Plural Serial Stages Of Chemical Conversion Patents (Class 208/49)
  • Patent number: 7737312
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing linear alkyl benzene, the process including the steps of obtaining a hydrocarbon condensate containing olefins, paraffins and oxygenates from a low temperature Fischer-Tropsch reaction; a) fractionating a desired carbon number distribution from the hydrocarbon condensate to form a fractionated hydrocarbon condensate stream; b) extracting oxygenates from the fractionated hydrocarbon condensate stream from step (a) to form a stream containing olefins and paraffins; c) combining the stream containing olefins and paraffins from step (b) with the feed stream from step (g) to form a combined stream; d) alkylating olefins in the combined stream from step (c) with benzene in the presence of a suitable alkylation catalyst in an alkylation reactor; e) recovering linear alkyl benzene from the alkylation reactor; f) recovering unreacted paraffins from the alkylation reactor; g) dehydrogenating the unreacted paraffins in the presence of a suitable dehydrogenation catalyst
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Sasol Technology (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventors: Ivan Greager, Jan Hendrik Scholtz, Johan Pieter de Wet, Mieke Ann Desmet, Wilhelmina Jansen, Paul Jacobson, Luis Pablo Fidel Dancuart
  • Patent number: 7727376
    Abstract: A process to prepare base oils from a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis product by (a) separating the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis product into a fraction (i) boiling in the middle distillate range and below, a heavy ends fraction (iii) and an intermediate base oil precursor fraction (ii) boiling between fraction (i) and fraction (iii), (b) subjecting the base oil precursor fraction (ii) to a catalytic hydroisomerisation and catalytic dewaxing process to yield one or more base oil grades, (c) subjecting the heavy ends fraction (iii) to a conversion step to yield a fraction (iv) boiling below the heavy ends fraction (iii) and (d) subjecting the high boiling fraction (v) of fraction (iv) to a catalytic hydroisomerisation and catalytic dewaxing process to yield one or more base oil grades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Nicholas James Adams, Michiel Cramwinckel, Jan Lodewijk Maria Dierickx
  • Patent number: 7727377
    Abstract: A system 100 is described for the treatment of multiphase residues having unlimited content of water, oil and solids to obtain hydrocarbons and other products, said system comprising multiphase residue feed system 10, inert gas system 20 and reduced pressure system 30, tubular reactor 40 provided with three heating zones Z-1, Z-2 and Z-3 with a temperature gradient and transportation helicoid 42 to displace the residue mass throughout the reaction zones, the hydrocarbon products and water being collected in a system 60 of condensers 61, 62 and 63 linked to a system 70 of bubbling vessels 71, 72 and 73, reactor 40 being operated in the sealed mode and being provided with a multiphase residue inlet 43 and exit 44 of solid product. The solid product is collected in a system 50 comprising upper valve 51 and lower valve 52, and intermediate silo 53 and then directed to post-treatment system 90 for activation aiming at industrial utilization. The process using the system 100 of the invention is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignees: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras, Albrecht Equipamentos Industrials LTDA
    Inventors: Arilza de Castilho Pickler, Luis Fernando Piexoto Gallo, Carlos Alberto Dias da Silva, Waldir Albrecht, Christine Albrecht Althoff
  • Patent number: 7727379
    Abstract: Process to prepare simultaneously two or more base oil grades and middle distillates from a mineral crude derived feed, in particular a de-asphalted oil or a vacuum distillate feed or their mixtures, by performing the following steps: (a) hydrocracking the mineral crude derived feed, thereby obtaining an effluent; (b) distillation of the effluent as obtained in step (a) into one or more middle distillates and a full range residue boiling substantially above 340° C., (c) catalytically dewaxing the full range residue by contacting the residue with a dewaxing catalyst comprising a zeolite of the MTW type and a Group VIII metal, thereby obtaining a dewaxed oil; (d) isolating by means of distillation two or more base oil grades from the dewaxed oil obtained in step (c); and (e) isolating a dewaxed gas oil from the dewaxed-oil obtained in step (c); wherein the dewaxed oil as obtained in step (c) comprises between 10 and 40 wt % of a dewaxed heavy gas oil boiling for more than 70 wt % between 370 and 400° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Nicholas James Adams, Harmannus Julius Hegge, Laurent Georges Huve, Kevin John Anthony Polder, Wiecher Derk Evert Steenge
  • Publication number: 20100122933
    Abstract: A process for converting heavy sulfur-containing crude oil into lighter crude oil with lower sulfur content and lower molecular weight is provided. The process is a low-temperature process using controlled cavitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: M. Rashid Khan
  • Publication number: 20100108567
    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: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: XYLECO, INC.
