Patents by Inventor Stephen C. Leviness
Stephen C. Leviness 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: 8614158Abstract: Processes for activating and/or regenerating Fischer-Tropsch and/or oxygenate synthesis catalysts include the transportation of a modular, portable catalyst activation and/or regeneration unit to Fischer-Tropsch and/or oxygenate production units. An alternative process for activating and/or regenerating Fischer-Tropsch and/or oxygenate synthesis catalysts includes activating and/or regenerating the catalyst in a production unit at a catalyst treatment facility. An alternative process for activating and/or regenerating Fischer-Tropsch and/or oxygenate synthesis catalysts includes activating and/or regenerating the catalyst in a synthesis reactor at a catalyst treatment facility.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Stephen C. Leviness
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Patent number: 8591861Abstract: A production process includes combining a first feed stream and a second feed stream to produce, in a pre-reforming reactor, a first product stream comprising CH4 and H2O; wherein the first feed stream contains a mixture of H2 and at least one selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons having two or more carbon atoms and alcohols having two or more carbon atoms, and the mixture has a hydrogen stoichiometric ratio (?) of at least 0.1, and the second feed stream contains steam; feeding the first product stream into a reforming reactor; and reacting the first product stream in the reforming reactor to produce a second product stream containing CO and H2; and a catalyst for use in the process. Conversion of the second product stream to synthetic crude, methanol, higher alcohols, and/or DME may also be undertaken. Yet further conversion of a synthetic crude to lubricants, diesel and the like, and/or the alcohols/DME to gasoline, olefins, and/or other oxygenates may also be included.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2008Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Franklin D. Lomax, Rama A. Zakaria, Maxim Lyubovsky, Stephen C. Leviness
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Patent number: 8293805Abstract: A method of tracking production from an NG source that includes the steps of providing one or more micro-scale GTL units, feeding NG from the source to the micro-scale GTL units, operating the micro-scale GTL units and adjusting the number of micro-scale GTL units employed to track or match the production from the source is provided. In some aspects of the invention, the micro-scale GTL unit includes both syngas manufacture and liquid product synthesis. The liquid product synthesis step may produce methanol, mixed higher carbon number alcohols, dimethyl ether, Fischer-Tropsch liquids, and/or any combination of these products.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2008Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Moinuddin Khan, Andrew Kurkjian, Stephen C. Leviness, Keith Massie, John Nighswander
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Patent number: 7939953Abstract: A mobile system for providing start-up electrical power to a micro scale liquid hydrocarbon and/or oxygenate synthesis plant is provided including a portable gas or liquid fueled electrical generator, a steam turbine, a plant generator mechanically coupled to the steam turbine, a plant power load; and means for synchronizing electrical power generated by the portable electrical generator with electrical power generated by the plant generator is provided. Also provided is a process for synchronizing electrical power generated by the portable electrical generator with electrical power generated by the plant generator.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2008Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Franklin D. Lomax, Maxim Lyubovsky, Stephen C. LeViness, Christopher P. Heinrichs, Richard Shannon Todd
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Publication number: 20100000153Abstract: A method of operating one or more production facilities located at a remote natural gas source is provided including providing one or more micro-scale GTL systems to the remote NG source; supplying natural gas feedstock from the remote source to the micro-scale GTL systems; operating the micro-scale GTL systems to produce a product stream; and utilizing the product stream in the production facilities located at the remote natural gas source. Also provided is a method of operating one or more production facilities located at a remote NG source that includes supplying a product stream to a central processing unit within the remote location to produce a fuel or chemical product.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2008Publication date: January 7, 2010Applicant: KYROGEN USA, LLCInventors: ANDREW KURKJIAN, STEPHEN C. LEVINESS, KEITH JAMES MASSIE, JOHN NIGHSWANDER
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Publication number: 20090299795Abstract: A method of tracking production from an NG source that includes the steps of providing one or more micro-scale GTL units, feeding NG from the source to the micro-scale GTL units, operating the micro-scale GTL units and adjusting the number of micro-scale GTL units employed to track or match the production from the source is provided. In some aspects of the invention, the micro-scale GTL unit includes both syngas manufacture and liquid product synthesis. The liquid product synthesis step may produce methanol, mixed higher carbon number alcohols, dimethyl ether, Fischer-Tropsch liquids, and/or any combination of these products.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2008Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: KYROGEN USA, LLCInventors: Moinuddin Khan, Andrew Kurkjian, Stephen C. Leviness, Keith Massie, John Nighswander
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Publication number: 20090261587Abstract: A mobile system for providing start-up electrical power to a micro scale liquid hydrocarbon and/or oxygenate synthesis plant is provided including a portable gas or liquid fueled electrical generator, a steam turbine, a plant generator mechanically coupled to the steam turbine, a plant power load; and means for synchronizing electrical power generated by the portable electrical generator with electrical power generated by the plant generator is provided. Also provided is a process for synchronizing electrical power generated by the portable electrical generator with electrical power generated by the plant generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2008Publication date: October 22, 2009Applicant: KYROGEN USA, LLCInventors: FRANKLIN D. LOMAX, MAXIM LYUBOVSKY, STEPHEN C. LEVINESS, CHRISTOPHER P. HEINRICHS, RICHARD SHANNON TODD
