Patents by Inventor Robert M. Walston

Robert M. Walston 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: 20240034949
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to processes and systems for producing liquid transportation fuels by converting a feed stream that predominantly comprises isobutane. The feed stream is catalytically-activated in two separate reaction zones arranged in series in a manner that minimizes the production of C1-C3 light paraffins and is tolerant to the presence of typical catalyst poisons. The first reaction zone is selective for conversion of the feed stream to predominantly olefins and some aromatics. The second reaction zone is maintained at a lower temperature and a higher pressure and is selective for converting olefins to monocyclic aromatics which facilitates further feed stream olefination. Certain embodiments contact the activation effluent with an alkylation catalyst to provide enhanced yields of upgraded hydrocarbon products that meet specifications for a transportation fuel blend component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: Anthony O. Baldridge, Matthew J. Wulfers, Neal D. McDaniel, Robert M. Walston
  • Publication number: 20240034944
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to processes and systems for producing liquid transportation fuels by converting a feed stream that predominantly comprises isobutane. The feed stream is catalytically-activated in two separate reaction zones arranged in series in a manner that minimizes the production of C1-C3 light paraffins and is tolerant to the presence of typical catalyst poisons. The first reaction zone is selective for conversion of the feed stream to predominantly olefins and some aromatics. The second reaction zone is maintained at a lower temperature and a higher pressure and is selective for converting olefins to monocyclic aromatics which facilitates further feed stream olefination. Certain embodiments contact the activation effluent with an alkylation catalyst to provide enhanced yields of upgraded hydrocarbon products that meet specifications for a transportation fuel blend component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: Anthony O. Baldridge, Matthew J. Wulfers, Neal D. McDaniel, Robert M. Walston
  • Patent number: 11845719
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to processes and systems for producing liquid transportation fuels by converting a feed stream that comprises both isopentane and n-pentane, and optionally, some C6+ hydrocarbons. Isopentane and smaller hydrocarbons are separated to form a first fraction while n-pentane and larger components of the feed stock form a second fraction. Each fraction is then catalytically-activated in a separate reaction zone with a separate catalyst, where the conditions maintained in each zone maximize the conversion of each fraction to olefins and aromatics, while minimizing the production of C1-C4 light paraffins. In certain embodiments, the first fraction is activated at a lower temperature than the second fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Phillips 66 Company
    Inventors: Anthony O. Baldridge, Matthew J. Wulfers, Neal D. McDaniel, Robert M. Walston, Soumen Kundu, Bruce B Randolph
  • Publication number: 20230382826
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to processes and systems for producing liquid transportation fuels by converting a feed stream that comprises both isopentane and n-pentane, and optionally, some C6+ hydrocarbons. Isopentane and smaller hydrocarbons are separated to form a first fraction while n-pentane and larger components of the feed stock form a second fraction. Each fraction is then catalytically-activated in a separate reaction zone with a separate catalyst, where the conditions maintained in each zone maximize the conversion of each fraction to olefins and aromatics, while minimizing the production of C1-C4 light paraffins. In certain embodiments, the first fraction is activated at a lower temperature than the second fraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: Anthony O. Baldridge, Matthew J. Wulfers, Neal D. McDaniel, Robert M. Walston, Soumen Kundu, Bruce B. Randolph
  • Patent number: 11406958
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally processes and systems for converting a C2-C7 light alkanes feed to liquid transportation fuels or value-added chemicals. The feed is contacted with an aromatization catalyst at a temperature and pressure that selectively converts C4 and larger alkanes to an intermediate product comprising monocyclic aromatics and olefins. Following separation of the aromatics and C5+ hydrocarbons from the intermediate product, unconverted C2-C3 alkanes are thermally-cracked to produce olefins that are subsequently oligomerized to produce a liquid transportation fuel blend stock or value-added chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Phillips 66 Company
    Inventors: Jianhua Yao, Neal D. McDaniel, Bruce B. Randolph, Robert M. Walston, Anthony O. Baldridge, James A. Suttil, Soumen Kundu, Hong Xie, Steven E. Lusk
