Including Solid, Extended Surface, Fluid Contact Reaction Means; E.g., Inert Raschig Rings, Particulate Absorbent, Particulate Or Monolithic Catalyst, Etc. Patents (Class 422/211)
  • Publication number: 20100288975
    Abstract: Reactor systems are provided for the catalytic conversion of liquid feedstocks to synthesis gases and other noncondensable gaseous products. The reactor systems include a heat exchange reactor configured to allow the liquid feedstock and gas product to flow concurrently in a downflow direction. The reactor systems are particularly useful for producing hydrogen and light hydrocarbons from biomass-derived oxygenated hydrocarbons using aqueous phase reforming. The generated gases may find used as a fuel source for energy generation via PEM fuel cells, solid-oxide fuel cells, internal combustion engines, or gas turbine gensets, or used in other chemical processes to produce additional products. The gaseous products may also be collected for later use or distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Randy D. Cortright, Robert T. Rozmiarek, Charles C. Hornemann
  • Patent number: 7833509
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and to an apparatus for preparing hydrogen sulfide H2S by converting a reactant mixture which comprises gaseous sulfur and hydrogen over a solid catalyst. The reactant mixture is converted at a pressure of from 0.5 to 10 bar absolute, a temperature of from 300 to 450° C. and a sulfur excess in a reactor (1). The sulfur excess corresponds to a ratio of excess sulfur to H2S prepared of from 0.2 to 3 kg of sulfur per kg of H2S prepared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Andreas Wölfert, Herald Jachow, Heinz Drieβ
  • Patent number: 7833496
    Abstract: The present invention provides a plate-shaped preferential oxidation (PROX) reactor. The plate-shaped PROX reactor of the present invention includes a plate-shaped chamber having an inlet to supply gas and an outlet to discharge fluid, a distributor for distributing gas supplied into the inlet, a main reactor having a catalyst for converting carbon monoxide contained in the gas into another material, and a radiator disposed on an outer surface of the chamber to dissipate heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: In-hyuk Son
  • Publication number: 20100284870
    Abstract: A fluid treatment system having bulk beds. The fluid to be treated essentially streams from the bottom up through a bulk bed, while the bulk material migrates through the bulk beds in countercurrent to the fluid essentially from the top down. This is accomplished by removing partial quantities of bulk material at the lower end of the bulk bed, and delivering partial quantities of the bulk material to the bulk bed at the top. At least one charging wagon provided with optionally sealable bulk material outlets is able to traverse a charging channel between a charging position and several partial bulk bed release positions above the bulk beds. Provided below the bulk material outlets and the bulk material valve of the charging wagon are bulk material through pipes, the bulk material outlet mouths of which end on bulk material cones of an underlying bulk bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Horst Grochowski
  • Publication number: 20100281759
    Abstract: A modular biomass treatment unit includes a first module having a pretreater and a first frame for transportation to and operation at a site adjacent to a solid biomass growth source. The pretreater is operable to process solid biomass to produce a plurality of solid biomass particles for conversion into a fuel or specialty chemical. The first frame supports the pretreater during transportation to and operation at the site adjacent to the solid biomass growth source. The modular biomass treatment unit can also include additional modules each comprising a reactor, a separator, and a frame for transportation to and operation at a site such as the site adjacent to the solid biomass growth source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: KiOR INC.