    Inventor: Marshall MEDOFF
  • Patent number: 7708877
    Abstract: A new residuum full hydroconversion slurry reactor system has been developed that allows the catalyst, unconverted oil and converted oil to circulate in a continuous mixture throughout an entire reactor with no confinement of the mixture. The mixture is partially separated in between the reactors to remove only the converted oil while permitting the unconverted oil and the slurry catalyst to continue on into the next sequential reactor where a portion of the unconverted oil is converted to lower boiling point hydrocarbons, once again creating a mixture of unconverted oil, converted oil, and slurry catalyst. Further hydroprocessing may occur in additional reactors, fully converting the oil. The oil may alternately be partially converted, leaving a highly concentrated catalyst in unconverted oil which can be recycled directly to the first reactor. Fully converted oil is subsequently hydrofinished for the nearly complete removal of hetoroatoms such as sulfur and nitrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Chevron USA Inc.
    Inventors: Darush Farshid, Bruce Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20100101978
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for manipulating petroleum, non-conventional oil and other viscous complex fluids made of hydrocarbons that comprise enforcement of fluid in a multi-stage flow-through hydrodynamic cavitational reactor, subjecting said fluids to a controlled cavitation and continuing the application of such cavitation for a period of time sufficient for obtaining desired changes in physical properties and/or chemical composition and generating the upgraded products. The method includes alteration of chemical bonds, induction of interactions of components, changes in composition, heterogeneity and rheological characteristics in order to facilitate handling, improve yields of distillate fuels and optimize other properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: CAVITATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Roman Gordon, Igor Gorodnitsky, Maxim Promtov, Varvara Grichko
  • Patent number: 7704377
    Abstract: Disclosed are a process and an installation for treatment of a heavy petroleum feedstock, of which at least 80% by weight has a boiling point of greater than 340° C., wherein the process includes (a) hydroconversion in a boiling-bed reactor operating with a rising flow of liquid producing a hydroconversion effluent; (b) separation of hydroconversion effluent into a gas containing hydrogen and H2S, a fraction comprising gas oil, and a naphtha fraction; c) hydrotreatment, by contact with at least one catalyst, of at least said fraction comprising gas oil, producing a hydrotreatment effluent; and d) separation of hydrotreatment effluent into a gas containing hydrogen and at least one gas oil fraction having a sulfur content of less than 50 ppm, wherein the hydrogen supply for the hydroconversion and hydrotreatment is delivered by a single compression system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: John E. Duddy, Lawrence I. Wisdom, Andrea Gragnani
  • Patent number: 7686941
    Abstract: A process for simultaneously hydrocracking multiple feedstocks wherein a first feedstock is hydrotreated in a hydrotreating zone to produce a hydrotreating zone effluent which is separated to provide a first vaporous hydrocarbonaceous stream and a first liquid hydrocarbonaceous stream. The second feedstock and the first vaporous hydrocarbonaceous stream are hydroprocessed in a hydroprocessing zone to produce a hydroprocessing zone effluent. A third feedstock and the first liquid hydrocarbonaceous stream are hydrocracked in a hydrocracking zone to produce a hydrocracking zone effluent. The hydrocracking zone effluent and the hydroprocessing zone effluent are separated to recover hydrocracked hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Gary R. Brierley, Vasant P. Thakkar, Milan Skripek
  • Publication number: 20100065470
    Abstract: Partial conversion hydrocracking process comprising the steps of (a) hydrotreating a hydrocarbon feedstock with a hydrogen-rich gas to produce a hydrotreated effluent stream comprising a liquid/vapour mixture and separating the liquid/vapour mixture into a liquid phase and a vapour phase, and (b) separating the liquid phase into a controlled liquid portion and an excess liquid portion, and (c) combining the vapour phase with the excess liquid portion to form a vapour plus liquid portion, and (d) separating an FCC feed-containing fraction from the controlled liquid portion and simultaneously hydrocracking the vapour plus liquid portion to produce a diesel-containing fraction, or hydrocracking the controlled liquid portion to produce a diesel-containing fraction and simultaneously separating a FCC feed-containing fraction from the vapour plus liquid portion. The invention also includes an apparatus for carrying out the partial conversion hydrocracking process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Glenn Hunter, Angelica Hidalgo Vivas, Lars Skov Jensen, Gordon Gongngai Low
  • Patent number: 7674363
