Patents by Inventor Thomas F. Leininger
Thomas F. Leininger 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: 6706199Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for withdrawing and dewatering slag from a gasification system. In particular, the present invention relates to a conveying lockhopper and method of using the conveying lockhopper to collect slag and other waste byproducts from the gasifier of a gasification system. The conveying lockhopper is configured to receive slag from a gasifier, simultaneously extract and dewater the slag, and expel the processed slag directly into an awaiting container suitable for carrying the processed slag away. The conveying lockhopper generally comprises a housing with inlet and outlet valves to receive and expel slag, respectively. The housing is inclined at an angle typically between 5 and 60 degrees to the horizontal so that the outlet is at a higher elevation than the inlet. Inside the housing, an auger or similar conveying mechanism conveys the slag from the inlet towards the outlet while simultaneously dewatering the slag.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignees: Texaco Inc., Texaco Development CorporationInventors: John D. Winter, Rajasekar Kamarthi, Thomas F. Leininger, Katherine S. Lee, Chih-Hao M. Tsang, Pravit Vassantachart
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Publication number: 20010032780Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for withdrawing and dewatering slag from a gasification system. In particular, the present invention relates to a conveying lockhopper and method of using the conveying lockhopper to collect slag and other waste byproducts from the gasifier of a gasification system. The conveying lockhopper is configured to receive slag from a gasifier, simultaneously extract and dewater the slag, and expel the processed slag directly into an awaiting container suitable for carrying the processed slag away. The conveying lockhopper generally comprises a housing with inlet and outlet valves to receive and expel slag, respectively. The housing is inclined at an angle typically between 5 and 60 degrees to the horizontal so that the outlet is at a higher elevation than the inlet. Inside the housing, an auger or similar conveying mechanism conveys the slag from the inlet towards the outlet while simultaneously dewatering the slag.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2001Publication date: October 25, 2001Inventors: John D. Winter, Rajasekar Kamarthi, Thomas F. Leininger, Katherine S. Lee, Chih-Hao M. Tsang, Pravit Vassantachart
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Publication number: 20010026783Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for withdrawing and dewatering slag from a gasification system. In particular, the present invention relates to a conveying lockhopper and method of using the conveying lockhopper to collect slag and other waste byproducts from the gasifier of a gasification system. The conveying lockhopper is configured to receive slag from a gasifier, simultaneously extract and dewater the slag, and expel the processed slag directly into an awaiting container suitable for carrying the processed slag away. The conveying lockhopper generally comprises a housing with inlet and outlet valves to receive and expel slag, respectively. The housing is inclined at an angle typically between 5 and 60 degrees to the horizontal so that the outlet is at a higher elevation than the inlet. Inside the housing, an auger or similar conveying mechanism conveys the slag from the inlet towards the outlet while simultaneously dewatering the slag.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2001Publication date: October 4, 2001Inventors: John D. Winter, Rajasekar Kamarthi, Thomas F. Leininger, Katherine S. Lee, Chih-Hao M. Tsang, Pravit Vassantachart
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Patent number: 6053632Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the temperature of a gasification reactor using an optical pyrometer is disclosed. In one embodiment the apparatus may include a feed injector adapted to receive light conduits. The feed injector (2) includes a feed injector tip (6) having an opening, the feed injector tip being in fluid communication with a feed inlet (8) and a flange connector (4), the flange connector being in optical alignment with the opening of the feed injector tip. A blind flange (10) should be sized to fit on the flange connector of the feed injector and thereby form a gas pressure resistant seal. A pressure sealing gland (12) is fitted in the blind flange such that a light conduit (22a or 22b) can pass through the blind flange and that the receiving end of the light conduit extends into the feed injector such that the light receiving end of the light conduit is in optical alignment with the opening of the feed injector tip.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1998Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignee: Texaco Inc.Inventor: Thomas F. Leininger