    Inventors: Steve Yanik, Paul O'Connor, Robert Bartek
  • Patent number: 7829038
    Abstract: A radial flow reactor design is presented. The reactor has individual and interchangeable screens that are arrayed circumferentially around the inside of the reactor. The reactor includes a plurality of screens held out from the reactor wall to form a circumferential screen, with channels defined between the reactor wall and the circumferential screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Vetter, Jeffrey E. Burgard
  • Patent number: 7828864
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing hydrogen gas with a fuel processing system that includes a hydrogen-producing region that produces hydrogen gas from a feed stream and a heating assembly that consumes a fuel stream to produce a heated exhaust stream for heating the hydrogen-producing region. In some embodiments, the heating assembly heats the hydrogen-producing region to at least a minimum hydrogen-producing temperature. In some embodiments, the feed stream and the fuel stream both contain a carbon-containing feedstock and at least 25 wt % water. In some embodiments, at least one of the feed and fuel streams contain at least one additional component. In some embodiments, the feed and fuel streams have the same composition. In some embodiments, the feed and fuel streams are drawn or obtained from a common source or supply, and in some embodiments as a liquid stream that is selectively apportioned to form the feed and fuel streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Idatech, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Edlund, Darrell J. Elliott, Alan E. Hayes, William A. Pledger, Curtiss Renn, Redwood Stephens, R. Todd Studebaker
  • Publication number: 20100280285
    Abstract: A process for the removal of by-products from a phenolic mixture, which process may include the following steps: subjecting a phenolic mixture to extractive distillation to produce an initial phenolic mixture, contacting the initial phenolic mixture containing phenol and one or more by products with a catalyst to produce a first purified phenol product mixture, and distilling the first purified phenol product mixture to produce a second purified phenol product mixture; wherein the extractive distillation is carried out in two columns, a higher pressure column and a lower pressure column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: BOREALIS TECHNOLOGY OY
    Inventor: Veli-Matti Purola
  • Publication number: 20100278701
    Abstract: A system (8; 9; 50) is described of walls for catalytic beds of synthesis reactors (1), in which there is a wall (14) in direct contact with a catalytic bed (7) for containing it, said wall (14) having a plurality of portions (17) permeable to the gases and a plurality of portions (19; 54; 55) impermeable to the gases, said portions (17) permeable to the gases being equipped with slits (18; 52, 53; 60; 70) of a size such as to allow the free passage of the synthesis gases through them but not the passage of the catalyst, in which the slits are obtained with milling, water cutting or electro-erosion processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Mirco Tarozzo, Ermanno Filippi, Enrico Rizzi
  • Publication number: 20100280266
    Abstract: The invention includes a fixed-bed catalyst complex that includes (i) a metal carbene catalyst, wherein the metal is platinum, and (ii) a catalyst support that includes one or more of silica, alumina and/or glass. The invention provides a fixed-bed catalyst complex that includes a catalyst complex including a carbene chosen from those represented by at least one of Formulae (I), (II), (III), and (IV): Where the vales of X and R1 to R7 are specifically defined. The complex also includes a catalyst support that comprises silica, related reaction products, and related reaction systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Gelest Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald L. Larson, Barry C. Arkles, Rudolph A. Cameron
  • Publication number: 20100280136
    Abstract: A process for carrying out at least two unit operations in series, the process comprising the step of: (a) directing a feed stream into an integrated assembly which comprises a first microchannel unit operation upon at least one chemical of the feed stream to generate a distributed output stream that exits the first microchannel unit operation in a first set of discrete microchannels isolating flow through the discrete microchannels; and (b) directing the distributed output stream of the first microchannel unit operation into a second microchannel unit operation as a distributed input stream, to continue isolating flow between the first set of discrete microchannels, and conducting at least one operation upon at least one chemical of the input stream to generate a product stream that exits the second microchannel unit operation, where the first microchannel unit operation and the second unit operation share a housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Robert D. Litt, Timothy M. Werner, Bin Yang
  • Patent number: 7819955
    Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, and fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices. In some embodiments, the fuel processing systems and the hydrogen purification membranes include a metal membrane, which is at least substantially comprised of palladium or a palladium alloy. In some embodiments, the membrane contains trace amounts of carbon, silicon, and/or oxygen. In some embodiments, the membranes form part of a hydrogen purification device that includes an enclosure containing a separation assembly, which is adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. In some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processor, and in some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processing or fuel cell system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Idatech, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Edlund, William A. Pledger, R. Todd Studebaker
  • Publication number: 20100266844
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a product having a sub-micron primary particle such as metal oxide, metal oxidhydroxide or metal hydroxide product, said method comprising the steps of: introducing a solid reactor filling material in a reactor, introducing a metal-containing precursor in said reactor, introducing a co-solvent into the said reactor, introducing a supercritical solvent in the said reactor. By these steps a contact between the metal-containing precursor and the co-solvent is established, thus resulting in the formation of said product in the proximity of the said solid reactor filling material. The present invention offers the astonishing possibility of producing anatase phase of TiO2 at temperatures as low as between 50° C. and 100° C. and at concurrent pressures of 100-200 bar. The invention also relates to a product such as anatase TiO2 produced by the method and also relates to an apparatus utilising the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: AALBORG UNIVERSITET
    Inventors: Henrik Jensen, Erik Gydesen SØGAARD
  • Patent number: 7815872
    Abstract: A reactor for generating moisture, with which hydrogen and oxygen fed into the reactor contact with a platinum coating catalyst layer to activate reactivity so that hydrogen and oxygen react under conditions of non-combustion, wherein the reactor includes a cooler comprising a heat dissipation body substrate in which a heater insertion hole is made in the center to fix to the outer surface of the reactor structural component on the outlet side and a cooler on the outlet side made up of a plural number of heat dissipation bodies installed vertically in parallel on the part excluding the area where the afore-mentioned heater insertion hole of the heat dissipation body substrate exists, and a part of the heater to heat the reactor is inserted in the heater insertion hole so as to fix to the outer surface of the reactor structural component on the outlet side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Toshirou Nariai, Kouji Kawada, Keiji Hirao, Yukio Minami, Akihiro Morimoto, Nobukazu Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7815873
    Abstract: The overall efficiency of a regenerative bed reverse flow reactor system is increased where the location of the exothermic reaction used for regeneration is suitably controlled. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the combustion to improve the thermal efficiency of bed regeneration in a cyclic reaction/regeneration processes. The process for thermal regeneration of a regenerative reactor bed entails (a) supplying the first reactant through a first channel means in a first regenerative bed and supplying at least a second reactant through a second channel means in the first regenerative bed, (b) combining said first and second reactants by a gas mixing means situated at an exit of the first regenerative bed and reacting the combined gas to produce a heated reaction product, (c) passing the heated reaction product through a second regenerative bed thereby transferring heat from the reaction product to the second regenerative bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Krishnan Sankaranarayanan, Frank Hershkowitz, Jeffrey W. Frederick, Rajeev Agnihotri
  • Patent number: 7815700
    Abstract: A device, system and method of mixing two fluids are described herein. A gaseous first fluid is distributed through a distribution zone to a mixing zone by a bundle of pipes parallel to an axis inside which the first fluid is uniformly distributed. A second fluid is uniformly distributed outside the pipes in the distribution zone. The mixing zone is separated from the distribution zone by a pipe-plate supporting the pipes. The pipe-plate has slits or openings to uniformly discharge the second fluid in an axial flow direction into the mixing zone. The pipes extend beyond the pipe-plate into the mixing zone to partialize an outlet flow of the first fluid. In one aspect, the pipes have different lengths to partialize the outlet flow. In another aspect, a terminal portion of the pipes partializes the outlet flow axially, radially, transversally or a combination thereof in the mixing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: ENI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Bartolini, Luca Basini, Alessandra Guarinoni, Antonio Bennardo, Nicola Onorati
