And Means Providing Flow Of Particulate Matter Into Or Out Of Reaction Chamber Patents (Class 422/145)
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Publication number: 20120251433Abstract: An industrial process and an apparatus for fabricating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is provided, comprising synthesis of the carbon nanotubes by decomposing a carbon source brought into contact, in a fluidized-bed reactor, whereby the carbon nanotubes synthesized in the reactor and fixed onto the grains of catalytic substrate in the form of an entangled three-dimensional network, forming agglomerates constituting the CNT powder, are recovered sequentially by discharging them while hot, that is to say at the reaction temperature for synthesizing the CNTs, at the foot of the reactor, the sequence in which the discharges are carried out corresponding to the frequency of filling of the reactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: Arkema FranceInventors: Patrice Gaillard, Serge Bordere
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Patent number: 8268254Abstract: The gas-phase fluorination of plastic articles is effected in a reaction chamber 1 into which the plastic articles to be fluorinated are introduced. The gas-phase fluorination is effected at normal or atmospheric ambient pressure of about 1 kPa in the reaction chamber. The gas-phase fluorination can be carried out statically or dynamically. The flushing carried out before the gas-phase fluorination for complete or partial removal of atmospheric oxygen from the reaction chamber 1 can also be effected at atmospheric pressure in the reaction chamber. The reaction chamber 1 is equipped with a cover 2 and metering valves V0, V1, V2 for air, inert gas and gas mixture comprising fluorine and one or more inert gases are present on the entrance side of the reaction chamber, which is not vacuum-tight and hence also cannot be evacuated. The metering valves are connected to the reaction chamber 1 via a flow meter 4.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2007Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Rolf Van Bonn, Joachim Barbe
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Patent number: 8263007Abstract: The present invention relates to a slurry bed loop reactor comprising a riser and at least one downcomer (3), wherein two ends of the riser are connected to two ends of the downcomer (3) via lines (16) and (7), respectively. The riser comprises a reaction section (1) and a settling section (2) with an increased tube diameter disposed on the reaction section (1). A gas outlet (13) exists at the top of the settling section (2). Each of the downcomers (3) is divided into a filtrate section (5) and a slurry section (6) by filter medium (4), wherein the filtrate section (5) is connected to a liquid outlet (10); two ends of the slurry section (6) are respectively connected to two ends of the riser, and the filtrate region (5) may further be connected to a back purging system.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2011Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignees: China Petroleum Chemical Corporation, Research Institute of Petroleum Processing, SinopecInventors: Zhanzhu Zhang, Lifeng Hu, Xiaojin Tang, Shaobing Wang, Shuandi Hou, Junyi Mao, Hongliang Qu
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Patent number: 8257657Abstract: A device for discharging, through a central rotating chimney, fluids from a fluidized bed driven in a rotational movement in the same direction by the rotation of the outer circular wall of a reaction chamber and/or by injection of part of these fluids along the circular wall of a fixed or rotating chamber, and methods for catalytic polymerization, drying, or other treatments of solid particles in suspension in a rotating fluidized bed or for cracking or other catalytic conversions of fluids using this device.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2007Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Total Petrochemicals Research FeluyInventors: Axel de Broqueville, Juray De Wilde
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Patent number: 8241584Abstract: A decomposition apparatus and a decomposition system for high-efficiency decomposition of waste plastic and organic matter, in particular medical waste formed of varieties of plastic, are provided by introduction of a catalyst circulating means using a rotary wheel and/or introduction of a mixing vessel.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Kusatsu Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuo Kitamura, Yoshihide Kitamura, Itsushi Kashimoto
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Patent number: 8236247Abstract: Material withdrawal apparatus, methods, and systems of regulating material inventory in one or more units are provided. A material withdrawal apparatus includes a heat exchanger and transport medium junction configured to provide transport medium to transport the withdrawn material from the unit to the heat exchanger. Another material withdrawal apparatus includes a heat exchanger and shock coolant junction configured to provide shock coolant to the material withdrawn from the unit. Another material withdrawal apparatus includes a heat exchanger, shock coolant junction, and transport medium junction. Another embodiment of a material withdrawal apparatus includes a vessel and shock coolant junction. Another material withdrawal apparatus includes a vessel and transport medium junction. The vessel includes a wall, liner with heat insulating refractory material, fill port, and a discharge port.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Intercat Equipment, Inc.Inventors: Martin Evans, Ronald Butterfield
