Including Heat Exchanger For Reaction Chamber Or Reactants Located Therein Patents (Class 422/198)
  • Patent number: 8435453
    Abstract: A device for performing chemical and/or physical reactions between a solid material and a gas, especially for preheating, cooling and/or calcining fine-grained materials has at least three stages arranged one above the other, each stage comprising the following components: a. a gas-solids suspension duct for conducting a gas-solids suspension, b. means for separating the delivered solid material from the delivered gas, c. a solids duct for discharging the separated solid material, d. and a gas duct for discharging the separated gas, the gas duct of one stage merging into the gas-solids suspension duct of the next-higher stage and the solids duct of one stage joining the gas-solids suspension duct of the next lower stage. In addition, the junction of the solids duct and the gas-solids suspension duct of the third or a higher stage is provided below the highest point of the gas-solids suspension duct arranged two stages lower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Polysius AG
    Inventors: Verena Georg, Detlev Kupper, Andreas Hoppe, Heinz-Werner Thiemeyer, Daniel Klegraf, Thomas Deck, Stefanie Richter, Luis Lagar Garcia
  • Publication number: 20130108940
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator and a fuel cell system including a fuel cell battery and the hydrogen generator. The hydrogen generator includes a cartridge, a housing with a cavity to removably contain the cartridge, and an initiation system. The cartridge includes a casing; a plurality of pellets including a hydrogen containing material; a plurality of solid heat transfer members in contact with but not penetrating the casing; a hydrogen outlet in the casing; and a hydrogen flow path from each pellet to the hydrogen outlet. A plurality of heating elements is disposed inside the housing. When the cartridge is in the cavity, each heating element is disposed so heat can be conducted from the heating element and through the casing and corresponding heat transfer member to initiate the release of hydrogen gas. The initiation system can selectively heat one or more pellets to release hydrogen gas as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: EVEREADY BATTERY COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: EVEREADY BATTERY COMPANY, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130101492
    Abstract: Systems and methods for heating a non-combustion chemical reactor with thermal energy from a geothermal heat source are described. A working fluid is directed from the geothermal heat source to the chemical reactor to transfer heat. The working fluid can be circulated in a closed system so that it does not contact material at the geothermal heat source, or in an open system that allows the working fluid to intermix with material at the geothermal heat source. When intermixing with material at the geothermal heat source, the working fluid can transport donor substances at the geothermal heat source to the chemical reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Patent number: 8420032
    Abstract: Reactors and methods for solar thermochemical reactions are disclosed. Embodiments of reactors include at least two distinct reactor chambers between which there is at least a pressure differential. In embodiments, reactive particles are exchanged between chambers during a reaction cycle to thermally reduce the particles at first conditions and oxidize the particles at second conditions to produce chemical work from heat. In embodiments, chambers of a reactor are coupled to a heat exchanger to pre-heat the reactive particles prior to direct exposure to thermal energy with heat transferred from reduced reactive particles as the particles are oppositely conveyed between the thermal reduction chamber and the fuel production chamber. In an embodiment, particle conveyance is in part provided by an elevator which may further function as a heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventor: Ivan Ermanoski
  • Patent number: 8420023
    Abstract: A vessel packed with a microfibrous media made of micron-sized highly conductive fibers, which are able (and may be used) to immobilize various reactive materials including catalysts, sorbents, electrocatalysts, and other chemically reactive solids. The vessel enables fine temperature control and a uniform temperature profile for a range of highly endothermic or exothermic chemical reactions, sorptions, separation processes, mixing operations, and heat transfer applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignees: Auburn University, Intramicron, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Tatarchuk, Hongyun Yang, Ranjeeth Kalluri, Donald Cahela
  • Patent number: 8420031
    Abstract: A system includes a radiant syngas cooler (RSC). The RSC includes cooling tubing configured to transmit a fluid. The RSC is configured to have a heat transfer area such that the RSC generates a pressure and a temperature of the fluid exiting the RSC to a level allowing for superheating of the fluid to between approximately 750° Fahrenheit and approximately 850° Fahrenheit. Additionally, the heat transfer area is determined based on an amount of heat to be transferred to the fluid as the fluid passes through a heat exchanger in a first path external to the RSC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Pradeep Stanley Thacker
