Steam Patents (Class 208/130)
  • Patent number: 7582201
    Abstract: In a system for thermal cracking gaseous feedstocks, the system including a gas cracker for producing an effluent comprising olefins, at least one transfer line exchanger for the recovery of process energy from the effluent and a water quench tower system, a process for extending the range of system feedstocks to include liquid feedstocks that yield tar is provided. The process includes the steps of injecting a first quench fluid downstream of a primary transfer line exchanger to quench the process effluent comprising olefins, separating in a first separation vessel a cracked product and a first byproduct stream comprising tar from the quenched effluent, directing the separated cracked product to a water quench tower system and quenching the separated cracked product with a second quench fluid to produce a cracked gas effluent for recovery and a second byproduct stream comprising tar. An apparatus for carrying out such process is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: James N. McCoy, Barrington M. Hammond, David J. Duhon, Mark A. Rooney, Robert D. Strack, John R. Messinger
  • Patent number: 7578929
    Abstract: A process for feeding or cracking heavy hydrocarbon feedstock containing non-volatile hydrocarbons comprising: heating the heavy hydrocarbon feedstock, mixing the heavy hydrocarbon feedstock with a fluid and/or a primary dilution steam stream to form a mixture, flashing the mixture to form a vapor phase and a liquid phase, and varying the amount of the fluid and/or the primary dilution steam stream mixed with the heavy hydrocarbon feedstock in accordance with at least one selected operating parameter of the process, such as the temperature of the flash stream before entering the flash drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Exxonmoil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Stell, Arthur R. Dinicolantonio, James Mitchell Frye, David B. Spicer, James N. McCoy, Robert David Strack
  • Patent number: 7576136
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing an emulsified aqueous hydrocarbon solution comprising, providing a liquid hydrocarbon stream at a particular temperature and a separate water stream, mixing the water stream with a surfactant at a predetermined ratio, raising the pressure of the hydrocarbon stream to a pressure greater than the vapor pressure of steam at the temperature, spraying the water into the hydrocarbon stream at a pressure greater than that of the hydrocarbon stream in a pre-mix chamber; and passing the pressurized hydrocarbon-water mixture through a static mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: GE Betz, Inc.
    Inventors: Wiley L. Parker, Alan E. Goliaszewski, Collin W. Cross
  • Publication number: 20090178956
    Abstract: A method for reducing the formation of coke and oligomers in the convection section of a hydrocarbon pyrolysis furnace, the method comprising reducing the partial pressure of the hydrocarbon feed to the furnace before that feed is mixed with dilution steam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Bala S. Devakottai
  • Patent number: 7560020
    Abstract: Tar is contacted with stripping agent, such as steam or tail gas, in a stripping tower. A product comprising deasphalted tar is recovered as overheads and a product comprising heavy tar is recovered as bottoms from the stripping tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Subramanian Annamalai, James N McCoy, Paul F Keusenkothen
  • Patent number: 7560019
    Abstract: In a system for thermal cracking gaseous feedstocks, the system including a gas cracker for producing an effluent comprising olefins, at least one transfer line exchanger for the recovery of process energy from the effluent and a water quench tower system, a process for extending the range of system feedstocks to include liquid feedstocks that yield tar is provided. The process includes the steps of injecting a first quench fluid downstream of the at least one transfer line exchanger to quench the process effluent comprising olefins, separating in a separation vessel a cracked product and a first byproduct stream comprising tar from the quenched effluent, directing the separated cracked product to the water quench tower system and quenching the separated cracked product with a second quench fluid to produce a cracked gas effluent for recovery and a second byproduct stream comprising tar. An apparatus for cracking a liquid hydrocarbon feedstock that yield tar is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: James N. McCoy, Walter F. Filupeit, Barrington M. Hammond, David J. Duhon, Mark A. Rooney, Robert A. Strack, John R. Messinger
  • Patent number: 7553460