  • Patent number: 7815875
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the reactive conversion of gaseous streams at high temperatures in excess of 1000° C. Said device comprises a reaction chamber (8) with an inlet opening for the gaseous streams to be converted, in particular a burner head (2) and an outlet opening for the converted gaseous streams. In order to guarantee the highest possible conversion performance, the reaction chamber (8) has a narrow construction, extending longitudinally from the inlet opening to the outlet opening to form a controlled gaseous flow, thus preventing a circulatory flow in the reaction chamber (8). To achieve reaction conditions that are as adiabatic as possible, the reaction chamber (8) is thermally insulated with a layer (7) that has a porous foam and/or fiber structure. In the simplest embodiment, the reaction chamber (8) is cylindrical, thus achieving a tubular flow reactor construction for the entire device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Sebastian Muschelknautz, Harald Ranke, Hanno Tautz
  • Publication number: 20100261929
    Abstract: A process according to the present invention for producing a cyanohydrin compound flow-reacts a carbonyl compound with hydrogen cyanide in the presence of a catalyst, and can therefore reduce the residence time. This makes it possible to reduce the period of time over which the resulting cyanohydrin compound is exposed to an unreacted portion of the carbonyl compound. As a result, the resulting cyanohydrin compound can be prevented from reacting with the unreacted portion. This makes it possible to produce the cyanohydrin compound in good yield. That is, the process according to the present invention for producing a cyanohydrin compound produces a cyanohydrin compound in good yield from a carbonyl compound and hydrogen cyanide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Yuichiro Kinoshita, Naoki Fujiwara, Kazuya Nakagawa, Koji Midorikawa
  • Publication number: 20100255392
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, methods, and devices that generally relate to silanes and silicides and to uses thereof for hydrogen generation. Methods and devices for generating hydrogen for fuel cells and for other applications such as fuel or a supplementary fuel for internal combustion engines and reducing agents to improve catalyst efficiency are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Scott K. Spear, Daniel T. Daly, Richard P. Swatloski, Raymond E. Paggi, Michael D. Redemer
  • Publication number: 20100254865
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for generating hydrogen by steam reforming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Jae Suk Choi, Myung Jun Kim, Young Dae Kim
  • Patent number: 7807117
    Abstract: The present invention addresses a problem with conventional techniques for recycling electrical equipment that have a hardened epoxy resin and electroconductive material where a catalyst is degraded to an extent that it can no longer be reused when water is present in a dissolving system. Moisture, when present in the dissolving system for treating electrical equipment including electroconductive material of aluminum, may react with aluminum to produce an aluminate compound which is transformed into aluminum oxide (alumina) under heating, which, in turn, may cause abnormal temperature rise to melt aluminum. This may be accompanied by formation of hydrogen which can cause danger of explosion. The present invention manages moisture content in a dissolving system by drying an object to be treated with a catalyst and a solvent prior to the dissolving treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohei Sato, Tomohiro Kaizu
  • Patent number: 7807116
    Abstract: A shell-and-tube reactor is disclosed. Contact tubes are disposed within a cylindrical housing and are secured to tube plates. Gas and liquid phases are received via a feed opening in a lower end cap and discharged via an upper end cap in the housing. A distributor device is disposed in the housing, such that the tube plates serve as a horizontal plate for the distributor device to back up the gas phase and form a gas cushion, and vertical elements extend from the contact tubes. The vertical elements are adapted to conduct the liquid phase, are open in the upstream direction, and project outward in the direction of the feed opening through the gas cushion. The vertical elements further include at least one first opening on the circumference for the gas phase and at least one second opening for the liquid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Wolfgang Gerlinger, Torsten Mattke, Oliver Bey
  • Publication number: 20100249441
