Patents by Inventor Todd R. Hart
Todd R. Hart 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: 11661552Abstract: A hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) system can comprise a biomass slurry source, a first pump in fluid communication with the slurry source and configured to pressurize a biomass slurry stream from the slurry source to a first pressure, a first heat exchanger in fluid communication with the first pump and configured to heat a slurry stream received from the first pump to a first temperature, a second pump in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger and configured to pressurize a slurry stream received from the first heat exchanger to a second pressure higher than the first pressure, a second heat exchanger in fluid communication with the second pump and configured to heat a slurry stream received from the second pump to a second temperature higher than the first temperature, and a HTL reactor configured to produce biocrude from a slurry stream received from the second heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2022Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Michael R. Thorson, Lesley J. Snowden-Swan, Andrew J. Schmidt, Todd R. Hart, Justin M. Billing, Daniel B. Anderson, Richard T. Hallen
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Publication number: 20220372373Abstract: A combined hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) and catalytic hydrothermal gasification (CHG) system and process are described that convert various biomass-containing sources into separable bio-oils and aqueous effluents that contain residual organics. Bio-oils may be converted to useful bio-based fuels and other chemical feedstocks. Residual organics in HTL aqueous effluents may be gasified and converted into medium-BTU product gases and directly used for process heating or to provide energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2022Publication date: November 24, 2022Applicant: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Douglas C. Elliott, Gary G. Neuenschwander, Todd R. Hart
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Patent number: 11407946Abstract: A combined hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) and catalytic hydrothermal gasification (CHG) system and process are described that convert various biomass-containing sources into separable bio-oils and aqueous effluents that contain residual organics. Bio-oils may be converted to useful bio-based fuels and other chemical feedstocks. Residual organics in HTL aqueous effluents may be gasified and converted into medium-BTU product gases and directly used for process heating or to provide energy.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2018Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Douglas C. Elliott, Gary G. Neuenschwander, Todd R. Hart
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Publication number: 20220195308Abstract: A hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) system can comprise a biomass slurry source, a first pump in fluid communication with the slurry source and configured to pressurize a biomass slurry stream from the slurry source to a first pressure, a first heat exchanger in fluid communication with the first pump and configured to heat a slurry stream received from the first pump to a first temperature, a second pump in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger and configured to pressurize a slurry stream received from the first heat exchanger to a second pressure higher than the first pressure, a second heat exchanger in fluid communication with the second pump and configured to heat a slurry stream received from the second pump to a second temperature higher than the first temperature, and a HTL reactor configured to produce biocrude from a slurry stream received from the second heat exchanger.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2022Publication date: June 23, 2022Applicant: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Michael R. Thorson, Lesley J. Snowden-Swan, Andrew J. Schmidt, Todd R. Hart, Justin M. Billing, Daniel B. Anderson, Richard T. Hallen
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Patent number: 11279882Abstract: A hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) system can comprise a biomass slurry source, a first pump in fluid communication with the slurry source and configured to pressurize a biomass slurry stream from the slurry source to a first pressure, a first heat exchanger in fluid communication with the first pump and configured to heat a slurry stream received from the first pump to a first temperature, a second pump in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger and configured to pressurize a slurry stream received from the first heat exchanger to a second pressure higher than the first pressure, a second heat exchanger in fluid communication with the second pump and configured to heat a slurry stream received from the second pump to a second temperature higher than the first temperature, and a HTL reactor configured to produce biocrude from a slurry stream received from the second heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2020Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Michael R. Thorson, Lesley J. Snowden-Swan, Andrew J. Schmidt, Todd R. Hart, Justin M. Billing, Daniel B. Anderson, Richard T. Hallen
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Publication number: 20210214633Abstract: A hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) system can comprise a biomass slurry source, a first pump in fluid communication with the slurry source and configured to pressurize a biomass slurry stream from the slurry source to a first pressure, a first heat exchanger in fluid communication with the first pump and configured to heat a slurry stream received from the first pump to a first temperature, a second pump in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger and configured to pressurize a slurry stream received from the first heat exchanger to a second pressure higher than the first pressure, a second heat exchanger in fluid communication with the second pump and configured to heat a slurry stream received from the second pump to a second temperature higher than the first temperature, and a HTL reactor configured to produce biocrude from a slurry stream received from the second heat exchanger.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2020Publication date: July 15, 2021Applicant: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Michael R. Thorson, Lesley J. Snowden-Swan, Andrew J. Schmidt, Todd R. Hart, Justin M. Billing, Daniel B. Anderson, Richard T. Hallen
