Patents by Inventor Sherri L. Boyd

Sherri L. Boyd 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).

  • Patent number: 7074371
    Abstract: A mixing system is disclosed which provides improved multiphase mixing through the use of a novel quench injection means. The mixing system comprises a horizontal collection tray, a mixing chamber positioned below the collection tray, and at least one passageway extending through the collection tray into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber and the collection tray define a two-phase mixing volume. The passageway conducts fluid from above the collection tray into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber preferably includes at least one outlet opening for the downward passage of fluid. In particular, mixing of quench fluid is significantly improved when quench is introduced into a region above the collection tray and where (i) lateral velocities of the process fluids are low, (ii) sufficient volume is available for the quench fluid to mix with the process fluids, and (iii) quench injection occurs opposite the prevailing direction of process fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Neil K. McDougald, Gregory P. Muldowney, Sherri L. Boyd
  • Patent number: 7052654
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a mixing system that provides improved mixing of quench gas and process fluids in a height constrained interbed space while not increasing pressure drop. In particular, the device improves the effectiveness of an existing mixing volume in mixing the gas phase of two-phase systems. The mixing system includes a horizontal collection tray, a mixing chamber positioned below the collection tray, at least one passageway extending through the collection tray into the mixing chamber, and a vapor slipstream passageway extending through the collection tray into the mixing chamber for directing a vapor slipstream from above the collection tray into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber and the collection tray define a two-phase mixing volume. The passageway conducts fluid containing at least some vapor from above the collection tray into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber preferably includes at least one outlet opening for the downward passage of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: ExxonMobile Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Neil K. McDougald, Sherri L. Boyd, Gregory P. Muldowney
  • Patent number: 7045103
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel means to provide more effective mixing of quench gas and process fluids in a height constrained interbed space of a catalytic reactor without increasing pressure drop. In particular, the device improves the effectiveness of an existing mixing volume in mixing the gas phase of two-phase systems. According to the present invention, the quench zone hardware contained within the reactor includes a substantially vertical continuous perimeter solid baffle attached to the underside of the collection tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Neil K. McDougald, Sherri L. Boyd, Gregory P. Muldowney
  • Publication number: 20040228779
    Abstract: A mixing system is disclosed which provides improved multiphase mixing through the use of a novel quench injection means. The mixing system comprises a horizontal collection tray, a mixing chamber positioned below the collection tray, and at least one passageway extending through the collection tray into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber and the collection tray define a two-phase mixing volume. The passageway conducts fluid from above the collection tray into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber preferably includes at least one outlet opening for the downward passage of fluid. In particular, mixing of quench fluid is significantly improved when quench is introduced into a region above the collection tray and where (i) lateral velocities of the process fluids are low, (ii) sufficient volume is available for the quench fluid to mix with the process fluids, and (iii) quench injection occurs opposite the prevailing direction of process fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Neil K. McDougald, Gregory P. Muldowney, Sherri L. Boyd
  • Publication number: 20040151643
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a mixing system that provides improved mixing of quench gas and process fluids in a height constrained interbed space while not increasing pressure drop. In particular, the device improves the effectiveness of an existing mixing volume in mixing the gas phase of two-phase systems. The mixing system includes a horizontal collection tray, a mixing chamber positioned below the collection tray, at least one passageway extending through the collection tray into the mixing chamber, and a vapor slipstream passageway extending through the collection tray into the mixing chamber for directing a vapor slipstream from above the collection tray into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber and the collection tray define a two-phase mixing volume. The passageway conducts fluid containing at least some vapor from above the collection tray into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber preferably includes at least one outlet opening for the downward passage of fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company (formerly Exxon Research and Engineering Company)
    Inventors: Neil K. McDougald, Sherri L. Boyd, Gregory P. Muldowney
  • Publication number: 20040136886
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel means to provide more effective mixing of quench gas and process fluids in a height constrained interbed space of a catalytic reactor without increasing pressure drop. In particular, the device improves the effectiveness of an existing mixing volume in mixing the gas phase of two-phase systems. According to the present invention, the quench zone hardware contained within the reactor includes a substantially vertical continuous perimeter solid baffle attached to the underside of the collection tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Neil K. McDougald, Sherri L. Boyd, Gregory P. Muldowney
  • Patent number: 6669915
    Abstract: A fluid inlet nozzle distributor for a downflow fixed bed reactor which is a cylindrical housing having inlet and outlet openings and a swirl chamber disposed within said housing, whereby said swirl chamber imparts rotational motion to a fluid exiting said inlet nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Sherri L. Boyd, Gregory P. Muldowney
  • Patent number: 6180068
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing vapor and liquid reactants within a column. The apparatus forms a first mixing zone into which a first reactant (e.g. vapor) is homogenized by swirl flow and flows vertically downward. The apparatus further forms a second mixing zone into which a second reactant (e.g., liquid) is homogenized by swirl flow and flows vertically downward. Additional amounts of either the first reactant, the second reactant or both may be added into or ahead of the first mixing zone or the second mixing zone as appropriate. The first reactant is directed radially to collide in crossflow with a thin sheet of the second reactant to provide intense mixing of the first and second reactants. Due to separate mixing zones for the two reactants, the mixing conditions for each can be tailored to best mix each reactant while minimizing pressure drop and minimizing the space and volume requirements for this mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Sherri L. Boyd, Gregory P. Muldowney
  • Patent number: 5935413
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing vapor and liquid reactants within a column. The apparatus forms a first mixing zone into which a first reactant (e.g., vapor) is homogenized by swirl flow and flows vertically downward. The apparatus further forms a second mixing zone into which a second reactant (e.g., liquid) is homogenized by swirl flow and flows vertically downward. Additional amounts of either the first reactant, the second reactant or both may be added into or ahead of the first mixing zone or the second mixing zone as appropriate. The first reactant is directed radially to collide in crossflow with a thin sheet of the second reactant to provide intense mixing of the first and second reactants. Due to separate mixing zones for the two reactants, the mixing conditions for each can be tailored to best mix each reactant while minimizing pressure drop and minimizing the space and volume requirements for this mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Sherri L. Boyd, Gregory P. Muldowney