Cracking Patents (Class 208/106)
  • Patent number: 9090835
    Abstract: The invention relates to upgraded pyrolysis products, hydroconversion processes for upgrading products obtained from hydrocarbon pyrolysis, equipment useful for such processes. In particular the invention provides methods for reducing coke fouling in such equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Beech, Jr., Teng Xu, Keith G. Reed, David T. Ferrughelli
  • Patent number: 9035119
    Abstract: This invention relates to the oligomerization of olefinic compounds in the presence of an activated oligomerization catalyst. The invention also extends to a particular manner for providing an activated oligomerization catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Sasol Technology (PTY) Limited
    Inventors: Sean William Ewart, Brian William Stirling Kolthammer, David Matthew Smith, Martin John Hanton, John Thomas Dixon, David Hedley Morgan, Henriette De Bod, William Fullard Gabrielli, Stephen John Evans
  • Patent number: 9011673
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a paraffinic product that involves providing a paraffinic feed having an initial average carbon chain length of greater than 20. The paraffinic feed is a product of a gas-to-liquids process, such as a Fischer-Tropsch process. The paraffinic feed is subjected to thermal cracking at elevated temperature and elevated pressure, which results in the formation of a paraffinic product. The paraffinic product has a final average carbon chain length of less than or equal to 20. The paraffinic product is typically liquid at ambient temperature, such as at 25° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Energy Technology Partners, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Richard A. Flinn
  • Patent number: 9005430
    Abstract: The invention relates to the integration of a process for hydrotreatment of distillates (light and/or middle), that operates under a hydrogen partial pressure of 0.5 to 6.0 MPa, with a process for hydrotreatment/hydroconversion of middle and/or heavy distillates that operates at a hydrogen partial pressure that is at least 4.0 MPa higher than the hydrogen partial pressure of the process for hydrotreatment of distillates (light and/or middle). The integration resides in the use of the hydrogen-rich gas, obtained from the hydrotreatment/hydroconversion effluents, in the process for hydrotreatment of distillates (light and/or middle) and in the adjustment of the pressure level of this hydrogen-rich gas removed from the hydrotreatment/hydroconversion. This invention makes it possible to considerably reduce the net consumption of make-up hydrogen in the process for hydrotreatment of distillates (light and/or middle).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: IFP Energies Nouvelles
    Inventors: Antoine Fournier, Jean Luc Nocca
  • Publication number: 20150090635
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon resource processing device may include a radio frequency (RF) source and an RF applicator coupled to the RF source. The RF applicator may include a base member being electrically conductive, and first and second elongate members being electrically conductive and having proximal ends coupled to the base member and extending outwardly therefrom in a generally parallel spaced apart relation. The first and second elongate members may have distal ends configured to receive the hydrocarbon resource therebetween. In another embodiment, the RF applicator may include an enclosure being electrically conductive and having a passageway therethrough to accommodate a flow of the hydrocarbon resource and a divider being electrically conductive and positioned within the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Francis Eugene Parsche
  • Patent number: 8993824
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for fluid catalytic cracking. The process may include providing a first feed having a boiling point of about 180-about 800° C. to a first riser reactor, and providing a second feed having first and second parts to a second reactor. Typically, the first part includes one or more C5-C12 hydrocarbons and a second part includes one or more C4-C5 hydrocarbons. Generally, an effective amount of the second part is combined with the first part to maximize production of propene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Robert L. Mehlberg
  • Patent number: 8968557
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of converting coal to a petroleum product. The method includes the steps of mixing the coal and water to form a mixture, and heating the mixture to approximately 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The method further includes separating the mixture in a first separator into a liquid stream of a water bearing minerals and a solid stream of coal, and transferring the coal from the first separator to a coking reactor wherein the temperature is raised to approximately 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit to drive off lighter fractions of the coal as a gas. The method also includes transferring the gas to a fourth separator to separate water and liquid petroleum product from the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Paul T. Baskis