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Patent number: 8235577Abstract: Methods and apparatus for coating particulate material are provided. The apparatus includes a vessel having a top and a bottom, a vertically extending conduit having an inlet in the vessel and an outlet outside of the vessel, a first fluid inlet in the bottom of the vessel for introducing a transfer fluid, a second fluid inlet in the bottom of the vessel for introducing a coating fluid, and a fluid outlet from the vessel. The method includes steps of agitating a material, contacting the material with a coating material, and drying the coating material to produce a coated material. The invention may be adapted to coat aerogel beads, among other materials. A coated aerogel bead and an aerogel-based insulation material are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2007Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteInventors: Howard Littman, Joel L. Plawsky, John D. Paccione
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Publication number: 20120183686Abstract: Embodiments of a method for reducing or mitigating metal contamination of polycrystalline silicon are disclosed. In particular the disclosure relates to a method of mitigating metal contamination of granulate polycrystalline silicon, during its manufacture in a fluidized bed reactor unit, resulting from contact with a metal surface of components of the supporting transportation and auxiliary infrastructure by use of a protective coating comprising silicon or a silicon-containing material.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Inventor: Daniel Ohs
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Patent number: 8216513Abstract: A method and apparatus for microfluidic processing by programmably manipulating a packet. A material is introduced onto a reaction surface and compartmentalized to form a packet. A position of the packet is sensed with a position sensor. A programmable manipulation force is applied to the packet at the position. The programmable manipulation force is adjustable according to packet position by a controller. The packet is programmably moved according to the programmable manipulation force along arbitrarily chosen paths.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Frederick F Becker, Peter Gascoyne, Xiaobo Wang, Jody Vykoukal, Giovanni De Gasperis
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Publication number: 20120171102Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the production of high purity silicon including a fluidized bed reactor with one or more protective layers deposited on an inside surface of the fluidized bed reactor. The protective layer may be resistant to corrosion by fluidizing gases and silicon-bearing gases.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2012Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: Siliken Chemicals, S.L.Inventors: Javier San Segundo Sanchez, Jose Luis Montesinos Barona, Evaristo Ayuso Conejero, Manuel Vicente Vales Canle, Xavier Benavides Rel, Pedro-Tomas Lujan Garcia, Maria Tomas Martinez
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Patent number: 8192614Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for separating and stripping suspensions comprising catalyst particles transported in vapors from the fluid catalytic cracking riser/reactor. Particles are disentrained from vapor in a vortex zone 112 of the primary cyclonic separator 100. The disentrained particles enter a stripping zone 126, wherein the particles are contacted with a stripping gas 136 to recover vapors entrained and adsorbed onto the catalyst. The stripping gas 136 enters stripping zone 126 via perforations in the wall of the cyclone 100. The stripping gas 136 limits the residual catalytic conversion of hydrocarbon vapors and formation of delta-coke on the catalyst. Stripped catalyst is delivered from the cyclone stripping zone 126 via a dipleg 130 connected to a bottom of the cyclone 100, and enters an FCC stripping vessel. Solids-lean stripping gas and vapors from the catalyst particles are blended with the carrier fluid and discharged from the cyclone.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2004Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLCInventors: Phillip Kent Niccum, Iwan Hirsan Chan, Richard Brian Miller, Steven Arthur Tragesser
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Patent number: 8192691Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can include an apparatus for transferring catalyst from a regeneration zone to a reaction zone in a hydrocarbon conversion unit. The hydrocarbon conversion unit can include a transfer vessel, and first, second, and third lines. The transfer vessel can transfer regenerated catalyst from the regeneration zone at a first pressure to the reaction zone at a second pressure where the second pressure is greater than the first pressure. Generally, the first line communicates the catalyst to the transfer vessel and is coupled to a first valve to allow catalyst into the transfer vessel and the second line communicates the catalyst from the transfer vessel and is coupled to a second valve to allow catalyst out of the transfer vessel. The third line for allowing the passage of gas therethrough may be at a pressure higher than the first pressure having a first portion communicating with the transfer vessel and having a second portion coupled to third and fourth valves.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2010Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: David J. Fecteau, Paul A. Sechrist, Christopher Naunheimer
