Patents by Inventor Neil K. McDougald

Neil K. McDougald 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: 7074371
    Abstract: A mixing system is disclosed which provides improved multiphase mixing through the use of a novel quench injection means. The mixing system comprises a horizontal collection tray, a mixing chamber positioned below the collection tray, and at least one passageway extending through the collection tray into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber and the collection tray define a two-phase mixing volume. The passageway conducts fluid from above the collection tray into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber preferably includes at least one outlet opening for the downward passage of fluid. In particular, mixing of quench fluid is significantly improved when quench is introduced into a region above the collection tray and where (i) lateral velocities of the process fluids are low, (ii) sufficient volume is available for the quench fluid to mix with the process fluids, and (iii) quench injection occurs opposite the prevailing direction of process fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Neil K. McDougald, Gregory P. Muldowney, Sherri L. Boyd
  • Patent number: 7052654
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a mixing system that provides improved mixing of quench gas and process fluids in a height constrained interbed space while not increasing pressure drop. In particular, the device improves the effectiveness of an existing mixing volume in mixing the gas phase of two-phase systems. The mixing system includes a horizontal collection tray, a mixing chamber positioned below the collection tray, at least one passageway extending through the collection tray into the mixing chamber, and a vapor slipstream passageway extending through the collection tray into the mixing chamber for directing a vapor slipstream from above the collection tray into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber and the collection tray define a two-phase mixing volume. The passageway conducts fluid containing at least some vapor from above the collection tray into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber preferably includes at least one outlet opening for the downward passage of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: ExxonMobile Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Neil K. McDougald, Sherri L. Boyd, Gregory P. Muldowney
  • Patent number: 7045103
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel means to provide more effective mixing of quench gas and process fluids in a height constrained interbed space of a catalytic reactor without increasing pressure drop. In particular, the device improves the effectiveness of an existing mixing volume in mixing the gas phase of two-phase systems. According to the present invention, the quench zone hardware contained within the reactor includes a substantially vertical continuous perimeter solid baffle attached to the underside of the collection tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Neil K. McDougald, Sherri L. Boyd, Gregory P. Muldowney
  • Publication number: 20040228779
    Abstract: A mixing system is disclosed which provides improved multiphase mixing through the use of a novel quench injection means. The mixing system comprises a horizontal collection tray, a mixing chamber positioned below the collection tray, and at least one passageway extending through the collection tray into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber and the collection tray define a two-phase mixing volume. The passageway conducts fluid from above the collection tray into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber preferably includes at least one outlet opening for the downward passage of fluid. In particular, mixing of quench fluid is significantly improved when quench is introduced into a region above the collection tray and where (i) lateral velocities of the process fluids are low, (ii) sufficient volume is available for the quench fluid to mix with the process fluids, and (iii) quench injection occurs opposite the prevailing direction of process fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Neil K. McDougald, Gregory P. Muldowney, Sherri L. Boyd
  • Publication number: 20040151643
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a mixing system that provides improved mixing of quench gas and process fluids in a height constrained interbed space while not increasing pressure drop. In particular, the device improves the effectiveness of an existing mixing volume in mixing the gas phase of two-phase systems. The mixing system includes a horizontal collection tray, a mixing chamber positioned below the collection tray, at least one passageway extending through the collection tray into the mixing chamber, and a vapor slipstream passageway extending through the collection tray into the mixing chamber for directing a vapor slipstream from above the collection tray into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber and the collection tray define a two-phase mixing volume. The passageway conducts fluid containing at least some vapor from above the collection tray into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber preferably includes at least one outlet opening for the downward passage of fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company (formerly Exxon Research and Engineering Company)
    Inventors: Neil K. McDougald, Sherri L. Boyd, Gregory P. Muldowney
  • Publication number: 20040136886
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel means to provide more effective mixing of quench gas and process fluids in a height constrained interbed space of a catalytic reactor without increasing pressure drop. In particular, the device improves the effectiveness of an existing mixing volume in mixing the gas phase of two-phase systems. According to the present invention, the quench zone hardware contained within the reactor includes a substantially vertical continuous perimeter solid baffle attached to the underside of the collection tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Neil K. McDougald, Sherri L. Boyd, Gregory P. Muldowney