Patents by Inventor Robert W. Bachtel

Robert W. Bachtel 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: 20030223924
    Abstract: A distributor assembly for hydroprocessing a hydrocarbon mixture of hydrogen-containing gas and liquid hydrocarbon is presented. The distributor assembly has a circular plate with a plurality of hollow risers, or tubular zones, bound thereto for distributing hydrogen-containing gas and liquid hydrocarbon through openings in the circular plate member. Each of the hollow risers has a tubular opening in its associated side. At least some of the risers are partially obstructed at their bottom ends, in order to prevent entry of gas bubbles through the bottom of the tube. Side entry into the risers is preferred, since it provides an opportunity for mixing gas and liquid hydrocarbon. The distributor assembly is connected to an internal wall of a reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Robert W. Bachtel, Frederick W. Lam
  • Publication number: 20020043483
    Abstract: Catalyst particles are presulfided in a treatment zone separate from a hydroconversion reaction zone. The presulfided catalyst is then added to a substantially packed bed of catalyst in the hydroconversion reaction zone at reaction pressure, so that the reactor is not shut down to replace catalyst. The presulfiding process is particularly beneficial for use in moving bed reactors for heavy oil conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Pak C. Leung, David E. Earls, Bruce E. Reynolds, David R. Johnson, Robert W. Bachtel, Harold J. Trimble
  • Patent number: 6031146
    Abstract: A thermowell assembly and method which allows for arresting leakage in the case a thermowell begins to leak in a hydroprocessing process without having to shut down a flow of a hydrocarbon feed stream through a hydroconversion reaction zone in the hydroprocessing process. The thermowell assembly comprises a first hollow sleeve section which supports a thermowell member, a ferrule sealing member which engages the first hollow sleeve section, a second generally cup-shaped second sleeve section wherethrough a thermocouple member slidably passes, and an outer sleeve member for maintaining the union of the first sleeve section, the ferrule sealing member, and the second sleeve section. The method comprises severing and/or removing the thermocouple member from the commenced-leaking thermowell member and placing a high pressure cap over an aperture left vacant by the thermocouple member to seal-off the leaking thermowell member from the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc
    Inventor: Robert W. Bachtel
  • Patent number: 5958220
    Abstract: A distributor assembly for hydroprocessing a hydrocarbon mixture of hydrogen-containing gas and liquid hydrocarbon is presented. The distributor assembly has a circular plate with a plurality of hollow risers bound thereto for distributing hydrogen-containing gas and liquid hydrocarbon through openings in the circular plate member. Each of the hollow risers has a tubular opening In its associated side. The distributor assembly is connected to an internal wall of a reactor. A method is also presented for hydroprocessing a hydrocarbon feed stream comprising flowing a mixture of hydrogen-containing gas and liquid hydrocarbon into a reactor zone to produce evolved hydrogen-containing gas; and flowing the mixture of hydrogen-containing gas and liquid hydrocarbon through a plurality of tubular zones while admixing simultaneously therewith the evolved hydrogen-containing gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Reynolds, Bruce E. Stangeland, Krishniah Parimi, Robert W. Bachtel
  • Patent number: 5885534
    Abstract: A distributor assembly for hydroprocessing a hydrocarbon mixture of hydrogen-containing gas and liquid hydrocarbon is presented. The distributor assembly has a circular plate with a plurality of hollow risers bound thereto for distributing hydrogen-containing gas and liquid hydrocarbon through openings in the circular plate member. Each of the hollow risers has a tubular opening in its associated side. The distributor assembly is connected to an internal wall of a reactor. A method is also presented for hydroprocessing a hydrocarbon feed stream comprising flowing a mixture of hydrogen-containing gas and liquid hydrocarbon into a reactor zone to produce evolved hydrogen-containing gas; and flowing the mixture of hydrogen-containing gas and liquid hydrocarbon through a plurality of tubular zones while admixing simultaneously therewith the evolved hydrogen-containing gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Reynolds, Bruce E. Stangeland, Krishniah Parimi, Robert W. Bachtel
  • Patent number: 5858311
