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: 20100038593
    Abstract: A tubular reactor and method for producing a product mixture in a tubular reactor where the tubular reactor comprises an internal catalytic insert having orifices for forming fluid jets for impinging the fluid on the tube wall. Jet impingement is used to improve heat transfer between the fluid in the tube and the tube wall in a non-adiabatic reactor. The tubular reactor and method may be used for endothermic reactions such as steam methane reforming and for exothermic reactions such as methanation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Xiaoyi He, Robert Roger Broekhuis, Diwakar Garg, Bo Jin, William Robert Licht, Stephen Clyde Tentarelli
  • Publication number: 20100040520
    Abstract: A method and bed for separating a reactive gas from a feed gas mixture is disclosed. The method includes reacting the reactive gas with a bed of reactive solid in an exothermic reaction to create a second solid and a product gas from which the reactive gas is depleted. The product gas is removed and the heat from the reaction is used to liberate the reactive gas from the second solid in an endothermic reaction which yields the reactive solid. The reactive gas is removed and sequestered. Heat reservoir material is included in the bed to retain the heat in support of the endothermic reaction. A device for executing the method having an insulated chamber holding the bed, as well as process units formed of multiple beds are also disclosed. The process units allow the method to be operated cyclically, providing a continuous flow of feed gas, reactive gas and product gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Raymond Hufton, Robert Quinn, Vincent White, Rodney John Allam
  • Publication number: 20100040919
    Abstract: A catalytic hydrocarbon reformer comprising a catalyst concentrically disposed within a reformer tube surrounded by an annular flow space for air entering a fuel-air mixing zone ahead of the catalyst. The catalyst is sustained by minimal insulative mounting material so that most of the side of the catalyst is exposed for radial radiative heat transfer to the reformer tube for cooling by air in the annular flow space. The forward portion of the mounting material preferably is formed of a thermally-conductive material to provide radial conductive cooling of the entry of the catalyst to prevent overheating during catalysis. The incoming air flow is protected from heat exchange with hot reformate exiting the catalyst, allowing for convective cooling of the catalyst side and greater cooling of the catalyst face, thus increasing the working life of the catalyst while providing for rapid startup of the reformer and associated fuel cell system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Francois Ravenda, Patrick Valente, John E. Kirwan, Giulio A. Ricci-Ottati
  • Patent number: 7662739
    Abstract: A catalyst body including a catalytic material containing an alkali metal and/or an alkaline earth metal, a carrier carrying the catalytic material, and a method of manufacturing the catalyst body are provided. The carrier has a cordierite binder phase and aggregate phases dispersed in the cordierite binder phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Misako Fujii, Kenji Morimoto, Shinji Kawasaki
  • Publication number: 20100028737
    Abstract: A design for a microchannel steam microreformer has been developed to provide power in conjunction with a micro fuel cell for a portable, low-power device. The design is optimized for low pumping power and rapid operation as well as thermal efficiency, overall size, and complete generation of the available hydrogen. The design includes at least one microchannel having a grooved surface with a continuous groove oriented in a spiral configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Yildiz Bayazitoglu, Jeremy Gernand
  • Patent number: 7655056
    Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus includes a chemical reaction chamber, a chemical solution reservoir, an unpowered pressure-producing member for moving a chemical solution from the chemical solution reservoir to the chemical reaction chamber, and a catalyst bed in the chemical reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: John A. Devos
  • Patent number: 7655196
    Abstract: A reforming catalyst member having an elongated body whose outer surface has a number of peak and valley regions so as to increase the area of the outer surface to enhance catalyst utilization. The catalyst member is adhered to a fuel cell current collector using an adhesive and dried using infrared radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: FuelCell Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Sai P. Katikaneni, Salvador E. Correa, Edward H. Gladke
  • Publication number: 20100018903
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing sulfur from a hydrocarbon feed includes a cell having two compartments and a membrane separating the compartments, wherein one compartment is communicated with a hydrogen source and the other compartment is communicated with the hydrocarbon feed to be treated, wherein the membrane comprises a palladium membrane which is modified to have an additional amount of a mix of palladium and other metals (Ni, Ag, Co and Au) between about 4.62*10?3 and 1.62*10?2 g/cm2; and a power source connected across the hydrogen source compartment to generate a current across same, whereby atomic hydrogen is formed from the hydrogen source at a surface of the membrane and diffuses across the membrane to react with the hydrocarbon feed. A process using this apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: INTEVEP, S.A.