  • Patent number: 8951407
    Abstract: A simplified process is provided for creating hybrid crude oils and hybrid crude fractions with characteristics superior to the original. The process uniquely combines gases with crude oil or crude fractions in an effervescent turbulent manner at low temperatures and pressures and without the further aid of catalysts. The process breaks large chain hydrocarbons into smaller chain hydrocarbons, molecularly combines carbon, hydrogen, and/or hydrocarbon molecules from the gases with and into hydrocarbon molecules of the crude or crude fraction, and separates contaminants and impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Clean Global Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Miller, Delmar Guenther, Rick Lutterbach, Jeff Nichols
  • Patent number: 8946309
    Abstract: Process to generate synthesis gas and/or liquid raw materials and/or energy materials from waste and/or biomass by performing the following steps: a) solvolysis of the organic components of waste and/or biomass in an alkaline solution or hydrate smelter at a temperature range of 150° to 250° C. and pressure between 3 and 12 bar, whereby the organic components are converted into at least one liquid phase and the inorganic components are sedimented; b) elimination of the inorganic components from the liquid phase by physical separation methods; c) transfer of the vapors generated during the solvolysis into a rectification column, where the organic components are separated from water; and d) further separation of the organic components by rectification, extraction and sorption and/or conversion by thermal gasification into synthesis gas or burnable gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: Wenzel Bergmann, Thomas Müller
  • Patent number: 8940254
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for recovering hydroprocessing effluent from a hydroprocessing unit utilizing a hot stripper and a cold stripper. Only the hot hydroprocessing effluent is heated in a fired heater prior to product fractionation, resulting in substantial operating and capital savings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoehn, David M. Bowman, Xin X. Zhu
  • Patent number: 8940154
    Abstract: A system and process for the preparation of high quality gasoline through recombination of catalytic hydrocarbon includes fractionator and extractor. The upper part of the fractionator is equipped with light petrol pipeline, the lower part of the fractionator is equipped with heavy petrol pipeline, the middle part of the fractionator is equipped with medium petrol pipeline. The medium petrol pipeline is connected with a medium petrol extractor, the upper part of the medium petrol extractor is connected with the medium petrol raffinate oil hydrogenation unit through the pipeline, the lower part of the medium petrol extractor is connected with the medium petrol aromatic hydrocarbon hydrogenation unit through the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Ranfeng Ding
  • Patent number: 8936714
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for hydrocracking a primary hydrocarbon feed and a diesel co-feed in a hydrocracking unit and hydrotreating a diesel product from the hydrocracking unit in a hydrotreating unit. The diesel stream fed through the hydrocracking unit is pretreated to reduce sulfur and ammonia and can be upgraded with noble metal catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Peter Kokayeff, Paul R. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8927796
    Abstract: This invention discloses a process for making high viscosity index lubricating base oils having a viscosity index of at least 110 by co-feeding a ketone or a beta-keto-ester feedstock with a lubricant oil feedstock directly to a hydrocracking unit to produce a hydrocracked stream. Then at least a portion of the hydrocracked stream is treated under hydroisomerization conditions to produce a high viscosity index lubricating base oil. The process may involve bypassing a hydrotreating or hydrofinishing step, which may result in improved efficiency and economics in producing high viscosity index lubricating base oils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Stephan Joseph Miller, Sven Ivar Hommeltoft, Saleh Ali Elomari
  • Patent number: 8920634
    Abstract: Methods and systems relate to treating an oil-in-water emulsion with an electron beam to decrease aromatic content therein for subsequent recovery of diesel products with upgraded cetane number. The method includes passing the emulsion formed of water and a hydrocarbon stream, such as light cycle oil, through an electron beam. The electron beam causes radiolysis of the water into intermediates that react with and open rings of aromatic compounds from the hydrocarbon stream. Separation of the water from the emulsion after the treating with the electron beam provides the diesel products, which may be hydroprocessed to remove oxygenates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Phillips 66 Company
