Patents by Inventor Raymond J. Zinobile
Raymond J. Zinobile 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: 10010841Abstract: A methanol carbonylation system 10 includes an absorber tower 75 adapted for receiving a vent gas stream and removing methyl iodide therefrom with a scrubber solvent, the absorber tower being coupled to first and second scrubber solvent sources 16, 56 which are capable of supplying different first and second scrubber solvents. A switching system including valves 90, 92, 94, 96, 98 alternatively provides first or second scrubber solvents to the absorber tower and returns the used solvent and sorbed material to the carbonylation system to accommodate different operating modes.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2015Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: Celanese International CorporationInventors: Raymond J. Zinobile, Tommy W. Doggett, Lun-kuang Liu
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Patent number: 9862669Abstract: This invention relates to processes for producing acetic acid and, in particular, to improved processes for recovering C2+ alkyl halides and removing permanganate reducing compounds formed during the carbonylation of methanol in the presence of a Group VIII metal carbonylation catalyst to produce acetic acid.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: CELANESE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: G. Paull Torrence, Raymond J. Zinobile, Oyeyemi F. Oyerinde
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Patent number: 9550714Abstract: The present invention relates to improved processes for the manufacture of acetic acid. A pump around reactor is used to produce additional heat for the production of steam. The pump around reactor receives a portion of the reaction solution produced by the carbonylation reactor and further reacts that portion with additional carbon monoxide and/or reactants.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: CELANESE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventor: Raymond J. Zinobile
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Patent number: 9409848Abstract: Processes for the reduction and/or removal of permanganate reducing compounds (PRC'S) formed by the carbonylation of methanol in the presence of a Group VIII metal carbonylation catalyst to produce acetic acid are disclosed. More specifically, processes for reducing and/or removing PRC's or their precursors from intermediate streams during the formation of acetic acid by said carbonylation processes are disclosed. In particular, processes in which a low boiling overhead vapor stream from a light ends column is subjected to a distillation to obtain an overhead that is subjected to an extraction to selectively remove and/or reduce PRC's from the process is disclosed. The processes include steps of recycling one or more return streams derived from the distillation step and/or the extraction step to a light ends column and/or a drying column in order to improve water control in the overall reaction system.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2015Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: CELANESE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Ronald D. Shaver, Mark O. Scates, Raymond J. Zinobile
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Patent number: 9346733Abstract: Eductor mixers are used to mix the reaction medium in a carbonylation reactor. A portion of the reaction solution withdrawn from the reactor and directed through a pump around loop. The pump around loop is fed back to the reactor through the eductor mixers. In addition, a pump around loop may pass through one or more steam generators and/or heat exchangers.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: CELANESE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Raymond J. Zinobile, Michael Lakin, Ashok Rakhe, Ronald D. Shaver
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Publication number: 20150376105Abstract: Processes for the reduction and/or removal of permanganate reducing compounds (PRC'S) formed by the carbonylation of methanol in the presence of a Group VIII metal carbonylation catalyst to produce acetic acid are disclosed. More specifically, processes for reducing and/or removing PRC's or their precursors from intermediate streams during the formation of acetic acid by said carbonylation processes are disclosed. In particular, processes in which a low boiling overhead vapor stream from a light ends column is subjected to a distillation to obtain an overhead that is subjected to an extraction to selectively remove and/or reduce PRC's from the process is disclosed. The processes include steps of recycling one or more return streams derived from the distillation step and/or the extraction step to a light ends column and/or a drying column in order to improve water control in the overall reaction system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Ronald D. Shaver, Mark O. Scates, Raymond J. Zinobile
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Patent number: 9149735Abstract: Processes for the reduction and/or removal of permanganate reducing compounds (PRC'S) formed by the carbonylation of methanol in the presence of a Group VIII metal carbonylation catalyst to produce acetic acid are disclosed. More specifically, processes for reducing and/or removing PRC's or their precursors from intermediate streams during the formation of acetic acid by said carbonylation processes are disclosed. In particular, processes in which a low boiling overhead vapor stream from a light ends column is subjected to a distillation to obtain an overhead that is subjected to an extraction to selectively remove and/or reduce PRC's from the process is disclosed. The processes include steps of recycling one or more return streams derived from the distillation step and/or the extraction step to a light ends column and/or a drying column in order to improve water control in the overall reaction system.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2014Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Celanese International CorporationInventors: Ronald D. Shaver, Mark O. Scates, Raymond J. Zinobile
