Patents by Inventor Michael J. Vetter

Michael J. Vetter 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: 20170320033
    Abstract: A radial flow reactor is described. It includes a vertically extending vessel, an outer conduit, and a central conduit. At least a portion of the outer conduit and the central conduit comprises a screen. A particle retaining space is defined by at least one of the vessel, the central conduit, and the outer conduit, and it communicates with the screen of the outer conduit and the central conduit. An inlet distribution ring is positioned on the outer conduit. The inlet distribution ring comprises a ring having at least one opening and at least one vertically extending riser tube. One end of the riser tube is sealed to the ring, and the other end is positioned inside the outer conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Bryan J. Egolf, Jeffrey Grott, Emadoddin Abbasi, Michael J. Vetter, Ka Lok
  • Patent number: 9433909
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in radial flow reactors is presented. The apparatus includes a first partition and a second partition with support members coupled therebetween. The first partition include a first opening and a second opening to allow the passage of fluid therethrough. A baffle extends into a flow channel formed by adjacent support members to obstruct an upper or lower portion of the first opening to interrupt a portion of the fluid flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Vetter, Quan Yuan, Paul A. Sechrist
  • Patent number: 9266079
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in radial flow reactors is presented. The apparatus includes a first partition and a second partition with support members coupled therebetween. The first partition include a first opening and a second opening to allow the passage of fluid therethrough. A baffle extends into a flow channel formed by adjacent support members to obstruct an upper or lower portion of the first opening to interrupt a portion of the fluid flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Vetter, Quan Yuan, Paul A. Sechrist
  • Patent number: 9211517
    Abstract: A catalyst retainer includes an inner particle retention device having apertures and a first non-apertured section; and an outer particle retention device having apertures and a second non-apertured section. The inner and the outer particle retention devices are spaced apart to define a particle retaining space of the retainer. The first non-apertured section and the second non-apertured section define a blanked-off section of the particle retaining space, and the blanked-off section is spaced from an end of the particle retaining space. The catalyst retainer also includes a louver with at least a portion located between the blanked-off section and the end of the particle retaining space. The louver extends into the particle retaining space at an angle with respect to an inner surface of the inner particle retention device. The louver introduces the fluid to the top catalyst free surface in a more uniform manner and hence prevents particle movement and attrition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Hadjira Iddir, Michael J. Vetter, Joseph E. Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 9095830
    Abstract: An apparatus is for directing a fluid into a radial reactor is and which maintains a bed of solid particulate material within a reactor. The apparatus comprises a duct for directing fluid into a reactor and has a screenless face for the egress of the fluid, while providing for the retention of solid particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Vetter, Paul A. Sechrist, Bryan K. Glover
  • Patent number: 9044723
    Abstract: An inclined baseplate for a radial bed reactor improves solids flow from the bottom of the reactor. Gas flow can be improved by utilizing an aerated baseplate or by providing a non-porous section of outer perforated cylinder in the area below the level of the bottom of the inner perforated cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Vetter, Sujay Krishnamurthy, Laura E. Loenard, Paul A. Sechrist, Angelo P. Furfaro, Quan Yuan
  • Publication number: 20150078970
    Abstract: A catalyst retainer includes an inner particle retention device having apertures and a first non-apertured section; and an outer particle retention device having apertures and a second non-apertured section. The inner and the outer particle retention devices are spaced apart to define a particle retaining space of the retainer. The first non-apertured section and the second non-apertured section define a blanked-off section of the particle retaining space, and the blanked-off section is spaced from an end of the particle retaining space. The catalyst retainer also includes a louver with at least a portion located between the blanked-off section and the end of the particle retaining space. The louver extends into the particle retaining space at an angle with respect to an inner surface of the inner particle retention device. The louver introduces the fluid to the top catalyst free surface in a more uniform manner and hence prevents particle movement and attrition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Hadjira Iddir, Michael J. Vetter, Joseph E. Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20140294682
    Abstract: An inclined baseplate for a radial bed reactor improves solids flow from the bottom of the reactor. Gas flow can be improved by utilizing an aerated baseplate or by providing a non-porous section of outer perforated cylinder in the area below the level of the bottom of the inner perforated cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Vetter, Sujay Krishnamurthy, Laura E. Loenard, Paul A. Sechrist, Angelo P. Furfaro, Quan Yuan
  • Publication number: 20130340229