  • Publication number: 20130089490
    Abstract: Method for producing nano- to micro-scale particles of a material by homogeneous thermal decomposition or reduction of a reactant gas (12) containing the material, whereby the method comprises the steps of supplying the reactant gas (12) to a reaction chamber (16) of a reactor via at least one inlet, and a) heating the reactant gas (12) to a temperature sufficient for thermal decomposition or reduction of the reactant gas (12) to take place inside the reaction chamber (16), or b) confining a temperature dependent reaction or reaction sequence involving a plurality of reactants inside the reaction chamber (16). The method comprises the step of supplying a primary gas (22) through a porous membrane (20) constituting at least part of at least one wall of the reaction chamber (16) to provide a protective inert gas boundary to minimize or prevent the deposition of the material on the porous membrane (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: Wener FILTVEDT, Arve Holt
  • Patent number: 8414840
    Abstract: Isothermal vertical reactor (1) for a chemical reaction, comprising a shell (2) with internal gas-permeable walls (16, 18) defining an inlet distribution chamber (17) and a product collecting chamber (19), an open-top catalytic bed between said gas-permeable walls, and a tube heat exchanger (5) embedded in said catalytic bed, the tube heat exchanger (5) comprising a bundle of U-tubes, where an inlet (14) is disposed to direct a fresh charge in an upper chamber (21) over the catalytic bed and the U-shaped top portion of the tube bundle; a portion (F1) of the fresh charge passes through the catalytic bed with a mixed axial-transversal flow, and another portion (F2) of the fresh charge enters the inlet gas-distribution chamber (17) and passes through the catalytic bed with a substantially transversal flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Methanol Casale SA
    Inventors: Ermanno Filippi, Enrico Rizzi, Mirco Tarozzo
  • Publication number: 20130084235
    Abstract: A new carbon nanotube device is provided. The carbon nanotube device has first carbon nanotubes and second carbon nanotubes that are different from each other in property. The carbon nanotube device includes: an object having a first carbon nanotube forming surface and a second carbon nanotube forming surface; first carbon nanotubes formed on the first carbon nanotube forming surface; and second carbon nanotubes formed on the second carbon nanotube forming surface, the second carbon nanotubes being different from the first carbon nanotubes in property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yosuke Koike
  • Publication number: 20130082409
    Abstract: A reaction vessel for conducting low temperature reactions is disclosed, the reaction vessel comprising: a circulation chamber with an entry port for the supply of a cooling medium at a temperature below ambient to said circulation chamber and an exhaust port; and a reaction chamber and a centrifugal fan arranged concentrically-inside the circulation chamber so that gas in said circulation chamber is forced radially outwards by the operation of said fan, wherein the movement of the gas past the reaction chamber maintains the temperature of reactants inside the reaction chamber at a temperature below ambient. A chiller for providing a gas supply at a temperature below ambient is also disclosed which may be used with the above reaction vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: Duncan Guthrie
  • Patent number: 8409513
    Abstract: There is described an apparatus, a tubular laminar flow, plug flow reactor, for making silylamines and particularly trisilylamine (TSA) in high yields from ammonia gas and a monohalosilane gas. The apparatus can be a tubular flow reactor comprising a first portion of the reactor defining a gas entry zone, a second portion of the reactor defining a reaction zone and a third portion of the reactor defining a separation zone, the reaction zone providing a reactant contacting region. Trisilylamine can be recovered in the separation zone in a cold trap collection vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Voltaix, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20130079216
    Abstract: A metal catalyst is formed by vaporizing a quantity of metal and a quantity of carrier forming a vapor cloud. The vapor cloud is quenched forming precipitate nanoparticles comprising a portion of metal and a portion of carrier. The nanoparticles are impregnated onto supports. The supports are able to be used in existing heterogeneous catalysis systems. A system for forming metal catalysts comprises means for vaporizing a quantity of metals and a quantity of carrier, quenching the resulting vapor cloud and forming precipitate nanoparticles comprising a portion of metals and a portion of carrier. The system further comprises means for impregnating supports with the nanoparticles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: SDCmaterials, Inc.