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Publication number: 20150274632Abstract: This invention relates to processes for producing acetic acid and, in particular, to improved processes for recovering C2+ alkyl halides and removing permanganate reducing compounds formed during the carbonylation of methanol in the presence of a Group VIII metal carbonylation catalyst to produce acetic acid.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2015Publication date: October 1, 2015Inventors: G. Paull Torrence, Raymond J. Zinobile, Oyeyemi F. Oyerinde
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Patent number: 9079121Abstract: A distillation column is provided with a downcomer having an enlarged upper region to increase a processing rate for the removal of permanganate reducing compounds (PRCs) formed by the carbonylation of methanol in the presence of a catalyst to produce acetic acid. The distillation column includes a vertically extending distillation housing; and a plurality of tray assemblies, at least one of which includes a horizontally extending tray panel and a downcomer having, in a downward direction, an enlarged, funnel-shaped upper region defined by a top downcomer panel oriented at an angle to the vertical, and a lower region of substantially constant cross-sectional area defined by a vertically-oriented bottom downcomer panel.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2011Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: Celanese International CorporationInventors: Raymond J. Zinobile, Ashok Rakhe
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Publication number: 20150021160Abstract: Processes for the reduction and/or removal of permanganate reducing compounds (PRC'S) formed by the carbonylation of methanol in the presence of a Group VIII metal carbonylation catalyst to produce acetic acid are disclosed. More specifically, processes for reducing and/or removing PRC's or their precursors from intermediate streams during the formation of acetic acid by said carbonylation processes are disclosed. In particular, processes in which a low boiling overhead vapor stream from a light ends column is subjected to a distillation to obtain an overhead that is subjected to an extraction to selectively remove and/or reduce PRC's from the process is disclosed. The processes include steps of recycling one or more return streams derived from the distillation step and/or the extraction step to a light ends column and/or a drying column in order to improve water control in the overall reaction system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: Ronald D. Shaver, Mark O. Scates, Raymond J. Zinobile
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Patent number: 8889904Abstract: Processes for the reduction and/or removal of permanganate reducing compounds (PRC'S) formed by the carbonylation of methanol in the presence of a Group VIII metal carbonylation catalyst to produce acetic acid are disclosed. More specifically, processes for reducing and/or removing PRC's or their precursors from intermediate streams during the formation of acetic acid by said carbonylation processes are disclosed. In particular, processes in which a low boiling overhead vapor stream from a light ends column is subjected to a distillation to obtain an overhead that is subjected to an extraction to selectively remove and/or reduce PRC's from the process is disclosed. The processes include steps of recycling one or more return streams derived from the distillation step and/or the extraction step to a light ends column and/or a drying column in order to improve water control in the overall reaction system.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Celanese International CorporationInventors: Ronald David Shaver, Mark O. Scates, Raymond J. Zinobile
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Patent number: 8809599Abstract: Described is an integrated process for producing ethanol from acetic acid in which the water from ethanol production is used to control water balance in the acetic acid production. In one embodiment, the invention comprises carbonylating methanol in a carbonylation system in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst under conditions effective to form acetic acid, hydrogenating the acetic acid in a hydrogenation system in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to form a crude ethanol product comprising ethanol and water, separating the ethanol from the water to form an ethanol stream and a water stream, and directing at least a portion of the water stream to the carbonylation system, e.g., for use in the carbonylation reaction medium.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2011Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Celanese International CorporationInventors: Victor J. Johnston, Mark O. Scates, Ronald D. Shaver, Raymond J. Zinobile
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Patent number: 8686201Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for producing ethanol, comprising the step of reacting carbon monoxide with at least one reactant in a reactor containing a reaction medium to produce a liquid reaction product comprising acetic acid. The process further comprises the step of separating the reaction product in a flasher into a liquid recycle stream and a vapor stream. The vapor stream is then distilled in a rectification tower and an overhead stream and an acetic acid stream are withdrawn therefrom, wherein the acetic acid is substantially free of halogen promoters. The process further comprises the step of hydrogenating acetic acid of the acetic acid stream in the presence of a second catalyst and under conditions effective to form a crude ethanol product comprising ethanol and water. Ethanol is recovered from the crude ethanol product.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Celanese International CorporationInventors: Mark O. Scates, Ronald D. Shaver, James H. Zink, Raymond J. Zinobile