    Abstract: A process for cracking hydrocarbon feedstock containing resid comprising: heating the feedstock, mixing the heated feedstock with a fluid and/or a primary dilution steam stream to form a mixture, flashing the mixture to form a vapor phase and a liquid phase which collect as bottoms and removing the liquid phase, separating and cracking the vapor phase, and cooling the product effluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Exxonmobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Stell, Jennifer L. Bancroft, Arthur R. Dinicolantonio, Subramanian Annamalai, James N. McCoy, Paul F. Keusenkothen, George Stephens, John R. Messinger, James Mitchell Frye, Nick G. Vidonic, George J. Balinsky
  • Patent number: 7553878
    Abstract: The present invention provides a feedstock composition for increasing the efficiency of atomization in hydrocarbon processing that includes a water-in-hydrocarbon oil emulsion including a non-ionic surfactant capable of stabilizing the emulsion and having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of greater than about 12. The emulsion includes water droplets of about 5 to about 10 microns in diameter, the droplets being dispersed substantially uniformly in the hydrocarbon oil phase. These surfactants are capable of stabilizing the water-in-hydrocarbon oil emulsion under relevant temperature and pressure conditions for hydrocarbon processing. The inventive feedstock composition provides a metastable water-in-oil emulsion where expanding water vapor explodes under spray conditions where the system pressure is released, demolishing a larger oil droplet and producing smaller oil droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Wiley L. Parker, Collin W. Cross, Alan E. Goliaszewski
  • Patent number: 7550642
    Abstract: A method processing a liquid crude and/or natural gas condensate feed comprising subjecting the feed to a vaporization step to form a vaporous product and a liquid product, subjecting the vaporous product to severe thermal cracking, and subjecting the liquid product to crude oil refinery processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Equistar Chemicals, LP
    Inventor: Donald H. Powers
  • Patent number: 7544852
    Abstract: A process and control system for cracking a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock containing non-volatile hydrocarbons comprising heating the heavy hydrocarbon feedstock, mixing the heated heavy hydrocarbon feedstock with a dilution steam stream to form a mixture stream having a vapor phase and a liquid phase, separating the vapor phase from the liquid phase in a separation vessel, and cracking the vapor phase in the furnace, wherein the furnace draft is continuously measured and periodically adjusted to control the temperature of the stream entering the vapor/liquid separator and thus controlling the ratio of vapor to liquid separated in the separation vessel; and wherein in a preferred embodiment the means for adjusting the draft comprises varying the speed of at least one furnace fan, possibly in combination with adjusting the position of the furnace fan damper(s) or the furnace burner dampers(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Stell, Subramanian Annamalai, James M. Frye
  • Publication number: 20090107887
    Abstract: A vapor/liquid separation apparatus for treating a flow of vapor/liquid mixtures of hydrocarbons and steam comprises a vertical drum with a side inlet to introduce hydrocarbon/steam mixtures, an overhead vapor outlet, and a lower section in communication with a cylindrical boot of less diameter than the drum, the boot comprising sufficient gas-liquid contact surface, e.g., that provided by one or more sheds, baffles and/or distillation trays, to provide at least a partial theoretical distillation stage, and a lower portion for receiving liquid from the drum, a lower outlet for removing the liquid, and an inlet for introducing a stripping gas such as steam, hydrogen, light crackable hydrocarbon, and/or methane, below the distillation tray and preferably above the level of liquid in the boot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: James M. Frye, David Beattie, Richard C. Stell, Subramanian Annamalai, Alok Srivastava
  • Publication number: 20090090509
    Abstract: Methods of treating a tar sands formation is described herein. The methods may include providing heat to a first section of a hydrocarbon layer in the formation from a plurality of heaters located in the first section of the formation. Heat is transferred from the heaters so that at least a first section of the formation reaches a selected temperature. At least a portion of residual heat from the first section transfers from the first section to a second section of the formation. At least a portion of hydrocarbons in the second section are mobilized by providing a solvation fluid and/or a pressurizing fluid to the second section of the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, John Michael Karanikas, Robert Charles Ryan