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Patent number: 8182567Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the coarse separation of solid particles from solid-laden gases. The invention further relates to a method for treating particulate feed materials by means of treatment gases in a reactor, particularly in a fluidization zone at an increased temperature. Due to a blind hole-like line extension, it is possible to separate solid particles from a solid-laden gas.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Siemens Vai Metals Technologies GmbHInventors: Georg Aichinger, Harald Bauernfeind, Johann Wurm
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Patent number: 8178051Abstract: A reactor for hydrogenation of a silicon tetrahalide and metallurgical grade silicon to trihalosilane includes a bed of metallurgical silicon particles, one or more gas entry ports, one or more solids entry ports, one or more solids drains and one or more ports for removing the trihalosilane from the reactor. Fresh surfaces are generated on the bed particles by internal grinding and abrasion as a result of entraining feed silicon particles in a silicon tetrahalide/hydrogen feed stream entering the reactor and impinging that stream on the bed of silicon particles. This has the advantages of higher yield of the trihalosilane, higher burnup rate of the MGS, removal of spent MGS as a fine dust carryover in the trihalosilane effluent leaving the reactor and longer times between shutdowns for bed removal.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2008Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Inventor: Stephen Michael Lord
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Patent number: 8173567Abstract: Disclosed is a catalyst distributor and process for spreading catalyst over a regenerator vessel. Nozzles disposed angular to a header of the distributor spread catalyst throughout a full cross section of the catalyst bed.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Paolo Palmas, Lawrence A. Lacijan, Sujay R. Krishnamurthy, Mohammad-Reza Mostofi-Ashtiani, Paul S. Nishimura, Lisa M. Wolschlag
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Patent number: 8168123Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the production of high purity silicon including a fluidized bed reactor with one or more protective layers deposited on an inside surface of the fluidized bed reactor. The protective layer may be resistant to corrosion by fluidizing gases and silicon-bearing gases.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Siliken Chemicals, S.L.Inventors: Javier San Segundo Sanchez, Jose Luis Montesinos Barona, Evaristo Ayuso Conejero, Manuel Vicente Vales Canle, Xavier Benavides Rel, Pedro-Tomas Lujan Garcia, Maria Tomas Martinez
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Publication number: 20120100042Abstract: Production of polycrystalline silicon in a substantially closed-loop process is disclosed. The processes generally include decomposition of trichlorosilane produced from metallurgical grade silicon.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.Inventors: Satish Bhusarapu, Yue Huang, Puneet Gupta
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Patent number: 8163247Abstract: A process is disclosed for contacting feed with mixed catalyst in a secondary reactor that is incorporated into an FCC reactor. The mixed catalyst used in the secondary reactor is regenerated catalyst from a regenerator that regenerates spent catalyst from an FCC reactor that is mixed with spent catalyst from either the FCC reactor or the secondary reactor. The mixing of spent and regenerated catalyst reduces the catalyst temperature and tempers catalyst activity to inhibit both thermal and catalytic cracking reactions.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2011Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: David A. Lomas, Rusty M. Pittman
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Patent number: 8137631Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a fluid catalytic cracking unit. The fluid catalytic cracking unit can include a first riser, a second riser, and a disengagement zone. The first riser can be adapted to receive a first feed terminating at a first reaction vessel having a first volume. The second riser may be adapted to receive a second feed terminating at a second reaction vessel having a second volume. Generally, the first volume is greater than the second volume. What is more, the disengagement zone can be for receiving a first mixture including at least one catalyst and one or more products from the first reaction vessel, and a second mixture including at least one catalyst and one or more products from the second reaction vessel. Typically, the first mixture is isolated from the second mixture.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Paolo Palmas, Robert L. Mehlberg