    Abstract: Process to prepare a haze free base oil having a cloud point of below 0° C. and a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of greater than 10 cSt by performing the following steps: (a) hydroisomerisation of a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis product, (b) isolating one or more fuel products and a distillation residue, (c) reducing the wax content of the residue by contacting the feed with a hydroisomerization catalyst under hydroisomerization conditions, and (d) solvent dewaxing the product of step (c) to obtain the haze free base oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Nicholas James Adams, Gilbert Robert Bernard Germaine
  • Patent number: 7651604
    Abstract: Two-stage low pressure catalytic hydrotreatment of heavy petroleum hydrocarbons having a high content of contaminants (metals and asphaltenes), is conducted under operating conditions with low-pressure, in a fixed bed or ebullated bed reactor to limit the formation of sediments and sludge in the product and obtain a hydrotreated hydrocarbon of improved properties, with levels of contaminants, API gravity and distillates within the ranges commonly reported in the feedstocks typical to refining schemes. A hydrotreatment catalyst, whose principal effect is the hydrodemetallization and the hydrocracking of asphaltenes of the heavy hydrocarbons of petroleum is used in the first stage, and the second reaction stage employs a hydrotreatment catalyst for a deeper effect of hydrodesulfurization of the heavy petroleum hydrocarbon whose content of total sulfur is reduced to a level required for its treatment in the conventional refining process or for its sale as a hydrocarbon of petroleum with improved properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Instituto Mexicano del Petroleo
    Inventors: Jorge Ancheyta Juárez, Gerardo Betancourt Rivera, Gustavo Jesús Marroquín Sánchez, Guillermo Centeno Nolasco, José Antonio Domingo Muñoz Moya, Frenando Alonso Martínez
  • Publication number: 20100000908
    Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrocarbons and particularly to the manufacture of hydrocarbon components suitable as aviation fuels or jet fuels and as blending stocks for aviation fuels. The process comprises the stages, wherein in the first stage an oil feed of biological origin and hydrogen gas are subjected to conditions sufficient to effect hydrodeoxygenation in the presence of a hydrodeoxygenation catalyst to yield n-paraffins; in the second stage the n-paraffins and hydrogen gas are subjected to conditions sufficient to effect isomerisation in the presence of an isomerisation catalyst to yield isoparaffins and separating fractions; and recycling the fraction boiling at a temperature above 200° C. under atmospheric pressure obtained from the second stage to reisomerisation, where isomerisation is effected in the presence of an isomerisation catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: Nesta Oil Oyj
    Inventors: Varpu Markkanen, Petri Lindqvist, Elina Harlin, Pekka Aalto, Jukka Myllyoja, Ville Alopaeus
  • Publication number: 20090321310
    Abstract: In general, methods of hydroprocessing a hydrocarbonaceous feed stock are provided that do not use a costly recycle gas compressor, but are still able to use the more efficient reaction systems provided in a substantially three-phase hydroprocessing zone. The method combines a substantially liquid-phase hydroprocessing zone with the substantially three-phase hydroprocessing zone in a manner so that the hydrogen requirements for both reaction zones can be provided from an external source thereto without the use of a hydrogen recycle or recycle gas compressor to the substantially three-phase reaction zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Peter Kokayeff, John Anthony Petri
  • Patent number: 7638664
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can include a hydrocarbon conversion process. Generally, the process includes passing a hydrocarbon stream through a hydrocarbon conversion zone comprising a series of reaction zones. Typically, the hydrocarbon conversion zone includes a staggered-bypass reaction system having a first, second, third, and fourth reaction zones, which are staggered-bypass reaction zones, and a fifth reaction zone, which can be a non-staggered-bypass reaction zone, subsequent to the staggered-bypass reaction system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Peters, Clayton C. Sadler
  • Patent number: 7626062
    Abstract: A system and method for recycling plastics. The system and method recover materials such as hydrocarbon gases, liquid hydrocarbon distillates, various polymers and/or monomers used to produce the original plastics. The system and method allow about one unit of input of energy input to the plastic recycler to be used to create one or more gaseous components and one or more liquid distillate components from a plastic that is being recycled. The one or more gaseous components and one or more liquid distillate components produce about one corresponding unit of useable output energy recovered from the recycling of the plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: William E. Carner
  • Publication number: 20090288984