  • Patent number: 11066608
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally processes and systems for converting a C2-C7 light alkanes feed to liquid transportation fuels or value-added chemicals. The feed is contacted with an aromatization catalyst at a temperature and pressure that selectively converts C4 and larger alkanes to an intermediate product comprising monocyclic aromatics and olefins. Following separation of the aromatics and C5+ hydrocarbons from the intermediate product, unconverted C2-C3 alkanes are thermally-cracked to produce olefins that are subsequently oligomerized to produce a liquid transportation fuel blend stock or value-added chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Phillips 66 Company
    Inventors: Jianhua Yao, Neal D. McDaniel, Bruce B. Randolph, Robert M. Walston, Anthony O. Baldridge, James A. Suttil, Soumen Kundu, Hong Xie, Steven E. Lusk
  • Publication number: 20210139795
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally processes and systems for converting a C2-C7 light alkanes feed to liquid transportation fuels or value-added chemicals. The feed is contacted with an aromatization catalyst at a temperature and pressure that selectively converts C4 and larger alkanes to an intermediate product comprising monocyclic aromatics and olefins. Following separation of the aromatics and C5+ hydrocarbons from the intermediate product, unconverted C2-C3 alkanes are thermally-cracked to produce olefins that are subsequently oligomerized to produce a liquid transportation fuel blend stock or value-added chemicals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Applicant: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: Jianhua Yao, Neal D. McDaniel, Bruce B. Randolph, Robert M. Walston, Anthony O. Baldridge, James A. Suttil, Soumen Kundu, Hong Xie, Steven E. Lusk
  • Publication number: 20210138429
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally processes and systems for converting a C2-C7 light alkanes feed to liquid transportation fuels or value-added chemicals. The feed is contacted with an aromatization catalyst at a temperature and pressure that selectively converts C4 and larger alkanes to an intermediate product comprising monocyclic aromatics and olefins. Following separation of the aromatics and C5+ hydrocarbons from the intermediate product, unconverted C2-C3 alkanes are thermally-cracked to produce olefins that are subsequently oligomerized to produce a liquid transportation fuel blend stock or value-added chemicals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Applicant: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: Jianhua Yao, Neal D. McDaniel, Bruce B. Randolph, Robert M. Walston, Anthony O. Baldridge, James A. Suttil, Soumen Kundu, Hong Xie, Steven E. Lusk
  • Patent number: 10981847
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to processes that catalytically convert a hydrocarbon feed stream predominantly comprising both isopentane and n-pentane to yield upgraded hydrocarbon products that are suitable for use either as a blend component of liquid transportation fuels or as an intermediate in the production of other value-added chemicals. The hydrocarbon feed stream is isomerized in a first reaction zone to convert at least a portion of the n-pentane to isopentane, followed by catalytic-activation of the isomerization effluent in a second reaction zone with an activation catalyst to produce an activation effluent. The process increases the conversion of the hydrocarbon feed stream to olefins and aromatics, while minimizing the production of C1-C4 light paraffins. Certain embodiments provide for further upgrading of at least a portion of the activation effluent by either oligomerization or alkylation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Phillips 66 Company
    Inventors: Anthony O. Baldridge, Neal D. McDaniel, James A. Suttil, Edward C. Weintrob, Jianhua Yao, Bruce B. Randolph, Maziar Sardashti, Robert M. Walston, Steven E. Lusk
  • Patent number: 10982158
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems operable to catalytically convert a hydrocarbon feed stream predominantly comprising both isopentane and n-pentane to yield upgraded hydrocarbon products that are suitable for use either as a blend component of liquid transportation fuels or as an intermediate in the production of other value-added chemicals. The hydrocarbon feed stream is isomerized in a first reaction zone to convert at least a portion of the n-pentane to isopentane, followed by catalytic-activation of the isomerization effluent in a second reaction zone with an activation catalyst to produce an activation effluent. The process increases the conversion of the hydrocarbon feed stream to olefins and aromatics, while minimizing the production of C1-C4 light paraffins. Certain embodiments provide for further upgrading of at least a portion of the activation effluent by either oligomerization or alkylation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Phillips 66 Company