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Patent number: 8137632Abstract: A process is described including: contacting solid biomass with a first catalyst stream in a first reaction zone operated at a temperature T1 (from about 250 to about 400° C.), for conversion of a portion of the solid biomass and forming a first gaseous product stream; downwardly passing unconverted biomass to a second reaction zone for contact with a second catalyst stream charged to the second reaction zone operated at a temperature T2, for conversion to form a second gaseous product stream and a spent catalyst; burning coke off the spent catalyst in a regenerator to form a regenerated catalyst; charging a portion of the regenerated catalyst to each of the first and second reaction zones, as the first and second catalyst streams, respectively; upwardly passing the second gaseous product stream to the first reaction zone; and removing both first and second gaseous product streams from the first reaction zone.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2009Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: KiOR, Inc.Inventors: Robert Bartek, Steve Yanik, Paul O'Connor
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Patent number: 8129486Abstract: A discharge system for removing a solid/gas mixture from a fluidized bed pressure vessel is provided. The discharge system includes a fluidized bed pressure vessel, a settling vessel, a transfer vessel, discharge line, primary discharge valve, and primary exit valve. Also in included is a method to operate the discharge system. The method includes transferring a solid/gas mixture from a fluidized bed pressure vessel to a settling vessel, transferring the solids to a transfer vessel, and then emptying the transfer vessel.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLCInventors: Randall L. Force, Robert G. Aronson, Mark W. Blood, Gerardo Corona, Dung P. Le, W. Scott Hamilton, Thomas A. Maliszewski, William K. Lutz
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Patent number: 8128895Abstract: Processing schemes and arrangements are provided for obtaining propylene and propane via the catalytic cracking of a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock and converting the propylene into cumene without separating the propane from the propane/propylene feed stream. The disclosed processing schemes and arrangements advantageously eliminate any separation of propylene from propane produced by a FCC process prior to using the combined propane/propane stream as a feed for a cumene alkylation process. A bottoms stream from the cumene column of the cumene alkylation process can be used and an absorption solvent in the FCC process thereby eliminating the need for a transalkylation reactor and a DIPB/TIPB column.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: UOP LLCInventor: Michael A. Schultz
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Patent number: 8124041Abstract: A process for producing silicon comprises the steps of a reduction step [1] of depositing silicon by reacting chlorosilanes and hydrogen in a reactor under heat and discharging an exhaust gas that contains hydrogen, oligomers of silanes, and a silicon powder; a carring step [2] of carrying the exhaust gas that has been exhausted in the step [1] while keeping a temperature of the exhaust gas at not less than 105° C.; a removal step [3] of supplying the exhaust gas that has been carried in the step [2] to a filter at a temperature of not less than 105° C. and discharging the exhaust gas from the filter at a temperature of not less than 105° C. to remove the silicon powder from the exhaust gas and give a mixed gas that contains the hydrogen and the oligomers of silanes; and a separation step [4] of cooling the mixed gas that has been obtained in the step [3] to separate the hydrogen as a gas phase from the mixed gas.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2009Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Tokuyama CorporationInventors: Manabu Sakida, Satoru Wakamatsu
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Patent number: 8114352Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-pressure fluidized bed reactor for preparing granular polycrystalline silicon, comprising (a) a reactor tube, (b) a reactor shell encompassing the reactor tube, (c) an inner zone formed within the reactor tube, where a silicon particle bed is formed and silicon deposition occurs, and an outer zone formed in between the reactor shell and the reactor tube, which is maintained under the inert gas atmosphere, and (d) a controlling means to keep the difference between pressures in the inner zone and the outer zone being maintained within the range of 0 to 1 bar, thereby enabling to maintain physical stability of the reactor tube and efficiently prepare granular polycrystalline silicon even at relatively high reaction pressure.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Chemical TechnologyInventors: Hee Young Kim, Kyung Koo Yoon, Yong Ki Park, Won Choon Choi
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Patent number: 8097213Abstract: Material delivery systems, methods of delivering material and methods of calibrating such systems and methods are disclosed. The material delivery system includes a delivery vessel, a load cell, and automated weight calibration device. The delivery vessel has at least an outlet adapted for coupling to an unit. The load cell is configured to provide a metric indicative of an amount of material in the delivery vessel. The automated weight calibration device is configured to impart a known force onto the at least one load cell. A method includes delivering material to a unit and determining how much material is delivered by a change in weight of a delivery vessel, wherein the delivery vessel comprises a load cell; applying a known calibration force to the load cell; and comparing a metric from the load cell of the known calibration with an expected metric.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Intercat Equipment, Inc.Inventors: Al Vierheilig, Brian Dorcheus
