Patents by Inventor Robert M. Koros

Robert M. Koros 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: 20210009486
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides assemblies for producing linear alpha olefins and methods for producing linear alpha olefins. In at least one embodiment, a method for producing a linear alpha olefin includes oligomerizing an olefin in the presence of a catalyst and a process solvent in at least one reactor, quenching the reactor effluent, and subjecting the quenched effluent to separation steps to obtain a stream enriched in one or more linear alpha olefins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Paul W. Allen, Kirk C. Nadler, James R. Lattner, Michael W. Weber, Travis A. Reine, Robert M. Koros, Roger N. Bennett
  • Patent number: 10214694
    Abstract: This invention relates to a new process to directly produce transportation gasoline from synthesis gas containing principally carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen. The process entails three sequential catalytic stages with intermediate heat exchange to provide the requisite temperature in each stage, but with no interstage separation. The recycle loop enhances the conversion of the synthesis gas to the desired products and also serves as heat sink for the highly exothermic reactions involved in each stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Primus Green Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Howard L. Fang, Meifang Qin, Cunping Huang, Zhong He, Robert M. Koros
  • Publication number: 20180221842
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-stage, single reactor and system for making methanol for synthesis gas (syngas). In particular, the reactor contains a shell and tube reactor that is divided at its top and bottom heads into a plurality vertical, isolated compartments. The associated compartments and tubes form a stage of the reactor. The raw syngas is fed to the first stage, and unreacted syngas from the first stage is fed to the second stage subsequent stages. Between each stage, the product, methanol and water, is removed from the reaction mixture before sending the unreacted syngas to the subsequent stage. The reactor allows for high conversion of synthesis gas to methanol in a once-through process, without requiring recycling of unreacted synthesis gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Eli GAL, Robert M. KOROS, Benjamin MOSKOWITZ, Arnold KELLER
  • Publication number: 20180214837
    Abstract: The present invention relates a two-stage reactor for exothermal, reversible reactions. In particular, the reactor contains a first semi-isothermal stage followed by a second cooling stage. The reactor allows for high conversion of products in an exothermal, reversible reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Eli GAL, Robert M. KOROS, Benjamin MOSKOWITZ
  • Publication number: 20170260458
    Abstract: This invention relates to a new process to directly produce transportation gasoline from synthesis gas containing principally carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen, The process entails three sequential catalytic stages with intermediate heat exchange to provide the requisite temperature in each stage, but with no interstage separation. The recycle loop enhances the conversion of the synthesis gas to the desired products and also serves as heat sink for the highly exothermic reactions involved in each stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Howard L. FANG, Meifang QIN, Cunping HUANG, Zhong HE, Robert M. KOROS
  • Patent number: 9670416
    Abstract: This invention relates to a new process to directly produce transportation gasoline from synthesis gas containing principally carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen. The process entails three sequential catalytic stages with intermediate heat exchange to provide the requisite temperature in each stage, but with no interstage separation. The recycle loop enhances the conversion of the synthesis gas to the desired products and also serves as heat sink for the highly exothermic reactions involved in each stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Primus Green Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Howard L. Fang, Meifang Qin, Cunping Huang, Zhong He, Robert M. Koros
  • Publication number: 20160168476
    Abstract: This invention relates to a new process to directly produce transportation gasoline from synthesis gas containing principally carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen. The process entails three sequential catalytic stages with intermediate heat exchange to provide the requisite temperature in each stage, but with no interstage separation. The recycle loop enhances the conversion of the synthesis gas to the desired products and also serves as heat sink for the highly exothermic reactions involved in each stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Howard L. Fang, Meifang Qin, Cunping Huang, Zhong He, Robert M. Koros
