Patents by Inventor Michael A. Lilga

Michael A. Lilga 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: 10260156
    Abstract: A system and process are disclosed for electrochemically upgrading bio-oils and bio-crudes that enhance yields of selected reduction products for subsequent production of bio-based fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Asanga B. Padmaperuma, Tedd E. Lister, Eric J. Dufek, Lucia M. Petkovic, Luis A. Diaz-Aldana
  • Patent number: 10005974
    Abstract: Systems, processes, and catalysts are disclosed for obtaining fuels and fuel blends containing selected ratios of open-chain and closed-chain fuel-range hydrocarbons suitable for production of alternate fuels including gasolines, jet fuels, and diesel fuels. Fuel-range hydrocarbons may be derived from ethylene-containing feedstocks and ethanol-containing feedstocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Richard T. Hallen, Karl O. Albrecht, Alan R. Cooper, John G. Frye, Karthikeyan Kallupalayam Ramasamy
  • Patent number: 9932531
    Abstract: Systems, processes, and catalysts are disclosed for obtaining fuel and fuel blends containing selected ratios of open-chain and closed-chain fuel-range hydrocarbons suitable for production of alternate fuels including gasolines, jet fuels, and diesel fuels. Fuel-range hydrocarbons may be derived from ethylene-containing feedstocks and ethanol-containing feedstocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Richard T. Hallen, Karl O. Albrecht, Alan R. Cooper, John G. Frye, Karthikeyan Kallupalayam Ramasamy
  • Publication number: 20170369804
    Abstract: Systems, processes, and catalysts are disclosed for obtaining fuels and fuel blends containing selected ratios of open-chain and closed-chain fuel-range hydrocarbons suitable for production of alternate fuels including gasolines, jet fuels, and diesel fuels. Fuel-range hydrocarbons may be derived from ethylene-containing feedstocks and ethanol-containing feedstocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Richard T. Hallen, Karl O. Albrecht, Alan R. Cooper, John G. Frye, Karthikeyan Kallupalayam Ramasamy
  • Patent number: 9777224
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for converting a biomass-derived product containing levulinic acid and/or gamma-valerolactone to a transportation fuel precursor product containing diesel like hydrocarbons. These methods are expected to produce fuel products at a reduced cost relative to conventional approaches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Asanga B. Padmaperuma
  • Patent number: 9771533
    Abstract: Systems, processes, and catalysts are disclosed for obtaining fuels and fuel blends containing selected ratios of open-chain and closed-chain fuel-range hydrocarbons suitable for production of alternate fuels including gasolines, jet fuels, and diesel fuels. Fuel-range hydrocarbons may be derived from ethylene-containing feedstocks and ethanol-containing feedstocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Richard T. Hallen, Karl O. Albrecht, Alan R. Cooper, John G. Frye, Karthikeyan Kallupalayam Ramasamy
  • Publication number: 20170218283
    Abstract: Systems, processes, and catalysts are disclosed for obtaining fuel and fuel blends containing selected ratios of open-chain and closed-chain fuel-range hydrocarbons suitable for production of alternate fuels including gasolines, jet fuels, and diesel fuels. Fuel-range hydrocarbons may be derived from ethylene-containing feedstocks and ethanol-containing feedstocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Applicant: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Richard T. Hallen, Karl O. Albrecht, Alan R. Cooper, John G. Frye, Karthikeyan Kallupalayam Ramasamy
  • Patent number: 9663416
    Abstract: Systems, processes, and catalysts are disclosed for obtaining fuel and fuel blends containing selected ratios of open-chain and closed-chain fuel-range hydrocarbons suitable for production of alternate fuels including gasolines, jet fuels, and diesel fuels. Fuel-range hydrocarbons may be derived from ethylene-containing feedstocks and ethanol-containing feedstocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Richard T. Hallen, Karl O. Albrecht, Alan R. Cooper, John G. Frye, Karthikeyan Kallupalayam Ramasamy
  • Publication number: 20170130138
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for converting a biomass-derived product containing levulinic acid and/or gamma-valerolactone to a transportation fuel precursor product containing diesel like hydrocarbons. These methods are expected to produce fuel products at a reduced cost relative to conventional approaches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Asanga B. Padmaperuma
  • Patent number: 9517984
