Patents by Inventor Mark K. Robertson
Mark K. Robertson 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).
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Patent number: 10189763Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emission comprising introducing one or more feed streams into a reformer to generate synthesis gas; and converting synthesis gas to dimethyl ether (DME). In some cases, the reformer is a fluidized bed dry reforming reactor. In some cases, the reformer comprises a hydrogen membrane. In some cases, the hydrogen membrane removes hydrogen contained in the synthesis gas and shifts reforming reactions toward completion.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2017Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: RES USA, LLCInventors: Harold A. Wright, Mark K. Robertson, Weibin Jiang
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Patent number: 10125330Abstract: A system for the production of synthesis gas, including a gasification apparatus configured to convert at least a portion of a gasifier feed material introduced thereto into a gasification product gas comprising synthesis gas having a molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide; at least one additional apparatus selected from the group consisting of feed preparation apparatus located upstream of the gasification apparatus, synthesis gas conditioning apparatus, and synthesis gas utilization apparatus; and at least one line fluidly connecting the at least one additional apparatus or an outlet of the gasification apparatus with the at least one vessel of the gasification apparatus, whereby a gas from the at least one additional apparatus or exiting the gasification apparatus may provide at least one non-steam component of a fluidization gas. A method of utilizing the system is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2015Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: RES USA, LLCInventors: Weibin Jiang, Bruce E. McComish, Bryan C. Borum, Benjamin H. Carryer, Mark K. Robertson, Eric R. Elrod, Sim Weeks, Harold A. Wright
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Patent number: 9981896Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method of producing dimethyl ether (DME) comprising introducing one or more feed streams comprising methane and carbon dioxide into a reformer to generate synthesis gas; and converting synthesis gas to DME in one step. In some cases, the reformer comprises a Ni catalyst. In some cases, the reformer is a pressurized fluidized bed dry reforming reactor. In some cases, the reformer comprises a hydrogen membrane. The hydrogen membrane removes hydrogen contained in the synthesis gas and shifts reforming reactions toward completion.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2017Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: RES USA, LLCInventors: Harold A. Wright, Mark K. Robertson, Weibin Jiang
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Patent number: 9938217Abstract: Herein disclosed is a dry reforming reactor comprising a gas inlet near the bottom of the reactor; a gas outlet near the top of the reactor; a fluidized bed comprising a catalyst; and one or more hydrogen membranes comprising palladium (Pd). In some cases, the one or more hydrogen membranes comprises Pd alloy membranes, or Pd supported on ceramics or metals. In some cases, the one or more hydrogen membranes are placed vertically in the reactor as hydrogen membrane tubes hanging from the top of the reactor. In some cases, the hydrogen membranes are configured to selectively collect hydrogen from the tubes via one or more internal manifolds and sent to an external hydrogen collection system.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2017Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: RES USA, LLCInventors: Harold A. Wright, Mark K. Robertson, Weibin Jiang
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Publication number: 20180002264Abstract: Herein disclosed is a dry reforming reactor comprising a gas inlet near the bottom of the reactor; a gas outlet near the top of the reactor; a fluidized bed comprising a catalyst; and one or more hydrogen membranes comprising palladium (Pd). In some cases, the one or more hydrogen membranes comprises Pd alloy membranes, or Pd supported on ceramics or metals. In some cases, the one or more hydrogen membranes are placed vertically in the reactor as hydrogen membrane tubes hanging from the top of the reactor. In some cases, the hydrogen membranes are configured to selectively collect hydrogen from the tubes via one or more internal manifolds and sent to an external hydrogen collection system.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2017Publication date: January 4, 2018Inventors: Harold A. Wright, Mark K. Robertson, Weibin Jiang