    Inventor: SDCmaterials, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8404199
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to Vanadium Boride nanoparticle synthesis. In some examples, a method is described that includes fluorine based Vanadium Boride nanoparticle synthesis. In some examples, the method includes providing Vanadium Boride battery waste products, treating the battery waste products to treat precursors for fluorination, heating the precursors for fluorination to form VF3 and BH3 and heating the VF3 and BH3 to form VB2 nanorods in a liquid mixture, wherein the method is performed at less than approximately 700° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Ezekiel Kruglick
  • Patent number: 8404188
    Abstract: Plate heat exchange unit (12) for isothermal or pseudo-isothermal chemical reactors, for the heat exchange between a fluid circulating inside the plates and an outer flow of reactant gases, wherein the walls (14, 15), of the plates (13) have notches (14s, 15s) surrounded by suitable joining lines (105), obtaining openings (104) passing through the plates (13) themselves, the plates resulting substantially permeable in the transversal direction to the reactant gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Methanol Casale S.A.
    Inventors: Agostino Barbieri, Nicola Sorlini
  • Publication number: 20130071292
    Abstract: A molten metal reactor for converting a carbon material and steam into a gas comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide is disclosed. The reactor includes an interior crucible having a portion contained within an exterior crucible. The interior crucible includes an inlet and an outlet; the outlet leads to the exterior crucible and may comprise a diffuser. The exterior crucible may contain a molten alkaline metal compound. Contained between the exterior crucible and the interior crucible is at least one baffle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLC
    Inventor: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLC
  • Patent number: 8398730
    Abstract: A method of producing substitute natural gas (SNG) includes providing a gasification reactor having a cavity defined at least partially by a first wall. The reactor also includes a first passage defined at least partially by at least a portion of the first wall and a second wall, wherein the first passage is in heat transfer communication with the first wall. The reactor further includes a second passage defined at least partially by at least a portion of the second wall and a third wall. The method also includes coupling the cavity in flow communication with the first and second passages. The method further includes producing a first synthetic gas (syngas) stream within the cavity. The method also includes channeling at least a portion of the first syngas stream to the first and second passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paul Steven Wallace, Arnaldo Frydman
  • Patent number: 8398846
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for thermally cracking a hydrocarbon feed in an installation comprising a radiant section and a convection section, wherein a hydrocarbon feed stock is fed to a feed preheater present in the convection section, the heat pick-up of the feed preheater is controlled by regulating the heat exchange capacity of an economiser, said economiser being located in the convection section between the feed preheater and the radiant section, and wherein the feed heated in the preheater is thereafter cracked in the radiant section. The invention further relates to an installation for the cracking of a hydrocarbon feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Technip France
    Inventors: Jacobus Arie Schilleman Overwater, Johannes Pieter Van Der Eijk
  • Patent number: 8398929
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a device and method used to produce a tubular structure made of a refractory metal compound. In particular, the disclosure provides a device and method used to produce a tubular structure made of a refractory metal compound by reacting a green tubular structure made of a refractory metal with at least one reactive gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Nitride Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20130064750
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing chemical nanostructures having multiple elements, such as boron and nitride, e.g. boron nitride nanotubes, are disclosed. The method comprises creating a plasma jet, or plume, such as by an arc discharge. The plasma plume is elongated and has a temperature gradient along its length. It extends along its length into a port connector area having ports for introduction of feed materials. The feed materials include the multiple elements, which are introduced separately as fluids or powders at multiple ports along the length of the plasma plume, said ports entering the plasma plume at different temperatures. The method further comprises modifying a temperature at a distal portion of or immediately downstream of said plasma plume; and collecting said chemical nanostructures after said modifying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventor: Alexander K. Zettl