    Inventor: Peter N. Slater
  • Patent number: 8916042
    Abstract: A method for upgrading a heavy oil includes: disposing an initiator in a heavy oil environment, the heavy oil environment including a heavy oil; producing a radical from the initiator; contacting the heavy oil with the radical; and converting the heavy oil to upgraded oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Oleg A. Mazyar, Gaurav Agrawal
  • Publication number: 20140353207
    Abstract: Conversion of heavy fossil hydrocarbons (HFH) to a variety of value-added chemicals and/or fuels can be enhanced using microwave (MW) and/or radio-frequency (RF) energy. Variations of reactants, process parameters, and reactor design can significantly influence the relative distribution of chemicals and fuels generated as the product. In one example, a system for flash microwave conversion of HFH includes a source concentrating microwave or RF energy in a reaction zone having a pressure greater than 0.9 atm, a continuous feed having HFH and a process gas passing through the reaction zone, a HFH-to-liquids catalyst contacting the HFH in at least the reaction zone, and dielectric discharges within the reaction zone. The HFH and the catalyst have a residence time in the reaction zone of less than 30 seconds. In some instances, a plasma can form in or near the reaction zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: James J. Strohm, Benjamin Q. Roberts, Tricia D. Smurthwaite, Theresa M. Bergsman, Mark D. Bearden
  • Patent number: 8895796
    Abstract: Described herein are processes and related devices and systems for the conversion of higher hydrocarbons, such as in the form of waste plastics, petroleum sludge, slope oil, vegetable oil, and so forth, into lower hydrocarbons, which can be used as fuels or raw materials for a variety of industrial and domestic uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Innovative Energy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Atul G. Kelkar, Prasad V. Bhat
  • Patent number: 8894846
    Abstract: This is a method to reactively refine hydrocarbons, such as heavy oils with API gravities of less than 20° and bitumen-like hydrocarbons with viscosities greater than 1000 cp at standard temperature and pressure using a selected fluid at supercritical conditions. The reaction portion of the method delivers lighter weight, more volatile hydrocarbons to an attached contacting device that operates in mixed subcritical or supercritical modes. This separates the reaction products into portions that are viable for use or sale without further conventional refining and hydro-processing techniques. This method produces valuable products with fewer processing steps, lower costs, increased worker safety due to less processing and handling, allow greater opportunity for new oil field development and subsequent positive economic impact, reduce related carbon dioxide, and wastes typical with conventional refineries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen Lee Yarbro
  • Patent number: 8894840
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for catalytically converting two feed streams. The feed to a first catalytic reactor may be contacted with product from a second catalytic reactor to effect heat exchange between the two streams and to transfer catalyst from the product stream to the feed stream. The feed to the second catalytic reactor may be a portion of the product from the first catalytic reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Laura E. Leonard, Jibreel A. Qafisheh, Robert L. Mehlberg
  • Patent number: 8877041
    Abstract: An aspect of at least one embodiment of the present invention is a device for cracking heavy hydrocarbons. A linear applicator is positioned within heavy oil containing aromatic molecules. A radio frequency electrical current source is electrically connected to the applicator at a first connection point and a second connection point to create a closed electrical loop. The radio frequency source is configured to apply a signal to the applicator that is sufficient to create a magnetic field and an electric field relative to the axis of the linear applicator. The device also includes a chamber positioned around the applicator generally between the first connection point and the second connection point to concentrate the magnetic field within a region surrounding the applicator and containing the heavy hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Francis Eugene Parsche
  • Patent number: 8864979
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for fluid catalytic cracking. The process can include sending a first catalyst from a first riser reactor and a second catalyst from a second riser reactor to a regeneration vessel having a first stage and a second stage. The first catalyst may be sent to the first stage and the second catalyst may be sent to the second stage of the regeneration vessel. Generally, the first stage is positioned above the second stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Paolo Palmas