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Publication number: 20180002263Abstract: Herein disclosed is a dry reforming reactor comprising a gas inlet near the bottom of the reactor; a gas outlet near the top of the reactor; a fluidized bed comprising a catalyst; and one or more hydrogen membranes comprising palladium (Pd). In some cases, the one or more hydrogen membranes comprises Pd alloy membranes, or Pd supported on ceramics or metals. In some cases, the one or more hydrogen membranes are placed vertically in the reactor as hydrogen membrane tubes hanging from the top of the reactor. In some cases, the hydrogen membranes are configured to selectively collect hydrogen from the tubes via one or more internal manifolds and sent to an external hydrogen collection system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2017Publication date: January 4, 2018Inventors: Harold A. Wright, Mark K. Robertson, Weibin Jiang
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Publication number: 20180002262Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emission comprising introducing one or more feed streams into a reformer to generate synthesis gas; and converting synthesis gas to dimethyl ether (DME). In some cases, the reformer is a fluidized bed dry reforming reactor. In some cases, the reformer comprises a hydrogen membrane. In some cases, the hydrogen membrane removes hydrogen contained in the synthesis gas and shifts reforming reactions toward completion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2017Publication date: January 4, 2018Inventors: Harold A. Wright, Mark K. Robertson, Weibin Jiang
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Publication number: 20180002265Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method of producing dimethyl ether (DME) comprising introducing one or more feed streams comprising methane and carbon dioxide into a reformer to generate synthesis gas; and converting synthesis gas to DME in one step. In some cases, the reformer comprises a Ni catalyst. In some cases, the reformer is a pressurized fluidized bed dry reforming reactor. In some cases, the reformer comprises a hydrogen membrane. The hydrogen membrane removes hydrogen contained in the synthesis gas and shifts reforming reactions toward completion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2017Publication date: January 4, 2018Inventors: Harold A. Wright, Mark K. Robertson, Weibin Jiang
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Publication number: 20160362622Abstract: An apparatus including at least one seal pot having at least one penetration through a surface other than the top of the seal pot, each of the at least one penetrations being configured for introduction, into the at least one seal pot, of solids from a separator upstream of the at least one seal pot; a substantially non-circular cross section; or both at least one penetration through a surface other than the top of the seal pot and a substantially non-circular cross section.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2016Publication date: December 15, 2016Inventors: WEIBIN JIANG, BRUCE E. MCCOMISH, BRYAN C. BORUM, BENJAMIN H. CARRYER, MARK D. IBSEN, MARK K. ROBERTSON, ERIC R. ELROD, SIM WEEKS, HAROLD A. WRIGHT
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Patent number: 9261274Abstract: A method of gasification by introducing a feed material to be subjected to gasification into a dual fluidized bed gasifier comprising a pyrolyzer fluidly connected with a combustor such that a circulation stream comprising a heat transfer material can be continuously circulated between the pyrolyzer, in which the temperature of the circulation stream is reduced, and the combustor, in which the temperature of the circulation stream is increased, wherein the pyrolyzer is operable to convert at least a portion of the feed material into a gasifier product gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and wherein the combustor is operable to increase the temperature of the circulation stream via combustion of char introduced thereto with the circulation stream and at least one supplemental fuel. A system for carrying out the method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2012Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: RES USA, LLCInventors: Weibin Jiang, Bruce E. McComish, Bryan C. Borum, Benjamin H. Carryer, Mark D. Ibsen, Mark K. Robertson, Eric R. Elrod, Sim Weeks, Harold A. Wright
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Patent number: 9255232Abstract: A method including introducing a carbonaceous feedstock and a heated heat transfer material into a gasifier, whereby at least a portion of the carbonaceous material is pyrolyzed; removing a gasification product gas comprising, entrained therein, char, particulate heat transfer material, and optionally unreacted carbonaceous feedstock; separating a solids product comprising char, heat transfer material and optionally unreacted carbonaceous material from the gasification product gas; heating at least a portion of the solids product via a combustor, thus producing a heated portion of the solids product and a combustor flue gas, wherein a portion of the heat for heating is obtained via combustion of the char; separating the heated portion from the flue gas, and introducing the separated heated portion into the gasifier, providing heat for pyrolysis; and utilizing at least a portion of the gasification product gas for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and/or power production.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2015Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: RES USA, LLCInventors: Weibin Jiang, Bruce E. McComish, Bryan C. Borum, Benjamin H. Carryer, Mark Ibsen, Mark K. Robertson, Eric Elrod, Harold A. Wright