  • Patent number: 8394154
    Abstract: A process for preparation of synthesis gas and/or hydrogen by counter-currently providing an oxidation reactant stream through an oxidation chamber and a reforming reactant stream through a steam reforming chamber is described. Also provided is a reactor for conducting the reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Lixin You, Curtis Krause, Kevin Nguyen, Amanda Vincent
  • Publication number: 20130056676
    Abstract: A polarity swing-assisted regeneration (PSAR) process is disclosed for improving the efficiency of releasing gases chemically bound to switchable ionic liquids. Regeneration of the SWIL involves addition of a quantity of non-polar organic compound as an anti-solvent to destabilize the SWIL, which aids in release of the chemically bound gas. The PSAR decreases gas loading of a SWIL at a given temperature and increases the rate of gas release compared to heating in the absence of anti-solvent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: David J. Heldebrant, Ward E. Tegrotenhuis, Charles J. Freeman, Michael L. Elliott, Phillip K. Koech, Paul H. Humble, Feng Zheng, Jian Zhang
  • Patent number: 8388901
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for heating and sensing the temperature of a chemical reaction chamber without direct physical contact between a heating device and the reaction chamber, or between a temperature sensor and the reaction chamber. A plurality of chemical reaction chambers can simultaneously or sequentially be heated independently and monitored separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: John S. Shigeura, Janice G. Shigeura
  • Patent number: 8383054
    Abstract: Integrated Combustion Reactors (ICRs) and methods of making ICRs are described in which combustion chambers (or channels) are in direct thermal contact to reaction chambers for an endothermic reaction. Particular reactor designs are also described. Processes of conducting reactions in integrated combustion reactors are described and results presented. Some of these processes are characterized by unexpected and superior results, and/or results that can not be achieved with any prior art devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Gary Roberts, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Paul W. Neagle, Dongming Qiu, Matthew B. Schmidt, Steven T. Perry, David J. Hesse, Robert J. Luzenski, G. Bradley Chadwell, Ying Peng, James A. Mathias, Nathan P. Gano, Richard Q. Long, Wm. Allen Rogers, Ravi Arora, Wayne W. Simmons, Barry L. Yang, David J. Kuhlmann, Yong Wang, Thomas D. Yuschak, Thomas Forte, John Arthur Monahan, Robert Jetter
  • Patent number: 8383049
    Abstract: Multiple catalytic processing stations couple with a system which produces volatile gas streams from biomass decomposition at discrete increasing temperatures. These catalytic processing stations can be programmed to maximize conversion of biomass to useful renewable fuel components based on input feedstock and desired outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Cool Planet Biofuels, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Cheiky, Rajashekharam Malyala
  • Publication number: 20130045143
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to systems and methods for heating a slurry to increase a solids concentration of the slurry while maintaining the viscosity of the slurry below a threshold viscosity. For example, in one embodiment, a system includes a fuel slurry preparation system having a slurry tank configured to hold a fuel slurry, the fuel slurry having a solid fuel and a liquid. The fuel slurry preparation system also includes a heat source and a controller configured to control the heat source to heat the fuel slurry to decrease a viscosity of the slurry below a threshold viscosity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Raymond Douglas Steele, Sivaguru Kanniappan, Raul Eduardo Ayala, Zhaohui Yang, Dejia Wang, Yan Zhou, Karunagaran Sivagurunathan, Murugaraja Sengottaiyan
  • Patent number: 8377156
    Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to a method for operating a fuel reformer. The method may generally include directing a fluid stream around a reactor assembly of the fuel reformer to cool the reactor assembly, and mixing a heated reformate stream produced by the reactor assembly with the fluid stream to cool the heated reformate stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Dwight Berry, Hasan Karim, Abdul Rafey Khan
  • Patent number: 8376034
