Patents by Inventor Steven L. Krupa

Steven L. Krupa 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: 10889767
    Abstract: An improved isomerization process in which the inlet temperature to the isomerization reaction zone is less than 105° C. is described. A separate reactor is provided for the decomposition of the organic chloride. The product of the decomposition of the organic chloride is sent to an isomerization reactor along with a hydrocarbon feed containing paraffins. The use of the organic chloride decomposition reactor allows the operating temperatures for the isomerization reaction zone to be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Jocelyn Daguio, Ralph C. Norton, David J. Shecterle, Patrick J. Bullen, Steven L. Krupa
  • Patent number: 10815166
    Abstract: A process for producing an isomerized product comprises sending a feed stream comprising butanes, hydrogen and an organic chloride to a butane isomerization reactor containing an isomerization catalyst to convert a portion of normal butanes in said feed stream to iso-butanes in an isomerized stream. The isomerized stream to a stabilizer column to produce a butane stream containing normal, iso-butanes and C5 hydrocarbons; the butane stream is sent to a column to produce an isomerized upper stream and a bottoms stream comprising a mixture of butanes, C5 hydrocarbons and organic chloride. The bottoms stream is sent to an organic chloride decomposition reactor to produce a mixture of HCl, hydrogen and hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Steven L. Krupa, David J. Shecterle
  • Patent number: 10563135
    Abstract: Processes for oligomerizing olefins to produce diesel. The oligomerization zone temperature is controlled to counteract catalyst deactivation caused by coking, by contaminants such as cyclo C5 and/or cyclo C6 hydrocarbons, or both. The temperature is increased in increments to ensure that that the oligomerization zone is producing product at a target product yield with a target product quality, which may be measured by a product cetane number. The target product yield is at least 50 wt % and a target product cetane number may be at least 35.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Zhihao Fei, Steven L. Krupa, Hosoo Lim, Charles P. Luebke, Robert Mehlberg, Christopher P. Nicholas, Lisa M. Wolschlag
  • Publication number: 20200002627
    Abstract: An improved isomerization process in which the inlet temperature to the isomerization reaction zone is less than 105° C. is described. A separate reactor is provided for the decomposition of the organic chloride. The product of the decomposition of the organic chloride is sent to an isomerization reactor along with a hydrocarbon feed containing paraffins. The use of the organic chloride decomposition reactor allows the operating temperatures for the isomerization reaction zone to be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Jocelyn Daguio, Ralph C. Norton, David J. Shecterle, Patrick J. Bullen, Steven L. Krupa
  • Publication number: 20200002248
    Abstract: A process for producing an isomerized product comprises sending a feed stream comprising butanes, hydrogen and an organic chloride to a butane isomerization reactor containing an isomerization catalyst to convert a portion of normal butanes in said feed stream to iso-butanes in an isomerized stream. The isomerized stream to a stabilizer column to produce a butane stream containing normal, iso-butanes and C5 hydrocarbons; the butane stream is sent to a column to produce an isomerized upper stream and a bottoms stream comprising a mixture of butanes, C5 hydrocarbons and organic chloride. The bottoms stream is sent to an organic chloride decomposition reactor to produce a mixture of HCl, hydrogen and hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Steven L. Krupa, David J. Shecterle
  • Patent number: 10508064
    Abstract: Oligomerizing C4 and C5 olefins over a SPA catalyst provides an oligomerate product stream comprising C6+ olefins that meets a gasoline T-90 specification of 380° F. The oligomerate product stream can be taken to the gasoline pool without further upgrading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Christopher P. Nicholas, Christian D. Freet, Steven L. Krupa, Kurt M. Vanden Bussche, Todd M. Kruse
  • Patent number: 10392331
    Abstract: A process for the production of diisopropyl ether from high purity propylene without the need of a propane-propylene fractionation column has been developed. The process involves (1) reacting a high purity propylene feedstock and water to produce isopropyl alcohol in a reactor and reacting the isopropyl alcohol with propylene to produce diisopropyl ether in the presence of an acidic ion exchange resin catalyst and a C4 diluent to generate a reactor effluent stream containing at least water, isopropyl alcohol, diisopropyl ether, propylene, and acid, (2) passing the reactor effluent to an acid removal zone to produce an acid-depleted stream, (3) dividing the acid-depleted stream into two portions, (4) recycling a portion to the reactor (5) purging a portion to prevent propane build-up and (6) recovering product diisopropyl alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Steven L. Krupa