    Abstract: An improved process for heavy oil conversion and upgrading and a combined method for heavy oil conversion and vacuum gas-oil treatment are described herein. The method utilizes the creation and recycle of a separate product from the vacuum still, which is thereafter recycled back to the heavy oil conversion reactor. The result is the production of a higher quality medium gas oil product relative to the overall vacuum gas oil product which is acceptable for use in a typical vacuum gas oil treatment process. Additionally, there is a higher diesel yield selectivity from the heavy oil conversion unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventors: James J. Colyar, John Duddy
  • Patent number: 7622620
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can include a hydrocarbon conversion process. Generally, the process includes passing a hydrocarbon stream through a hydrocarbon conversion zone comprising a series of reaction zones. Typically, the hydrocarbon conversion zone includes a staggered-bypass reaction system having a first, second, third, and fourth reaction zones, which are staggered-bypass reaction zones, and a fifth reaction zone, which can be a non-staggered-bypass reaction zone, subsequent to the staggered-bypass reaction system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Peters, Clayton C. Sadler
  • Publication number: 20090283442
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon product stream having hydrocarbons with boiling points in the aviation fuel range is produced from renewable feedstocks such as plant and animal oils. The process involves treating a renewable feedstock by hydrogenating, deoxygenating, isomerization, and selectively hydrocracking the feedstock to produce paraffinic hydrocarbons having from about 9 to about 16 carbon atoms and a high iso/normal ratio in a single reaction zone containing a multifunctional catalyst, or set of catalysts, having hydrogenation, deoxygenation, isomerization and selective hydrocracking functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Michael J. McCall, Joseph A. Kocal, Alakananda Bhattacharyya, Tom N. Kalnes, Timothy A. Brandvold
  • Patent number: 7611622
    Abstract: A dual riser FCC process for converting C3/C4-containing feedstocks to aromatics. First and second hydrocarbon feeds (5, 6) are supplied to the respective first and second risers (2, 4) in a dual-riser FCC unit with a gallium enriched catalyst to make an effluent rich in ethylene, propylene and aromatics. The first riser (2) is operated at less severe conditions than the second riser (4) and can receive a relatively heavy feed such as gas oil. The feed to the second riser (4) includes propane, for example LPG, propane recycle from the C3 splitter (72), etc. The FCC catalyst can include gallium to promote aromatics formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLC
    Inventors: Phillip K. Niccum, Eusebius A. Gbordzoe
  • Patent number: 7594990
    Abstract: A process derived hydrogen donor solvent is used to increase the maximum resid conversion and conversion rate in an ebullated bed resid hydrocracker. The hydrogen donor solvent precursor is produced by hydroreforming reactions within the resid hydrocracker, recovered as the resin fraction from a solvent deasphalting unit, regenerated in a separate hydrotreater reactor, and recycled to the ebullated bed resid hydrocracker. The major advantage of this invention relative to earlier processes is that hydrogen is more efficiently transferred to the resin residual oil in the separate hydrotreater and the hydrogen donor solvent effectively retards the formation of coke precursors at higher ebullated bed resid hydrocracker operating temperatures and resid cracking rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Prentice Satchell, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090166250
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing one or more hydrocarbons are provided. One or more hydrocarbons can be selectively separated to provide one or more heavy deasphalted oils. At least a portion of the heavy deasphalted oil can be cracked using a fluidized catalytic cracker to provide one or more lighter hydrocarbon products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: ANAND SUBRAMANIAN, Raymond Floyd
  • Patent number: 7540951
    Abstract: A process for preparation of synthetic crude from a deposit of heavy crude, comprises: (a) the extraction of heavy crude by technology using steam; (b) the separation of crude extract and water; (c) the separation of crude into at least one light fraction and one heavy fraction; (d) the conversion of the heavy fraction of separation into a lighter product, said converted product, and a residue; (e) optionally, the partial or total hydrotreatment of the converted product and/or the light fraction (or fractions) obtained during the separation c), (f) the combustion and/or gasification of the conversion residue; the converted product and the light fraction (or fractions) for separation, optionally having been subjected to a hydrotreatment e), constituting the synthetic crude; said combustion allowing the generation of steam and/or electricity and said gasification allowing the generation of hydrogen; the steam and/or electricity thus generated being used for the extraction a) and/or the electricity and/or hydrog
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Arnault Selmen, Thierry Gauthier, Mathieu Pinault, Eric Benazzi
  • Publication number: 20090095651