  • Publication number: 20090050530
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a process for treating a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising: (a) feeding the hydrocarbon feedstock at a linear velocity equal to or less than 0.9 m/s to a first preheating zone in the convection section of a steam cracking furnace; (b) preheating the hydrocarbon feedstock in the first preheating zone to vaporize less than 99 wt. % of the hydrocarbon feedstock to form a vapor-liquid mixture; (c) separating at least a portion of the vapor-liquid mixture to form a vapor fraction and a liquid fraction; and (d) feeding at least a portion of the vapor fraction to the steam cracking furnace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: David B. Spicer, Arthur R. Di Nicolantonio, James M. Frye, Richard C. Stell, James N. McCoy, Robert D. Strack
  • Publication number: 20090048475
    Abstract: A method for utilizing a feed comprising condensate and crude oil for an olefin production plant is disclosed. The feed is subjected to vaporization and separated into vaporous hydrocarbons and liquid hydrocarbons. The vaporous hydrocarbons stream is thermally cracked in the plant. The liquid hydrocarbons are recovered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Donald H. Powers
  • Patent number: 7488459
    Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for cracking hydrocarbonaceous feed, wherein the temperature of heated effluent directed to a vapor/liquid separator, e.g., flash drum, whose overhead is subsequently cracked, can be controlled within a range sufficient so the heated effluent is partially liquid, say, from about 260 to about 540° C. (500 to 1000° F.). This permits processing of a variety of feeds containing resid with greatly differing volatilities, e.g., atmospheric resid and crude at higher temperature and dirty liquid condensates, at lower temperatures. The temperature can be lowered as needed by: i) providing one or more additional downstream feed inlets to a convection section, ii) increasing the ratio of water/steam mixture added to the hydrocarbonaceous feed, iii) using a high pressure boiler feed water economizer to remove heat, iv) heating high pressure steam to remove heat, v) bypassing an intermediate portion of the convection section used, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Stell, James N. McCoy
  • Patent number: 7465388
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating the effluent from a hydrocarbon pyrolysis process unit to recover heat and remove tar therefrom. The method comprises passing the gaseous effluent to at least one primary heat exchanger, thereby cooling the gaseous effluent and generating high pressure steam. Thereafter, the gaseous effluent is passed through at least one secondary heat exchanger having a heat exchange surface maintained at a temperature such that part of the gaseous effluent condenses to form in situ a liquid coating on said surface, thereby further cooling the remainder of the gaseous effluent to a temperature at which tar, formed by the pyrolysis process, condenses. The condensed tar is then removed from the gaseous effluent in at least one knock-out drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Robert David Strack, John R. Messinger
  • Patent number: 7459072
    Abstract: Process for the work-up of naphtha, wherein a) naphtha or a stream produced from naphtha in a pretreatment step is separated in a membrane unit into a stream A which is depleted in aromatics and a stream B which is enriched in aromatics, with the aromatics concentration in stream A being from 2 to 12% by weight (step a), b) at least part of the substream A is fed to a steam cracker (step b), c) at least part of the substream B is fed to a unit in which it is separated by means of a thermal process into a stream C which has a lower aromatics content than stream B or a plurality of streams C?, C?, C?? . . . which each have lower aromatics contents than stream B and a stream D which has a higher aromatics content than stream B or a plurality of streams D?, D?, D?? . . .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Bitterlich, Hartwig Voss, Gunter Schuch, Rudolf Sinnen, Heinrich Laib, Peter Paessler
  • Patent number: 7442846
    Abstract: Process for the regeneration of exhausted catalysts, containing one or more calcium aluminates, for steam cracking reactions, comprising treating said exhausted catalysts in a stream of water vapour at a temperature ranging from 700 to 950° C., preferably from 720 to 850° C., and at a pressure ranging from 0.5 to 2 atm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignees: Polimeri Europa S.p.A., Enitecnologie S.p.A.