  • Patent number: 8864978
    Abstract: Provided is a process for the supercritical upgrading of petroleum feedstock, wherein the process includes the use of a start-up agent, wherein the use of the start-up agent facilitates mixing of the petroleum feedstock and water, thereby reducing or eliminating the production of coke, coke precursor, and sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Ki-Hyouk Choi
  • Patent number: 8858785
    Abstract: A device for processing a hydrocarbon resource may include a hydrocarbon processing container configured to receive the hydrocarbon resource therein and having a pair of opposing ends with an enlarged width medial portion therebetween. The device may also include a radio frequency (RF) source, and a spirally wound electrical conductor surrounding the hydrocarbon processing container and coupled to the RF source. The spirally wound electrical conductor may be configured to generate magnetic fields within the hydrocarbon processing container that are parallel with an axis thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Francis Eugene Parsche
  • Patent number: 8840780
    Abstract: A device for processing a hydrocarbon resource may include a hydrocarbon processing container configured to receive the hydrocarbon resource therein and having a pair of opposing ends with an enlarged width medial portion therebetween. The device may also include a radio frequency (RF) source, and a first spirally wound electrical conductor surrounding the hydrocarbon processing container and coupled to the RF source. The device may further include a second spirally wound electrical conductor carried within the hydrocarbon processing container. The first spirally wound electrical conductor may be configured to generate magnetic fields with the hydrocarbon processing container that are parallel with an axis thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Francis Eugene Parsche
  • Publication number: 20140262937
    Abstract: A bitumen and heavy oil upgrading process and system is disclosed for the synthesis of hydrocarbons, an example of which is synthetic crude oil (SCO). The process integrates Fischer-Tropsch technology with gasification and hydrogen rich gas stream generation. The hydrogen rich gas generation is conveniently effected using singly or in combination a hydrogen source, a hydrogen rich vapour from hydroprocessing and the Fischer-Tropsch process, a steam methane reformer (SMR) and autothermal reformer (ATR) or a combination of SMR/ATR. The feedstock for upgrading is distilled and the bottoms fraction is gasified and converted in a Fischer-Tropsch reactor. A resultant hydrogen lean syngas is then exposed to the hydrogen rich gas stream to optimize the formation of, for example, the synthetic crude oil. Partial upgrading and the commensurate benefits is detailed as well. A system for effecting the processes is also characterized in the specification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Steve KRESNYAK
  • Patent number: 8835351
    Abstract: An additive for hydroconversion processes includes a solid organic material having a particle size of between about 0.1 and about 2,000 ?m, a bulk density of between about 500 and about 2,000 kg/m3, a skeletal density of between about 1,000 and about 2,000 kg/m3 and a humidity of between 0 and about 5 wt %. Methods for preparation and use of the additive are also provided. By the use of the additive of the present invention, the hydroconversion process can be performed at high conversion level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Intevep, S.A.
    Inventors: Carlos Canelon, Angel Rivas, Omayra Delgado, Miguel Paiva, Giuseppe Di Sarli, Luis Zacaris
  • Patent number: 8834684
    Abstract: A method is described to excite molecules at their natural resonance frequencies with sufficient energy to break or form chemical bonds using electromagnetic radiation in the radio frequency (RF) and microwave frequency range. Liquid, solid, or gaseous materials are prepared and injected into a resonant structure where they are bombarded with electromagnetic energy in the RF or microwave range at resonant frequencies of the molecules of the materials. Alternatively, electromagnetic energy tuned to dielectric particles prepared from the materials may also be supplied to further enhance the reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: RF Thummin Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Vassilli P. Proudkii, Kirk McNeil, Joe Michael Yarborough
  • Patent number: 8834709
    Abstract: A process of producing a light oil stream from slurry oils. The process begins by obtaining slurry oil from a fluid catalytic cracking unit. The slurry oil is then flowed over a fixed bed catalyst, consisting essentially of a non-metal catalyst, to produce a processed slurry oil. The processed slurry oil is then separated by boiling point to separate out the light oil stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Phillips 66 Company