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in radial flow reactors is presented. The apparatus includes a first partition and a second partition with support members coupled therebetween. The first partition include a first opening and a second opening to allow the passage of fluid therethrough. A baffle extends into a flow channel formed by adjacent support members to obstruct an upper or lower portion of the first opening to interrupt a portion of the fluid flow therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Michael J. Vetter, Quan Yuan, Paul A. Sechrist
  • Publication number: 20130343961
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in radial flow reactors is presented. The apparatus includes a first partition and a second partition with support members coupled therebetween. The first partition include a first opening and a second opening to allow the passage of fluid therethrough. A baffle extends into a flow channel formed by adjacent support members to obstruct an upper or lower portion of the first opening to interrupt a portion of the fluid flow therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Michael J. Vetter, Quan Yuan, Paul A. Sechrist
  • Publication number: 20120082595
    Abstract: An apparatus for contacting a bed of particulate material with a cross flowing fluid, which maintains the bed of particulate material within a retention volume. The apparatus includes partitions for retaining particles, with apertures disposed within the partitions. The apertures are covered by louvers that extend above the edges of the apertures to prevent solid particles from spilling through inlet apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Bing Sun, Paul A. Sechrist, Bryan K. Glover, Michael J. Vetter
  • Patent number: 8043578
    Abstract: A flexible pressure containment coverplate has been invented for radial flow reactors. The coverplate is for a fixed bed reactor wherein the reactor undergoes significant thermal cycles. The coverplate provides flexibility for axial and radial thermal growth, while providing a sealing capability to prevent leakage of the fluid. The coverplate has a half toroidal structure, with a semi-circular cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Michael J. Vetter
  • Patent number: 7998429
    Abstract: An apparatus is presented for contacting a bed of particulate material with a cross flowing fluid, which maintains the bed of particulate material within a retention volume. The apparatus includes partitions for retaining particles, with openings disposed within the partitions. The openings are covered by louvers that extend above the edges of the openings to prevent solid particles from spilling through inlet openings, and the design prevents the loss of particles through the openings during cooldown of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Vetter, Paul A. Sechrist, Bing Sun
  • Publication number: 20110036427
    Abstract: An apparatus is for directing a fluid into a radial reactor is and which maintains a bed of solid particulate material within a reactor. The apparatus comprises a duct for directing fluid into a reactor and has a screenless face for the egress of the fluid, while providing for the retention of solid particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Vetter, Paul A. Sechrist, Bryan K. Glover
  • Patent number: 7846403
    Abstract: An apparatus is for directing a fluid into a radial reactor is and which maintains a bed of solid particulate material within a reactor. The apparatus comprises a duct for directing fluid into a reactor and has a screenless face for the egress of the fluid, while providing for the retention of solid particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Vetter, Paul A. Sechrist, Bryan K. Glover
  • Patent number: 7842258
    Abstract: A secondary containment system is used with a screenless reactor. The secondary containment system includes a screen sized to prevent the passage of catalyst particles, and is affixed to the screenless reactor with supports to hold the screen a desired distance from the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Joseph H. Gregor, Michael J. Vetter
  • Patent number: 7829038
    Abstract: A radial flow reactor design is presented. The reactor has individual and interchangeable screens that are arrayed circumferentially around the inside of the reactor. The reactor includes a plurality of screens held out from the reactor wall to form a circumferential screen, with channels defined between the reactor wall and the circumferential screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Vetter, Jeffrey E. Burgard
  • Publication number: 20100209317
    Abstract: A flexible pressure containment coverplate has been invented for radial flow reactors. The coverplate is for a fixed bed reactor wherein the reactor undergoes significant thermal cycles. The coverplate provides flexibility for axial and radial thermal growth, while providing a sealing capability to prevent leakage of the fluid. The coverplate has a half toroidal structure, with a semi-circular cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Michael J. Vetter
  • Patent number: 7749467
    Abstract: A radial flow reactor fluid duct distribution apparatus is presented. The apparatus includes a plate of sufficient thickness to impart strength to the fluid flow duct and is milled to have narrow slots allowing fluid to flow through the plate, while preventing the passage of catalyst through the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Naunheimer, Michael J. Vetter
  • Patent number: 7621988
    Abstract: An apparatus is shown for contacting a bed of particulate material with a cross flowing fluid, which maintains the bed of particulate material within a retention volume. The apparatus includes partitions for retaining particles, with apertures disposed within the partitions. The apertures are covered by louvers that extend above the edges of the apertures to prevent solid particles from spilling through inlet apertures. And the apparatus includes baffles to inhibit erosion of the particles by redirecting the inlet gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Bing Sun, Paul A. Sechrist, Michael J. Vetter, William J. Koves