    Inventors: Carlo Perego, Paolo Pollesel, Massimo Soprani, Massimo Romagnoli
  • Patent number: 7431803
    Abstract: A flash/separation vessel for treating hydrocarbon feedstock containing resid to provide a liquid phase and a vapor phase has: (A) an inlet for introducing hydrocarbon feedstock; (B) an inlet for adding heated vaporous diluent to the vessel to dilute the vapor phase; (C) a flash/separation vessel overhead outlet for removing the vapor phase as overhead; and (D) a flash/separation vessel liquid outlet for removing liquid phase as bottoms from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventor: Richard C. Stell
  • Patent number: 7425663
    Abstract: In a method for the production of propylene, a charge stream containing C4 to C6 olefins is evaporated, superheated, mixed with hot water vapor, the olefins vapor mixture converted on a zeolite catalyst, the reaction mixture formed thereby cooled, and then partially condensed. In order to increase the yield of propylene, the gaseous phase containing ethylene, propylene, C4 to C8 olefins, and additional hydrocarbons that is accumulated during the partial condensation is compressed, the gaseous and liquid phase containing propylene, ethylene, and other light hydrocarbons that exit from the compression step is separated into a gaseous phase containing propylene, ethylene, and other light hydrocarbons and a liquid phase containing C4+ olefins, and the liquid phase is separated into a fraction containing C4 to C6 olefins and a fraction containing C7+ olefins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Lurgi AG
    Inventors: Hermann Bach, Harald Kömpel, Bernd Ahlers, Peter Trabold, Frank Höper
  • Patent number: 7419584
    Abstract: A process is provided for cracking hydrocarbon feedstock containing resid comprising: heating the feedstock, mixing the heated feedstock with a fluid and/or a primary dilution steam stream to form a mixture, optionally further heating the mixture, flashing the mixture within a flash/separation vessel to form a vapor phase and a liquid phase, partially condensing the vapor phase by contacting with a condenser within the vessel, to condense at least some coke precursors within the vapor while providing condensates which add to the liquid phase, removing the vapor phase of reduced coke precursors content as overhead and the liquid phase as bottoms, heating the vapor phase, cracking the vapor phase in a radiant section of a pyrolysis furnace to produce an effluent comprising olefins, and quenching the effluent and recovering cracked product therefrom. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Stell, George Stephens, Jennifer L. Bancroft, John R. Messinger
  • Patent number: 7413648
    Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for cracking hydrocarbonaceous feed, wherein the temperature of heated effluent directed to a vapor/liquid separator, e.g., flash drum, whose overhead is subsequently cracked, can be controlled within a range sufficient so the heated effluent is partially liquid, say, from about 260 to about 540° C. (500 to 1000° F.). This permits processing of a variety of feeds containing resid with greatly differing volatilities, e.g., atmospheric resid and crude at higher temperature and dirty liquid condensates, at lower temperatures. The temperature can be lowered as needed by: i) providing one or more additional downstream feed inlets to a convection section, ii) increasing the ratio of water/steam mixture added to the hydrocarbonaceous feed, iii) using a high pressure boiler feed water economizer to remove heat, iv) heating high pressure steam to remove heat, v) bypassing an intermediate portion of the convection section used, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Stell, James N. McCoy
  • Patent number: 7404889
    Abstract: A method for thermally cracking a hydrocarbonaceous feed wherein the feed is first processed in an atmospheric thermal distillation step to form a light gasoline and atmospheric residuum mixture. The light gasoline/residuum combination is gasified at least in part in a vaporization step, and the gasified product of the vaporization step is thermally cracked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Equistar Chemicals, LP
    Inventor: Donald H. Powers
  • Patent number: 7402237
    Abstract: A process for cracking a hydrocarbon feedstock containing salt and/or particulate matter, wherein said hydrocarbon feedstock containing salt and/or particulate matter is heated, then separated into a vapor phase and a liquid phase by flashing in a flash/separation vessel, separating and cracking the vapor phase which comprises less than about 98% of the hydrocarbon feedstock containing salt and/or particulate matter, and recovering cracked product. The salt and/or particulate matter are removed in the liquid bottoms stream from the flash/separation vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: James N. McCoy, Arthur R. Di Nicolantonio, James M. Frye, Melissa D. Stapleton, Richard C. Stell