    Inventors: Tushar Choudhary, Ayyappan Subbiah
  • Patent number: 8821713
    Abstract: A method and system for processing naphtha, including a high shear mechanical device. In one embodiment, the method comprises forming a dispersion of gas in a naphtha hydrocarbon liquid in a high shear device prior to introduction in a cracking reactor/furnace. In another instance the system for processing naphtha comprises a high shear device for mechanically shearing hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: H R D Corporation
    Inventors: Abbas Hassan, Aziz Hassan, Krishnan Viswanathan, Gregory G. Borsinger
  • Patent number: 8815082
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for mixing streams of regenerated and carbonized catalyst involves passing a catalyst stream into and out of a chamber in a lower section of a riser. The chamber fosters mixing of the catalyst streams to reduce their temperature differential before contacting hydrocarbon feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Lisa M. Wolschlag, Lev Davydov, Paolo Palmas, Robert L. Mehlberg, Mohammad-Reza Mostofi-Ashtiani, Daniel R. Johnson, Chad R. Huovie, Michael S. Sandacz, Peter J. Van Opdorp, Thomas W. Lorsbach, Karthikeyan Paramanandam
  • Publication number: 20140208638
    Abstract: A pyrolysis oil composition by an oxygen-starved microwave process from an organic-carbon-containing feedstock is described. Feedstock is introduced into a substantially microwave-transparent reaction chamber. A microwave source emits microwaves which are directed through the microwave-transparent wall of the reaction chamber to impinge on the feedstock within the reaction chamber. The microwave source may be rotated relative to the reaction chamber. The feedstock is subjected to microwaves until the desired reaction occurs to produce a fuel. A catalyst can be mixed with the feedstock to enhance the reaction process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Douglas M. Van Thorre, Michael L. Catto
  • Publication number: 20140209508
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method for thermal cracking or steam cracking of hydrocarbons comprising: supersaturating a hydrocarbonaceous liquid or slurry stream in a high shear device with a gas stream comprising steam or hydrogen and optionally one or more C1-C6 hydrocarbons to form a supersaturated dispersion; and introducing the supersaturated dispersion into a thermal cracking or steam cracking reactor to generate a product stream. In some embodiments, the method further comprises contacting the supersaturated dispersion with a cracking catalyst in a slurry, a fluidized catalyst bed, or a fixed catalyst bed. In some embodiments, the cracking catalyst is mixed with the hydrocarbonaceous liquid or slurry stream and the gas stream in the high shear device. Herein also disclosed is a system for thermal cracking or steam cracking of hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: H R D Corporation
    Inventors: Abbas HASSAN, Aziz HASSAN, Rayford G. ANTHONY, Gregory G. BORSINGER
  • Patent number: 8771481
    Abstract: A device for processing a hydrocarbon resource may include a hydrocarbon processing container configured to receive the hydrocarbon resource therein and having a pair of opposing ends with an enlarged width medial portion therebetween. The device may also a spirally wound electrical conductor surrounding the hydrocarbon processing container, and a radio frequency (RF) circuit coupled to the spirally wound electrical conductor and configured to supply RF power to the hydrocarbon resource while tracking a load resonance of the RF circuit. The RF circuit may be configured to generate magnetic fields within the hydrocarbon processing container parallel with an axis thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Francis Eugene Parsche
  • Patent number: 8771480
    Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Xyleco, Inc.
    Inventor: Marshall Medoff
  • Patent number: 8764948
    Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Xyleco, Inc.
    Inventor: Marshall Medoff
  • Patent number: 8753501
    Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for hydrocracking hydrocarbon feed in a hydrocracking unit and hydrotreating a diesel product from the hydrocracking unit in a hydrotreating unit. The hydrocracking unit and the hydrotreating unit share the same recycle gas compressor. A make-up hydrogen stream may also be compressed in the recycle gas compressor. A warm separator separates recycle gas and hydrocarbons from diesel in the hydrotreating effluent, so fraction of the diesel is relatively simple. The warm separator also keeps the diesel product separate from the more sulfurous diesel in the hydrocracking effluent, and still retains heat needed for fractionation of lighter components from the low sulfur diesel product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Zimmerman, Andrew P. Wieber
  • Patent number: 8747624
    Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Xyleco, Inc.