    Abstract: A method of assembling a radiant cooler includes providing a vessel shell that defines a gas flow passage therein that extends generally axially through the vessel shell, forming a tube cage from coupling a plurality of cooling tubes together to form a tube cage defined by a plurality of chevron-shaped projections that extend circumferentially about a center axis of the tube cage, each chevron-shaped projection includes a first side and a second side coupled together a tip, circumferentially-adjacent pairs of projections coupled together such that a valley is defined between each pair of circumferentially-spaced projections, each of the projection tips is positioned radially outward from each of the valleys, and orienting the tube cage within the vessel shell such that the tube cage is in flow communication with the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Michael Storey, Aaron John Avagliano, Ashley Nicole Gerbode, John Battaglioli
  • Publication number: 20130036713
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of an ester in a reactor, wherein at least a portion of the process components is led in a delivery stream outside the reactor over a heat transfer surface as a film, the ratio of the delivery stream to the heat transfer surface being in a range of from 0.25 to 3 m/h, a device, a process for the preparation of a thermoplastic composition comprising the ester prepared according to the invention, a process for the production of a shaped article comprising the ester according to the invention or the thermoplastic composition according to the invention, a process for the production of a packed product, a process for the production of an at least partly coated object, and uses of the esters according to the invention as an additive in various compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Peter Daute, Wilhelm Reiners, Martin Schäfer, Udo Frerichs, Hinrich Hildebrandt, Joern Ellerbrake
  • Patent number: 8372346
    Abstract: In an apparatus for producing trichlorosilane, an internal space of a reaction chamber is partitioned in a radial direction by first walls running along a circumferential direction, and is partitioned into multiple spaces by second walls which extend in a direction crossing the circumferential direction. Upper portions or lower portions of the first walls and the second walls are formed with a communicating portion which circulates a raw material gas to be introduced, toward a central portion of a reaction chamber while the raw material gas goes through the small spaces sequentially and is turned up and down, heaters are installed in the small spaces, one of small spaces on both sides of the second walls is used as a small space for a upward flow passage, and the other is used as a small space for a downward flow passage, and the small spaces communicate with each other via the communication portion of the second walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuki Mizushima, Wataru Saiki, Naoya Murakami, Masami Miyake
  • Patent number: 8372347
    Abstract: Improvements in the selective extraction of relatively low molecular weight oils from coal, coal liquids, oil shales, shale oils, oil sands, heavy and semi-heavy oils, bitumens, and the like are provided by a continuous process involving contacting the material to be treated with supercritical water in a continuous operation at pressures of from 500 psi to 3000 psi, temperatures of 250° C. to 450° C., and in-reactor dwell times generally in excess of 25 seconds and up to 10 minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Yeda Research and Development Co. Ltd
    Inventors: Brian Berkowitz, Stephen R. Dunn, Ishai Dror
  • Publication number: 20130032762
    Abstract: There is herein described a process and apparatus for hydrocarbon conversion. More particularly, there is described a process and apparatus for adiabatic methane conversion into synthetic gas (i.e. syngas).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Ruben Dario Rodriguez Quintero, Ernesto Manuel Santana Diaz, James Andrew Banister
  • Patent number: 8365688
    Abstract: A method and reactor suitable for reformation of fuels at low temperatures is disclosed. The method includes introducing an oxidized porous metal felts with a catalyst powder in a reaction chamber having a heat exchange relationship with a heat-providing chamber, vaporizing a liquid mixture of alcohol and water using an Inconel tubing, and introducing the vaporized liquid into the reaction chamber for producing a methane gas. The fuel reforming reactor includes a heat-providing chamber in a heat exchange relationship with at least one reaction chamber. Each reaction chamber having an aluminum shim lining on at least one interior surface. Each reaction chamber accommodating a catalyst powder and an oxidized porous metal felt. The catalyst powder loaded onto the oxidized porous metal felt to facilitate production of methane gas from alcohol for use with the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventors: Anand S. Chellappa, Donovan A. Pena, John K. Hughes, Duraiswamy Kandaswamy
  • Publication number: 20130030234