  • Patent number: 7396449
    Abstract: A method for utilizing natural gas condensate as a feedstock for an olefin production plant wherein the feedstock is subjected to vaporization and separation conditions that remove light hydrocarbons from the condensate for thermal cracking in the plant, and leave liquid distillate for separate recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Equistar Chemicals, LP
    Inventor: Donald H. Powers
  • Patent number: 7374663
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of lower olefins from a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock by vaporizing said heavy hydrocarbon feedstock with steam in a nozzle wherein a two-phase mixture is passed through a device having a frusto-conically-shaped element which is capable of inducing a gentle swirl pattern to a liquid-containing stream, which device is connected to the feed inlet pipe of the mixing nozzle. This swirl-inducing device effects a 90° bending of the flow direction of the hydrocarbon feedstock while simultaneously effecting a swirl pattern of the liquid part thereof, thereby forcing the liquid against the wall of the feed inlet pipe extending downwardly to the mixing nozzle with such velocity component perpendicular to the tube's longitudinal axis to create an annular flow pattern as the mixture enters the nozzle and the vaporized hydrocarbon feedstock is subjected to a cracking treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Krishnamoorthy Chandrasekharan, Antonius Gijsbertus Johannes Kloth, Jeroen Van Westrenen
  • Patent number: 7374664
    Abstract: A method for utilizing whole crude oil as a feedstock for the pyrolysis furnace of an olefin production plant wherein the feedstock is subjected to vaporization conditions until substantially vaporized with minimal mild cracking but leaving some remaining liquid from the feedstock, the vapors thus formed being subjected to severe cracking in the radiant section of the furnace, and the remaining liquid from the feedstock being mixed with at least one quenching oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Equistar Chemicals, LP
    Inventor: Donald H. Powers
  • Publication number: 20080083656
    Abstract: A quench exchanger and quench exchanger tube with increased heat transfer area on the process side of the tube are provided. The exchanger provides increased heat transfer efficiency relative to a fixed tube length and at the same time eliminates stagnant and low velocity areas as well as recirculation eddies. The tubes incorporate a fin profile on the process side of the tube with alternating concave and convex surfaces. Additionally, the fins are preferably aligned with the tube center line as opposed to being twisted or spiraled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: David B. Spicer, Wallace L. Ottersbach
  • Patent number: 7351872
    Abstract: A process and control system for cracking a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock containing non-volatile hydrocarbons comprising heating the heavy hydrocarbon feedstock, mixing the heated heavy hydrocarbon feedstock with a dilution steam stream to form a mixture stream having a vapor phase and a liquid phase, separating the vapor phase from the liquid phase in a separation vessel, and cracking the vapor phase in the furnace, wherein the furnace draft is continuously measured and periodically adjusted to control the temperature of the stream entering the vapor/liquid separator and thus controlling the ratio of vapor to liquid separated in the separation vessel; and wherein in a preferred embodiment the means for adjusting the draft comprises varying the speed of at least one furnace fan, possibly in combination with adjusting the position of the furnace fan damper(s) or the furnace burner dampers(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Stell, Subramanian Annamalai, James M. Frye
  • Patent number: 7339087
    Abstract: Process for pyrolyzing a light feed in a pyrolysis furnace designed for pyrolyzing heavy feed, in which process part of the light feed is introduced at the feed inlet of the convection zone of the pyrolysis furnace and further light feed is introduced into the convection zone together with the dilution gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Emil Eduard Antonius Cruijsberg, Jeroen Cornelis Josephus Maria Goossens, Jeroen Van Westrenen
  • Patent number: 7335346
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of steam reforming a hydrocarbon over a catalyst at short residence times or short contact times. The present invention also provides spinel-containing catalysts. Surprisingly superior results and properties obtained in methods and catalysts of the present invention are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Yong Wang, Anna Lee Tonkovich, David P. Vanderwiel