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Publication number: 20090221723Abstract: Processes for activating and/or regenerating Fischer-Tropsch and/or oxygenate synthesis catalysts include the transportation of a modular, portable catalyst activation and/or regeneration unit to Fischer-Tropsch and/or oxygenate production units. An alternative process for activating and/or regenerating Fischer-Tropsch and/or oxygenate synthesis catalysts includes activating and/or regenerating the catalyst in a production unit at a catalyst treatment facility. An alternative process for activating and/or regenerating Fischer-Tropsch and/or oxygenate synthesis catalysts includes activating and/or regenerating the catalyst in a synthesis reactor at a catalyst treatment facility.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2008Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: KYROGEN USA, LLCInventor: STEPHEN C. LEVINESS
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Publication number: 20080262110Abstract: A production process includes combining a first feed stream and a second feed stream to produce, in a pre-reforming reactor, a first product stream comprising CH4 and H2O; wherein the first feed stream contains a mixture of H2 and at least one selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons having two or more carbon atoms and alcohols having two or more carbon atoms, and the mixture has a hydrogen stoichiometric ratio (?) of at least 0.1, and the second feed stream contains steam; feeding the first product stream into a reforming reactor; and reacting the first product stream in the reforming reactor to produce a second product stream containing CO and H2; and a catalyst for use in the process. Conversion of the second product stream to synthetic crude, methanol, higher alcohols, and/or DME may also be undertaken. Yet further conversion of a synthetic crude to lubricants, diesel and the like, and/or the alcohols/DME to gasoline, olefins, and/or other oxygenates may also be included.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: KYROGEN USA, LLCInventors: Franklin D. Lomax, Rama A. Zakaria, Maxim Lyubovsky, Stephen C. LeViness
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Patent number: 7419928Abstract: A process for enhancing the activity of a catalyst metal particulate for hydrogenation reactions comprising calcining the particulate in an oxidant-containing atmosphere to partially oxidize it thereby forming a porous layer of oxides thereon, treating with an solution capable of oxidizing the calcined metal particulate and comprising a compound of a hydrogenation catalyst metal to where said metal particulate has absorbed a volume of solution equal to at least about 10% of its calculated pore volume and activating it by treatment with a hydrogen-containing gas at elevated temperatures thereby forming a dispersed active metal catalyst. Preferably, the treated particulate is calcined a second time under the same conditions as the first before final activation with a hydrogen-containing gas. The metal particulate is preferably sized after each calcination and any agglomerates larger than 250 microns are comminuted to a desired size.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2004Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Andrzej M. Malek, Stephen C. Leviness, Horacio M. Trevino, Weldon K. Bell, David O. Marler
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Patent number: 7361619Abstract: Dispersed Active Metal catalyst for hydrogenation reactions is produced by treating a substantially catalytically inactive metal particulate with a solution capable of oxidizing the metal particulate and comprising of at least one compound of a hydrogenation catalyst metal thereby forming a layer of at least one of hydroxides and oxides thereon. The metal particulate is activated by treatment with a hydrogen-containing gas at elevated temperatures to form a porous layer of Dispersed Active Metal catalyst. Preferably, the treated metal particulate is dried prior to activation, and also preferably calcined in an oxidant-containing atmosphere prior to activation. The treatment solution may advantageously contain a compound of at least one promoter metal for the added catalyst metal. The porosity of the layer provides enhanced catalyst activity as well as improved methane selectivity in the Fischer-Tropsch process.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2004Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Andrzej M. Malek, Stephen C. Leviness, Horacio M. Trevino, Weldon K. Bell, David O. Marler
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Publication number: 20040204505Abstract: Dispersed Active Metal catalyst for hydrogenation reactions is produced by treating a substantially catalytically inactive metal particulate with a solution capable of oxidizing the metal particulate and comprising of at least one compound of a hydrogenation catalyst metal thereby forming a layer of at least one of hydroxides and oxides thereon. The metal particulate is activated by treatment with a hydrogen-containing gas at elevated temperatures to form a porous layer of Dispersed Active Metal catalyst. Preferably, the treated metal particulate is dried prior to activation, and also preferably calcined in an oxidant-containing atmosphere prior to activation. The treatment solution may advantageously contain a compound of at least one promoter metal for the added catalyst metal. The porosity of the layer provides enhanced catalyst activity as well as improved methane selectivity in the Fischer-Tropsch process.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2004Publication date: October 14, 2004Inventors: Andrzej M. Malek, Stephen C. Leviness, Horacio M. Trevino, Weldon K. Bell, David O. Marler