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method to synthesize hydrocarbons directly from water and atmospheric air in the presence of small amount of hydrocarbons. A module apparatus for gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons production and a technological process of hydrocarbons synthesis is provided. The peculiarity of the developed technological process is that atmospheric air and water are consumed in the process of synthesis, while a hydrocarbon matrix is maintained unconsumed. The apparatus consists of a hydrocarbon synthesis chamber, a sump tank to collect hydro carbonic condensation derived in the process of synthesis, and a bubbling chamber. All of the chambers as well as sump tank are interconnected by means of pipes. The synthesis chamber is equipped with devices to supply water. Furthermore, the bumbling chamber is equipped with device to supply atmospheric air inside the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Viktor V. Astafiev, Sergii G. Iakovliev, Alexander Kozlov, Sergii A. Lytvynenko
  • Publication number: 20130030228
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatuses for producing an aromatic hydrocarbon-containing effluent are provided herein. The method comprises the step of rapidly heating a biomass-based feedstock to a first predetermined temperature of from about 300 to about 650° C. in the presence of a catalyst, hydrogen, and an organic solvent within a time period of about 20 minutes or less to form the aromatic hydrocarbon-containing effluent. The biomass-based feedstock comprises lignocellulosic material, lignin, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventor: John Qianjun Chen
  • Publication number: 20130025192
    Abstract: A solar thermochemical processing system is disclosed. The system includes a first unit operation for receiving concentrated solar energy. Heat from the solar energy is used to drive the first unit operation. The first unit operation also receives a first set of reactants and produces a first set of products. A second unit operation receives the first set of products from the first unit operation and produces a second set of products. A third unit operation receives heat from the second unit operation to produce a portion of the first set of reactants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Robert S. Wegeng, Paul H. Humble, Shankar Krishnan, Steven D. Leith, Daniel R. Palo
  • Publication number: 20130028815
    Abstract: An apparatus, containing: (I) an inlet section into which a liquid and optionally a gaseous reagent stream is fed, the inlet section containing a device, which nebulizes and/or vaporizes the liquid stream, the device optionally utilizing vapor and/or a gaseous hydrocarbon stream as propellant; (II) a mixing section containing a chamber having a cylindrical or truncated-conical geometry, which mixes the reagent stream exiting the inlet section (I), to form a reaction mixture; (III) a reaction section including i) a first structured catalytic bed a ii) a structured catalytic bed heating device, in which the reaction mixture exiting the mixing section (II) flows through each layer of the first structured catalytic bed with a contact time varying from 0.01 to 10 ms, to produce a mixture of reaction products; and IV) a cooling section of the mixture of reaction products leaving the reaction section (III).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: ENI S.p.A
    Inventors: Luca BASINI, Alessandra Guarinoni, Andrea Lainati
  • Patent number: 8361422
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for heating a solid or liquid reducing material such as an urea-containing material for NOx selective catalytic reduction (‘SCR’) using a heat stored in a thermal energy storage material, such as a phase change material. The stored heat may be heat from an exhaust waste, such as from an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. The reducing material may be a solid reducing material. Other reducing materials include aqueous solutions such as an aqueous solution containing, consisting essentially of, or consisting of urea and water. In one aspect, the process may include a step of evaporating an aqueous solution of urea for immediate urea hydrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Andrey Soukhojak, David H. Bank
  • Patent number: 8361407
    Abstract: Overhung axial compressor, chemical reactor and method for compressing a fluid. The overhung axial compressor includes a casing configured to be vertically split along a vertical axis for access to an inside of the casing and a removable cartridge. The removable cartridge is configured to fit inside the casing and to be detachably attached to the casing. The removable cartridge includes a shaft disposed along a horizontal axis, the shaft being configured to rotate about the horizontal axis, a bearing system attached to the removable cartridge and configured to rotationally support a first end of the shaft, and plural blades disposed toward a second end of the shaft such that the second end is overhung inside the casing. The compressor also includes a guide vane mechanism configured to connect to the removable cartridge, the guide vane mechanism being configured to adjust a flow of a fluid to the plural blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.