  • Patent number: 7288690
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for steam cracking hydrocarbons, which method consists in heating a mixture of hydrocarbons and steam to a desired temperature that is high enough to crack the hydrocarbons and transform them into olefins, the source of energy needed for heating the mixture is supplied essentially by cogeneration using combustion of a fuel to produce simultaneously both heat energy and mechanical work which is transformed into electricity by an alternator, and wherein the mixture is initially subjected to preheating using the heat energy supplied by the cogeneration and is subsequently heated to the desired cracking temperature by means of electrical heating using the electricity supplied by the cogeneration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: BP Chemicals Limited
    Inventors: Serge Bellet, Jean Pinon
  • Patent number: 7285697
    Abstract: A process for cracking hydrocarbon feedstock comprising at least one sulfur-containing compound comprising: heating the feedstock and a peroxide-containing compound, mixing the heated feedstock and peroxide-containing compound with a fluid and/or a primary dilution steam stream to form a mixture, flashing the mixture to form a vapor phase and a liquid phase which collect as bottoms and removing the liquid phase, separating and cracking the vapor phase, and cooling the product effluent, wherein the oxidized sulfur-containing species are removed as bottoms
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventor: Paul F. Keusenkothen
  • Patent number: 7279610
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of lower olefins by steam cracking, wherein the feed containing heavy hydrocarbons obtained by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is subjected to steam cracking in a naphtha designed steam cracking furnace for steam cracking the Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbons into the lower olefins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Emil Eduard Antonius Cruijsberg, Jeroen Van Westrenen
  • Patent number: 7270740
    Abstract: A method for starting up an olefin production plant without venting gases to the atmosphere wherein an artificial feed is employed in the compression zone of the plant while the furnace and quench zones remain idle, and gases from the compression and refrigeration zones of the plant are recycled to the inlet of the compression zone during startup, after which the furnace and quench zones are started up using natural feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Equistar Chemicals, LP
    Inventor: James H. Walker
  • Patent number: 7247765
    Abstract: A process is provided for cracking hydrocarbon feedstock containing resid comprising: heating the feedstock, mixing the heated feedstock with a fluid and/or a primary dilution steam stream to form a mixture, optionally further heating the mixture, flashing the mixture within a flash/separation vessel to form a vapor phase and a liquid phase, partially condensing the vapor phase by contacting with a condenser within the vessel, to condense at least some coke precursors within the vapor while providing condensates which add to the liquid phase, removing the vapor phase of reduced coke precursors content as overhead and the liquid phase as bottoms, heating the vapor phase, cracking the vapor phase in a radiant section of a pyrolysis furnace to produce an effluent comprising olefins, and quenching the effluent and recovering cracked product therefrom. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Stell, George Stephens, Jennifer L. Bancroft, John R. Messinger
  • Publication number: 20070144940
    Abstract: The overall efficiency of a regenerative bed reverse flow reactor system is increased where the location of the exothermic reaction used for regeneration is suitably controlled. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the combustion to improve the thermal efficiency of bed regeneration in a cyclic reaction/regeneration processes. The process for thermal regeneration of a regenerative reactor bed entails (a) supplying the first reactant through a first channel means in a first regenerative bed and supplying at least a second reactant through a second channel means in the first regenerative bed, (b) combining said first and second reactants by a gas mixing means situated at an exit of the first regenerative bed and reacting the combined gas to produce a heated reaction product, (c) passing the heated reaction product through a second regenerative bed thereby transferring heat from the reaction product to the second regenerative bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventors: Frank Hershkowitz, Jeffrey W. Frederick