    Abstract: Embodiments of an integrated method for step-wise conversion of 2,3-butanediol to 2-butanol, and optionally to hydrocarbons, are disclosed. The method includes providing an acidic catalyst, exposing a composition comprising aqueous 2,3-butanediol to the acidic catalyst to produce an intermediate composition comprising methyl ethyl ketone, providing a hydrogenation catalyst that is spatially separated from the acidic catalyst, and subsequently exposing the intermediate composition to the hydrogenation catalyst to produce a composition comprising 2-butanol. The method may further include subsequently exposing the composition comprising 2-butanol to a deoxygenation catalyst, and deoxygenating the 2-butanol to form hydrocarbons. In some embodiments, the hydrocarbons comprise olefins, such as butenes, and the method may further include subsequently exposing the hydrocarbons to a hydrogenation catalyst to form saturated hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Guo-Shuh Lee, Suh-Jane Lee
  • Publication number: 20160281246
    Abstract: A system and process are disclosed for electrochemically upgrading bio-oils and bio-crudes that enhance yields of selected reduction products for subsequent production of bio-based fuels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicants: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE, BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Asanga B. Padmaperuma, Tedd E. Lister, Eric J. Dufek, Lucia M. Petkovic, Luis A. Diaz-Aldana
  • Patent number: 9434659
    Abstract: A composition comprising 2,3-butanediol is dehydrated to methyl vinyl carbinol and/or 1,3-butadiene by exposure to a catalyst comprising (a) MxOy wherein M is a rare earth metal, a group IIIA metal, Zr, or a combination thereof, and x and y are based upon an oxidation state of M, or (b) M3a(PO4)b where M3 is a group IA, a group IIA metal, a group IIIA metal, or a combination thereof, and a and b are based upon the oxidation state of M3. Embodiments of the catalyst comprising MxOy may further include M2, wherein M2 is a rare earth metal, a group IIA metal, Zr, Al, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, 2,3-butanediol is dehydrated to methyl vinyl carbinol and/or 1,3-butadiene by a catalyst comprising MxOy, and the methyl vinyl carbinol is subsequently dehydrated to 1,3-butadiene by exposure to a solid acid catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, John G. Frye, Jr., Suh-Jane Lee, Karl O. Albrecht
  • Publication number: 20160194572
    Abstract: Systems, processes, and catalysts are disclosed for obtaining fuels and fuel blends containing selected ratios of open-chain and closed-chain fuel-range hydrocarbons suitable for production of alternate fuels including gasolines, jet fuels, and diesel fuels. Fuel-range hydrocarbons may be derived from ethylene-containing feedstocks and ethanol-containing feedstocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Richard T. Hallen, Karl O. Albrecht, Alan R. Cooper, John G. Frye, Karthi Ramasamy
  • Publication number: 20160194257
    Abstract: Systems, processes, and catalysts are disclosed for obtaining fuel and fuel blends containing selected ratios of open-chain and closed-chain fuel-range hydrocarbons suitable for production of alternate fuels including gasolines, jet fuels, and diesel fuels. Fuel-range hydrocarbons may be derived from ethylene-containing feedstocks and ethanol-containing feedstocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Richard T. Hallen, Karl O. Albrecht, Alan R. Cooper, John G. Frye, Karthi Ramasamy
  • Publication number: 20150284307
    Abstract: Embodiments of an integrated method for step-wise conversion of 2,3-butanediol to 2-butanol, and optionally to hydrocarbons, are disclosed. The method includes providing an acidic catalyst, exposing a composition comprising aqueous 2,3-butanediol to the acidic catalyst to produce an intermediate composition comprising methyl ethyl ketone, providing a hydrogenation catalyst that is spatially separated from the acidic catalyst, and subsequently exposing the intermediate composition to the hydrogenation catalyst to produce a composition comprising 2-butanol. The method may further include subsequently exposing the composition comprising 2-butanol to a deoxygenation catalyst, and deoxygenating the 2-butanol to form hydrocarbons. In some embodiments, the hydrocarbons comprise olefins, such as butenes, and the method may further include subsequently exposing the hydrocarbons to a hydrogenation catalyst to form saturated hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Applicant: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Guo-Shuh Lee, Suh-Jane Lee
  • Publication number: 20150218062