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Publication number: 20120006723Abstract: This invention relates to a process and system for cracking hydrocarbon feedstock containing vacuum resid comprising: (a) subjecting a vacuum resid to a first thermal conversion in a thermal conversion reactor (such as delayed coker, fluid coker, Flexicoker™, visbreaker and catalytic hydrovisbreaker) where at least 30 wt % of the vacuum resid is converted to material boiling below 1050° F. (566° C.); (b) introducing said thermally converted resid to a vapor/liquid separator, said separator being integrated into a steam cracking furnace, to form a vapor phase and liquid phase; (c) passing said vapor phase to the radiant furnace in said steam cracking furnace; and (d) recovering at least 30 wt % olefins from the material exiting the radiant furnace (based upon the weight of the total hydrocarbon material exiting the radiant furnace).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2010Publication date: January 12, 2012Inventors: S. Mark Davis, Richard C. Stell, Jiunn-Shyan Liou, Stephen H. Brown, Paul F. Keusenkothen, Arthur R. Dinicolantonio, John J. Waldrop
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Patent number: 8088335Abstract: A conversion apparatus for catalytic cracking a hydrocarbon feed to light hydrocarbon comprises at least one riser reactor, a dense bed reactor, a disengager, and a stripper. A dense bed reactor which is separated from disengage, is employed to enforce further cracking hydrocarbon to light olefins, with low methane yield. Moreover, the spent catalysts discharged from the outlet of the dense bed reactor can be introduced into the stripper via a specific catalyst transporting channel, to maintain catalyst concentration in the dense bed reactor that can be advantageous to deeper cracking of the intermediate products to produce more light olefins, particularly propylene.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignees: China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation, Research Institute of Petroleum Processing, SinopecInventors: Jun Long, Kejia Xu, Shuandi Hou, Zhijian Da, Chaogang Xie, Jiushun Zhang, Zhanzhu Zhang
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Patent number: 8084656Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the process of gasification and the production of synthesis gas. More particularly, the various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the process of biomass gasification and the reduction or elimination of tars from the hydrocarbon-rich product gas derived from biomass gasification. The present invention comprises systems and methods for the reduction of tar from a synthesis gas derived from biomass gasification.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2008Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Rentech, Inc.Inventor: Herman Feldmann
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Patent number: 8083838Abstract: Systems and methods for the separation of a particulate-fluid suspension are provided. An apparatus for the separation of a particulate-fluid suspension can include an enclosed vessel having two or more sections disposed coaxially along a common longitudinal centerline, wherein a first section has a first cross sectional area, and a second section has a second cross sectional area. A plurality of apertures can be disposed about the second section. The apparatus can have a cylindrical surface, parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the apparatus, disposed within the first section. A fluid distribution channel having a plurality of apertures can be disposed either about an exterior surface or an interior of the apparatus. A plurality of fluid conduits can provide fluid communication between the fluid distribution channel and the plurality of apertures distributed about the second section.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2008Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLCInventors: Yong-Lin Yang, Eusebius Gbordzoe
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Patent number: 8083900Abstract: A process and system for separating water from bio-oil by using a partial condenser. The process comprises partially condensing vapor conversion products from a biomass conversion reaction to produce a water-rich overhead stream and a water-depleted stream comprising condensed bio-oil. The partial condenser removes a substantial portion of the water from the bio-oil, while providing an effective and flexible process for producing bio-oil.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2010Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Kior Inc.Inventor: Ronny W. Lin
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Publication number: 20110300027Abstract: A product gas is generated from carbonaceous raw materials by allothermic gasification in a reactor. The reactor includes a pressure-charged reformer reactor for gasification of the carbonaceous raw materials, a feed line for feeding carbonaceous raw materials and ancillary materials for gasification into the reformer reactor, a combustion chamber thermally coupled to the reformer reactor for generating the heat required for the allothermic gasification, and a pneumatic conveyor device for removing particulate gasification residue and raw gas from the reformer reactor and for feeding the particulate gasification residue into the combustion chamber. A gas filter separates out the particulate gasification residue from the raw gas. The gas filter has a discharge line for product gas and discharge line for solid particles. A pressure lock has a high-pressure side and a low-pressure side. The gas filter and the pressure lock are separate components.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventors: Michael Hofmeister, Stefan Aniol, Georg Gallmetzer