  • Patent number: 7235172
    Abstract: The invention includes a process for making olefins. In one embodiment, the process comprises producing steam from a process water comprising organic compounds, wherein the process water comprises at least a portion of a product water from a hydrocarbon synthesis process; feeding the steam comprising some organic compounds and a light hydrocarbons feedstream into a steam cracker under cracking promoting conditions so as to crack with said steam some of the light hydrocarbons and some of the organic compounds from the steam to produce a cracker effluent comprising at least one olefin. In some embodiments, the light hydrocarbons feedstream comprises a naphtha cut. In alternate embodiments, the light hydrocarbons feedstream comprises a hydrocarbon fraction derived from a hydrocarbon synthesis reactor. In preferred embodiments, the process water and light hydrocarbons feedstream are at least in part derived from a Fisher-Tropsch synthesis, and the organic compounds comprise oxygenates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Keith H. Lawson, Scott A. Scholten
  • Patent number: 7169292
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pyrolysis tube for enhancing the yield of olefins and reducing a coking tendency in steam cracking of hydrocarbons. According to the present invention, the pyrolysis tube is characterized in that a plurality of mixing blades made by twisting two ends of a plate in opposite directions are included therein. The yield of ethylene is thereby improved and the coking tendency is reduced by mixing a fluid flow, improving a heat transfer rate and shortening a residence time of the reactants therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-Hyun Chae, Won-Ho Lee, Sang-Mun Jeong, Keun-Hoo Park
  • Patent number: 7138047
    Abstract: A process for feeding or cracking heavy hydrocarbon feedstock containing non-volatile hydrocarbons comprising: heating the heavy hydrocarbon feedstock, mixing the heavy hydrocarbon feedstock with a fluid and/or a primary dilution steam stream to form a mixture, flashing the mixture to form a vapor phase and a liquid phase, and varying the amount of the fluid and/or the primary dilution steam stream mixed with the heavy hydrocarbon feedstock in accordance with at least one selected operating parameter of the process, such as the temperature of the flash stream before entering the flash drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Stell, Arthur R. DiNicolantonio, James Mitchell Frye, David B. Spicer, James N. McCoy, Robert David Strack
  • Patent number: 7097758
    Abstract: A process to increase the non-volatile removal efficiency in a flash drum in the steam cracking system. The gas flow from the convection section is converted from mist flow to annular flow before entering the flash drum to increase the removal efficiency. The conversion of gas flow from mist flow to annular flow is accomplished by subjecting the gas flow first to at least one expander and then to bends of various degrees and force the flow to change directions at least once. The change of gas flow from mist to annular helps coalesce fine liquid droplets and thus being removed from the vapor phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Stell, Jennifer L. Bancroft, Arthur R. Dinicolantonio, George Stephens
  • Patent number: 7090765
    Abstract: A process for treating hydrocarbon feed in a furnace, the process comprising: (a) heating hydrocarbon feed, (b) adding water to the heated feed, (c) adding dilution steam to the heated feed to form a mixture, (d) heating the resulting mixture and feeding the resulting heated mixture to the furnace, wherein the water in (b) is added in an amount of from at least about 1% to 100% based on water and dilution steam by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Spicer, Arthur R. Dinicolantonio, James Mitchell Frye, Richard C. Stell
  • Patent number: 6989091
    Abstract: A process for the conversion of hydrocarbons that are solid or have a high boiling temperature and may be laden with metals, sulfur or sediments, into liquids (gasolines, gas oil, fuels) with the help of a jet of gas properly superheated between 600 and 800° C. The process comprises preheating of feed 5 in a heater 8 to a temperature below the selected temperature of a reactor 10. This feed is injected by injectors 4 into the empty reactor 10 (i.e., without catalyst.) The feed is treated with a jet of gas or superheated steam from superheater 2 to activate the feed. The activated products in the feed are allowed to stabilize at the selected temperature and at a selected pressure in the reactor and are then run through a series of extractors 13 to separate heavy and light hydrocarbons and to demetallize the feed. Useful products appearing in the form of water/hydrogen emulsions are generally demulsified in emulsion breaker 16 to form water laden with different impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: World Energy Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Pierre Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 6979757
