to provide individual compounds or groups of compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventors: Larry Jack Melnichuk, Karen Sue Kelly
  • Publication number: 20200023286
    Abstract: This invention describes a method to extract and separate compounds from plant or animal material in a continuous process. The method uses dimethyl ether as a safe and efficient solvent which will extract polar and non-polar compounds. The extracted compounds are separated by distillation which is configured to provide individual compounds or groups of compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Inventors: Larry Jack Melnichuk, Karen Sue Kelly
  • Patent number: 10087121
    Abstract: A process to efficiently convert organic feedstock material into liquid non-oxygenated hydrocarbons in the C5 to C12 carbon skeleton range is disclosed. The process can utilize gaseous, liquid or solid organic feedstocks containing carbon, hydrogen and, optionally, oxygen. The feedstock may require preparation of the organic feedstock for the process and is converted first into a synthesis gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The synthesis gas is then cleaned and conditioned and extraneous components removed, leaving substantially only the carbon monoxide and hydrogen. It is then converted via a series of chemical reactions into the desired liquid hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbons are suitable for combustion in a vehicle engine and may be regarded a replacement for petrol made from fossil fuels in the C5 to C12 carbon backbone range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Inventors: Karen Sue Kelly, Larry Jack Melnichuk
  • Publication number: 20180002248
    Abstract: A process to efficiently convert organic feedstock material into liquid non-oxygenated hydrocarbons in the C5 to C12 carbon skeleton range is disclosed. The process can utilize gaseous, liquid or solid organic feedstocks containing carbon, hydrogen and, optionally, oxygen. The feedstock may require preparation of the organic feedstock for the process and is converted first into a synthesis gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The synthesis gas is then cleaned and conditioned and extraneous components removed, leaving substantially only the carbon monoxide and hydrogen. It is then converted via a series of chemical reactions into the desired liquid hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbons are suitable for combustion in a vehicle engine and may be regarded a replacement for petrol made from fossil fuels in the C5 to C2 carbon backbone range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: KAREN SUE KELLY, LARRY JACK MELNICHUK
  • Publication number: 20150141719
    Abstract: A process to efficiently convert organic feedstock material into liquid non-oxygenated hydrocarbons in the C5 to C12 carbon skeleton range is disclosed. The process can utilize gaseous, liquid or solid organic feedstocks containing carbon, hydrogen and, optionally, oxygen. The feedstock may require preparation of the organic feedstock for the process and is converted first into a synthesis gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The synthesis gas is then cleaned and conditioned and extraneous components removed, leaving substantially only the carbon monoxide and hydrogen. It is then converted via a series of chemical reactions into the desired liquid hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbons are suitable for combustion in a vehicle engine and may be regarded a replacement for petrol made from fossil fuels in the C5 to C12 carbon backbone range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Karen Sue Kelly, Larry Jack Melnichuk
  • Publication number: 20140256993
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesizing ethanol using synthetic routes via synthesis gas are disclosed. A method and apparatus for gasifying biomass, such as biomass, in a steam gasifier that employs a fluidized bed and heating using hot flue gases from the combustion of synthesis gas is described. Methods and apparatus for converting synthesis gas into ethanol are also disclosed, using stepwise catalytic reactions to convert the carbon monoxide and hydrogen into ethanol using catalysts including iridium acetate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: WOODLAND BIOFUELS INC.
    Inventors: Larry Jack Melnichuk, Karen Venita Kelly, Robert S. Davis
  • Patent number: 8710107
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesizing ethanol using synthetic routes via synthesis gas are disclosed. A method and apparatus for gasifying biomass, such as biomass, in a steam gasifier that employs a fluidized bed and heating using hot flue gases from the combustion of synthesis gas is described. Methods and apparatus for converting synthesis gas into ethanol are also disclosed, using stepwise catalytic reactions to convert the carbon monoxide and hydrogen into ethanol using catalysts including iridium acetate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Woodland Biofuels Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Jack Melnichuk, Karen Venita Kelly, Robert S. Davis
  • Publication number: 20120283341
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesizing ethanol using synthetic routes via synthesis gas are disclosed. A method and apparatus for gasifying biomass, such as biomass, in a steam gasifier that employs a fluidized bed and heating using hot flue gases from the combustion of synthesis gas is described. Methods and apparatus for converting synthesis gas into ethanol are also disclosed, using stepwise catalytic reactions to convert the carbon monoxide and hydrogen into ethanol using catalysts including iridium acetate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: WOODLAND BIOFUELS INC.