    Inventors: Anthony O. Baldridge, Neal D. McDaniel, James A. Suttil, Edward C. Weintrob, Jianhua Yao, Bruce B. Randolph, Maziar Sardashti, Robert M. Walston, Steven E. Lusk
  • Patent number: 10815438
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to processes and systems for producing liquid transportation fuels by converting a feed stream that comprises both isopentane and n-pentane, and optionally, some C6+ hydrocarbons. Isopentane and smaller hydrocarbons are separated to form a first fraction while n-pentane and larger components of the feed stock form a second fraction. Each fraction is then catalytically-activated in a separate reaction zone with a separate catalyst, where the conditions maintained in each zone maximize the conversion of each fraction to olefins and aromatics, while minimizing the production of C1-C4 light paraffins. In certain embodiments, the first fraction is activated at a lower temperature than the second fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: Anthony O. Baldridge, Neal D. McDaniel, James A. Suttil, Soumen Kundu, Jianhua Yao, Bruce B. Randolph, Maziar Sardashti, Steven E. Lusk, Robert M. Walston
  • Patent number: 10774017
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to processes and systems for producing liquid transportation fuels by converting a feed stream that comprises both isopentane and n-pentane, and optionally, some C6+ hydrocarbons. Isopentane and smaller hydrocarbons are separated to form a first fraction while n-pentane and larger components of the feed stock form a second fraction. Each fraction is then catalytically-activated in a separate reaction zone with a separate catalyst, where the conditions maintained in each zone maximize the conversion of each fraction to olefins and aromatics, while minimizing the production of C1-C4 light paraffins. In certain embodiments, the first fraction is activated at a lower temperature than the second fraction. The process provides increased yields of upgraded hydrocarbon products that possess the characteristics of a liquid transportation fuel or a blend component thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: Anthony O. Baldridge, Neal D. McDaniel, James A. Suttil, Soumen Kundu, Jianhua Yao, Bruce B. Randolph, Maziar Sardashti, Steven E. Lusk, Robert M. Walston, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10745328
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to processes and systems for producing liquid transportation fuels by converting a feed stream that comprises both isopentane and n-pentane, and optionally, some C6+ hydrocarbons. Isopentane and smaller hydrocarbons are separated to form a first fraction while n-pentane and larger components of the feed stock form a second fraction. Each fraction is then catalytically-activated in a separate reaction zone with a separate catalyst, where the conditions maintained in each zone maximize the conversion of each fraction to olefins and aromatics, while minimizing the production of C1-C4 light paraffins. In certain embodiments, the first fraction is activated at a lower temperature than the second fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: Anthony O. Baldridge, Neal D. McDaniel, James A. Suttil, Soumen Kundu, Jianhua Yao, Bruce B. Randolph, Maziar Sardashti, Steven E. Lusk, Robert M. Walston, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20200109341
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems operable to catalytically convert a hydrocarbon feed stream predominantly comprising both isopentane and n-pentane to yield upgraded hydrocarbon products that are suitable for use either as a blend component of liquid transportation fuels or as an intermediate in the production of other value-added chemicals. The hydrocarbon feed stream is isomerized in a first reaction zone to convert at least a portion of the n-pentane to isopentane, followed by catalytic-activation of the isomerization effluent in a second reaction zone with an activation catalyst to produce an activation effluent. The process increases the conversion of the hydrocarbon feed stream to olefins and aromatics, while minimizing the production of C1-C4 light paraffins. Certain embodiments provide for further upgrading of at least a portion of the activation effluent by either oligomerization or alkylation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Applicant: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: Anthony O. Baldridge, Neal D. McDaniel, James A. Suttil, Edward C. Weintrob, Jianhua Yao, Bruce B. Randolph, Maziar Sardashti, Robert M. Walston, Steven E. Lusk
  • Publication number: 20200109095