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Patent number: 8071034Abstract: The present invention relates to a device with a rotating fluidized bed in one or a succession of cylindrical chambers, in which injectors (12), distributed around the fixed circular wall (2) of said cylindrical chamber(s), inject along this wall, in successive layers, one or more fluids (13), which entrain the solid particles (17), passing through this/these chamber(s), in a movement of rapid rotation whereof the centrifugal force concentrates these particles along this wall, thereby forming a fluidized bed rotating around a central duct or a plurality of central ducts (3), through which the fluids are removed. The present invention further relates to a method of catalytic polymerization, drying or other treatments of solid particles in suspension in a rotating fluidized bed or of catalytic conversion of fluids passing through said rotating fluidized bed using a device according to the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2005Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Inventor: Axel de Broqueville
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Patent number: 8062609Abstract: A flow cytometer is provided which includes an interrogation flow cell and a plurality of assay fluidic lines extending into the interrogation flow cell. A method of operating such a flow cytometer includes priming the interrogation flow cell with a sheath fluid and injecting different assay fluids into a flow of the sheath fluid through the plurality of fluidic lines. A fluidic line assembly is provided which includes a plurality of capillary tubes coupled to a base section configured for coupling to an interrogation flow cell assembly of a flow cytometer. The capillary tubes are dimensionally configured such that when the fluidic line assembly is arranged within the flow cytometer and fluid is dispensed from one or more of the capillary tubes at a given pressure differential with respect to an encompassing sheath fluid within the interrogation flow cell the fluid is substantially centrally aligned within the interrogation flow cell.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2007Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Luminex CorporationInventors: Jarden E. Krager, William R. Deicher, Adam Richard Schilffarth, Paul Pempsell, Wayne D. Roth
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Patent number: 8062507Abstract: A process for stripping gases from catalyst material in which catalyst travels down baffles at a first acute angle and then at a second acute angle on the same baffle. Traveling down the baffle at the second angle assures the catalyst will cross a downcomer channel and land on an adjacent baffle.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Jason P. Lambin, Keith A. Couch, Paolo Palmas, Giovanni Spinelli
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Publication number: 20110280769Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a system for loading catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit includes a bin for storing at least one of the catalyst and/or additives, and a loading unit in fluid communication with the storage bin and the fluidized catalytic cracking unit on a selective basis. The loading unit is capable of being evacuated so that a resulting vacuum within the loading unit draws the catalyst and/or additive from the bin. The loading unit is also capable of being pressurized so that the catalyst and/or additive is transferred from the loading unit to the fluidized catalytic cracking unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: W.R. Grace & Co. -Conn.Inventors: George Yaluris, Lenny Lee Albin, Alfred Ferdinand Jordan
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Patent number: 8057750Abstract: A process of producing magnetite with a high purity of greater than 90% magnetite, more typically greater than 98% magnetite, by reducing powdered hematite into magnetite under maximum temperatures of about 700 to 1300° C. against a counter-current of or concurrent with methane or natural gas in a heating device. The amount of methane used to reduce the hematite may be about 0.18 and 1.8 standard cubic feet of methane per pound of hematite. A product of high purity methane produced from the process is also provided, where the magnetite is below 1 ?M in diameter and has a magnetic saturation greater than 90.0 emu/g. Corresponding apparatus using an improved feeder system for powdered hematite is provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2010Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Pittsburgh Iron Oxide, LLCInventors: Dale L. Nickels, Thomas E. Weyand, Michael E. Sawayda