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Patent number: 5403366Abstract: A partial oxidation process for the production of a stream of hot clean gas substantially free from particulate matter, alkali metal compounds, hydrogen halides, hydrogen cyanide, sulfur-containing gases, and with or without ammonia for use as synthesis gas, reducing gas, or fuel gas. A pumpable hydrocarbonaceous fuel selected from the group consisting of liquid hydrocarbonaceous fuel or liquid emulsions thereof, an aqueous slurry of petroleum coke, and mixtures thereof and wherein said hydrocarbonaceous fuel contains halides, alkali metal compounds, sulfur, nitrogen and inorganic ash containing components, is reacted in a gasifier by partial oxidation to produce a hot raw gas stream comprising H.sub.2, CO, CO.sub.2, H.sub.2 O, CH.sub.4, NH.sub.3, HCN, HCl, HF, H.sub.2 S, COS, N.sub.2, Ar, particulate matter, vapor phase alkali metal compounds, and molten slag. The hot raw gas stream from the gasifier is cooled in a radiant cooler and cleaned.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1993Date of Patent: April 4, 1995Assignee: Texaco Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. Leininger, Allen M. Robin, James K. Wolfenbarger, Robert M. Suggitt
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Patent number: 5401282Abstract: A partial oxidation process for the production of a stream of hot clean gas substantially free from particulate matter, ammonia, alkali metal compounds, halides and sulfur-containing gas for use as synthesis gas, reducing gas, or fuel gas. A hydrocarbonaceous fuel comprising a solid carbonaceous fuel with or without liquid hydrocarbonaceous fuel or gaseous hydrocarbon fuel, wherein said hydrocarbonaceous fuel contains halides, alkali metal compounds, sulfur, nitrogen and inorganic ash containing components, is reacted in a gasifier by partial oxidation to produce a hot raw gas stream comprising H.sub.2, CO, CO.sub.2, H.sub.2 O, CH.sub.4, NH.sub.3, HCl, HF, H.sub.2 S, COS, N.sub.2, Ar, particulate matter, vapor phase alkali metal compounds, and molten slag. The hot raw gas stream from the gasifier is split into two streams which are separately deslagged, cleaned and recombined. Ammonia in the gas mixture is catalytically disproportionated into N.sub.2 and H.sub.2.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1993Date of Patent: March 28, 1995Assignee: Texaco Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. Leininger, Allen M. Robin, James K. Wolfenbarger, Robert M. Suggitt
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Patent number: 5281243Abstract: A burner comprises a plurality of nozzles used to introduce a reactive mixture of hydrocarbon fuel and an oxidizing gas into a reaction chamber where synthesis gas is produced. A pyrometer connected to the nozzles senses the temperature of the reaction chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1989Date of Patent: January 25, 1994Assignee: Texaco, Inc.Inventor: Thomas F. Leininger
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Patent number: 5000580Abstract: An improved apparatus and means for measuring temperatures inside enclosures or conduits containing hot gases laden with entrained solids using a pyrometer. The improvement involves an optical access port consisting of a high strength sight tube, a safety valve, a double sight glass, various purge connections and provisions for optical alignment. A dynamic purge system keeps the optical sight path clear during normal operation, and clears the path if it begins to become occluded during operational upsets within the enclosure or conduit. The improved optical access port is mounted on the exterior wall of the vessel or conduit.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1989Date of Patent: March 19, 1991Assignee: Texaco Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. Leininger, Richard D. Cary, Gus Zachariou
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Patent number: 4776705Abstract: A thermocouple system for use in a high temperature reactor wherein a carbonaceous fuel is burned to produce a usable gas and a residual slag. The thermocouple is enclosed in a gas tight metal protection sheath which is inserted inside a multi-segment refractory thermowell. An annular space formed between the sheath and the thermowell is continuously purged with a minute quantity of a gas or a gaseous mixture. Gasification products from the residual slag, which are normally in a form that reacts with and destroys the thermocouple wires, are neutralized within the annular space by reaction with the purge gas mixture.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1987Date of Patent: October 11, 1988Assignee: Texaco Inc.Inventors: Mitri S. Najjar, Thomas F. Leininger