  • Patent number: 10392330
    Abstract: A process for the production of diisopropyl ether from high purity propylene without the need of a propane-propylene fractionation column has been developed. The process involves (1) reacting a high purity propylene feedstock and water to produce isopropyl alcohol in a reactor and reacting the isopropyl alcohol with propylene to produce diisopropyl ether in the presence of an acidic ion exchange resin catalyst and a propane diluent to generate a reactor effluent stream containing at least water, isopropyl alcohol, diisopropyl ether, propylene, and acid, (2) passing the reactor effluent to an acid removal zone to produce an acid-depleted stream, (3) dividing the acid-depleted stream into two portions, (4) recycling a portion to the reactor (5) allowing propane to build-up to an amount sufficient to operate as a diluent and (6) recovering product diisopropyl alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Charles P. Luebke, Steven L. Krupa
  • Patent number: 10377688
    Abstract: A process for the production of diisopropyl ether from high purity propylene without the need of a propane-propylene fractionation column has been developed. The process involves (1) reacting a high purity propylene feedstock and water to produce isopropyl alcohol in a reactor and reacting the isopropyl alcohol with propylene to produce diisopropyl ether in the presence of an acidic ion exchange resin catalyst and a C4 diluent to generate a reactor effluent stream containing at least water, isopropyl alcohol, diisopropyl ether, propylene, and acid, (2) passing the reactor effluent to an acid removal zone to produce an acid-depleted stream, (3) dividing the acid-depleted stream into two portions, (4) recycling a portion to the reactor (5) purging a portion to prevent propane build-up and (6) recovering product diisopropyl alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Steven L. Krupa
  • Publication number: 20180179133
    Abstract: A process for the production of diisopropyl ether from high purity propylene without the need of a propane-propylene fractionation column has been developed. The process involves (1) reacting a high purity propylene feedstock and water to produce isopropyl alcohol in a reactor and reacting the isopropyl alcohol with propylene to produce diisopropyl ether in the presence of an acidic ion exchange resin catalyst and a C4 diluent to generate a reactor effluent stream containing at least water, isopropyl alcohol, diisopropyl ether, propylene, and acid, (2) passing the reactor effluent to an acid removal zone to produce an acid-depleted stream, (3) dividing the acid-depleted stream into two portions, (4) recycling a portion to the reactor (5) purging a portion to prevent propane build-up and (6) recovering product diisopropyl alcohol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventor: Steven L. Krupa
  • Publication number: 20180179134
    Abstract: A process for the production of diisopropyl ether from high purity propylene without the need of a propane-propylene fractionation column has been developed. The process involves (1) reacting a high purity propylene feedstock and water to produce isopropyl alcohol in a reactor and reacting the isopropyl alcohol with propylene to produce diisopropyl ether in the presence of an acidic ion exchange resin catalyst and a propane diluent to generate a reactor effluent stream containing at least water, isopropyl alcohol, diisopropyl ether, propylene, and acid, (2) passing the reactor effluent to an acid removal zone to produce an acid-depleted stream, (3) dividing the acid-depleted stream into two portions, (4) recycling a portion to the reactor (5) allowing propane to build-up to an amount sufficient to operate as a diluent and (6) recovering product diisopropyl alcohol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Charles P. Luebke, Steven L. Krupa
  • Publication number: 20180179135
    Abstract: A process for the production of diisopropyl ether from high purity propylene without the need of a propane-propylene fractionation column has been developed. The process involves (1) reacting a high purity propylene feedstock and water to produce isopropyl alcohol in a reactor and reacting the isopropyl alcohol with propylene to produce diisopropyl ether in the presence of an acidic ion exchange resin catalyst and a C4 diluent to generate a reactor effluent stream containing at least water, isopropyl alcohol, diisopropyl ether, propylene, and acid, (2) passing the reactor effluent to an acid removal zone to produce an acid-depleted stream, (3) dividing the acid-depleted stream into two portions, (4) recycling a portion to the reactor (5) purging a portion to prevent propane build-up and (6) recovering product diisopropyl alcohol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventor: Steven L. Krupa