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Patent number: 8057744Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, a bubble column-type slurry bed Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction process can be provided, in which synthesis gas supplied continuously from the bottom of a reactor contacts suspended catalyst particles to form liquid hydrocarbons, gaseous hydrocarbons and water. Additionally, a slurry of suspended liquid products and catalyst particles can move from the reactor to the lower portion of a separation vessel to separate the catalyst particles and gaseous products. Further, a process can be provided in which the liquid products formed are sent to the separation vessel a process in which liquid products can be derived. Additionally, a process can be provided in which a slurry in which catalyst particles are concentrated is derived from the bottom of the separation vessel and circulated to the bottom of the reactor, are driven by the driving force of synthesis gas without using an external drive power source.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2005Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignees: Nippon Steel Engineering Co., Ltd., Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Sekiyushigen Kaihatsu Kabushiki Kaisha, Cosmo Oil Co., Ltd., Inpex CorporationInventors: Yasuhiro Onishi, Kenichiro Fujimoto, Masaru Ihara, Yoshifumi Suehiro, Yasumasa Morita, Kiyoshi Inaba, Toshio Shimizu, Osamu Iwamoto
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Patent number: 8052935Abstract: A system for removing sulfur from a gaseous stream includes (a) a reaction bed for receiving the gaseous stream and for reacting sulfur dioxide and at least some of the hydrogen sulfide of the gaseous stream into elemental sulfur to provide an elemental sulfur stream and a first product stream; and (b) a circulating fluidized bed comprising (i) a first region for receiving the first product stream and using a sulfur adsorption material to adsorb and remove any remaining hydrogen sulfide from the first product stream to generate saturated sulfur adsorption material and a second product stream substantially free of sulfur; and (ii) a second region for receiving a regeneration stream and for using the regeneration stream to regenerate the saturated sulfur adsorption material and to generate the sulfur dioxide.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2009Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas Frederick Leininger, Ke Liu, Wei Wei, Rizeq George Rizeq
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Patent number: 8048380Abstract: A plant for producing metal oxide from metal compounds includes a fluidized-bed reactor in which the metal compounds are heated by a combustion of a fuel to produce metal oxide. The fluidized-bed-reactor reactor includes at least one gas supply tube at least partly surrounded by an annular chamber in which a stationary annular fluidized bed is disposed, and a mixing chamber disposed above an orifice region of the gas supply tube. A gas flowing through the gas supply tube entrains solids from the stationary annular fluidized bed when passing through the orifice region.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2009Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Outotec OyjInventors: Martin Hirsch, Werner Stockhausen, Michael Stroeder
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Patent number: 8043578Abstract: A flexible pressure containment coverplate has been invented for radial flow reactors. The coverplate is for a fixed bed reactor wherein the reactor undergoes significant thermal cycles. The coverplate provides flexibility for axial and radial thermal growth, while providing a sealing capability to prevent leakage of the fluid. The coverplate has a half toroidal structure, with a semi-circular cross-section.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: UOP LLCInventor: Michael J. Vetter
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Patent number: 8034884Abstract: Gas-phase fluidized-bed reactor for polymerizing ethylenically unsaturated monomers, comprising a reactor chamber (1) in the form of a vertical tube, if desired a calming zone (2) following the upper section of the reactor chamber, a circulation gas line (3), a circulation gas compressor (4) and a cooling device (5), where, in the region of transition of the reaction gas from the circulation gas line into the reactor chamber and in the lower section of the reactor chamber itself, there is either no gas distributor plate at all or only a gas distributor plate the total surface area of whose gas orifices is more than 20% of the total surface area of said gas distributor plate.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2009Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Inventors: Rainer Karer, Kaspar Evertz, Wolfgang Micklitz, Hans-Jacob Feindt, Philipp Rosendorfer, Peter Kölle
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Patent number: 8034896Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for degassing polymer powder comprising flushing the polymer powder in a first chamber with a first flow of flushing gas, transferring the polymer powder into a second chamber and flushing the polymer powder with a second flow of flushing gas in said second chamber. The present invention also relates to a system suitable for carrying out this method.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2007Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Total Petrochemicals Research FeluyInventors: Eric Damme, Marc Moers, Lieven Van Looveren
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Patent number: 8034298Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention a fluid bed reactor is provided, comprising: a housing, at least one tray disposed within the housing, at least one motor operatively connected to the at least one tray, wherein the motor rotates the at least one tray; and at least one wiper associated with at the at least one tray which directs product on a top surface of a respective tray down through at least one radial slot in each respective tray as each respective tray is rotated by the motor. At least one of the trays is at least partially perforated material which a gas to flow up out of the top surface of the tray, at least partially fluidizing product on the top surface of the tray.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2009Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Brunob II B.V.Inventor: David Fame