    Abstract: A method for utilizing whole crude oil as a feedstock for the pyrolysis furnace of an olefin production plant wherein the feedstock after preheating is subjected to mild thermal cracking assisted with controlled cavitation conditions until substantially vaporized, the vapors being subjected to severe cracking in the radiant section of the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Equistar Chemicals, LP
    Inventor: Donald H. Powers
  • Patent number: 6821411
    Abstract: A method is provided to inject steam into a hydrocarbon effluent passing through a transfer line exchanger (TLE) of a hydrocarbon cracking furnace to reduce the formation of a coke material on the TLE tubesheet. The apparatus that injects the steam is also provided to deliver a distributed steam flow in the low resonance area of the TLE cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Brian D. Baca, Danna L. Kutach
  • Publication number: 20040186336
    Abstract: The invention consists of an application of radiant burners to furnaces for heat treatment of hydrocarbon feedstocks in which the feedstock that is to be treated circulates inside an exchange tube bundle that receives the heat that is emitted by the burners essentially by radiation and for which a strict monitoring of the temperature profile along the exchange bundle is necessary. Applied to steam-cracking furnaces, the invention makes it possible to increase the propylene yield to iso ethylene yield. It also makes it possible to increase the compactness of the furnace and the longevity of the exchange bundle and to reduce the NOx emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Gerard Martin, Luc Nougier, Etienne Lebas
  • Patent number: 6734331
    Abstract: A process for producing olefins and diolefins. A flow of gas is compressed with a prime mover in a near adiabatic path. Resistance to the flow within the adiabatic path causes a temperature rise with respect to its pressure, where it enters a near adiabatic tunnel. At least one other gas is provided into the tunnel at a prescribed, independently controlled temperature and pressure. The compressed flow is comingled and mixed with at least one other gas. Hydrogen and oxygen are fed into the tunnel to produce steam. Steam is applied to at least one hydrocarbon for pyrolysis or thermal cracking to yield at least one of olefins and diolefins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: EGT Developments, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Cirrito, Bernard Ennis
  • Publication number: 20040065589
    Abstract: A process for the conversion of hydrocarbons that are solid or have a high boiling temperature and may be laden with metals, sulfur or sediments, into liquids (gasolines, gas oil, fuels) with the help of a jet of gas properly superheated between 600 and 800° C. The process comprises preheating a feed 5 in a heater 8 to a temperature below the selected temperature of a reactor 10. This feed is injected by injectors 4 into the empty reactor 10 (i.e., without catalyst.) The feed is treated with a jet of gas or superheated steam from superheater 2 to activate the feed. The activated products in the feed are allowed to stabilize at the selected temperature and at a selected pressure in the reactor and are then run through a series of extractors 13 to separate heavy and light hydrocarbons and to demetallize the feed. Useful products appearing in the form of water/hydrocarbon emulsions are generally demulsified in emulsion breaker 16 to form water laden with different impurities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Pierre Jorgensen
  • Publication number: 20040054247
    Abstract: A method for utilizing whole crude oil as a feedstock for the pyrolysis furnace of an olefin production plant wherein the feedstock after preheating is subjected to mild catalytic cracking conditions until substantially vaporized, the vapors from the mild catalytic cracking being subjected to severe cracking in the radiant section of the furnace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Donald H. Powers
  • Publication number: 20040039240
    Abstract: A method for utilizing whole crude oil as a feedstock for the pyrolysis furnace of an olefin production plant wherein the feedstock after preheating is subjected to mild cracking conditions until substantially vaporized, the vapors from mild cracking being subjected to severe cracking in the radiant section of the furnace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Donald H. Powers