    Abstract: Methods of hydroprocessing hydrocarbon streams are provided that employ substantially liquid-phase hydroprocessing conditions. In one aspect, the method includes directing a hydrocarbonaceous feed stock to a first substantially liquid-phase hydroprocessing zone wherein an effluent from the first substantially liquid-phase hydroprocessing zone is directed to a second substantially liquid-phase hydroprocessing zone generally undiluted with other hydrocarbon streams. In another aspect, the method recycles a liquid portion of a liquid hydrocarbonaceous effluent from the second substantially liquid-phase hydroprocessing zone, which preferably includes an amount of hydrogen dissolved therein, to the hydrocarbonaceous feed stock so that the feed to the first substantially liquid-phase hydroprocessing zone has a relatively larger concentration of dissolved hydrogen relative to the hydrocarbonaceous feed stock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Laura Elise Leonard, Peter Kokayeff, Michael Roy Smith
  • Publication number: 20090095652
    Abstract: A process is provided for producing low sulfur diesel having a reduced poly-aromatic level where at least a portion of the poly-aromatics are converted to mono-aromatics. In one aspect, the process separates the temperature and pressure requirements for obtaining low levels of sulfur from the temperature and pressure requirements to saturate poly-aromatics to mono-aromatics. By one approach, the process first converts a diesel boiling range hydrocarbon stream in a hydrotreating zone at conditions effective to produce a hydrotreating zone effluent having a reduced concentration of sulfur with minimal saturation of poly-aromatics. Hydrogen is then admixed in the hydrotreating zone effluent or at least a portion thereof, which is then reacted in a substantially liquid-phase continuous reaction zone to effect saturation of poly-aromatics to provide a liquid-phase continuous reaction zone effluent having a reduced level of poly-aromatics relative to the diesel feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Peter Kokayeff, Laura Elise Leonard, Michael Roy Smith
  • Patent number: 7513988
    Abstract: Less conventional sources of hydrocarbon feedstocks such as oil sands, tar sands and shale oils are being exploited. These feedstocks generate a larger amount of heavy oil, gas oil, asphaltene products and the like containing multiple fused aromatic ring compounds. These multiple fused aromatic ring compounds can be converted into feed for a hydrocarbon cracker by first hydrogenating at least one ring in the compounds and subjecting the resulting compound to a ring opening and cleavage reaction. The resulting product comprises lower paraffins suitable for feed to a cracker, higher paraffins suitable for example as a gasoline fraction and mono aromatic ring compounds (e.g. BTX) that may be further treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignees: Nova Chemicals (International) S.A., Universitat Stuttgart
    Inventors: Michael C. Oballa, Vasily Simanzhenkov, Jens Weitkamp, Roger Gläser, Yvonne Traa, Fehime Demir
  • Publication number: 20090038991
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for recovering polar hydrocarbons from non-polar hydrocarbons, such as aromatics from non-aromatics, naphthenes from paraffins and isoparaffins, or olefins from paraffins and isoparaffins, in feed mixtures containing at least a measurable amount of heavier hydrocarbons. According to the invention, an improved extractive distillation (ED) process is disclosed for recovering aromatic hydrocarbons including benzene, toluene, and xylenes (BTX aromatics) from the C6-C8 petroleum streams containing at least a measurable amount of C9+ hydrocarbons. The invention also relates to an improved ED process for recovering mainly benzene and toluene from the C6-C7 petroleum streams containing at least a measurable amount of C8+ hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: KUANG YEU WU, TSUNG-MIN CHIU, TZONG-BIN LIN, HUNG-CHUNG SHEN, YU-MING WU, TUNG-HSIUNG KUO
  • Publication number: 20090032437
    Abstract: A process for making primary haloalkanes by catalytic distillation of internal haloalkanes which comprises a) introducing an internal haloalkane feed into a catalytic distillation column; b) isomerizing at least a portion of the internal haloalkane feed in the presence of an internal haloalkane isomerization catalyst at a temperature at or above the boiling point of the internal haloalkanes and below the temperature and pressure at which hydrogen halide is formed to form primary haloalkanes; and removing the primary haloalkanes from the catalytic distillation column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Howard Lam-Ho Fong, Brendan Dermot Murray, Thomas Carl Semple
  • Publication number: 20090026111
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for designing, operating, monitoring and/or diagnosing a chemical reaction, particularly a hydrotreating process, using a fixed bed catalytic reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Ronald D. Garton, David G. Woods, Hans G. Korsten, Pierre J. Osterrieth, Brian C. McClaine
  • Publication number: 20080314797