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Patent number: 8030420Abstract: An olefin polymerization reaction unit includes a multistage gas phase polymerization reactor which is divided into two or more polymerization stages, in which polyolefin particles move from an initial stage to a final stage, and in which an olefin monomer-containing gas is fed from the final stage toward the initial stage. The reaction unit also includes first circulating means for feeding to the final stage a gas that is discharged from the initial stage and then cooled with a first heat exchanger, and second circulating means for feeding to one of the polymerization stages a condensate formed by condensing, with a second heat exchanger different from the first heat exchanger, a gas removed from one of the polymerization stages.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2008Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, LimitedInventors: Hiroyuki Ogawa, Hideki Sato
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Patent number: 8017083Abstract: A system of converting oxygenate-containing feedstock to light olefins comprises charging a reactor with catalyst, feeding the feedstock into the reactor, contacting the feedstock with the catalyst and converting the feedstock to olefins while depositing byproducts on catalyst resulting in spent catalyst, regenerating the spent catalyst by combustion gases, and stripping the regenerated catalyst of gases entrained in the regenerating step. The stripping step is accomplished using nitrogen gas to strip the entrained gases from the regenerate catalyst. In one embodiment, regenerated catalyst is passed through a regenerated catalyst stripper before it is returned to the reactor.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: John J. Senetar, Richard A. Johnson, II
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Patent number: 8012422Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a system for loading catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit includes a bin for storing at least one of the catalyst and/or additives, and a loading unit in fluid communication with the storage bin and the fluidized catalytic cracking unit on a selective basis. The loading unit is capable of being evacuated so that a resulting vacuum within the loading unit draws the catalyst and/or additive from the bin. The loading unit is also capable of being pressurized so that the catalyst and/or additive is transferred from the loading unit to the fluidized catalytic cracking unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2005Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.Inventors: George Yaluris, Lenny Lee Albin, Alfred Ferdinand Jordan
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Patent number: 8007728Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a fluid catalytic cracking system. The fluid catalytic cracking system can include a reaction zone including a riser having a top and a bottom adapted to receive spent catalyst at a first elevation and regenerated catalyst at a second elevation. Typically, the first elevation is lower than the second elevation. Additionally, the fluid catalytic cracking system can include a gas distributor contained near the bottom of the riser in communication with a hydrocarbon feed.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Paolo Palmas, Robert Mehlberg, Keith Allen Couch, Paul Nishimura
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Patent number: 8007729Abstract: Hydrocarbon feed to a catalytic reactor can be heat exchanged with flue gas from a catalyst regenerator. This innovation enables recovery of more energy from flue gas thus resulting in a lower flue gas discharge temperature. As a result, other hot hydrocarbon streams conventionally used to preheat hydrocarbon feed can now be used to generate more high pressure steam.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2009Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Yunbo Liu, Xin X. Zhu, Daniel N. Myers, Patrick D. Walker
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Publication number: 20110206563Abstract: A circulating fluid bed reactor such as that used in fluid coking processes has a circular dense bed reaction section above the reactor base where the fluidizing gas is injected and a plurality of frusto-conical baffles in the dense bed reaction section, each of which depends downwardly and radially inwards from the reactor wall to a lower, inner edge defining a central aperture. The baffles are preferably provided with downcomers which permit downward flow of solids and upward flow of gas through the baffles.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANYInventors: John T. WYATT, JR., E. Nicholas JONES, Alvin U. CHEN, Clay R. SUTTON, Timothy M. HEALY, Ronald SURYO, Len LAMPERT, Jonathan MILLER
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Publication number: 20110203970Abstract: Systems for loading catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit are disclosed. Methods of making and using the systems are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn.Inventor: Lenny Lee Albin