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Publication number: 20040204504Abstract: A process for enhancing the activity of a catalyst metal particulate for hydrogenation reactions comprising calcining the particulate in an oxidant-containing atmosphere to partially oxidize it thereby forming a porous layer of oxides thereon, treating with an solution capable of oxidizing the calcined metal particulate and comprising a compound of a hydrogenation catalyst metal to where said metal particulate has absorbed a volume of solution equal to at least about 10% of its calculated pore volume and activating it by treatment with a hydrogen-containing gas at elevated temperatures thereby forming a dispersed active metal catalyst. Preferably, the treated particulate is calcined a second time under the same conditions as the first before final activation with a hydrogen-containing gas. The metal particulate is preferably sized after each calcination and any agglomerates larger than 250 microns are comminuted to a desired size.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2004Publication date: October 14, 2004Inventors: Andrzej M. Malek, Stephen C. Leviness, Horacio M. Trevino, Weldon K. Bell, David O. Marler
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Patent number: 6284807Abstract: A slurry catalytic hydrocarbon synthesis process which employs a catalyst comprising a supported cobalt component achieves a short term catalyst half life of more than 10 days, by using a syngas feed which contains less than fifty parts per billion of a combined total amount of HCN and NH3.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1998Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Stephen C. Leviness, Charles J. Mart, William C. Behrmann, Stephen J. Hsia, Daniel R. Neskora
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Patent number: 6107353Abstract: Cyanide and ammonia are removed from a gas, such as a synthesis gas, by catalytically hydrolyzing cyanide in the gas to ammonia, water scrubbing the hydrolyzed gas to dissolve ammonia and at least a portion of remaining cyanide, and optionally, contacting the scrubbed gas with an adsorbent for cyanide and ammonia to form a clean gas containing less than 50 vppb of a combined total of cyanide and ammonia. The clean synthesis gas is then fed into a hydrocarbon synthesis reactor wherein it produces hydrocarbons with substantially reduced catalyst deactivation and cleaner hydrocarbon products.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1997Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Russell J. Koveal, Stephen C. Leviness
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Patent number: 6066679Abstract: Partially deactivated catalyst in a slurry hydrocarbon synthesis process is rejuvenated employing a cyclic rejuvenation process in which syngas or CO flow into the slurry is stopped to stop the hydrocarbon synthesis reaction, the CO purged out of the slurry with a purge gas in the presence of hydrogen, the catalyst rejuvenated with a hydrogen containing rejuvenating gas and the hydrocarbon synthesis reaction restarted by passing the synthesis gas feed back into the reactor. All or a portion of the purge gas and/or the rejuvenating gas may be recycled during the respective purge and/or rejuvenation. The hydrogen required during the purge is typically part of the purge gas.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1998Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Stephen C. Leviness, Willard N. Mitchell
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Patent number: 5973012Abstract: A reversibly deactivated, particulate catalyst in a slurry hydrocarbon synthesis slurry is rejuvenated by circulating the slurry from a slurry body through (i) a gas disengaging zone to remove gas bubbles from the slurry, (ii) a catalyst rejuvenation zone in which a catalyst rejuvenating gas contacts the catalyst in the slurry to rejuvenate it and form a rejuvenated catalyst slurry and, (iii) back into the slurry body. Removing at least a portion of the gas bubbles improves the rejuvenation process.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.Inventors: William C. Behrmann, Stephen C. Leviness
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Patent number: 5844005Abstract: Hydrogen containing tail gas from a hydrocarbon synthesis reactor is used as a hydrogen containing catalyst rejuvenating gas. If CO is present, the CO content, is less than 10 mole % of the gas and the H.sub.2 to CO mole ratio is greater than 3:1. At least a portion of the water and liquid hydrocarbons are removed from the tail gas, before it is used to rejuvenate the reversibly deactivated catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1997Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Richard F. Bauman, Charles W. DeGeorge, Rocco A. Fiato, Stephen C. Leviness
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Patent number: 5817702Abstract: A reversibly deactivated, particulate catalyst in a slurry hydrocarbon synthesis slurry is rejuvenated by circulating the slurry from a slurry body through (i) a gas disengaging zone to remove gas bubbles from the slurry, (ii) a catalyst rejuvenation zone in which a catalyst rejuvenating gas contacts the catalyst in the slurry to rejuvenate it and form a rejuvenated catalyst slurry and, (iii) back into the slurry body. Removing at least a portion of the gas bubbles improves the rejuvenation process.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Exxon Research And Engineering CompanyInventors: William C. Behrmann, Stephen C. Leviness
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Patent number: 5817701Abstract: Partially deactivated catalyst in a slurry hydrocarbon synthesis process is rejuvenated employing a cyclic rejuvenation process in which syngas or CO flow into the slurry is stopped to stop the hydrocarbon synthesis reaction, the CO purged out of the slurry with a purge gas in the presence of hydrogen, the catalyst rejuvenated with a hydrogen containing rejuvenating gas and the hydrocarbon synthesis reaction restarted by passing the synthesis gas feed back into the reactor. All or a portion of the purge gas and/or the rejuvenating gas may be recycled during the respective purge and/or rejuvenation. The hydrogen required during the purge is typically part of the purge gas.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Stephen C. Leviness, Willard N. Mitchell