    Inventor: Marshall Medoff
  • Patent number: 8747657
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for mixing streams of regenerated and carbonized catalyst involves passing a catalyst stream into and out of a chamber in a lower section of a riser. The chamber fosters mixing of the catalyst streams to reduce their temperature differential before contacting hydrocarbon feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Lev Davydov, Lisa M. Wolschlag, Paolo Palmas, Robert L. Mehlberg, Mohammad-Reza Mostofi-Ashtiani, Daniel R. Johnson, Chad R. Huovie, Michael S. Sandacz, Peter J. Van Opdorp, Thomas W. Lorsbach, Karthikeyan Paramanandam
  • Publication number: 20140130400
    Abstract: The reduction of viscosity of petroleum products and hydrocarbon emulsions and the like is effected by applying electrodynamic shocks unto a foaming streamflow of the high viscosity emulsion to create a densely whirled streamflow by agitation with a high radial gradient of pressure. Chemical bonding breakup and destruction of long structured molecules of paraffin occur in the emulsion to result in the formations of free radicals and carbamides, and separation of a processed mixture into light and heavy fractions. The process alters the physiochemical properties of the emulsion to cause decrease of density, and the reduction of viscosity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Lazarus Saidakovsky, Sergey Rakhinskiy, Nicolai Novikov
  • Patent number: 8721872
    Abstract: A method for thermally cracking an organic acid containing hydrocarbonaceous feed wherein the feed is first processed in a vaporization step, followed by thermal cracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Equistar Chemicals, LP
    Inventors: Donald H. Powers, Robert S. Bridges, Kenneth M. Webber
  • Patent number: 8715487
    Abstract: This invention relates to the composition, method of making and use of a fluidized catalytic cracking (“FCC”) catalyst that is comprised of a new Y zeolite which exhibits an exceptionally low small mesoporous peak around the 40 ? (angstrom) range as determined by nitrogen adsorption measurements. FCC catalysts made from this new zeolite exhibit improved rates of heavy oil cracking heavy oil bottoms conversions and gasoline conversions. The fluidized catalytic cracking catalysts herein are particularly useful in fluidized catalytic cracking (“FCC”) processes for conversion of heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks such as gas oils and vacuum tower bottoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Jianxin Jason Wu, William A. Wachter, Colin L. Beswick, Edward Thomas Habib, Jr., Terry G. Roberie, Ruizhong Hu
  • Patent number: 8715488
    Abstract: A simplified process is provided for creating hybrid crude oils and hybrid crude fractions with characteristics superior to the original. The process uniquely combines gases with crude oil or crude fractions in an effervescent turbulent manner at low temperatures and pressures and without the further aid of catalysts. The process breaks large chain hydrocarbons into smaller chain hydrocarbons, molecularly combines carbon, hydrogen, and/or hydrocarbon molecules from the gases with and into hydrocarbon molecules of the crude or crude fraction, and separates contaminants and impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Clean Global Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Miller, Delmar Guenther, Rick Lutterbach, Jeff Nichols
  • Patent number: 8703064
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is presented for reducing mono nitrogen oxide emissions in a hydrocarbon processing furnace. A preferred embodiment hydrocarbon cracking furnace includes a firebox with a set of wall burners and a set of floor burners, the floor burners comprising secondary burner tips burning a fuel-rich mixture and positioned below primary burner tips burning a fuel-lean mixture. A portion of flue gases are recirculated from the primary burner combustion area to the secondary burner combustion area and back to the primary burner combustion area. The floor burners further comprise a set of steam injection ports that inject steam into a conical flow to contact flames at the primary burner tips, reducing flame temperature and thereby reducing thermal NOx. The steam injection ports are positioned in the firebox above the primary burner tips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: WPT LLC
    Inventor: David C. Payne
  • Patent number: 8696888
    Abstract: The invention concerns integration of hydroprocessing and steam cracking. A feed comprising crude or resid-containing fraction thereof is severely hydrotreated and passed to a steam cracker to obtain an olefins product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Keusenkothen, Megan L. Renstrom, Julian A. Wolfenbarger, Stephen H. Brown, John S. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 8691079