    Inventors: Joseph Cruickshank, Massimo Camatti, Ronald John DeGroot
  • Patent number: 8361405
    Abstract: A reactor vessel for subjecting a first gas and a second gas to a chemical reaction to produce a third gas is provided. The reactor vessel includes a catalyst bed, an inlet for receiving the first gas and the second gas, and a first outlet for discharging the third gas. The first outlet includes a selective microporous conduit to separate the third gas from products of incomplete reaction or unreacted first gas and unreacted second gas. A second outlet for discharging one or more of the following: unseparated third gas is also included in this invention. The products of incomplete reaction, unreacted first gas, or unreacted second gas are removed from the system. At least one helical tube is disposed within the reactor vessel and in direct contact with the catalyst bed. The helical tube has an inlet end communicating with a hot gas source, and an outlet end exhausting cooled gas. Indirect heat exchange between the helical tube and the first and second gas, promoted by the catalyst, generates the third gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Air Liquide Process & Construction, Inc.
    Inventor: Albertus J. Ekelmans
  • Patent number: 8357334
    Abstract: Subject of the invention is a method for the production of a cyanopyridine, comprising the steps of (a) providing a column comprising an absorber section and a stripping section, the absorber section being positioned above the stripping section, such that liquid which passed the absorber section enters the stripping section, (b) feeding a gaseous phase comprising the cyanopyridine into the column, (c) contacting the gaseous phase with an aqueous solution in the absorber section, such that at least a portion of the cyanopyridine is dissolved in the aqueous solution, (d) stripping the aqueous solution obtained from the absorber section in step (c) with a stripping gas in the stripping section, and (e) eluting an aqueous solution comprising the cyanopyridine from the bottom of the column. Another subject of the invention is a device for carrying out the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Lonza Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel Pianzola, Anton Zenklusen
  • Publication number: 20130015405
    Abstract: There is herein described a process and apparatus for partial oxidation of hydrocarbons. More particularly, there is described a process and an isothermal reactor apparatus for the partial oxidation of methane which comprises a heat transfer surface, a porous catalytic membrane and wherein heat is disipated and/or removed through the heat transfer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: GAS2 LIMITED
    Inventors: Ruben Dario Rodriguez Quintero, Ernesto Manuel Santana Diaz, James Andrew Banister
  • Patent number: 8354081
    Abstract: A portable fuel processing apparatus and enclosure including an enclosure having an outer wall that defines an interior space and provides a gas impermeable barrier. Attached to the enclosure is porting means for use in moving the enclosure from one location to another. A fuel reformer capable of providing sufficient hydrogen-rich reformate to a fuel cell stack for use in generating at least about 1 kW per hour is disposed within the enclosure. An optional gas detection system includes a sensor disposed within the enclosure to monitor the interior of the enclosure for presence of combustible gases. The portable apparatus can have a number of connectors for connecting the enclosure and the fuel processing systems to a source of a reformer fuel and water as well as a domestic drain. Preferred sources of fuel and water are common utility lines available in buildings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Texaco, Inc.
    Inventors: William Spencer Wheat, James F. Stevens, Curtis L. Krause, Jeffrey A. Hedges, Eric G. Pow
  • Patent number: 8354068
    Abstract: A method of driving a heating unit for a fuel cell reformer, a reformer applied with the method for driving the heating unit, and/or a fuel cell system including the reformer. The method includes: supplying an oxidant to the heating unit and absorbing the oxidant by a fuel oxidizing catalyst of the heating unit; supplying a fuel at an excessive amount to the heating unit and absorbing the fuel by the fuel oxidizing catalyst of the heating unit; and supplying the fuel and the oxidant to the heating unit at a stoichiometric ratio of the fuel to the oxidant ranging from 1:1 to 2:1, wherein the heating unit generates heat through an oxidizing catalyst reaction between the fuel and the oxidant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Leonid Gorobinskiy, Ju-Yong Kim, Jin-Goo Ahn, Sung-Chul Lee, Yong-Kul Lee, Chan-Ho Lee, Man-Seok Han, Kie Hyun Nam
  • Patent number: 8354090