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Publication number: 20190071606Abstract: A combined hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) and catalytic hydrothermal gasification (CHG) system and process are described that convert various biomass-containing sources into separable bio-oils and aqueous effluents that contain residual organics. Bio-oils may be converted to useful bio-based fuels and other chemical feedstocks. Residual organics in HTL aqueous effluents may be gasified and converted into medium-BTU product gases and directly used for process heating or to provide energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2018Publication date: March 7, 2019Applicant: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Douglas C. Elliott, Gary G. Neuenschwander, Todd R. Hart
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Patent number: 10167430Abstract: Embodiments of a method for producing bio-oil include hydrothermal liquefaction of a biomass (e.g., a lignocellulosic biomass) feedstock to provide a process stream comprising crude oil and an aqueous fraction. The process stream is catalytically upgraded by contact with a sulfided-ruthenium catalyst, in the absence of added hydrogen, at a temperature and pressure effective to reduce an oxygen content of the crude oil, reduce a nitrogen content of the crude oil, reduce a total acid number of the crude oil, increase a H:C mole ratio of the crude oil, reduce a density of the crude oil, reduce a moisture content of the crude oil, reduce viscosity of the crude oil, or any combination thereof, thereby producing an upgraded oil and an upgraded aqueous fraction, which are subsequently separated. The catalytic upgrading process may be a plug-flow process and/or may be performed at or near liquefaction conditions.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2016Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Todd R. Hart, Douglas C. Elliott, Andrew J. Schmidt, Richard T. Hallen
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Patent number: 10138426Abstract: A combined hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) and catalytic hydrothermal gasification (CHG) system and process are described that convert various biomass-containing sources into separable bio-oils and aqueous effluents that contain residual organics. Bio-oils may be converted to useful bio-based fuels and other chemical feedstocks. Residual organics in HTL aqueous effluents may be gasified and converted into medium-BTU product gases and directly used for process heating or to provide energy.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2017Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Douglas C. Elliott, Gary G. Neuenschwander, Todd R. Hart
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Publication number: 20180023003Abstract: A combined hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) and catalytic hydrothermal gasification (CHG) system and process are described that convert various biomass-containing sources into separable bio-oils and aqueous effluents that contain residual organics. Bio-oils may be converted to useful bio-based fuels and other chemical feedstocks. Residual organics in HTL aqueous effluents may be gasified and converted into medium-BTU product gases and directly used for process heating or to provide energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2017Publication date: January 25, 2018Applicant: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Douglas C. Elliott, Gary G. Neuenschwander, Todd R. Hart
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Publication number: 20170369789Abstract: Embodiments of a method for producing bio-oil include hydrothermal liquefaction of a biomass (e.g., a lignocellulosic biomass) feedstock to provide a process stream comprising crude oil and an aqueous fraction. The process stream is catalytically upgraded by contact with a sulfided-ruthenium catalyst, in the absence of added hydrogen, at a temperature and pressure effective to reduce an oxygen content of the crude oil, reduce a nitrogen content of the crude oil, reduce a total acid number of the crude oil, increase a H:C mole ratio of the crude oil, reduce a density of the crude oil, reduce a moisture content of the crude oil, reduce viscosity of the crude oil, or any combination thereof, thereby producing an upgraded oil and an upgraded aqueous fraction, which are subsequently separated. The catalytic upgrading process may be a plug-flow process and/or may be performed at or near liquefaction conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2016Publication date: December 28, 2017Inventors: Todd R. Hart, Douglas C. Elliott, Andrew J. Schmidt, Richard T. Hallen
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Patent number: 9758728Abstract: A combined hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) and catalytic hydrothermal gasification (CHG) system and process are described that convert various biomass-containing sources into separable bio-oils and aqueous effluents that contain residual organics. Bio-oils may be converted to useful bio-based fuels and other chemical feedstocks. Residual organics in HTL aqueous effluents may be gasified and converted into medium-BTU product gases and directly used for process heating or to provide energy.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2013Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Douglas C. Elliott, Gary G. Neuenschwander, Todd R. Hart
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Patent number: 9404063Abstract: A system and process are described for clean separation of biocrudes and water by-products from hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) product mixtures of organic and biomass-containing feedstocks at elevated temperatures and pressures. Inorganic compound solids are removed prior to separation of biocrude and water by-product fractions to minimize formation of emulsions that impede separation. Separation may be performed at higher temperatures that reduce heat loss and need to cool product mixtures to ambient. The present invention thus achieves separation efficiencies not achieved in conventional HTL processing.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2014Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignees: Battelle Memorial Institute, Genifuel CorporationInventors: Douglas C. Elliott, Todd R. Hart, Gary G. Neuenschwander, James R. Oyler, Leslie J. Rotness, Jr., Andrew J. Schmidt, Alan H. Zacher