    Abstract: In the method of the present invention for producing fatty acid alkyl ester and/or glycerin, as a heat source for an alcohol refining step of refining alcohol from unreacted alcohol that remains without reacting in a first reaction step, at least a part of heat of the unreacted alcohol is used. This allows reducing costs in production of fatty acid alkyl ester and/or glycerin over a solid catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Masanori Nonoguchi, Hiroko Izumi, Atsushi Tachibana, Tomoharu Oku, Toshimitsu Moriguchi, Takeo Akatsuka, Izuho Okada, Hideaki Tsuneki, Hironori Horie
  • Publication number: 20100248946
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for making a catalyst including an effective amount of iron for catalyzing one or more reactions in a hydrocarbon conversion system. The process can include grinding and coating the particles. The ground particles can have an effective amount of iron, and substantially all the particles may have a maximum dimension no larger than about 130 microns. The coating can have an effective amount of one or more hydrocarbons to provide the catalyst with improved flowability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Lorenz J. Bauer, James F. McGehee
  • Publication number: 20100247424
    Abstract: Materials based on nanoporous inorganic network materials and associated devices and methods for solid state storage of hydrogen and other gases are capable of greater storage capacity with improved availability of stored gases. Coated active oxide networks such as TiO2 and SiO2 aerogels as network materials are coated with selected inorganic catalytic materials and/or high gas storage capacity materials. A variety of coated nanoporous inorganic network materials are disclosed with material formulas X—Y; X being an inorganic coating, including one or more of nanoparticles, layered structure materials and intercalated materials; and Y being the inorganic nanoparticle network. At least one of the network and the coating comprises a catalyst for enhanced sorption of a gas to be stored, such as hydrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Samuel S. Mao, Xiaobo Chen, Arlon Hunt
  • Publication number: 20100242594
    Abstract: There is provided a bubble column type hydrocarbon synthesis reactor which synthesizes a hydrocarbon compound by a chemical reaction of a synthesis gas including hydrogen and carbon monoxide as main components, and a slurry having solid catalyst particles suspended in liquid. The hydrocarbon synthesis reactor includes a reactor main body which accommodates the slurry, a synthesis gas supplying section which supplies the synthesis gas to the slurry; one pressure sensor which is arranged higher than the liquid level of the slurry to measure the pressure of the synthesis gas above the liquid level, another pressure sensor which is arranged lower than the liquid level of the slurry to measure the pressure of the slurry, and a liquid level detecting device which detects a liquid level position of the slurry on the basis of measurement results of the pressure sensors. A plurality of the other pressure sensors are provided at arbitrary intervals in an axial direction of the reactor main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Onishi, Yuzuru Kato, Eiichi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20100243519
    Abstract: A method and assembly for utilizing open-cell cellular solid material in a component separation unit to separate one or more process streams into component process streams having desired compositions. A method and assembly for using said open-cell cellular solid material to separate process streams into desired component process streams in a component separation unit, wherein the open-cell cellular solid material can include oxides, carbides, nitrides, borides, ceramics, metals, polymers, and chemical vapor deposition materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: John N. Glover, Peter G. Ham, Krishna K. Rao, Stephen J. McGovern
  • Patent number: 7803334
    Abstract: A hydrocracking process and apparatus wherein the feedstock is hydrotreated and the liquid and gaseous effluent from the hydrotreater is directly introduced into the upper end of a hydrocracking vessel which provides a liquid seal to prevent the passage of the gaseous stream containing hydrogen sulfide and ammonia from the hydrotreater to enter the hydrocracking zone containing hydrocracking catalyst. Fresh hydrogen is then introduced into the hydrocracking zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoehn, Vasant P. Thakkar, Vedula K. Murty, Douglas W. Kocher-Cowan, Jennifer L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7803219
    Abstract: A method for treating waste gas containing inorganic acid is disclosed. The method includes the following steps: (a) forming a mixture of inorganic acidic gas and a nebulized alkaline solution wherein the nebulized alkaline solution can be produced continuously or periodically; (b) forcing the mixture to pass through an adsorbent bed; and (c) releasing the treated gas. An apparatus for treating the inorganic acid gas with the method illustrated above is also disclosed here. The method can regenerate poisoned adsorbents online, and save time, space and cost simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Keh-Perng Shen, Li-Ting Wang