    Inventors: Victor Baez, Luiz Felipe D'Elia, Gaudy Rodriguez, Yolimar Gandica
  • Publication number: 20100022771
    Abstract: The present invention is directed at obtaining a high yield of a target substance and simultaneously securing high productivity. A reaction apparatus 10 has: a main flow channel 12 having an inner diameter of 3 mm, in which a raw material M1 flows; an introduction flow channel 14 in which a raw material M2 that causes a chemical reaction with the raw material M1 flows; and five branch introduction flow channels 16a to 16e which are branched from the introduction flow channel 14 and introduce the raw material M2 to the main flow channel 12, at predetermined introduction points 12o to 12s in the main flow channel 12. Here, in the main flow channel 12, the flow channel lengths of the flow channels 12b to 12d between adjacent introduction points 12p to 12s are not longer than those of the flow channels 12a to 12c between the next previous adjacent introduction points 12o to 12r in a flow direction of the raw material M1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Noriyuki Yoneda, Yuichi Oda, Yasuo Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 7651669
    Abstract: Various aspects and applications or microsystem process networks are described. The design of many types of microsystems can be improved by ortho-cascading mass, heat, or other unit process operations. Microsystems having energetically efficient microchannel heat exchangers are also described. Detailed descriptions of numerous design features in microcomponent systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Robert S. Wegeng, Ward E. TeGrotenhuis, Greg A. Whyatt
  • Patent number: 7651542
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed to generate hydrogen. A liquid permeable material with one or more cavities contains a solid anhydrous chemical hydride and an anhydrous activating agent. A housing that is heat and pressure resistant houses the liquid permeable material, and a liquid. One or more liquid sources inject the liquid into the housing such that the liquid contacts at least a portion of the liquid permeable material. A gas outlet port releases hydrogen gas produced by a reaction comprising the solid anhydrous chemical hydride, the anhydrous activating agent, and the liquid. A hydrogen output regulator controls the amount of hydrogen gas that the gas outlet port releases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Thulite, Inc
    Inventors: Kevin Shurtleff, Eric Ladd, John Patton, Chris Brydon, Ken Pearson
  • Patent number: 7651670
    Abstract: A Taylor reactor (1) according to FIG. 1, comprising 1. an annular reaction volume (2) which widens in the flow direction and is defined by an outer reactor wall (3), a rotor (4) which is mounted rotatably at the end (4.1) in the reactor floor (5) and at its other end (4.2) is unmounted, and a reactor floor (5) having a seal (6) for the drive shaft (7), 2. an inlet region (8) above the reactor floor (5), having at least one side feed (8.1) and/or at least one feed (8.1) through the reactor floor (5) for the reactants and/or the process media, 3. an outlet region (9) which is disposed above the annular reaction volume (2), widens further beyond the annular reaction volume (2) in the flow direction, and subsequently tapers toward a product offtake (10), 4. a product offtake (10) which at its greatest diameter opens toward the outlet region (9) and tapers in the other direction, and 5. a pressure maintenance valve (11); and its use for continuous bulk polymerization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: BASF Coatings AG
    Inventors: Werner-Alfons Jung, Heinz-Peter Rink, Heinrich Meinecke, Josef Krull
  • Patent number: 7647696
    Abstract: A catalyst substrate comprises a substrate material having an inlet, an outlet, an opening therebetween to allow for the passage of exhaust gas therethrough, and further comprises a catalyst and a layer of zirconium phosphate. Catalyst substrates coated with zirconium phosphate exhibit improved thermal durability, improved thermal shock resistance, and improved alkali and acidic corrosion resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: William J. LaBarge, Russell Paul Richmond, Gerald Leroy Vaneman
  • Patent number: 7648566
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing hydrogen gas wherein the apparatus includes a reactor. In one embodiment, the reactor includes at least two conversion-removal portions. Each conversion-removal portion comprises a catalyst section configured to convert CO in the stream to CO2 and a membrane section located downstream of and in flow communication with the catalyst section. The membrane section is configured to selectively remove the CO2 from the stream and to be in flow communication with a sweep gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Wei Wei, James Anthony Ruud, Anthony Yu-Chung Ku, Vidya Ramaswamy, Ke Liu