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Patent number: 8637698Abstract: A method for producing acetic acid at increased production rates. The method may include a heat transfer system for generating a steam product from the heat of the reaction. In addition, the method may include multiple drying columns. The steam product may be integrated with at least one of the multiple drying columns.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2010Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Celanese International CorporationInventor: Raymond J. Zinobile
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Publication number: 20140018571Abstract: Eductor mixers are used to mix the reaction medium in a carbonylation reactor. A portion of the reaction solution withdrawn from the reactor and directed through a pump around loop. The pump around loop is fed back to the reactor through the eductor mixers. In addition, a pump around loop may pass through one or more steam generators and/or heat exchangers.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: Celanese International CorporationInventors: Raymond J. Zinobile, Michael Lakin, Ashok Rakhe, Ronald D. Shaver
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Publication number: 20140012040Abstract: The present invention relates to improved processes for the manufacture of acetic acid. A pump around reactor is used to produce additional heat for the production of steam. The pump around reactor receives a portion of the reaction solution produced by the carbonylation reactor and further reacts that portion with additional carbon monoxide and/or reactants.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: Celanese International CorporationInventor: Raymond J. Zinobile
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Patent number: 8614359Abstract: An integrated process for producing ethanol, comprising the step of reacting carbon monoxide with at least one reactant in a reactor containing a reaction medium to produce a liquid reaction product comprising acetic acid. The reaction medium comprises water, acetic acid, methyl acetate, a halogen promoter, and a first catalyst. The process further comprises the steps of directly feeding the liquid reaction product from the reactor to a distillation column and withdrawing from it an overhead stream comprising methyl acetate, and/or halogen promoter, a bottoms stream comprising a solution of the first catalyst, and a liquid acetic acid sidestream; and hydrogenating acetic acid of the liquid acetic acid sidestream in the presence of a second catalyst and under conditions effective to form a crude ethanol product comprising ethanol and water. No flashing vessel is used to purify the liquid reaction product. Ethanol is recovered from the crude ethanol product.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2011Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Celanese International CorporationInventors: David Lee, Lincoln Sarager, Mark O. Scates, Ronald D. Shaver, James H. Zink, Raymond J. Zinobile
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Patent number: 8592635Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing ethanol and recovering methyl iodide, the process comprising the steps of carbonylating methanol in a carbonylation system in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst under conditions effective to form acetic acid; hydrogenating the acetic acid in a hydrogenation system in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to form a crude ethanol product comprising ethanol and water; and separating the crude ethanol product to form an ethanol stream and a water stream.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Celanese International CorporationInventors: Mark O. Scates, Ronald D. Shaver, James H. Zink, Raymond J. Zinobile, Oyeyemi Oyerinde
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Patent number: 8530696Abstract: The present invention relates to improved processes for the manufacture of acetic acid. A pump around reactor is used to produce additional heat for the production of steam. The pump around reactor receives a portion of the reaction solution produced by the carbonylation reactor and further reacts that portion with additional carbon monoxide and/or reactants.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Celanese International CorporationInventor: Raymond J. Zinobile
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Patent number: 8501990Abstract: A process for the reduction and/or removal of permanganate reducing compounds formed by the carbonylation of methanol in the presence of a Group VIII metal carbonylation catalyst to produce acetic acid is disclosed. More specifically, a process for reducing and/or removing permanganate reducing compounds or their precursors from intermediate streams during the formation of acetic acid by said carbonylation processes is disclosed. In particular, a process in which a low boiling overhead vapor stream from a light ends column is subjected to a single distillation to obtain an overhead that is subjected to an extraction to selectively remove and/or reduce PRC's from the process is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Celanese International CorporationInventors: Raymond J. Zinobile, Mark O. Scates, Jonathan A. Makelki, Manuel Salado