    Abstract: A thermowell assembly and method which allows for arresting leakage in the case a thermowell begins to leak in a hydroprocessing process without having to shut down a flow of a hydrocarbon feed stream through a hydroconversion reaction zone in the hydroprocessing process. The thermowell assembly comprises a first hollow sleeve section which supports a thermowell member, a ferrule sealing member which engages the first hollow sleeve section, a second generally cup-shaped second sleeve section wherethrough a thermocouple member slidably passes, and an outer sleeve member for maintaining the union of the first sleeve section, the ferrule sealing member, and the second sleeve section. The method comprises severing and/or removing the thermocouple member from the commenced-leaking thermowell member and placing a high pressure cap over an aperture left vacant by the thermocouple member to seal-off the leaking thermowell member from the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Bachtel
  • Patent number: 5733440
    Abstract: This invention makes possible substantially continuous flow of uniformly distributed hydrogen and hydrocarbon liquid across a densely packed catalyst bed to fill substantially the entire volume of a reactor vessel by introducing the fluids as alternate annular rings of gas and liquid (i.e. a mixture of liquid hydrocarbon and a hydrogen-containing gas) at a rate insufficient to levitate or ebullate the catalyst bed. Catalyst are selected by density, shape and size at a design feed rate of liquids and gas to prevent ebullation of the packed bed at the design feed rates. Catalysts are selected by measuring bed expansion, such as in a large pilot plant run, with hydrocarbon, hydrogen, and catalyst at the design pressures and flow velocities. The liquid and gas components of the feed flow into the bed in alternate annular rings across the full area of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Stangeland, David C. Kramer, David S. Smith, James T. McCall, Georgieanna L. Scheuerman, Robert W. Bachtel, David R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5660715
    Abstract: This invention makes possible substantially continuous flow of uniformly distributed hydrogen and hydrocarbon liquid across a densely packed catalyst bed which substantially fills the entire volume of a reactor vessel. Catalyst are selected to be essentially the same density, shape and size at a design feed rate of liquids and gas to prevent ebullation of the packed catalyst bed at the design feed rates. The liquid and gas components of the hydrocarbon feed stream flow into the bed of catalyst and a quenching medium, which is preferably a liquid, is injected into the bed of catalyst. Injection of a liquid quench reduces the gas component of the hydrocarbon feed stream while simultaneously increasing the residence time and reducing the liquid velocity of the liquid component of the hydrocarbon feed stream within the substantially packed bed of catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Harold J. Trimble, Bruce E. Reynolds, Robert W. Bachtel, Robert J. Klett, David N. Brossard, David E. Earls
  • Patent number: 5648051
    Abstract: An apparatus for quenching in hydroprocessing of a hydrocarbon feed stream, which provides a substantially continuous flow of uniformly distributed hydrogen and hydrocarbon liquid across a densely packed catalyst bed which substantially fills the entire volume of a reactor vessel. Catalyst are selected to be essentially the same density, shape and size at a design feed rate of liquids and gas to prevent ebullation of the packed catalyst bed at the design feed rates. The liquid and gas components of the hydrocarbon feed stream flow into the bed of catalyst and a quenching medium, which is preferably a liquid, is injected into the bed of catalyst. Injection of a liquid quench reduces the gas component of the hydrocarbon feed stream while simultaneously increasing the residence time and reducing the liquid velocity of the liquid component of the hydrocarbon feed stream within the substantially packed bed of catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Harold J. Trimble, Bruce E. Reynolds, Robert W. Bachtel, Robert J. Klett, David N. Brossard, David E. Earls
  • Patent number: 5603904
    Abstract: A light-weight and easily manufacturable catalyst support structure is provided, which allows fluid flow into a catalyst bed in uniform distribution. The support structure is formed in a cone-like shape in which the diameter enlarges upward. The support structure comprises a shell-like support member, a first mesh layer comprising thick mesh elements, and a second mesh layer having a mesh size which does not allow catalytic particulates to pass through. The first mesh layer overlays the support member, and the second mesh layer overlays the first mesh layer. The shell-like support member includes a circular bottom plate extending perpendicular to the center line of the reactor, and a side wall having a truncated cone shape which extends upward from the edge of the bottom plate. The bottom plate and the side wall are primarily made of perforated plates through which the fluid passes. A plurality of cylindrical flow guides of different diameters are provided underneath the shell-like support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Bachtel, Yoshitomo Ohara, Toshio Ishizuka, Tsunehiko Hiraga, Krishniah Parimi, David E. Earls
  • Patent number: 5599440