  • Patent number: 9914673
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus for switching oligomerization feed between a first oligomerization zone that includes a uni-dimensional small pore zeolite to make more diesel and a second oligomerization zone that includes SPA catalyst for making more gasoline. The diesel can be recycled to make more propylene. The process and apparatus will provide refiners with flexibility to produce the most valuable product commensurate with fluctuating market conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Christopher P. Nicholas, Christian D. Freet, Steven L. Krupa, Kurt M. Vanden Bussche, Todd M. Kruse
  • Publication number: 20170240821
    Abstract: Processes for oligomerizing olefins to produce diesel. The oligomerization zone temperature is controlled to counteract catalyst deactivation caused by coking, by contaminants such as cyclo C5 and/or cyclo C6 hydrocarbons, or both. The temperature is increased in increments to ensure that that the oligomerization zone is producing product at a target product yield with a target product quality, which may be measured by a product cetane number. The target product yield is at least 50 wt % and a target product cetane number may be at least 35.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Zhihao Fei, Steven L. Krupa, Hosoo Lim, Charles P. Luebke, Robert Mehlberg, Christopher P. Nicholas, Lisa M. Wolschlag
  • Patent number: 9732285
    Abstract: A first oligomerization stream is oligomerized over a first catalyst in a first oligomerization reactor zone to make oligomerate. An oligomerate stream is separated to provide a heavy oligomerate boiling in the diesel range and a second oligomerization feed stream. The latter is fed to a second oligomerization reactor zone with a second different catalyst to produce the heavy oligomerate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Steven L. Krupa, Christopher P. Nicholas, Todd M. Kruse, Kurt M. Vanden Bussche
  • Patent number: 9663415
    Abstract: Recycle of a stream comprising C8 oligomers to an oligomerization zone to be oligomerized with C4 olefins can produce diesel range oligomers. A diesel stream can be separated from a gasoline stream which can be recycled to the oligomerization zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Christopher P. Nicholas, Steven L. Krupa, Kurt M. Vanden Bussche, Todd M. Kruse
  • Patent number: 9567267
    Abstract: A process provides oligomerization feed stream comprising C5 hydrocarbons and olefins along with C4 olefins to an oligomerization zone. The oligomerization feed stream may be obtained from cracked FCC products. Unreacted C5 hydrocarbons can be recycled to the oligomerization zone to maintain the liquid phase therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Christopher P. Nicholas, Christian D. Freet, Steven L. Krupa, Kurt M. Vanden Bussche, Todd M. Kruse
  • Patent number: 9522373
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus for switching oligomerization feed between a first oligomerization zone that includes a uni-dimensional small pore zeolite to make more diesel and a second oligomerization zone that includes SPA catalyst for making more gasoline. The diesel can be recycled to make more propylene. The process and apparatus will provide refiners with flexibility to produce the most valuable product commensurate with fluctuating market conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Christopher P. Nicholas, Christian D. Freet, Steven L. Krupa, Kurt M. Vanden Bussche, Todd M. Kruse
  • Patent number: 9441173
    Abstract: Disclosed is that by oligomerizing C4 olefins over a uni-dimensional 10-ring pore structured zeolite catalyst, at least 70 wt % oligomers having at least 9 carbons can be produced in a single pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Christopher P. Nicholas, Steven L. Krupa, Kurt M. Vanden Bussche, Todd M. Kruse
  • Patent number: 9266795
    Abstract: A process is presented for the purification of 1,3 butadiene. The process is for treating a butadiene stream from an oxidative dehydrogenation unit, where a butane stream is dehydrogenated, generating a butadiene rich stream. The butadiene rich stream is fractionated and passed through a butadiene recovery unit. Additional C4 compounds recovered from the fractionation bottoms stream are further processed for increasing yields of butadiene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Steven L. Krupa