  • Patent number: 9169166
    Abstract: Synthetic fuels are produced from synthesis gas in a four-stage reactor system with a single recycle loop providing the requisite thermal capacity to moderate the high heat release of the reactions and to provide the reactants and reaction environments for the efficient operation of the process. The first reactor converts a portion of the synthesis gas to methanol; the second reactor converts the methanol to dimethylether; the third reactor converts the methanol and dimethylether to fuel; and the fourth reactor converts the high melting point component, durene, and other low volatility aromatic components such as tri- and tetra-methylbenzenes to high octane branched paraffins. A large part of the gas stream of the fourth reactor is recycled to the inlet of the first stage and mixed with the fresh synthesis gas stream. Alternatively, the fresh synthetic gas stream is mixed with the product of the second stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Primus Green Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Howard L. Fang, Moshe Ben-Reuven, Richard E. Boyle, Robert M. Koros
  • Publication number: 20140199213
    Abstract: Synthetic fuels are produced from synthesis gas in a four-stage reactor system with a single recycle loop providing the requisite thermal capacity to moderate the high heat release of the reactions and to provide the reactants and reaction environments for the efficient operation of the process. The first stage converts a portion of the synthesis gas to methanol, the second stage converts the methanol to dimethylether, the third stage converts the methanol and dimethylether to fuel and the fourth stage converts the high melting point component, durene, and other low volatility aromatic components such as tri- and tetra-methylbenzenes to high octane branched paraffins. The four-stage catalyst used for hydrotreating is resistant to CO poisoning. The reactions i produce water as a side product that is carried through to a high pressure separator after the fourth stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: PRIMUS GREEN ENERGY
    Inventors: Howard L. FANG, Moshe BEN-REUVEN, Richard E. BOYLE, Robert M. KOROS
  • Patent number: 8686206
    Abstract: Synthetic fuels are produced from synthesis gas in a four-stage reactor system with a single recycle loop providing the requisite thermal capacity to moderate the high heat release of the reactions and to provide the reactants and reaction environments for the efficient operation of the process. The first stage converts a portion of the synthesis gas to methanol, the second stage converts the methanol to dimethylether, the third stage converts the methanol and dimethylether to fuel and the fourth stage converts the high melting point component, durene, and other low volatility aromatic components such as tri- and tetra-methylbenzenes to high octane branched paraffins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Primus Green Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Howard L. Fang, Moshe Ben-Reuven, Richard E. Boyle, Robert M. Koros
  • Publication number: 20130270483
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for producing synthesis gas. In particular, the systems of the present invention include two catalytic reactors in series, a wet reformer/gasifier followed by a dry reformer. The systems produce synthesis gas with very little to no methane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Primus Green Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Moshe BEN-REUVEN, Howard L. Fang, Meifang Qin, Robert M. Koros, Arie Toren
  • Publication number: 20120116137
    Abstract: Synthetic fuels are produced from synthesis gas in a four-stage reactor system with a single recycle loop providing the requisite thermal capacity to moderate the high heat release of the reactions and to provide the reactants and reaction environments for the efficient operation of the process. The first stage converts a portion of the synthesis gas to methanol, the second stage converts the methanol to dimethylether, the third stage converts the methanol and dimethylether to fuel and the fourth stage converts the high melting point component, durene, and other low volatility aromatic components such as tri- andtetra-methylbenzenes to high octane branched paraffins. The four-stage catalyst used for hydrotreating is resistant to CO poisoning. The reactions i produce water as a side product that is carried through to a high pressure separator after the fourth stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: PRIMUS GREEN ENERGY INC.