  • Publication number: 20100004346
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of a packed bed comprising an iron enriched cobalt catalyst for use in a Fischer-Tropsch reaction, the process comprising the steps of: (a) providing a packed bed with one or more catalyst particles comprising metallic cobalt; (b) contacting a part of the catalyst particle(s) in the packed bed with an iron containing compound. The process is preferably conducted in situ which conveniently results in an iron containing cobalt catalyst with a higher C5+ selectivity. In certain preferred embodiments the concentration of iron increases towards the surface of the resulting catalyst particles whereas the cobalt concentration is constant which further increases the selectivity of the catalyst to producing C5+ hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Ralph Haswell, Carolus Matthias Anna Maria Mesters, Heiko Oosterbeek, Thomas Joris Remans, Marinus Johannes Reynhout
  • Publication number: 20100004419
    Abstract: A reactor comprising at least one contact surface made from, coated with, or impregnated by a catalyst, wherein the contact surface comprises a sintered metal or a ceramic, and wherein the reactor is configured to subject a reactant stream to shear. A system for carrying out a heterogeneously catalyzed reaction, the system comprising a reactor as described above and a pump configured for delivering reactants to the at least one reactor. A method for carrying out a heterogeneously-catalyzed reaction by introducing reactants into a reactor comprising at least one contact surface made from, coated with, or impregnated by a catalyst under conditions which promote production of a desired product, wherein the contact surface comprises a sintered metal or a ceramic, and forming a dispersion of reactants within the reactor, wherein the dispersion comprises droplets or gas bubbles of reactant with an average diameter of less than about 5 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: H R D CORPORATION
    Inventors: Abbas HASSAN, Rayford G. ANTHONY, Gregory BORSINGER, Aziz HASSAN, Ebrahim Bagherzadeh
  • Publication number: 20100003173
    Abstract: Process for preparing propylene oxide, which comprises at least the steps (i) and (ii): (i) providing a catalyst comprising at least one porous oxidic material; (ii) reacting propene with a hydroperoxide in at least one nitrile as solvent or in a solvent mixture comprising at least one nitrile in the presence of the catalyst of (i), wherein the at least one porous oxidic material is a zeolite which is assigned X-ray-crystallographically to the MWW type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ulrich Müller, Georg Krug, Peter Rudolf, Joaquim Henrique Teles, Hans-Georg Göbbel, Peter Bassler
  • Patent number: 7641871
    Abstract: A fine channel device including a fine channel provided with at least two inlet ports for feeding fluid, inlet channels communicated with the inlet ports, a confluent portion communicated with the inlet channels, a branch portion communicated with the fine channel, from which at least two outlet channels are branched to feed predetermined amounts of fluid, and outlet ports communicated with the outlet channels. The fine channel is provided with a plurality of partition walls arranged along a boundary formed by at least two kinds of fluid fed from the inlet ports so as not to cause mutual contamination of fluid. Furthermore, the plurality of partition walls are spaced apart at intervals in a flowing direction of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Tosoh Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Futami, Tomohiro Ohkawa, Tomoyuki Oikawa, Akira Kawai, Koji Katayama, Keiichiro Nishizawa
  • Patent number: 7642365
    Abstract: A unique reactor configuration especially suitable for interphase mass transfer and mixing of multiple phases, i.e. gas(es), liquid(s), and solid(s) where reaction is catalyzed by a solid catalyst comprises a draught tube reactor wherein the solid catalyst particles are maintained in an annular space between the draught tube of the reactor and an annulus-defining wall by means of filter elements positioned downstream and optionally also upstream from the catalyst bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Lyndell Chemical Technology, L.P.