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Patent number: 9388364Abstract: Liquefaction processes are provided that can include: providing a biomass slurry solution having a temperature of at least 300° C. at a pressure of at least 2000 psig; cooling the solution to a temperature of less than 150° C.; and depressurizing the solution to release carbon dioxide from the solution and form at least part of a bio-oil foam. Liquefaction processes are also provided that can include: filtering the biomass slurry to remove particulates; and cooling and depressurizing the filtered solution to form the bio-oil foam. Liquefaction systems are provided that can include: a heated biomass slurry reaction zone maintained above 300° C. and at least 2000 psig and in continuous fluid communication with a flash cooling/depressurization zone maintained below 150° C. and between about 125 psig and about atmospheric pressure. Liquefaction systems are also provided that can include a foam/liquid separation system.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2015Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Andrew J. Schmidt, Todd R. Hart, Justin M. Billing, Gary D. Maupin, Richard T. Hallen, Daniel B. Anderson
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Publication number: 20150126758Abstract: A system and process are described for clean separation of biocrudes and water by-products from hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) product mixtures of organic and biomass-containing feedstocks at elevated temperatures and pressures. Inorganic compound solids are removed prior to separation of biocrude and water by-product fractions to minimize formation of emulsions that impede separation. Separation may be performed at higher temperatures that reduce heat loss and need to cool product mixtures to ambient. The present invention thus achieves separation efficiencies not achieved in conventional HTL processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2014Publication date: May 7, 2015Applicants: GENIFUEL CORPORATION, BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTEInventors: Douglas C. Elliott, Todd R. Hart, Gary G. Neuenschwander, James R. Oyler, Leslie J. Rotness, JR., Andrew J. Schmidt, Alan H. Zacher
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Publication number: 20130331623Abstract: A combined hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) and catalytic hydrothermal gasification (CHG) system and process are described that convert various biomass-containing sources into separable bio-oils and aqueous effluents that contain residual organics. Bio-oils may be converted to useful bio-based fuels and other chemical feedstocks. Residual organics in HTL aqueous effluents may be gasified and converted into medium-BTU product gases and directly used for process heating or to provide energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2013Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTEInventors: Douglas C. Elliott, Gary G. Neuenschwander, Todd R. Hart
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Patent number: 8241605Abstract: Continuous processing of wet biomass feedstock by catalytic hydrothermal gasification must address catalyst fouling and poisoning. One solution can involve heating the wet biomass with a heating unit to a temperature sufficient for organic constituents in the feedstock to decompose, for precipitates of inorganic wastes to form, for preheating the wet feedstock in preparation for subsequent separation of sulfur contaminants, or combinations thereof. Treatment further includes separating the precipitates out of the wet feedstock, removing sulfur contaminants, or both using a solids separation unit and a sulfur separation unit, respectively. Having removed much of the inorganic wastes and the sulfur that can cause poisoning and fouling, the wet biomass feedstock can be exposed to the heterogeneous catalyst for gasification.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Douglas C. Elliott, Robert Scott Butner, Gary G. Neuenschwander, Alan H. Zacher, Todd R. Hart
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Patent number: 7956224Abstract: The invention provides palladium-catalyzed hydrogenations of bio-oils and certain organic compounds. Experimental results have shown unexpected and superior results for palladium-catalyzed hydrogenations of organic compounds typically found in bio-oils.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Douglas C. Elliott, Jianli Hu, Todd R. Hart, Gary G. Neuenschwander
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Publication number: 20100154305Abstract: Continuous processing of wet biomass feedstock by catalytic hydrothermal gasification must address catalyst fouling and poisoning. One solution can involve heating the wet biomass with a heating unit to a temperature sufficient for organic constituents in the feedstock to decompose, for precipitates of inorganic wastes to form, for preheating the wet feedstock in preparation for subsequent separation of sulfur contaminants, or combinations thereof. Treatment further includes separating the precipitates out of the wet feedstock, removing sulfur contaminants, or both using a solids separation unit and a sulfur separation unit, respectively. Having removed much of the inorganic wastes and the sulfur that can cause poisoning and fouling, the wet biomass feedstock can be exposed to the heterogeneous catalyst for gasification.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2008Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventors: Douglas C. Elliott, Robert Scott Butner, Gary G. Neuenschwander, Alan H. Zacher, Todd R. Hart
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Publication number: 20090113787Abstract: The invention provides palladium-catalyzed hydrogenations of bio-oils and certain organic compounds. Experimental results have shown unexpected and superior results for palladium-catalyzed hydrogenations of organic compounds typically found in bio-oils.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2008Publication date: May 7, 2009Applicant: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Douglas C. Elliott, Jianli Hu, Todd R. Hart, Gary G. Neuenschwander