    Abstract: A composition comprising 2,3-butanediol is dehydrated to methyl vinyl carbinol and/or 1,3-butadiene by exposure to a catalyst comprising (a) MxOy wherein M is a rare earth metal, a group IIIA metal, Zr, or a combination thereof, and x and y are based upon an oxidation state of M, or (b) M3a(PO4)b where M3 is a group IA, a group IIA metal, a group IIIA metal, or a combination thereof, and a and b are based upon the oxidation state of M3. Embodiments of the catalyst comprising MxOy may further include M2, wherein M2 is a rare earth metal, a group IIA metal, Zr, Al, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, 2,3-butanediol is dehydrated to methyl vinyl carbinol and/or 1,3-butadiene by a catalyst comprising MxOy, and the methyl vinyl carbinol is subsequently dehydrated to 1,3-butadiene by exposure to a solid acid catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, John G. Frye, JR., Suh-Jane Lee, Karl O. Albrecht
  • Patent number: 8742144
    Abstract: A method of reducing hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) where a starting material containing HMF in a solvent comprising water is provided. H2 is provided into the reactor and the starting material is contacted with a catalyst containing at least one metal selected from Ni, Co, Cu, Pd, Pt, Ru, Ir, Re and Rh, at a temperature of less than or equal to 250° C. A method of hydrogenating HMF includes providing an aqueous solution containing HMF and fructose. H2 and a hydrogenation catalyst are provided. The HMF is selectively hydrogenated relative to the fructose at a temperature at or above 30° C. A method of producing tetrahydrofuran dimethanol (THFDM) includes providing a continuous flow reactor having first and second catalysts and providing a feed comprising HMF into the reactor. The feed is contacted with the first catalyst to produce furan dimethanol (FDM) which is contacted with the second catalyst to produce THFDM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Richard T. Hallen, James F. White, Michel J. Gray
  • Patent number: 8367851
    Abstract: A method of reducing hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) where a starting material containing HMF in a solvent comprising water is provided. H2 is provided into the reactor and the starting material is contacted with a catalyst containing at least one metal selected from Ni, Co, Cu, Pd, Pt, Ru, Ir, Re and Rh, at a temperature of less than or equal to 250° C. A method of hydrogenating HMF includes providing an aqueous solution containing HMF and fructose. H2 and a hydrogenation catalyst are provided. The HMF is selectively hydrogenated relative to the fructose at a temperature at or above 30° C. A method of producing tetrahydrofuran dimethanol (THFDM) includes providing a continuous flow reactor having first and second catalysts and providing a feed comprising HMF into the reactor. The feed is contacted with the first catalyst to produce furan dimethanol (FDM) which is contacted with the second catalyst to produce THFDM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Richard T. Hallen, James F. White, Michel J. Gray
  • Patent number: 8193382
    Abstract: A method of oxidizing hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) includes providing a starting material which includes HMF in a solvent comprising water into a reactor. At least one of air and O2 is provided into the reactor. The starting material is contacted with the catalyst comprising Pt on a support material where the contacting is conducted at a reactor temperature of from about 50° C. to about 200° C. A method of producing an oxidation catalyst where ZrO2 is provided and is calcined. The ZrO2 is mixed with platinum (II) acetylacetonate to form a mixture. The mixture is subjected to rotary evaporation to form a product. The product is calcined and reduced under hydrogen to form an activated product. The activated product is passivated under a flow of 2% O2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Richard T. Hallen, Jianli Hu, James F. White, Michel J. Gray
  • Patent number: 8193381
    Abstract: A method of oxidizing hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) includes providing a starting material which includes HMF in a solvent comprising water into a reactor. At least one of air and O2 is provided into the reactor. The starting material is contacted with the catalyst comprising Pt on a support material where the contacting is conducted at a reactor temperature of from about 50° C. to about 200° C. A method of producing an oxidation catalyst where ZrO2 is provided and is calcined. The ZrO2 is mixed with platinum (II) acetylacetonate to form a mixture. The mixture is subjected to rotary evaporation to form a product. The product is calcined and reduced under hydrogen to form an activated product. The activated product is passivated under a flow of 2% O2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Michael A. Lilga, Richard T. Hallen, Jianli Hu, James F. White, Michel J. Gray