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Publication number: 20160002547Abstract: A system for the production of synthesis gas, including a gasification apparatus configured to convert at least a portion of a gasifier feed material introduced thereto into a gasification product gas comprising synthesis gas having a molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide; at least one additional apparatus selected from the group consisting of feed preparation apparatus located upstream of the gasification apparatus, synthesis gas conditioning apparatus, and synthesis gas utilization apparatus; and at least one line fluidly connecting the at least one additional apparatus or an outlet of the gasification apparatus with the at least one vessel of the gasification apparatus, whereby a gas from the at least one additional apparatus or exiting the gasification apparatus may provide at least one non-steam component of a fluidization gas. A method of utilizing the system is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2015Publication date: January 7, 2016Inventors: Weibin Jiang, Bruce E. McComish, Bryan C. Borum, Benjamin H. Carryer, Mark K. Robertson, Eric R. Elrod, Sim Weeks, Harold A. Wright
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Publication number: 20160003480Abstract: A gasification system including a gasifier operable to produce, from a carbonaceous feedstock, a gasification product gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide, a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactor configured to produce Fischer-Tropsch synthesis products and a Fischer-Tropsch tailgas from a first portion of the gasification product gas, and power production apparatus configured to generate power from a second portion of the gasification product gas, at least a portion of the Fischer-Tropsch tailgas, or both. A method for operating the system is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2015Publication date: January 7, 2016Inventors: Bruce E. McComish, Benjamin H. Carryer, Bryan C. Borum, Weibin Jiang, Mark D. Ibsen, Mark K. Robertson, Eric R. Elrod, Sim Weeks, Harold A. Wright
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Patent number: 9188331Abstract: A method of gasification by introducing a feed material to be subjected to gasification into a dual fluidized bed gasifier comprising a pyrolyzer fluidly connected with a combustor such that a circulation stream comprising a heat transfer material can be continuously circulated between the pyrolyzer, in which the temperature of the circulation stream is reduced, and the combustor, in which the temperature of the circulation stream is increased, wherein the pyrolyzer is operable to convert at least a portion of the feed material into a gasifier product gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and wherein the combustor is operable to increase the temperature of the circulation stream via combustion of char introduced thereto with the circulation stream and at least one supplemental fuel. A system for carrying out the method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2013Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: RES USA, LLCInventors: Weibin Jiang, Bruce E. McComish, Bryan C. Borum, Benjamin H. Carryer, Mark D. Ibsen, Mark K. Robertson, Eric R. Elrod, Sim Weeks, Harold A. Wright
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Patent number: 9168500Abstract: A method of producing synthesis gas by introducing a feed material to be gasified into a gasification apparatus comprising at least one fluidized component operable as a fluidized bed, wherein the gasification apparatus is configured to convert at least a portion of the feed material into a gasifier product gas comprising synthesis gas; and maintaining fluidization of the at least one fluidized component by introducing a fluidization gas thereto, wherein the fluidization gas comprises at least one component other than steam. A system for producing synthesis gas is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2012Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: RES USA, LLCInventors: Weibin Jiang, Bruce E. McComish, Bryan C. Borum, Benjamin H. Carryer, Mark D. Ibsen, Mark K. Robertson, Eric R. Elrod, Sim Weeks, Harold A. Wright