    Abstract: This invention makes possible substantially continuous flow of uniformly distributed hydrogen and hydrocarbon liquid across a densely packed catalyst bed to fill substantially the entire volume of a reactor vessel by introducing the fluids as alternate annular rings of gas and liquid (i.e. a mixture of liquid hydrocarbon and a hydrogen-containing gas) at a rate insufficient to levitate or ebullate the catalyst bed. Catalyst are selected by density, shape and size at a design feed rate of liquids and gas to prevent ebullation of the packed bed at the design feed rates. Catalysts are selected by measuring bed expansion, such as in a large pilot plant run, with hydrocarbon, hydrogen, and catalyst at the design pressures and flow velocities. The liquid and gas components of the feed flow into the bed in alternate annular rings across the full area of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Stangeland, David C. Kramer, David S. Smith, James T. McCall, Georgieanna L. Scheuerman, Robert W. Bachtel, David R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5527512
    Abstract: A light-weight and easily manufacturable catalyst support structure is provided, which allows fluid flow into a catalyst bed in uniform distribution. The support structure, used for supporting a moving catalyst bed within a moving bed reactor having an upward flowing fluid phase, is formed in a cone-like shape in which the diameter enlarges upward. The supporting structure comprises a shell-like support member, a first mesh layer comprising thick mesh elements, and a second mesh layer having a mesh size which does not allow catalyst particles to pass through. The first mesh layer overlays the support member, and the second mesh layer overlays the first mesh layer. The shell-like support member includes a circular bottom plate extending perpendicular to the center line of the reactor, and a side wall having a truncated cone shape which extends upward from the edge of the bottom plate. The bottom plate and the side wall are primarily made of perforated plates through which the fluid passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Bachtel, Yoshitomo Ohara, Toshio Ishizuka, Tsunehiko Hiraga
  • Patent number: 5522983
    Abstract: A process is provided for converting a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising the steps of introducing the hydrocarbon feedstock to a first hydroconversion zone at superatmospheric pressure and at a temperature between about 450.degree. F. and about 850.degree. F. in the presence of hydrogen, the hydrogen flowing in a countercurrent relationship to the hydrocarbon feedstock, to form a hydrogen-rich vapor effluent and a hydrocarbon-rich liquid effluent; reacting the hydrogen-rich vapor effluent in a second hydroconversion zone to form a converted vapor effluent; and introducing a portion of the hydrocarbon-rich liquid effluent to the second hydroconversion zone in countercurrent relationship to the hydrogen-rich vapor effluent. By recycling to the second hydroconversion zone a stream having sufficiently high boiling range that it remains a liquid, a greater range of operating conditions are possible in the second hydroconversion zone, thus allowing for higher conversions and product yields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventors: Dennis R. Cash, Robert W. Bachtel
  • Patent number: 5498327
    Abstract: This invention makes possible substantially continuous flow of uniformly distributed hydrogen and hydrocarbon liquid across a densely packed catalyst bed to fill substantially the entire volume of a reactor vessel by introducing the fluids as alternate annular rings of gas and liquid (i.e. a mixture of liquid hydrocarbon and a hydrogen-containing gas) at a rate insufficient to levitate or ebullate the catalyst bed. Catalyst are selected by density, shape and size at a design feed rate of liquids and gas to prevent ebullation of the packed bed at the design feed rates. Catalysts are selected by measuring bed expansion, such as in a large pilot plant run, with hydrocarbon, hydrogen, and catalyst at the design pressures and flow velocities. The liquid and gas components of the feed flow into the bed in alternate annular rings across the full area of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventors: Bruce E. Stangeland, David C. Kramer, David S. Smith, James T. McCall, Georgieanne L. Scheuerman, Robert W. Bachtel, David R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5492617
    Abstract: This invention makes possible substantially continuous flow of uniformly distributed hydrogen and hydrocarbon liquid across a densely packed catalyst bed which substantially fills the entire volume of a reactor vessel. Catalyst are selected to be essentially the same density, shape and size at a design feed rate of liquids and gas to prevent ebullation of the packed catalyst bed at the design feed rates. The liquid and gas components of the hydrocarbon feed stream flow into the bed of catalyst and a quenching medium, which is preferably a liquid, is injected into the bed of catalyst. Injection of a liquid quench reduces the gas component of the hydrocarbon feed stream while simultaneously increasing the residence time and reducing the liquid velocity of the liquid component of the hydrocarbon feed stream within the substantially packed bed of catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventors: Harold J. Trimble, Bruce E. Reynolds, Robert W. Bachtel, Robert J. Klett, David N. Brossard, David E. Earls