  • Publication number: 20100233048
    Abstract: A filter media for removing both chemical contaminates and particulate contaminates. The filter media includes a particulate filtration media layer which includes a fine fiber media. The filter media further includes a chemical filtration media layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: DONALDSON COMPANY, INC
    Inventors: Andrew J. Dallas, Jon D. Joriman, Karthik Viswanathan, Veli E. Kalayci, Ismael Ferrer
  • Patent number: 7794676
    Abstract: Reactor for a catalytic conversion reaction comprising within a catalyst housing a perforated catalyst support plate supporting a catalyst bed, the perforated catalyst support plate being supported by a plurality of elongated support elements, and catalyst particles in the catalyst bed being placed outside the elongated support elements, the perforated catalyst support plate being attached to the lower ends of the elongated support elements, the perforated catalyst support plate being divided into a plurality of perforated catalyst support plate segments, at least one perforated catalyst support plate segment being supported by an elongated support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/S
    Inventors: Niels Erikstrup, Søren Gyde Thomsen, Michael Boe
  • Publication number: 20100226848
    Abstract: It is the purpose of this invention to present a process for producing carbon nanostructure in which the mechanism of continuous carbon nanostructure growth can be optimized and a high-quality carbon nanostructure can be produced, a catalyst for carbon nanostructure growth which is for use in the production, a raw-material gas and a carrier gas for producing the same, and an apparatus for producing the same. The process for carbon nanostructure production, in which the length of the nanostructure can be continuously controlled comprises feeding a carrier gas and a raw-material gas to a reaction chamber (4) to produce a carbon nanostructure (2) with a catalytic structure (6), wherein the concentrations of oxidation gases contained in the carrier gas and raw-material gas, such as oxygen and water (in the case of raw-material acetylene gas, minor ingredients such as DMF and acetone, which are solvents), are regulated to a moderate value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: TAIYO NIPPON SANSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Nakayama, Takeshi Nagasaka, Toru Sakai, Osamu Suekane
  • Patent number: 7789941
    Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices, and methods for operating the same. In some embodiments, operation of the fuel processing system is initiated by heating at least the reforming region of the fuel processing system to at least a selected hydrogen-producing operating temperature. In some embodiments, an electric heater is utilized to perform this initial heating. In some embodiments, use of the electric heater is discontinued after startup, and a burner or other combustion-based heating assembly combusts a fuel to heat at least the hydrogen producing region, such as due to the reforming region utilizing an endothermic catalytic reaction to produce hydrogen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: IdaTech, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Edlund, William A. Pledger, R. Todd Studebaker
  • Patent number: 7789920
    Abstract: A reactor, system and method for producing hydrogen features a reactor containing a heating stream channel and a hydrogen channel with a reaction channel positioned there between. A heat transfer sheet separates the heating stream channel and the reaction channel and a porous support plate separates the reaction channel and the hydrogen channel. A membrane constructed from palladium, vanadium, copper or alloys thereof covers the porous support plate. The heating stream channel receives a heating stream so that heat is provided to the reaction channel through the heat transfer sheet. A catalyst is positioned in the reaction channel and the reaction channel receives a reaction stream including a mixture of supercritical water and a hydrocarbon fuel so that hydrogen is produced in the reaction channel and is passed through the membrane into the hydrogen channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Chart Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhijun Jia, Lawrence A. Stryker, Douglas Decker
  • Publication number: 20100221158
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: KUSATSU ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tatsuo Kitamura, Yoshihide Kitamura, Itsushi Kashimoto
  • Publication number: 20100221167
    Abstract: A gas separation membrane and a method of manufacturing such gas separation membrane that comprises a porous substrate treated with a layer of metal-coated inorganic oxide particles and with the layer of such metal-coated inorganic oxide particles being coated with an overlayer of a gas-selective material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: John Charles Saukaitis, Alan Anthony Del Paggio
  • Publication number: 20100221159