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to processes that catalytically convert a hydrocarbon feed stream predominantly comprising both isopentane and n-pentane to yield upgraded hydrocarbon products that are suitable for use either as a blend component of liquid transportation fuels or as an intermediate in the production of other value-added chemicals. The hydrocarbon feed stream is isomerized in a first reaction zone to convert at least a portion of the n-pentane to isopentane, followed by catalytic-activation of the isomerization effluent in a second reaction zone with an activation catalyst to produce an activation effluent. The process increases the conversion of the hydrocarbon feed stream to olefins and aromatics, while minimizing the production of C1-C4 light paraffins. Certain embodiments provide for further upgrading of at least a portion of the activation effluent by either oligomerization or alkylation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Applicant: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: Anthony O. Baldridge, Neal D. McDaniel, James A. Suttil, Edward C. Weintrob, Jianhua Yao, Bruce B. Randolph, Maziar Sardashti, Robert M. Walston, Steven E. Lusk
  • Patent number: 10487277
    Abstract: Systems operable to produce liquid transportation fuels by converting a hydrocarbon feed stream that comprises both isopentane and n-pentane. The system separates the hydrocarbon feed stream to form a first fraction comprising isopentane and smaller hydrocarbons, and a second fraction comprising n-pentane and larger components of the hydrocarbon feeds stream. Each fraction is then catalytically-activated in a separate activation reactor containing a separate activation catalyst, where the conditions maintained in each reactor are selected to maximize the conversion of each fraction to olefins and aromatics, while minimizing the production of C1-C4 light paraffins. Optionally, the first activation reactor is maintained at a lower temperature than the second activation reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: Anthony O. Baldridge, Neal D. McDaniel, James A. Suttil, Soumen Kundu, Jianhua Yao, Bruce B. Randolph, Maziar Sardashti, Steven E. Lusk, Robert M. Walston, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190300804
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to processes and systems for producing liquid transportation fuels by converting a feed stream that comprises both isopentane and n-pentane, and optionally, some C6+ hydrocarbons. Isopentane and smaller hydrocarbons are separated to form a first fraction while n-pentane and larger components of the feed stock form a second fraction. Each fraction is then catalytically-activated in a separate reaction zone with a separate catalyst, where the conditions maintained in each zone maximize the conversion of each fraction to olefins and aromatics, while minimizing the production of C1-C4 light paraffins. In certain embodiments, the first fraction is activated at a lower temperature than the second fraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Applicant: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: Anthony O. Baldridge, Neal D. McDaniel, James A. Suttil, Soumen Kundu, Jianhua Yao, Bruce B. Randolph, Mazi Sardashti, Steven E. Lusk, Robert M. Walston
  • Publication number: 20190300805
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems operable to produce liquid transportation fuels by converting a hydrocarbon feed stream that comprises both isopentane and n-pentane, and optionally, some C6+ hydrocarbons. The system separates the hydrocarbon feed stream to form a first fraction comprising isopentane and smaller hydrocarbons, and a second fraction comprising n-pentane and larger components of the hydrocarbon feeds stream. Each fraction is then catalytically-activated in a separate activation reactor containing a separate activation catalyst, where the conditions maintained in each reactor are selected to maximize the conversion of each fraction to olefins and aromatics, while minimizing the production of C1-C4 light paraffins. In certain embodiments, the first activation reactor is maintained at a lower temperature than the second activation reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Applicant: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: Anthony O. Baldridge, Neal D. McDaniel, James A. Suttil, Soumen Kundu, Jianhua Yao, Bruce B. Randolph, Mazi Sardashti, Steven E. Lusk, Robert M. Walston
  • Publication number: 20190300455
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to processes and systems for producing liquid transportation fuels by converting a feed stream that comprises both isopentane and n-pentane, and optionally, some C6+ hydrocarbons. Isopentane and smaller hydrocarbons are separated to form a first fraction while n-pentane and larger components of the feed stock form a second fraction. Each fraction is then catalytically-activated in a separate reaction zone with a separate catalyst, where the conditions maintained in each zone maximize the conversion of each fraction to olefins and aromatics, while minimizing the production of C1-C4 light paraffins. In certain embodiments, the first fraction is activated at a lower temperature than the second fraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Applicant: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: Anthony O. Baldridge, Neal D. McDaniel, James A. Suttil, Soumen Kundu, Jianhua Yao, Bruce B. Randolph, Mazi Sardashti, Steven E. Lusk, Robert M. Walston