    Inventors: Howard L. Fang, Moshe BEN-REUVEN, Richard E. BOYLE, Robert M. KOROS
  • Patent number: 5650536
    Abstract: A continuous process for functionalizing olefins, especially polymer olefins in a CSTR or pipe reactor. Esters are preferably produced by continuous reaction of the olefin with carbon monoxide and a nucleophilic trapping agent. The liquid-filled pipe reactor operates in plug flow with static mixers and the CSTR is operated in the substantial absence of air at constant liquid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Dankworth, William H. Cross, Joseph V. Cusumano, William D. Diana, William B. Eckstrom, Jacob I. Emert, Keith R. Gorda, Robert M. Koros, Harold W. Margo, Jon E. Stanat
  • Patent number: 5403561
    Abstract: The uniform distribution of mixed phase fluid stream on to the top of a contact bed in a reactor chamber is provided by a horizontal tray with a plurality of spaced-apart, vertically disposed chimneys extending through the tray. These chimneys have a first end to receive liquid and gas above the tray and a second end for distributing the liquid and gas downwardly below the tray. Importantly, the second end is provided with a spray generating device located below the tray for producing a conical downward spray of the mixed fluid phase onto the top surface of a bed of contact material positioned below the tray. The spray generating devices for producing the conical spray are located at positions so that the spray of the mixed fluid stream from one spray generating device as it impinges on the top surface of the fixed bed, will overlap the spray from an adjacent spray generating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Exxon Research & Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Robert M. Koros, Yiu W. Wong, John T. Wyatt, David C. Dankworth
  • Patent number: 5384336
    Abstract: A reactor housing having a plurality of reaction tubes vertically disposed therein for conducting slurry phase hydrocarbon synthesis reactions under substantially plug flow conditions, and wherein provision is made for uniformly distributing gas bubbles in slurry liquid into the reaction tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Exxon Research & Engineering Co.
    Inventor: Robert M. Koros
  • Patent number: 5354990
    Abstract: The distribution of fluid flowing through a packed bed reactor is determined by placing a plurality of fiber optic sensors at desired locations within the packed bed reactor. A light analyzable tracer component is injected into the fluid flowing through the reactor. Light is supplied to each of the sensors causing any tracer component in the vicinity of the sensor to emit electromagnetic radiation. The emitted electromagnetic radiation is detected at each fiber optic sensor, thereby permitting the amount of tracer in the vicinity of each sensor to be determined, and consequently providing a measure of the distribution of fluid flowing through the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: David C. Dankworth, Robert M. Koros
  • Patent number: 5340549
    Abstract: In its simplest sense, the present invention provides a method for improving the contacting of plural, distinct phases in a vertically disposed vessel containing distinct fluid phases by injecting a stream of dispersed distinct phases together into the phases contained in the vessel at a sufficient velocity to force the fluid in the vessel to circulate downwardly through a central region in the vessel and upwardly in the annular region surrounding the central region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Milind B. Ajinkya, Robert M. Koros, Barry L. Tarmy
  • Patent number: 5190733
    Abstract: In its simplest sense, the present invention provides a method for improving the contacting of plural, distinct phases in a vertically disposed vessel containing distinct fluid phases by injecting a stream of dispersed distinct phases together into the phases contained in the vessel at a sufficient velocity to force the fluid in the vessel to circulate downwardly through a central region in the vessel and upwardly in the annular region surrounding the central region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Milind B. Ajinkya, Robert M. Koros, Barry L. Tarmy
  • Patent number: 5154898
    Abstract: In its simplest sense, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for improving the contacting of plural, distinct phases in a circulatory reactor containing a liquid-immersed circulation tube by injecting a stream of dispersed distinct phases together into the circulation tube of the circulatory reactor. Sufficient fluid movement will force the fluid in the reactor to circulate downwardly through the circulation tube and upwardly in the annular space between the tube and the reactor wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Milind B. Ajinkya, Robert M. Koros, Barry L. Tarmy
  • Patent number: 5152967
    Abstract: The interzone mixing device of the present invention is positioned in a multi-zoned vessel for flow of fluid generally vertically therethrough. The interzone mixing device includes a horizontally disposed first plate that has a central opening in it and a cylindrical cap extending upwardly from the first plate and sized and positioned to cover the central opening therein. The cap has a plurality of angular slots in the side wall to direct the flow of fluid passing therethrough in a swirling direction toward the central opening in the first plate. The interzone mixing device also includes a horizontally disposed second plate which has a plurality of openings in an annular ring around the periphery of the second plate. Additionally, a horizontally disposed circular table is positioned on the second plate and is aligned with the central opening in the first plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Salvatore J. Rossetti, John T. Wyatt, Robert M. Koros