Patents by Inventor Roby Bearden, Jr.
Roby Bearden, Jr. 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: 10035959Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for slurry hydroconversion of a heavy oil feed, such as an atmospheric or vacuum resid. The systems and methods allow for slurry hydroconversion using catalysts with enhanced activity and/or catalysts that can be recycled as a side product from a complementary refinery process.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2014Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANYInventors: Ramanathan Sundararaman, Thomas Francis Degnan, Jr., Rustom Merwan Billimoria, Natalie Ann Fassbender, Manuel A. Francisco, Anjaneya Sarma Kovvali, Randolph J. Smiley, John Peter Greeley, William Ernest Lewis, Roby Bearden, Jr.
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Patent number: 9849446Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for slurry hydroconversion of a heavy oil feedstock, such as an atmospheric or vacuum resid, in the presence of an enhanced or promoted slurry hydroconversion catalyst system. The slurry hydroconversion catalyst system can be formed from a) a Group VIII non-noble metal catalyst precursor/concentrate (such as an iron-based catalyst precursor/concentrate) and b) a Group VI metal catalyst precursor/concentrate (such as a molybdenum-based catalyst precursor/concentrate) and/or a Group VI metal sulfided catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANYInventors: John P. Greeley, Paul Podsiadlo, William Ernest Lewis, Roby Bearden, Jr., Amitava Sarkar, Mainak Ghosh, Ramanathan Sundararaman, Thomas F. Degnan, Jr., Manuel A. Francisco
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Publication number: 20140374314Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for slurry hydroconversion of a heavy oil feed, such as an atmospheric or vacuum resid. The systems and methods allow for slurry hydroconversion using catalysts with enhanced activity and/or catalysts that can be recycled as a side product from a complementary refinery process.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Applicant: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Ramanathan SUNDARARAMAN, Thomas Francis DEGNAN, JR., Rustom Merwan BILLIMORIA, Natalie Ann FASSBENDER, Manuel A. FRANCISCO, Anjaneya Sarma KOVVALI, Randolph J. SMILEY, John Peter GREELEY, William Ernest LEWIS, Roby BEARDEN, JR.
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Patent number: 8894845Abstract: Hydrocarbon feedstreams are desulfurized using an alkali metal reagent, optionally in the presence of hydrogen. Improved control over reaction conditions can be achieved in part by controlling the particle size of the alkali metal salt and by using multiple desulfurization reactors. The processes herein allow a simple and effective method for removing the majority of coke formed in the alkali metal reagent reactions with the hydrocarbon feedstreams. This makes it cost effective to run such processes at higher severities (which result in higher coke production) thereby resulting in increased amounts of valuable converted hydrocarbon product yields. The process improvements herein may also be used to increase total throughput through a unit due to the ability to effectively manage higher coke content in the reaction products.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Walter David Vann, Daniel Paul Leta, Jonathan Martin McConnachie, Richard Alan Demmin, Douglas Wayne Hissong, William C. Baird, Jr., Roby Bearden, Jr., James Ronald Bielenberg, Howard Freund, Chris Aaron Wright, Michael Francis Raterman, James Ronald Rigby, Brandon Thomas Stone
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Patent number: 8778173Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for desulfurizing heavy oil feedstreams with alkali metal compounds and improving the compatibility of the to stream components in either the feed stream, an intermediate product stream, and/or the reaction product stream in the desulfurization process. The present invention utilizes a high stability aromatic-containing stream that is preferably added to the heavy oil prior to reaction with the alkali metal compounds. The resulting stream resists precipitation of reaction solids in the desulfurization reactors. Even more preferably, the desulfurization system employs at least two desulfurization reactors in series flow wherein the high stability aromatic-containing stream is contacted with the reaction product from the first reactor prior to the second reactor, wherein the first reactor can be operated at a higher severity than without the use of the high stability aromatic-containing component stream.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2009Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Michael F. Raterman, Daniel P. Leta, Walter D. Vann, Roby Bearden, Jr.
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Patent number: 8696890Abstract: Hydrocarbon feedstreams are desulfurized using an alkali metal reagent, optionally in the presence of hydrogen. Improved control over reaction conditions can be achieved in part by controlling the particle size of the alkali metal salt and by using multiple desulfurization reactors. After separation of the spent alkali metal reagent, the resulting product can have suitable characteristics for pipeline transport and/or further refinery processing.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Jorge L. Soto, Michael Raterman, Daniel P. Leta, Walter D. Vann, Lu Han, Jonathan M. McConnachie, James R. Bielenberg, William C. Baird, Jr., Roby Bearden, Jr.