    Abstract: Integrated hydroprocessing methods using high activity, low density catalysts are provided. The high activity catalysts allow for lower temperature operation, which reduces catalyst degradation, while the low density of the catalysts means a corresponding reduction in the amount of metal needed to fill a reactor volume. The methods allow for flexible processing of feedstocks with a variety of wax contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Darden Sinclair, Michel Daage, Charles J. Mart, Louis Burns, Timothy L. Hilbert
  • 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: 7431822
    Abstract: Applicants have developed a new residuum full hydroconversion slurry reactor system that allows the catalyst, unconverted oil, hydrogen, and converted oil to circulate in a continuous mixture throughout an entire reactor with no confinement of the mixture. The mixture is separated internally, within one of more of the reactors, to separate only the converted oil and hydrogen into a vapor product while permitting the unconverted oil and the slurry catalyst to continue on into the next sequential reactor as a liquid product. A portion of the unconverted oil is then converted to lower boiling point hydrocarbons in the next reactor, once again creating a mixture of unconverted oil, hydrogen, converted oil, and slurry catalyst. Further hydroprocessing may occur in additional reactors, fully converting the oil. The oil may alternately be partially converted, leaving a concentrated catalyst in unconverted oil which can be recycled directly to the first reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Darush Farshid, James Murphy, Bruce Reynolds
  • Patent number: 7431823
    Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a new residuum full hydroconversion slurry reactor system that allows the catalyst, unconverted oil and converted oil to circulate in a continuous mixture throughout an entire reactor with no confinement of the mixture. The mixture is partially separated in between the reactors to remove only the products and hydrogen, while permitting the unconverted oil and the slurry catalyst to continue on into the next sequential reactor where a portion of the unconverted oil is converted to lower boiling point hydrocarbons, once again creating a mixture of unconverted oil, converted oil, and slurry catalyst. Further hydroprocessing may occur in additional reactors, fully converting the oil. The oil may alternately be partially converted, leaving a highly concentrated catalyst in unconverted oil which can be recycled directly to the first reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Darush Farshid, Bruce Reynolds
  • Patent number: 7431831
    Abstract: A new residuum full hydroconversion slurry reactor system has been developed that allows the catalyst, unconverted oil, products and hydrogen to circulate in a continuous mixture throughout an entire reactor with no confinement of the mixture. The mixture is partially separated in between the reactors to remove only the products and hydrogen while permitting the unconverted oil and the slurry catalyst to continue on into the next sequential reactor. In the next reactor, a portion of the unconverted oil is converted to lower boiling point hydrocarbons, once again creating a mixture of unconverted oil, products, hydrogen and slurry catalyst. Further hydroprocessing may occur in additional reactors, fully converting the oil. The oil may alternately be partially converted, leaving a highly concentrated catalyst in unconverted oil which can be recycled directly to the first reactor. The slurry reactor system is, in this invention, preceded by an in-line pretreating step, such as hydrotreating or deasphalting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Darush Farshid, Bruce Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20080230440
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the upgrading of heavy petroleum oils of high viscosity and low API gravity that are typically not suitable for pipelining without the use of diluents. The method comprises introducing a particulate heat carrier into an up-flow reactor, introducing the feedstock at a location above the entry of the particulate heat carrier, allowing the heavy hydrocarbon feedstock to interact with the heat carrier for a short time, separating the vapors of the product stream from the particulate heat carrier and liquid and byproduct solid matter, collecting a gaseous and liquid product mixture comprising a mixture of a light fraction and a heavy fraction from the product stream, and using a vacuum tower to separate the light fraction as a substantially bottomless product and the heavy fraction from the product mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Graham, Barry Freel
  • Patent number: 7404890
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process and apparatus wherein the paraffin effluent from the Fischer-Tropsch process is separated into a heavy fraction with an initial boiling point of 120-200° C., said heavy fraction then optionally being hydrotreated then brought into contact with an amorphous hydroisomerization/hydrocracking catalyst that converts at least 80% by weight of the 370° C.+ products into products with a boiling point of less than 370° C. After distilling the hydrocracked fraction obtained to separate middle distillates, the residual heavy fraction is recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignees: Institut Francais du Petrole, Agip Petroli S.p.A., Eni S.p.A, Lini Technologie S.p.A.