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Patent number: 9163179Abstract: A method for generation of power and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis products by producing synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide, producing Fischer-Tropsch synthesis products and Fischer-Tropsch tailgas from a first portion of the synthesis gas, and generating power from a second portion of the synthesis gas, from at least a portion of the Fischer-Tropsch tailgas, or from both. The method may also comprise conditioning at least a portion of the synthesis gas and/or upgrading at least a portion of the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis products. A system for carrying out the method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2012Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: RES USA, LLCInventors: Bruce E. McComish, Benjamin H. Carryer, Bryan C. Borum, Weibin Jiang, Mark D. Ibsen, Mark K. Robertson, Eric R. Elrod, Sim Weeks, Harold A. Wright
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Publication number: 20150232769Abstract: A method including introducing a carbonaceous feedstock and a heated heat transfer material into a gasifier, whereby at least a portion of the carbonaceous material is pyrolyzed; removing a gasification product gas comprising, entrained therein, char, particulate heat transfer material, and optionally unreacted carbonaceous feedstock; separating a solids product comprising char, heat transfer material and optionally unreacted carbonaceous material from the gasification product gas; heating at least a portion of the solids product via a combustor, thus producing a heated portion of the solids product and a combustor flue gas, wherein a portion of the heat for heating is obtained via combustion of the char; separating the heated portion from the flue gas, and introducing the separated heated portion into the gasifier, providing heat for pyrolysis; and utilizing at least a portion of the gasification product gas for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and/or power production.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2015Publication date: August 20, 2015Inventors: Weibin JIANG, Bruce E. MCCOMISH, Bryan C. BORUM, Benjamin H. CARRYER, Mark IBSEN, Mark K. ROBERTSON, Eric ELROD, Harold A. WRIGHT
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Publication number: 20140161676Abstract: An apparatus including at least one seal pot having at least one penetration through a surface other than the top of the seal pot, each of the at least one penetrations being configured for introduction, into the at least one seal pot, of solids from a separator upstream of the at least one seal pot; a substantially non-circular cross section; or both at least one penetration through a surface other than the top of the seal pot and a substantially non-circular cross section.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2014Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: RENTECH, INC.Inventors: Weibin JIANG, Bruce E. Mccomish, Bryan C. Borum, Benjamin H. Carryer, Mark D. Ibsen, Mark K. Robertson, Eric R. Elrod, Sim Weeks, Harold A. Wright
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Publication number: 20140037509Abstract: A method of gasification by introducing a feed material to be subjected to gasification into a dual fluidized bed gasifier comprising a pyrolyzer fluidly connected with a combustor such that a circulation stream comprising a heat transfer material can be continuously circulated between the pyrolyzer, in which the temperature of the circulation stream is reduced, and the combustor, in which the temperature of the circulation stream is increased, wherein the pyrolyzer is operable to convert at least a portion of the feed material into a gasifier product gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and wherein the combustor is operable to increase the temperature of the circulation stream via combustion of char introduced thereto with the circulation stream and at least one supplemental fuel. A system for carrying out the method is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: RENTECH, INC.Inventors: Weibin Jiang, Bruce E. Mccomish, Bryan C. Borum, Benjamin H. Carryer, Mark D. Ibsen, Mark K. Robertson, Eric R. Elrod, Sim Weeks, Harold A. Wright
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Publication number: 20130161563Abstract: A method of gasification by introducing a feed material to be subjected to gasification into a dual fluidized bed gasifier comprising a pyrolyzer fluidly connected with a combustor such that a circulation stream comprising a heat transfer material can be continuously circulated between the pyrolyzer, in which the temperature of the circulation stream is reduced, and the combustor, in which the temperature of the circulation stream is increased, wherein the pyrolyzer is operable to convert at least a portion of the feed material into a gasifier product gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and wherein the combustor is operable to increase the temperature of the circulation stream via combustion of char introduced thereto with the circulation stream and at least one supplemental fuel. A system for carrying out the method is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2012Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: Rentech, Inc.Inventors: Weibin JIANG, Bruce E. MCCOMISH, Bryan C. BORUM, Benjamin H. CARRYER, Mark D. IBSEN, Mark K. ROBERTSON, Eric R. ELROD, Sim WEEKS, Harold A. WRIGHT