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Patent number: 8404106Abstract: After desulfurizing a hydrocarbon feedstream using an alkali metal reagent, the hydrocarbon feedstream can include particles of spent alkali metal salts. The spent alkali metal salts can be separated from the hydrocarbon feedstream and regenerated to form an alkali metal reagent, such as a alkali hydroxide or alkali sulfide. The regeneration process can pass through an intermediate stage of forming an alkali carbonate by successive reactions with carbon dioxide and calcium oxide. The calcium oxide can also be regenerated.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Jorge L. Soto, Daniel P. Leta, Lu Han, Walter D. Vann, Mark A. Greaney, James R. Bielenberg, Paul D. Oldenburg, Jonathan M. McConnachie, Leo D. Brown, William C. Baird, Jr., Roby Bearden, Jr.
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Patent number: 7981276Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for removing sulfur from sulfur-containing hydrocarbon streams utilizing a multi-ring aromatic hydrocarbon complex containing an alkali metal ion. Preferably, the sulfur-containing hydrocarbon stream is comprised of high molecular weight hydrocarbons, such as a low API gravity, high viscosity crude, tar sands bitumen, an oil derived from shale, or heavy refinery intermediate stocks such as atmospheric resids or vacuum resids which are typically difficult to desulfurize and contain relatively high amounts of sulfur. However, intermediate refinery streams and refinery product streams may also be treated by the process of the current invention to achieve very low sulfur concentrations to meet environmental specification for fuels sulfur content.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Michael Siskin, Ronald D Myers, Roby Bearden, Jr., Thomas B. Rauchfuss
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Publication number: 20110147273Abstract: Hydrocarbon feedstreams are desulfurized using an alkali metal reagent, optionally in the presence of hydrogen. Improved control over reaction conditions can be achieved in part by controlling the particle size of the alkali metal salt and by using multiple desulfurization reactors. After separation of the spent alkali metal reagent, the resulting product can have suitable characteristics for pipeline transport and/or further refinery processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANYInventors: Jorge L. Soto, Michael Raterman, Daniel P. Leta, Walter D. Vann, Lu Han, Jonathan M. McConnachie, James R. Bielenberg, William C. Baird, JR., Roby Bearden, JR.
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Publication number: 20110147274Abstract: After desulfurizing a hydrocarbon feedstream using an alkali metal reagent, the hydrocarbon feedstream can include particles of spent alkali metal salts. The spent alkali metal salts can be separated from the hydrocarbon feedstream and regenerated to form an alkali metal reagent, such as a alkali hydroxide or alkali sulfide. The regeneration process can pass through an intermediate stage of forming an alkali carbonate by successive reactions with carbon dioxide and calcium oxide. The calcium oxide can also be regenerated.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANYInventors: Jorge L. Soto, Daniel P. Leta, Lu Han, Walter D. Vann, Mark A. Greaney, James R. Bielenberg, Paul D. Oldenburg, Jonathan M. McConnachie, Leo D. Brown, William C. Baird, JR., Roby Bearden, JR.
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Patent number: 7862708Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for desulfurizing bitumen and other heavy oils such as low API gravity, high viscosity crudes, tar sands bitumen, or shale oils with alkali metal compounds under conditions to promote in-situ regeneration of the alkali metal compounds. The present invention employs the use of superheated water and hydrogen under conditions to improve the desulfurization and alkali metal hydroxide regeneration kinetics at sub-critical temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Michael Siskin, Rustom M. Billimoria, David W. Savage, Roby Bearden, Jr.
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Publication number: 20100155298Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for desulfurizing heavy oil feedstreams with alkali metal compounds and improving the compatibility of the to stream components in either the feed stream, an intermediate product stream, and/or the reaction product stream in the desulfurization process. The present invention utilizes a high stability aromatic-containing stream that is preferably added to the heavy oil prior to reaction with the alkali metal compounds. The resulting stream resists precipitation of reaction solids in the desulfurization reactors. Even more preferably, the desulfurization system employs at least two desulfurization reactors in series flow wherein the high stability aromatic-containing stream is contacted with the reaction product from the first reactor prior to the second reactor, wherein the first reactor can be operated at a higher severity than without the use of the high stability aromatic-containing component stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventors: Michael F. Raterman, Daniel P. Leta, Walter D. Vann, Roby Bearden, JR.