    Inventors: Eric Benazzi, Christophe Gueret
  • Publication number: 20080156692
    Abstract: A method is described for co-processing of ethanol and hydrocarbons from petroleum refining, which are introduced separately in two reaction zones of a reactor of a fluidized catalytic cracking unit. The process combines conversion of ethanol into ethene and conversion of hydrocarbons into other lighter hydrocarbon fractions, to produce ethene in quantities of 15 to 90 wt % in the fuel gas fraction obtained during the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: PETROLEO BRASILEIRO S.A. - PETROBRAS
    Inventors: Andrea de Rezende PINHO, Julio Amilcar Ramos Cabral, Luiz Fernando Leite
  • Patent number: 7381230
    Abstract: The invention relates to reactor systems and processes for producing synthesis gas. In one embodiment, a reactor comprises a first reaction zone comprising a combustion catalyst, wherein the first reaction zone is operated at conditions sufficient to produce a combustion zone product comprising heat generated by the combustion of a fuel. The reactor further comprises a second reaction zone comprising a partial oxidation catalyst, wherein the second reaction zone is adapted to receive the combustion zone product and a reaction feed comprising a hydrocarbon gas. The second reaction zone is operated at conditions sufficient for partially oxidizing the hydrocarbon gas to a product stream comprising synthesis gas. The heat of combustion is transferred directly to the reaction feed by mixing it in a feed mix region located in the reactor between the first and second reaction zones, in such a manner that the reaction feed does not need preheating prior to entering the partial oxidation zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: C. Robert Rapier, James A. McMahon
  • Patent number: 7344632
    Abstract: A process for producing alkyl ethers, by etherification of tertiary C4-7 olefins with an alkanol, comprising carrying out the etherification in reactor train system primarily configured for dimerization of isoolefins. In the etherification, the ratio of alkanol-to-olefin is 0.5 to 2, calculated from the amount of tertiary C4-7 olefins of the fresh feedstock. The invention makes it possible to change the product of the process from dimer to ether and vice versa merely by adjusting specific flows within the process. The present kind of process is therefore readily adaptable to fluctuating market demands for various gasoline octane-boosters (isooctane or MTBE).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Neste Oil OYJ
    Inventors: Matti Koskinen, Petri Lindqvist, Harri Jarvelin
  • Patent number: 7318891
    Abstract: A process for producing pitch from pitch precursors, such as wood tar, coal tar or petroleum fractions is disclosed. Direct contact heat exchange of the pitch precursor with molten metal, preferably maintained as a metal continuous bath, heats the pitch precursor to a temperature sufficient to induce thermal polymerization reactions and produce a pitch product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: DTX Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Donald P. Malone
  • Patent number: 7318890
    Abstract: A process for fractionating crude pitch by direct contact heating with molten metal is disclosed. The crude pitch, which may contain water, contaminants and/or distillables is heated by direct contact heat exchange with molten metal, preferably maintained as a metal continuous bath, operating at a temperature of 100 to 600° C. The molten metal heating zone is maintained at a temperature and pressure sufficient to vaporize a desired amount of contaminants or volatile material from crude pitch to produce pitch product having a desired softening point. New pitch materials, having a softening point above those achievable by conventional techniques, are also produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: DTX Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Donald P. Malone
  • Patent number: 7318845
    Abstract: A distillate fuel steam reformer system in which a fuel feed stream is first separated into two process streams: an aliphatics-rich, sulfur-depleted gas stream, and an aromatics- and sulfur-rich liquid residue stream. The aliphatics-rich gas stream is desulfurized, mixed with steam, and converted in a reforming reactor to a hydrogen-rich product stream. The aromatics-rich residue stream is mixed with air and combusted to provide heat necessary for endothermic process operations. Reducing the amounts of sulfur and aromatic hydrocarbons directed to desulfurzation and reforming operations minimizes the size and weight of the overall apparatus. The process of the invention is well suited to the use of microchannel apparatuses for heat exchangers, reactors, and other system components, which may be assembled in slab configuration, further reducing system size and weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Applied Research Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Aly H. Shaaban, Timothy J. Campbell
