Patents by Inventor Sean C. Gattis

Sean C. Gattis 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: 20150047391
    Abstract: A system and process for separating ethane and propane from a feed stream comprising dehydrated liquefied petroleum gas is disclosed. A distillation column operates at a lower pressure and temperature than conventional distillation columns. High purity liquid propane exits the bottom of the distillation column and is flashed through a cooling control valve becoming a two-phase stream with the vapor entering a heat pump compressor. The high or increased temperature compressed propane stream exiting the heat pump compressor is directed into the distillation column to drive the separation of the ethane and propane, allowing the elimination of a reboiler from the system and process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: S & B ENGINEERS AND CONSTRUCTORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Guy S. Suffridge, Sean C. Gattis, Marshall J. Fullwood
  • Patent number: 8460937
    Abstract: A method of screening catalysts for liquid-phase selective hydrogenation by preparing a test catalyst by adding a promoter to a reference catalyst; preparing a liquid reactant stream comprising C2H2 dissolved in n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone; testing the test and reference catalysts by contacting the reactant stream and gas mixture comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide in continuous flow with the test catalyst and reference catalyst, respectively, at selective hydrogenation reaction conditions to produce a product stream, condensing substantially all of the n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone from the product stream; measuring the concentrations of products comprising C2H2, C2H4, and C2H6 in the product stream at steady state; determining performance parameters for the test catalyst and the reference catalyst comprising the respective C2H2 conversion Sc and C2H4 selectivity relative to C2H6 Ss; and comparing the test catalyst performance parameters to those for the reference catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Synfuels International, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin M. Johnson, Edward R. Peterson, Sean C. Gattis
  • Patent number: 8410015
    Abstract: A process and catalyst for the liquid phase selective hydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes with high selectivity to alkenes relative to alkanes, high alkyne conversion, and sustained catalytic activity comprising a reactant comprising an alkyne and a non-hydrocarbon solvent/absorbent, contacting the reactant stream with a hydrogen-containing stream in the presence of a supported, promoted, Group VIII catalyst, removing the solvent/absorbent, and recovering the alkene product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Synfuels International, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin M. Johnson, Edward R. Peterson, Sean C. Gattis
  • Patent number: 8247340
    Abstract: A composition and method for preparation of a catalyst for the liquid phase selective hydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes with high selectivity to alkenes relative to alkanes, high alkyne conversion, and sustained catalytic activity comprising a Group VIII metal and a Group IB, Group IIB, Group IIIA, and/or Group VIIB promoter on a particulate support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Synfuels International, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin M. Johnson, Edward R. Peterson, Sean C. Gattis
  • Publication number: 20120190117
    Abstract: A method of screening catalysts for liquid-phase selective hydrogenation by preparing a test catalyst by adding a promoter to a reference catalyst; preparing a liquid reactant stream comprising C2H2 dissolved in n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone; testing the test and reference catalysts by contacting the reactant stream and gas mixture comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide in continuous flow with the test catalyst and reference catalyst, respectively, at selective hydrogenation reaction conditions to produce a product stream, condensing substantially all of the n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone from the product stream; measuring the concentrations of products comprising C2H2, C2H4, and C2H6 in the product stream at steady state; determining performance parameters for the test catalyst and the reference catalyst comprising the respective C2H2 conversion Sc and C2H4 selectivity relative to C2H6 Ss; and comparing the test catalyst performance parameters to those for the reference catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: SYNFUELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Marvin M. Johnson, Edward R. Peterson, Sean C. Gattis
  • Publication number: 20110217781
    Abstract: A composition and method for preparation of a catalyst for the liquid phase selective hydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes with high selectivity to alkenes relative to alkanes, high alkyne conversion, and sustained catalytic activity comprising a Group VIII metal and a Group IB, Group IIB, Group IIIA, and/or Group VIIB promoter on a particulate support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: SYNFUELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Marvin M. JOHNSON, Edward R. Peterson, Sean C. Gattis
  • Patent number: 8013197
    Abstract: A method for the absorption of alkynes and diolefins from an ethylene or propylene containing stream with conversion to alkenes by catalytic hydrogenation in a solvent over a fixed bed comprising a supported catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Synfuels International, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. Peterson, Sean C. Gattis
  • Patent number: 7919431
    Abstract: A composition and method for preparation of a catalyst for the liquid phase selective hydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes with high selectivity to alkenes relative to alkanes, high alkyne conversion, and sustained catalytic activity comprising a Group VIII metal and a Group IB, Group IIB, Group IIIA, and/or Group VIIB promoter on a particulate support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventors: Marvin M. Johnson, Edward R. Peterson, Sean C. Gattis
  • Patent number: 7915463
    Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time and/or combustion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. The ethylene product(s) may be reacted in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, a portion of which will be predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Reactive gas components are used in a catalytic liquefaction step and/or for alternate chemical processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Synfuels International, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean C. Gattis, Edward R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7915461
    Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time and/or combustion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. The ethylene product(s) may be reacted in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, a portion of which will be predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Reactive gas components are used in a catalytic liquefaction step and/or for alternate chemical processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Synfuels International, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean C. Gattis, Edward R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7915466
    Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time and/or combustion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. The ethylene product(s) may be reacted in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, a portion of which will be predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Reactive gas components are used in a catalytic liquefaction step and/or for alternate chemical processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Synfuels International, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean C. Gattis, Edward R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7915462
    Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time and/or combustion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. The ethylene product(s) may be reacted in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, a portion of which will be predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Reactive gas components are used in a catalytic liquefaction step and/or for alternate chemical processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Synfuels International, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean C. Gattis, Edward R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7915464
    Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time and/or combustion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. The ethylene product(s) may be reacted in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, a portion of which will be predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Reactive gas components are used in a catalytic liquefaction step and/or for alternate chemical processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Synfuels International, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean C. Gattis, Edward R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7915465
    Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time and/or combustion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. The ethylene product(s) may be reacted in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, a portion of which will be predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Reactive gas components are used in a catalytic liquefaction step and/or for alternate chemical processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Synfuels International, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean C. Gattis, Edward R. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20100167139
    Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time and/or combustion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. The ethylene product(s) may be reacted in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, a portion of which will be predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Reactive gas components are used in a catalytic liquefaction step and/or for alternate chemical processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: SYNFUELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Sean C. Gattis, Edward R. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20100167138
    Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time and/or combustion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. The ethylene product(s) may be reacted in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, a portion of which will be predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Reactive gas components are used in a catalytic liquefaction step and/or for alternate chemical processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: SYNFUELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Sean C. Gattis, Edward R. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20100167136
    Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time and/or combustion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. The ethylene product(s) may be reacted in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, a portion of which will be predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Reactive gas components are used in a catalytic liquefaction step and/or for alternate chemical processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: SYNFUELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Sean C. Gattis, Edward R. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20100167137
    Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time and/or combustion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. The ethylene product(s) may be reacted in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, a portion of which will be predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Reactive gas components are used in a catalytic liquefaction step and/or for alternate chemical processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: SYNFUELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Sean C. Gattis, Edward R. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20100167134
    Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time and/or combustion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. The ethylene product(s) may be reacted in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, a portion of which will be predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Reactive gas components are used in a catalytic liquefaction step and/or for alternate chemical processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: SYNFUELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Sean C. Gattis, Edward R. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20100167135
    Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time and/or combustion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. The ethylene product(s) may be reacted in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, a portion of which will be predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Reactive gas components are used in a catalytic liquefaction step and/or for alternate chemical processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: SYNFUELS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Sean C. Gattis, Edward R. Peterson