    Inventors: Larry Jack Melnichuk, Karen Venita Kelly, Robert S. Davis
  • Patent number: 8088832
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesizing ethanol using synthetic routes via synthesis gas are disclosed. A method and apparatus for gasifying biomass, such as biomass, in a steam gasifier that employs a fluidized bed and heating using hot flue gases from the combustion of synthesis gas is described. Methods and apparatus for converting synthesis gas into ethanol are also disclosed, using stepwise catalytic reactions to convert the carbon monoxide and hydrogen into ethanol using catalysts including iridium acetate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Woodland Biofuels Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Jack Melnichuk, Karen Venita Kelly, Robert S. Davis
  • Publication number: 20110152593
    Abstract: A process to efficiently convert organic feedstock material into liquid non-oxygenated hydrocarbons in the C5 to C12 carbon skeleton range is disclosed. The process can utilize gaseous, liquid or solid organic feedstocks containing carbon, hydrogen and, optionally, oxygen. The feedstock may require preparation of the organic feedstock for the process and is converted first into a synthesis gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The synthesis gas is then cleaned and conditioned and extraneous components removed, leaving substantially only the carbon monoxide and hydrogen. It is then converted via a series of chemical reactions into the desired liquid hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbons are suitable for combustion in a vehicle engine and may be regarded a replacement for petrol made from fossil fuels in the C5 to C12 carbon backbone range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Karen Sue Kelly, Larry Jack Melnichuk
  • Patent number: 7728182
    Abstract: The process for producing a predetermined CXHYOZ product from a primary feedstock containing hydrocarbons and a secondary feedstock is disclosed, wherein X, Y and Z are integers. The process includes the steps of: providing primary feedstock; indirectly heating it generally in the absence of oxygen; cleaning the gas stream produced therefrom by removing CO2 and solids; determining the amount of CO and H2 therein; comparing the percentage of CO and H2 in the cleaned gas stream with the required CO and H2 to produce the predetermined CXHYOZ product; determining the additional of CO and H2 required; determining the secondary feedstock; calculating the amount of CO, H2 and heat produced from the secondary feedstock; partially oxidizing the secondary feedstock to produce heat and a secondary gas stream; combining the CO and H2 from both feedstocks to produce a mixed gas stream; adding a catalyst; and distilling to produce the predetermined CXHYOZ product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Woodland Biofuels Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Jack Melnichuk, Karen (Sue) Venita Kelly
  • Patent number: 6919488
    Abstract: A process for producing saleable liquids from organic material comprising the following steps. Providing organic material and separating it into solids, liquids and vapor. Reacting the liquids, combining it with water vapor and producing a volatized gas stream. Removing nitrogen dioxide from the gas stream to produce a scrubbed volatized gas stream. Reacting the scrubbed volatized gas stream with water vapor to produce a combined volatized gas stream. Removing carbon dioxide from the combined volatized gas stream to produce a subtracted volatized gas stream. Reacting the subtracted volatized gas stream with methanol to produce an enhanced volatized gas stream. Distilling the enhanced volatized gas stream to produce ethanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Woodland Chemical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Jack Melnichuk, Karen Venita (Sue) Kelly
  • Patent number: 6747067
    Abstract: A process for the production of oxygenated C2 hydrocarbons from cellulose is disclosed. The input cellulose waste is gasified using steam in the absence of air and the primary gaseous products of carbon monoxide and hydrogen are subjected to heat, pressure, and catalysts to form methyl alcohol. Carbon monoxide is added to the methyl alcohol and further subjected to heat, pressure and catalysts to form acetic acid. The acetic acid is purified using a distillation tower, and removed for sale. Output production is increased by adding further carbon monoxide and hydrogen from burners used to heat the gasifiers. Further carbon monoxide and hydrogen are also produced by steam gasification of the carbon residue to promote a water/gas shift. These gases are fed into the gas stream produced by the gasification of cellulose, and provide more feedstock for the reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Woodland Chemical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Jack Melnichuk, Karen Venita Kelly
  • Publication number: 20030236311
    Abstract: A process for producing saleable liquids from organic material comprising the following steps. Providing organic material and separating it into solids, liquids and vapour. Reacting the liquids, combining it with water vapour and producing a volatized gas stream. Removing nitrogen dioxide from the gas stream to produce a scrubbed volatized gas stream. Reacting the scrubbed volatized gas stream with water vapour to produce a combined volatized gas stream. Removing carbon dioxide from the combined volatized gas stream to produce a subtracted volatized gas stream. Reacting the subtracted volatized gas stream with methanol to produce an enhanced volatized gas stream. Distilling the enhanced volatized gas stream to produce ethanol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Larry Jack Melnichuk, Karen Venita Kelly
  • Publication number: 20020035291
    Abstract: A process for the production of oxygenated C2 hydrocarbons from cellulose is disclosed. The input cellulose waste is gasified using steam in the absence of air and the primary gaseous products of carbon monoxide and hydrogen are subjected to heat, pressure, and catalysts to form methyl alcohol. Carbon monoxide is added to the methyl alcohol and further subjected to heat, pressure and catalysts to form acetic acid. The acetic acid is purified using a distillation tower, and removed for sale. Output production is increased by adding further carbon monoxide and hydrogen from burners used to heat the gasifiers. Further carbon monoxide and hydrogen are also produced by steam gasification of the carbon residue to promote a water/gas shift. These gases are fed into the gas stream produced by the gasification of cellulose, and provide more feedstock for the reactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventors: Larry Jack Melnichuk, Karen Venita Kelly
  • Patent number: 5902915
    Abstract: A process for producing liquid hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon materials is disclosed. The hydrocarbon materials are heated to a temperature above 400.degree. C. thereby producing a gas stream. A gaseous plasma is generated. The gas stream is passed through the gaseous plasma thereby producing a heated gas stream. The heated gas stream is saturated with a hydroxide ion to produce a saturated gas stream. The saturated gas stream is cooled to standard temperature and pressure and is condensed to produce liquid hydrocarbons and waste gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Lawrence Plasma Research Laboratory Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Jack Melnichuk, Karen Venita Kelly