    Abstract: Disclosed is a technique of producing that a technique of producing quantum dots that are nano-size semiconducting crystals. An apparatus of producing quantum dots includes a mixer to mix different kinds of precursor solutions uniformly in a channel by diverging each precursor solution into a plurality of micro streams and joining the diverging micro streams individually with different kinds of micro streams, and a heating furnace to pass the precursor mixture solution discharged from the mixer therethrough to create and grow quantum dot nucleuses, thus producing quantum dots. The mixer may further include a heating unit allowing temperature adjustment. In addition, a buffer which is maintained at a relatively low-temperature is provided between the mixer and the heating furnace in order to prevent additional nucleation. Accordingly, quantum dots may be produced even at a high flow rate, which leads to mass-production of quantum dots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials
    Inventors: Chang-soo Han, Sohee Jeong, Won-sik Seo
  • Patent number: 8354070
    Abstract: A moving disk type tube reactor for continuously pyrolyzing waste tire chips and preventing accumulation of remainders produced by pyrolysis, includes: a heating tube having at the ends thereof inflow and outflow ports for allowing high-temperature gas to flow; a first transfer tube penetrating the heating tube and having an input port for inputting the chips at one end thereof; a second transfer tube disposed parallel to the first transfer tube; a driving part disposed at the other end of the first and second transfer tubes, having a driving sprocket driven by a driving motor, and having a discharge port discharging oil vapor; a driven part disposed at one end of the transfer tubes, having a driven sprocket and a discharge port discharging pyrolyzed carbon black to the outside; a chain penetrating the transfer tubes and wound on the sprockets to circulate; and a plurality of disks along the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Dongsung Ecore Co. Ltd
    Inventors: Choong Yeul Park, Hyun Joo Park
  • Patent number: 8354084
    Abstract: Piping for use as a pyrolysis tube in a cracking furnace, wherein the tube is formed such that it has at least one section whose centerline curves in three dimensions, to induce swirl flow in the tube. The tube can be formed as a helix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Technip France S.A.S.
    Inventor: William Tallis
  • Publication number: 20130012551
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing microparticles or nanoparticles of water-soluble and water-insoluble substances by controlled precipitation, co-precipitation and self-organization processes in microjet reactors, a solvent, which contains at least one target molecule, and a nonsolvent being mixed as jets that collide with each other in a microjet reactor at defined pressures and flow rates and thereby effect very rapid precipitation, co-precipitation or a chemical reaction, during the course of which microparticles or nanoparticles are formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: MJR PHARMJET GMBH
    Inventors: Bernd Baumstuemmler, Bernd Penth, Felix Penth, Akif Emre Tuereli
  • Publication number: 20130008081
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for making a liquid fuel from a compound having carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen, such cellulosic biomass, which includes cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose, and combinations thereof. The compound is combined with water to produce a wet form of the compound, which is transferred into a reaction processing chamber. The wet form of the compound is heated within the reaction chamber such that elements of the wet form of the compound dissociate and react. One reaction product is the liquid fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Proton Power, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel C. Weaver
  • Publication number: 20130008828
    Abstract: A reactor is provided for the preparation of modified bitumen, which reactor comprises a horizontal housing comprising a cylindrical wall and two side walls, wherein a bitumen inlet has been provided at or near one of the side walls of the housing and a bitumen product outlet has been provided at or near the opposite side wall of the housing, wherein a plurality of inlets for the provision of oxygen-containing gas has been provided in the cylindrical wall of the housing between the bitumen inlet and the bitumen product outlet, which multi-purpose reactor is further provided with a mixer arranged inside the housing comprising at least one rotor rotating within at least one stator having a plurality of openings. Also there is provided a process for the preparation of modified bitumen, which comprises contacting bitumen at elevated temperature and pressure with a modifier in a reactor as herein described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Roberto Bran, Cheluva Kumar, Sachin Raj, Daryl Scott
  • Publication number: 20130011318
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing metal oxide nanofibers includes a jetting unit, a mixing unit, a heating unit, and a cooling unit. The jetting unit jets particles made of a metal. The mixing unit prepares a mixture by mixing the metal particles and a gas containing an oxidizing component that includes oxygen in molecules of the component. The heating unit heats the mixture to raise the temperature of the mixture up to a temperature at which the metal evaporates. The cooling unit cools the product thus-produced in the heating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaya Nakatani, Makoto Takahashi