  • Patent number: 5409598
    Abstract: On-stream catalyst replacement hydroprocessing method wherein an upstream mixture of hydrogen and hydrocarbon liquid counter flows through a downwardly moving bed of hydroprocessing catalyst in a reactor vessel. The mixed feed stream of hydrogen and liquid hydrocarbon components enters a surge zone between the lower end of the reactor and a plenum zone to form a common pool under a conical support for the lower end of the downflowing catalyst bed. The mixed feed enters the plenum chamber through a plurality of passageways extending downwardly from the plenum zone to the same depth adjacent the lower end of the surge zone so that the liquid component normally prevents hydrogen from establishing independent paths before entering the plenum zone. Separation of the hydrogen and hydrocarbon liquid components from the mixed feed is thus assured to occur in the plenum zone directly below the pervious conical support to form a plurality of stepped concentric local reservoir rings under the conical support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Chevron Research Company
    Inventors: David C. Kramer, Bruce E. Stangeland, David S. Smith, James T. McCall, Georgieanna Scheuerman, Robert W. Bachtel
  • Patent number: 5302357
    Abstract: On-stream catalyst replacement apparatus for countercurrent upstream flow of a gas and hydrocarbon liquid through a downward moving catalyst bed in a reactor vessel. A mixed feed stream of gas and liquid hydrocarbon components enters a reservoir formed between the lower end of the reactor and a conical screen supporting the lower end of a catalyst bed. A wall across the vessel divides the reservoir into a lower surge chamber for receiving the mixed feed and an upper plenum chamber for separating the components into alternate feed rings of gas and hydrocarbon liquid under the conical screen. The mixed feed enters the plenum chamber through a plurality of tubes extending downwardly from the wall to the same depth in the surge chamber that prevents establishing preferential paths for gas to independently enter the plenum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Co.
    Inventors: David C. Kramer, Bruce E. Stangeland, David S. Smith, James T. McCall, Georgieanna L. Scheuerman, Robert W. Bachtel
  • Patent number: 5232577
    Abstract: A process for separation and removal of stable polycyclic aromatic dimer foulants from refinery process streams by blending a paraffinic stream with a portion of heavy effluent from a hydrocracking reactor to induce precipitation of foulant, which may then be separated and removed from the hydrocracker. Additional embodiments include introduction of flocculating agents and adjusting the temperature of the blend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventors: John C. Fetzer, John M. Rosenbaum, Robert W. Bachtel, Dennis R. Cash, David G. Lammel
  • Patent number: 5082551
    Abstract: A hydroconversion effluent separation process is provided.The effluent from the hydroconversion zone is passed to a hot high pressure separation zone. The gas phase from that zone is then passed to a cold high pressure separation zone while the liquid hydrocarbon bottoms is passed to a hot low pressure separation zone. The gas phase is partially condensed in the cold high pressure separation zone to obtain a hydrogen-rich gas and a liquid hydrocarbon bottoms. A portion of the hydrogen-rich gas is recycled to the hydroconversion zone. A second portion is sent to a hydrogen purification step, most preferably by membrane separation, and the purified gas is recycled to the hydroconversion zone. The overhead from the hot low pressure separation is fed to a cold low pressure separation zone. The gas phase from the cold low pressure separation zone is recycled to the hydroconversion zone. Preferably, two cold low pressure separation zones are utilized in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventors: Bruce E. Reynolds, Donald A. Bea, Robert W. Bachtel
  • Patent number: 5076908
    Abstract: This invention makes possible substantially continuous flow of uniformly distributed hydrogen and hydrocarbon liquid across a densely packed catalyst bed to fill substantially the entire volume of a reactor vessel by introducing the fluids as alternate annular rings of gas and liquid at a rate insufficient to levitate the bed and with catalyst selected by a density, shape and size at a design feed rate of liquids and gas to prevent ebulation of the packed bed at the design feed rates. Catalysts are selected by measuring bed expansion in a large pilot plant run with hydrocarbon, hydrogen, and catalyst at the design pressures and flow velocities. The liquid and gas components of the feed flow into the bed in alternate annular rings across the full area of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Chevron Research & Technology Company
    Inventors: Bruce E. Stangeland, David C. Kramer, David S. Smith, James T. McCall, Georgieanna L. Scheuerman, Robert W. Bachtel