    Abstract: Highly active, low pressure drop catalyst systems. Catalytically active material is provided on at least a portion of the channel sidewalls of a body comprising one or more flow-through channels. The channel sidewalls preferably bear a charge, e.g., an electrostatic or electret charge, to help adhere the catalytically active material to the sidewall. The catalytically active material preferably includes gold provided on a particulate support, and PVD techniques are used to deposit catalytically active gold onto the support. Optionally, the gold-bearing particulates may be charged as well in a manner to facilitate attraction between the particulates and the sidewalls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas I. Insley, Larry A. Brey, Gina M. Buccellato, Duane D. Fansier, Marvin E. Jones, Badri Veeraraghavan, Thomas E. Wood
  • Patent number: 7785548
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel filter for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream. In one embodiment, the fuel filter comprises at least one column comprising an adsorbent. In one exemplary embodiment the adsorbent is capable of removing sulfur containing compounds, especially sulfur containing aromatic compounds, from fuels used in internal combustion engines, especially diesel fuels. Also disclosed is an apparatus for extending the life cycle of a post combustion emission control device. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a fuel filter for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream and an emission control device. Finally, a method for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Rohrbach, Peter D. Unger, Gary B. Zulauf, Daniel E. Bause, Russ Johnson, David R. Rockwell
  • Publication number: 20100217039
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is an apparatus, which comprises (1) a first cylindrical, porous, catalytic rotor symmetrically positioned about an axis of rotation and surrounding a first interior space; wherein the first porous catalytic rotor comprises a first catalyst; (2) an outer casing, wherein the outer casing and the rotor are separated by an annular space; (3) a motor configured for rotating the rotor about the axis of rotation; (4) a feed inlet line; and (5) a first outlet line, wherein the first outlet line is fluidly connected with the annular space. Herein disclosed is also a method comprising: (1) passing a feed gas comprising at least one gaseous reactant through a porous, catalytic rotor, wherein the porous, catalytic rotor is permeable to the at least one gaseous reactant and is made from or contains a catalyst effective for catalyzing a first reaction; and (2) extracting a first desired product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: H R D CORPORATION
    Inventors: Abbas HASSAN, Rayford G. ANTHONY, Aziz HASSAN
  • Publication number: 20100217051
    Abstract: A process utilising the gases carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen to produce alcohols directly, comprises the steps of bringing a fluid mixture comprising carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen into contact with the surfaces of a supported tubular porous catalyst membrane having a range of pore sizes including micropores, mesopores and macropores, controlling the temperature of the said catalyst membrane, maintaining a pressure over said catalyst membrane of from 88 to 600 kPa, and recovering alcohol containing product formed by contact of the fluid mixture with said catalyst membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: THE ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Edward Gobina, Reuben Mfon Umoh
  • Patent number: 7780845
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to a process to produce low sulfur distillate products through the hydrotreating of distillate boiling range feedstreams in the presence of a bulk metal hydrotreating catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Stuart L. Soled, Sabato Miseo, Sonja Eijsbouts
  • Patent number: 7780928
    Abstract: An improved radial or cross flow moving bed regenerator or reactor, in which the solid particle residence time in the vessels can be changed in different section of the regenerator or reactor. The improvement results from the placement of one or multiple screen inserts which divides the radial or cross flow bed into separate solid flow channels. The residence time of the solid in each solid flow channels are optimized based on the regeneration or reaction requirement by changing the location, orientation and geometry of the screen inserts. As a result of the optimization of solid residence time in different section in the radial flow bed, the efficiency of a regenerator or a reactor is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Leon Yuan
  • Patent number: 7780926