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Publication number: 20090152168Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for desulfurizing bitumen and other heavy oils such as low API gravity, high viscosity crudes, tar sands bitumen, or shale oils with alkali metal compounds under conditions to promote in-situ regeneration of the alkali metal compounds. The present invention employs the use of superheated water and hydrogen under conditions to improve the desulfurization and alkali metal hydroxide regeneration kinetics at sub-critical temperatures.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2008Publication date: June 18, 2009Inventors: Michael Siskin, Rustom M. Billimoria, David W. Savage, Roby Bearden, JR.
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Patent number: 6712955Abstract: A slurry hydroprocessing process for upgrading a hydrocarbon feedstock containing nitrogen and sulfur using bulk multimetallic catalyst comprised of at least one Group VIII non-noble metal and at least two Group VIB metals wherein the ratio of Group VIB metal to Group VIII metal is about 10:1 to about 1:10.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2001Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Zhiguo Hou, Roby Bearden, Jr., Ferrughelli Thomas David, Sabato Miseo, Martin Leo Gorbaty, Stuart Leon Soled
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Patent number: 6511937Abstract: The invention described herein is directed to (a) slurry hydroprocessing (SHP) of a feed under SHP conditions; (b) deasphalting, under deasphalting conditions the product obtained from said step (a) and recovering a solvent deasphalted oil and solvent deasphalted rock; (c) calcining said solvent deasphalted rock at a temperature of ≦about 1200° F. to produce an ash catalyst precursor; (d) recycling said ash catalyst precursor to said step (a).Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2000Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Roby Bearden, Jr., Zhiguo Hou, Martin Leo Gorbaty, David Thomas Ferrughelli, Ronald Damian Myers
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Patent number: 6488840Abstract: This invention relates to reducing the amount of thiols (mercaptans) in petroleum streams, specifically, mercaptans above the five carbon molecular weight range.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2000Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Mark Alan Greaney, Michael Charles Kerby, Roby Bearden, Jr.
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Patent number: 6210564Abstract: Sulfur-containing petroleum feeds are desulfurized by contacting the feeds with staged addition of sodium metal at temperatures of at least about 250° C. in the presence of excess hydrogen to sodium metal. The formation of Na2S is substantially suppressed and the formation of NaSH is promoted in the desulfurization process.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1997Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Glen Brons, Ronald Damian Myers, Roby Bearden, Jr., John Brenton MacLeod
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Patent number: 6086751Abstract: TAN containing oils, e.g., crudes, are treated by flashing to remove substantially all of the water therefrom, thermally treating the recovered liquid to reduce the naphthenic acid content thereof, and re-combining light gases recovered from the flashing step with the treated liquid.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1997Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering CoInventors: Marty G. Bienstock, John G. Matragrano, Rutton Dinshaw Patel, Roby Bearden, Jr.
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Patent number: 6013176Abstract: The invention relates to a process for demetallating a petroleum stream by contacting a metals-containing petroleum feed in the presence of a base selected from Group IA and IIA hydroxides and carbonates and ammonium hydroxide and carbonates and mixtures thereof an oxygen containing gas and a phase transfer agent at a temperature of up to 180.degree. C. for a time sufficient to produce a treated petroleum feed having a decreased metals content. The invention provides a method for enhancing the value of petroleum feeds that traditionally have limited use in refineries due to their metals, e.g., Ni and V content.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1998Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.Inventors: Mark Alan Greaney, Roby Bearden, Jr., Michael Charles Kerby
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Patent number: 5795464Abstract: A process for the thermal conversion of the organic component associated with tar sands to lower boiling, higher value products. The conversion is achieved by subjecting the organic component containing from about 1 to 20 wt. % native solids to elevated temperatures and pressures. Compared to conventional thermal conversion processes, such as visbreaking, much higher conversion of the organic component can be achieved owing to the presence of native solids on which coke is deposited instead of fouling the process equipment. This higher conversion is also associated with enhanced removal of sulfur and metals.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1996Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Bruce M. Sankey, Peter S. Maa, Roby Bearden, Jr.