  • Patent number: 7267758
    Abstract: For producing very high quality base stock and for simultaneously producing high quality middle distillates, successive hydroisomerisation and catalytic dewaxmg steps are employed wherein the hydroisomerisation is carried out in the presence of a catalyst containing at least one noble metal deposited on an amorphous acidic support, the dispersion of the metal being 20%-100%. The support is preferably an amorphous silica-alumina. Catalytic dewaxing is carried out in the presence of a catalyst containing at least one hydrodehydrogenating element (group VIII) and at least one molecular sieve selected from ZBM-30, EU-2 and EU-11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Eric Benazzi, Nathalie Marchal-George, Tivadar Cseri, Pierre Marion, Christophe Gueret
  • Patent number: 7261805
    Abstract: A process for upgrading a hydrocarbon feedstock containing waxy components and having an end boiling point exceeding 650° F., which includes contacting the feedstock at superatmospheric hydrogen partial pressure with an isomerization dewaxing catalyst that includes ZSM-48 and contacting the feedstock with a hydrocracking catalyst to produce an upgraded product with a reduced wax content. Each catalyst is present in an amount sufficient to reduce the cloud point and the pour point of the feedstock at a conversion of greater than about 10%, and an overall distillate yield of greater than about 10% results from the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Grove, Randall D. Partridge, Terry E. Helton, David A. Pappal, Philip J. Angevine, Dominick N. Mazzone
  • Patent number: 7250106
    Abstract: For the production of high quality base oils with production of high quality middle distillates, feedstocks are obtained from the distillation of crude or from units for transformation and refining of the latter, there are provided a converting pretreatment stage of the feedstock and a catalytic dewaxing stage. The converting pretreatment stage occurs in the presence of a catalyst containing at least one noble metal deposited on an acid substrate in particular silica-alumina, to effect hydrocracking and hydroisomerization reactions. The catalytic dewaxing occurs in the presence of a catalyst with a zeolite base that is preferably selected from zeolites of the TON-structural type (theta-1, ISI-1, ZSM-22, KZ-2, NU-10), and the zeolites ZSM-48, ZBM-30, EU-2, EU-11, ferrierite, EU-1 and EU-13, and the catalyst also contains at least one hydro-dehydrogenating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Eric Benazzi, Patrick Euzen
  • Patent number: 7238273
    Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a process for upgrading heavy oils using a slurry composition. The slurry composition is prepared by a series of steps, involving mixing a Group VIB metal oxide and aqueous ammonia to form an aqueous mixture, and sulfiding the mixture to form a slurry. The slurry is then promoted with a Group VIII metal. Subsequent steps involve mixing the slurry with a hydrocarbon oil and combining the resulting mixture with hydrogen gas and a second hydrocarbon oil having a lower viscosity than the first oil. An active catalyst composition is thereby formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc
    Inventors: Kaidong Chen, Pak C. Leung, Bruce E. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 7220349
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing middle distillates from an effluent produced by a Fischer-Tropsch unit, comprising optional fractionation to obtain at least one heavy fraction with an initial boiling point in the range 120-200° C., said heavy fraction or said effluent optionally being hydrotreated, then bringing it into contact with a first amorphous hydrocracking/hydroisomerization catalyst that contains at least one noble group VIII metal, the effluent obtained is distilled, then the residual fraction boiling above the middle distillates and/or a portion of the middle distillates is brought into contact with a second amorphous hydrocracking/hydroisomerization catalyst containing at least one noble group VIII metal. The invention also concerns a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignees: Institut Francais du Petrole, AGIP Petroli S.p.A., ENI S.p.A., EniTecnolgie SpA
    Inventors: Eric Benazzi, Christophe Gueret
  • Patent number: 7179365
    Abstract: The instant invention is an improved process for producing naphthenic base oils from low quality feedstocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Keith K. Aldous, Jacob B. Angelo, Christopher J. S. Kent, Geraldine P. Gatton
  • Patent number: 7173160
    Abstract: Hydroprocessing such as hydrocracking is advantageously employed in processes for the recovery and purification of higher diamondoids from petroleum feedstocks. Hydrocracking and other hydroprocesses degrade nondiamondoid contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Theo Maesen, Robert M. Carlson, Jeremy E. Dahl, Shenggao Liu, Hye Kyung C. Timken, Waqar R. Qureshi