    Abstract: Process for carrying out heat exchange reactions comprising introducing a reactant stream into a bed of catalytic material placed outside at least one double walled heat transfer tube in a heat exchange reactor contacting the reactant stream with the catalytic material in indirect heat exchange with a heat transfer medium present in the annular volume of the at least one double walled heat transfer tube, the annular volume comprising one or more spacer elements creating a helical flow path of the heat transfer medium around the inner heat transfer tube of the at least one double walled heat transfer tube. The invention also includes a heat exchange reactor for carrying out the above reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Haldor Topsøe A/S
    Inventors: Michael Boe, Søren Gyde Thomsen
  • Patent number: 7780929
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid mixing apparatus having a numbering-up mechanism that distributes plural kinds of fluids and concurrently performs multiple mixing or reactions, comprising: a rectifying section having a plurality of annular channels that rectify the plural kinds of fluids into respective concentric annular flows; a distribution section having a plurality of distribution channels that distribute the plural kinds of fluids rectified by the rectifying section into a plurality of flows; a converging section having a plurality of converging channels that converge different kinds of fluids among the plural kinds of fluids distributed by the distribution section; and a mixing/reaction section having a plurality of mixing/reaction channels that cause mixing or reaction of the plural kinds of fluids converged by the converging section, wherein a plurality of pressure loss increasing devices are provided in the distribution channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Fujiwara, Kazuo Okutsu
  • Publication number: 20100206773
    Abstract: This is a unique way of upgrading an existing refinery to process heavy sour crude. The system does not significantly modify an existing sweet refinery. Rather, a hydrocracker is used at the existing light sweet refinery location to create light sweet crudes from heavy sour crudes prior to processing in an existing sweet refinery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Calvin T. Case, Dennis W. Keppers, Vernon W. Mark
  • Publication number: 20100210876
    Abstract: This invention provides a microreactor comprising a microchamber provided with a raw material introduction port and a product discharge port; wherein solid catalysts are aligned in a line in the longitudinal direction of the microchamber to fill the microchamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicants: Nippon Soda Co., Ltd., Osaka Prefecture University Public Corporation
    Inventors: Ilhyong Ryu, Masaaki Sato, Takahiro Sagae, Kenichi Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20100209316
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a cleaning solution. Specifically, the apparatus of some embodiments includes a reservoir for containing sodium chlorite. A disposable ion exchange cartridge is placed in fluid communication with the sodium chlorite reservoir via a conduit. The ion exchange cartridge is selectively disconnectable from fluid communication with the sodium chlorite reservoir or from the conduit. Generally, the ion exchange cartridge will be disconnected and replaced when the ion exchange materials in the cartridge are depleted or exhausted. A catalyst can also be placed in fluid communication with the sodium chlorite reservoir. The catalyst can be contained in disposable or selectively disconnectable cartridge that can be easily replaced when depleted. In another aspect of the invention, a color comparison chart is positioned adjacent a conduit to allow one to compare the color of the solution to the chart and determine the concentration of the solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: JOHNSONDIVERSEY, INC.
    Inventors: Cornelius H. Groenewegen, Richard L. Sampson, Allison H. Sampson
  • Publication number: 20100209337
    Abstract: Reformation of natural gas without excessive production of ammonia, even if the natural gas includes as much as 14% nitrogen, is achieved in reformers including tubes (75) having outer chambers (78) with catalysts therein, a first stage (80) of catalyst having between about 10% and about 25% nickel, a second stage (81) of catalyst having less than 10% nickel, and a final stage (82) having 2% or less rhodium catalyst of a low concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: John L. Preston
  • Patent number: 7776205
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to a process to produce liquid products through the hydroprocessing of hydrocarbonaceous feedstreams in the presence of a bulk metal hydroprocessing catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Stuart L. Soled, Sabato Miseo, Sonja Eijsbouts
  • Patent number: 7776113
    Abstract: The reaction of carbon monoxide with steam over an alkali-modified ruthenium-on-zirconia catalyst has been found to yield surprisingly high yields of hydrogen gas at relatively low temperatures. Catalyst structures, reactors, hydrogen production systems, and methods for producing hydrogen utilizing the alkali-modified ruthenium-on-zirconia catalyst are described. Methods of making catalysts are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Yong Wang, Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich