Patents by Inventor Walter E. Alvarez

Walter E. Alvarez 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: 9732283
    Abstract: System relating to the conversion of ethanol in a stripper unit of a fluidized catalytic cracking system. An ethanol stream comprising at least 4 volume percent water mixes with a catalyst in the stripper unit under conditions of temperature that favor conversion of the ethanol to hydrocarbons, thereby increasing incorporation of ethanol into liquid transportation fuels without exceeding regulatory limits on fuel vapor pressure. Certain embodiments additionally combine the ethanol stream with a hydrocarbon stream in the stripper and react in the presence of a catalyst to produce hydrocarbons that may have an increased boiling point, increased octane rating, decreased vapor pressure, decreased benzene content, or combinations of these properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: Jianhua Yao, William D. Henning, Walter E. Alvarez
  • Publication number: 20160340594
    Abstract: Systems relating to the conversion of ethanol in a stripper unit of a fluidized catalytic cracking system. An ethanol stream mixes with a catalyst in the stripper unit under conditions of temperature that favor conversion of the ethanol to hydrocarbons, thereby increasing incorporation of ethanol into liquid transportation fuels without exceeding regulatory limits on fuel vapor pressure. Certain embodiments combine the ethanol stream with a hydrocarbon stream and react in the presence of a catalyst in the stripper to produce hydrocarbons that may have an increased boiling point, increased octane rating, decreased vapor pressure, decreased benzene content, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicant: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: William D. HENNING, Walter E. ALVAREZ, Jianhua YAO
  • Publication number: 20160186077
    Abstract: Processes relating to the conversion of ethanol in a stripper unit of a fluidized catalytic cracking system. An ethanol stream comprising at least 4 volume percent water mixes with a catalyst in the stripper unit under conditions of temperature that favor conversion of the ethanol to hydrocarbons, thereby increasing incorporation of ethanol into liquid transportation fuels without exceeding regulatory limits on fuel vapor pressure. Certain embodiments additionally combine the ethanol stream with a hydrocarbon stream in the stripper and react in the presence of a catalyst to produce hydrocarbons that may have an increased boiling point, increased octane rating, decreased vapor pressure, decreased benzene content, or combinations of these properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Applicant: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: Jianhua YAO, William D. HENNING, Walter E. ALVAREZ
  • Publication number: 20160186074
    Abstract: System relating to the conversion of ethanol in a stripper unit of a fluidized catalytic cracking system. An ethanol stream comprising at least 4 volume percent water mixes with a catalyst in the stripper unit under conditions of temperature that favor conversion of the ethanol to hydrocarbons, thereby increasing incorporation of ethanol into liquid transportation fuels without exceeding regulatory limits on fuel vapor pressure. Certain embodiments additionally combine the ethanol stream with a hydrocarbon stream in the stripper and react in the presence of a catalyst to produce hydrocarbons that may have an increased boiling point, increased octane rating, decreased vapor pressure, decreased benzene content, or combinations of these properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Applicant: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: Jianhua YAO, William D. HENNING, Walter E. ALVAREZ
  • Publication number: 20160160133
    Abstract: Processes relating to the conversion of ethanol in a stripper unit of a fluidized catalytic cracking system. An ethanol stream mixes with a catalyst in the stripper unit under conditions of temperature that favor conversion of the ethanol to hydrocarbons, thereby increasing incorporation of ethanol into liquid transportation fuels without exceeding regulatory limits on fuel vapor pressure. Certain embodiments combine the ethanol stream with a hydrocarbon stream and react in the presence of a catalyst in a stripper to produce hydrocarbons that may have an increased boiling point, increased octane rating, decreased vapor pressure, decreased benzene content, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Applicant: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: William D. HENNING, Walter E. ALVAREZ, Jianhua YAO
  • Patent number: 8992766
    Abstract: A method of upgrading naphtha and diesel yields from fluid catalytic cracking and hydrocracking units by improving a feed quality of a petroleum feedstock, product or fraction mixture. The method of improving the feed quality of the petroleum feedstock, product or fraction mixture occurs by first determining the API Gravity of a petroleum feedstock, product or fraction mixture. A temperature at which about fifty percent of the petroleum feedstock, product or fraction boils (T50) is then determined. The feed quality for the petroleum feedstock, product or fraction mixture as determined from the API Gravity and the T50 for the feedstock, product or fraction mixture is then estimated followed by adjusting the petroleum feedstock, product or fraction mixture to achieve a higher feed quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Phillips 66 Company
    Inventors: Tushar V. Choudhary, Walter E. Alvarez, Joseph E. Bares
  • Patent number: 8658020
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting distillate to gasoline-range hydrocarbons using a two-stage catalyst system including a first catalyst containing a Group VIII metal and a zeolite, and a second catalyst containing a Group VIII metal, tin and an inorganic oxide support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Phillips 66 Company
    Inventors: Walter E. Alvarez, Edward L. Sughrue, II, Paul F. Meier, Tushar V. Choudhary
  • Publication number: 20110308996
    Abstract: A method of upgrading naphtha and diesel yields from fluid catalytic cracking and hydrocracking units by improving a feed quality of a petroleum feedstock, product or fraction mixture. The method of improving the feed quality of the petroleum feedstock, product or fraction mixture occurs by first determining the API Gravity of a petroleum feedstock, product or fraction mixture. A temperature at which about fifty percent of the petroleum feedstock, product or fraction boils (T50) is then determined. The feed quality for the petroleum feedstock, product or fraction mixture as determined from the API Gravity and the T50 for the feedstock, product or fraction mixture is then estimated followed by adjusting the petroleum feedstock, product or fraction mixture to achieve a higher feed quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Tushar V. Choudhary, Walter E. Alvarez, Joseph E. Bares
  • Patent number: 7803265
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting distillate to gasoline-range hydrocarbons using a two-stage catalyst system including a first catalyst containing platinum, palladium, or platinum and palladium, and an acidic support, and a second catalyst containing iridium and an inorganic oxide support, and optionally nickel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Tushar V. Choudhary, Paul F. Meier, Edward L. Sughrue, II, Walter E. Alvarez
  • Publication number: 20090163747
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting distillate to gasoline-range hydrocarbons using a two-stage catalyst system including a first catalyst containing a Group VIII metal and a zeolite, and a second catalyst containing a Group VIII metal, tin and an inorganic oxide support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Walter E. Alvarez, Edward L. Sughrue, II, Paul F. Meier, Tushar V. Chouldhary
  • Publication number: 20090134061
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting distillate to gasoline-range hydrocarbons using a two-stage catalyst system including a first catalyst containing platinum, palladium, or platinum and palladium, and an acidic support, and a second catalyst containing iridium and an inorganic oxide support, and optionally nickel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Tushar V. Choudhary, Paul F. Meier, Edward L. Sughrue, II, Walter E. Alvarez
  • Patent number: 7459138
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for catalytic production of single walled carbon nanotubes. Catalytic particles are exposed to different process conditions at successive stages wherein the catalytic particles do not come in contact with reactive (catalytic) gases until preferred process conditions have been attained, thereby controlling the quantity and form of carbon nanotubes produced. The reaction gas is preferably provided at a high space velocity to minimize CO2 build-up. The process also contemplates processes and apparatus which recycle and reuse the gases and catalytic particulate materials, thereby maximizing cost efficiency, reducing wastes, reducing the need for additional raw materials, and producing the carbon nanotubes, especially SWNTs, in greater quantities and for lower costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma
    Inventors: Daniel E. Resasco, Boonyarach Kitiyanan, Walter E. Alvarez, Leandro Balzano
  • Publication number: 20080135448
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting distillate to gasoline-range hydrocarbons using a two-stage catalyst system including a first catalyst containing platinum, palladium, or platinum and palladium, and an acidic support, and a second catalyst containing iridium and an inorganic oxide support, and optionally nickel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Tushar V. Choudhary, Paul F. Meier, Edward L. Sughrue, Walter E. Alvarez
  • Patent number: 7357907
    Abstract: A catalyst composition and method of use of the catalyst composition for producing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The catalyst is cobalt (Co) and molybdenum (Mo) on a silica support. The Mo occurs primarily as dispersed Mo oxide clusters on the support while the Co is primarily in an octahedral configuration in a CoMoO4-like phase disposed on the Mo oxide clusters. In the method, the catalyst is used and the process conditions manipulated in such a manner as to enable the diameters of the SWNTs to be substantially controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma
    Inventors: Daniel E. Resasco, Walter E. Alvarez, Jose E. Herrera, Leandro Balzano
  • Patent number: 7354881
    Abstract: A catalyst composition and method of use of the catalyst composition for producing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The catalyst is cobalt (Co) and molybdenum (Mo) on a silica support. The Mo occurs primarily as dispersed Mo oxide clusters on the support while the Co is primarily in an octahedral configuration in a CoMoO4-like phase disposed on the Mo oxide clusters. In the method, the catalyst is used and the process conditions manipulated in such a manner as to enable the diameters of the SWNTs to be substantially controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma
    Inventors: Daniel E. Resasco, Walter E. Alvarez, Jose E. Herrera, Leandro Balzano
  • Publication number: 20070289900
    Abstract: A process for reducing the polynuclear aromatics (PNA) content of a sulfur-containing hydrocarbon stream. The process includes contacting the sulfur-containing hydrocarbon stream with a dearomatization composition comprising a promoter metal component and zinc oxide. The dearomatization composition has enhanced resistance to sulfur poisoning and is also effective to remove sulfur from the hydrocarbon stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Walter E. Alvarez, Glenn W. Dodwell, Tushar V. Choudhary
  • Patent number: 6919064
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for catalytic production of single walled carbon nanotubes. Catalytic particles are exposed to different process conditions at successive stages wherein the catalytic particles do not come in contact with reactive (catalytic) gases until preferred process conditions have been attained, thereby controlling the quantity and form of carbon nanotubes produced. The reaction gas is preferably provided at a high space velocity to minimize CO2 build-up. The process also contemplates processes and apparatus which recycle and reuse the gases and catalytic particulate materials, thereby maximizing cost efficiency, reducing wastes, reducing the need for additional raw materials, and producing the carbon nanotubes, especially SWNTs, in greater quantities and for lower costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventors: Daniel E. Resasco, Boonyarach Kitiyanan, Walter E. Alvarez, Leandro Balzano
  • Publication number: 20040197260
    Abstract: A catalyst composition and method of use of the catalyst composition for producing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The catalyst is cobalt (Co) and molybdenum (Mo) on a silica support. The Mo occurs primarily as dispersed Mo oxide clusters on the support while the Co is primarily in an octahedral configuration in a CoMoO4-like phase disposed on the Mo oxide clusters. In the method, the catalyst is used and the process conditions manipulated in such a manner as to enable the diameters of the SWNTs to be substantially controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel E. Resasco, Walter E. Alvarez, Jose E. Herrera, Leandro Balzano
  • Publication number: 20040131532
    Abstract: A catalyst composition and method of use of the catalyst composition for producing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The catalyst is cobalt (Co) and molybdenum (Mo) on a silica support. The Mo occurs primarily as dispersed Mo oxide clusters on the support while the Co is primarily in an octahedral configuration in a CoMoO4-like phase disposed on the Mo oxide clusters. In the method, the catalyst is used and the process conditions manipulated in such a manner as to enable the diameters of the SWNTs to be substantially controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel E. Resasco, Walter E. Alvarez, Jose E. Herrera, Leandro Balzano
  • Publication number: 20030091496
    Abstract: A catalyst composition and method of use of the catalyst composition for producing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The catalyst is cobalt (Co) and molybdenum (Mo) on a silica support. The Mo occurs primarily as dispersed Mo oxide clusters on the support while the Co is primarily in an octahedral configuration in a CoMoO4-like phase disposed on the Mo oxide clusters. In the method, the catalyst is used and the process conditions manipulated in such a manner as to enable the diameters of the SWNTs to be substantially controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel E. Resasco, Walter E. Alvarez, Jose E. Herrera, Leandro Balzano