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for hydroprocessing of a liquid hydrocarbon feedstock, comprising: (a) mixing liquid, partially vaporized and/or vaporized hydrocarbon feedstock with molecular hydrogen; (b) feeding said mixture into a compression reactor; (c) compressing said mixture to a pressure, a temperature and for a residence time sufficient to: i) thermally crack at least a portion of hydrocarbon molecules in said hydrocarbon feedstock, and ii) react hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst with unstable portions of the cracked molecules, forming a hydroprocessed product; and (d) expanding said mixture to reduce the pressure and temperature thereby reducing subsequent undesirable reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventor: Larry L. Iaccino
  • Patent number: 8691077
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for converting a hydrocarbon stream. The process can include passing the hydrocarbon stream having one or more C40+ hydrocarbons to a slurry hydrocracking zone to obtain a distillate hydrocarbon stream having one or more C9-C22 hydrocarbons, and passing the distillate hydrocarbon stream to a hydrocracking zone for selectively hydrocracking aromatic compounds including at least two rings obtaining a processed distillate product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Clayton C. Sadler, Christopher D. Gosling
  • Patent number: 8685232
    Abstract: Manufacture of propylene and ethylene in a FCC unit. Each FCC riser comprises an acceleration zone, a lift stream feed nozzle, a main hydrocarbon stock feed nozzle, and an olefinic naphtha feed nozzle. Mixed FCC catalyst comprising at least 2 percent by weight pentasil zeolite and at least 10 percent by weight Y-zeolite is injected at the bottom of each FCC riser. Olefinic naptha is injected through the olefinic feed nozzle, main hydrocarbon stock is injected through the main hydrocarbon stock feed nozzle and lift stream is injected through the lift stream feed nozzle. Lift stream comprises olefinic C4 hydrocarbon stream and optionally steam and/or a fuel gas. Olefinic C4 hydrocarbon steam is cracked in the acceleration zone at 600 to 800° C., 0.8 to 5 kg/cm2 (gauge) pressure, WHSV 0.2 to 100 hr up 1 and vapour residence time 0.2 to 5 seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Reliance Industries Limited
    Inventors: Sukumar Mandal, Asit Kumar Das, Ashwani Yadav, Manoj Yadav, Akhilesh Bhatnagar, Rajeshwar Dongara, Veera Venkata Satya Bhaskara Sita Rama Murthy Katravulapalli
  • Patent number: 8684384
    Abstract: A process for cracking a hydrocarbon feedstream containing non-volatile components in a hydrocarbon cracking furnace having upper and lower convection heating sections within a flue of the furnace, a radiant heating section downstream of and connected to said lower convection heating section, a transfer line exchanger downstream of and connected to said radiant heating section, a furnace box containing furnace burners and said radiant heating section, and a vapor/liquid separator vessel connected between the upper and lower convection heating sections, the process comprising (a) passing said hydrocarbon feedstream into said upper convection section to heat said hydrocarbon feedstream to a first temperature sufficient to flash at least a portion of the hydrocarbons within said hydrocarbon feedstream into a vapor phase to form a vapor/liquid stream; (b) passing said vapor/liquid stream out of said upper convection section and into said vapor/liquid separator to separate said vapor/liquid stream into a hydrocarb
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Spicer, Caleb M. Scherer, James M. Frye, Subramanian Annamalai
  • Publication number: 20140076779
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a paraffinic product that involves providing a paraffinic feed having an initial average carbon chain length of greater than 20. The paraffinic feed is a product of a gas-to-liquids process, such as a Fischer-Tropsch process. The paraffinic feed is subjected to thermal cracking at elevated temperature and elevated pressure, which results in the formation of a paraffinic product. The paraffinic product has a final average carbon chain length of less than or equal to 20. The paraffinic product is typically liquid at ambient temperature, such as at 25° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Richard A. Flinn
  • Publication number: 20140050891
    Abstract: The raw coke materials of a carbon material for a negative electrode of a lithium ion secondary battery is a striped agglomerate obtained by a delayed coking method under a condition that the ratio of the generation rate (mass %) of a generated gas, which includes a hydrogen gas generated by subjecting a heavy oil to coking and C1-C4 gases and the formation rate (mass %) of the raw coke materials (generation rate/formation rate) is from 0.3 to 0.8, and wherein, when an average length of the base of the stripes is defined as W, an average height is defined as H, and an average length in the vertical direction is defined as L, H/W is from 0.15 to 0.40 and L/W is 5.0 or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: JX NIPPON OIL & ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tamotsu TANO, Hiroshi Ozawa, Keiji Higashi, Takashi Oyama, Masatoshi Nishida