    Inventor: Prakash G. Balan
  • Publication number: 20090324452
    Abstract: An apparatus and method apply water to a hydrogen-containing composition, such as a hydride, in the presence of a catalyst that promotes hydrolysis to generate hydrogen in a controlled manner. The amount of catalyst used can be carefully tailored so that the reaction rate is limited by the amount of catalyst present (passive control) or it can be sufficiently large so that the reaction is controlled by the rate of water addition (active control).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Carlos Salinas, Alan Cisar, Eric Clarke, Oliver J. Murphy, Brad Fiebig
  • Publication number: 20090321244
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the conversion of water into hydrogen and oxygen, and more particularly to a conversion of water into hydrogen and oxygen using sunlight and an inorganic catalyst. More specifically, the invention relates to systems and processes for generating hydrogen molecules from sunlight and water, such as a process comprising the steps of: i) contacting the water with nanoparticles of an inorganic photocatalyst compound in a reaction zone of a reaction chamber; ii) concentrating sunlight with an optical intensifier such that the intensity is increased by a factor greater than 2; iii) heating the reaction zone to one or more reaction temperatures greater than 140° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Hydrogen Generation Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Smith, Thomas H. Steenkiste, Xiao-Gang Wang
  • Publication number: 20090326268
    Abstract: An alcohol such as methanol is reacted with carbon monoxide in a liquid reaction medium including a catalyst, an alkyl iodide such as methyl iodide, alkyl acetate such as methyl acetate in specified proportions, an additive, and an effective amount of water, where the additive increases an ionic character of the hydrogen iodide bond and the effective amount of water is sufficient to facilitate carboxylic acid release after carbonylation at the catalyst and to reduce anhydride formation. The present reaction system not only provides an acid product at water levels considerable below levels currently used, but also provides unexpected reaction rates and unexpected high catalyst stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: PRETIUM VENTURES AA, LLC
    Inventors: Ronnie M. Hanes, Peter P. Hanik, James A. Hinnenkamp
  • Patent number: 7638038
    Abstract: A method for controlling the pseudo-isothermicity of a chemical reaction in a respective reaction zone. (9) in which the use of heat exchangers (6) is foreseen having an operating heat exchange fluid flowing through them and in which heat exchange critical areas (9a) are identified, the method being distinguished by the fact that it reduces and controls, in the critical areas (9a) of the reaction zone, the value of the heat exchange coefficient between the operating fluid and the zone (9), through thermal insulation of the portions (6a, 6b) of such exchangers extending in such areas (9a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Methanol Casale S.A.
    Inventors: Ermanno Filippi, Enrico Rizzi, Mirco Tarozzo
  • Patent number: 7638039
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to catalysts and, in particular, relates to in-situ replacement of catalyst within a reactor. In an embodiment, the present invention comprises a method for the in-situ replacement of catalyst bodies in a catalytic reactor comprising removing catalyst bodies in-situ from at least one modularized section of a catalytic layer within a catalytic reactor and replacing the removed catalyst bodies in-situ with replacement bodies comprising catalytic function wherein at least 10% of the total catalyst bodies within the layer are replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Cormetech, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Schirmer, James R. Andies, Ernest A. Benoit, Jeremy T. Freeman, Thomas W. Hastings
  • Publication number: 20090318574
    Abstract: The present invention includes a removable microchannel unit including an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice in fluid communication with a plurality of microchannels distributed throughout the removable microchannel unit, and a pressurized vessel adapted have the removable microchannel unit mounted thereto, the pressurized vessel adapted to contain a pressurized fluid exerting a positive gauge pressure upon at least a portion of the exterior of the removable microchannel unit. The invention also includes a microchannel unit assembly comprising a microchannel unit operation carried out within a pressurized vessel, where pressurized vessel includes a pressurized fluid exerting a positive gauge pressure upon an exterior of the microchannel unit operation, and where the microchannel unit operation includes an outlet orifice in fluid communication with an interior of the pressurized vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: William Allen Rogers, Paul William Neagle, Michael Alan Marchiando, Christopher Paul Weil, Robert Dwayne Litt, Ronald Chester Pasadyn, G. Bradley Smith, Charles Robert Miele, Thomas Peter Forte, Jimmy Glen Pelham
  • Patent number: 7635399
    Abstract: A fuel reformer which is relatively simple in structure and can be manufactured at a low cost is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventor: Qingquan Su
  • Publication number: 20090312592
    Abstract: A reactor with swing feeds is provided for oxychlorination. This reactor comprises multiple inlets with controls capable of introducing feed streams sequentially to the reactor. In one configuration, a feed stream comprises a paraffin hydrocarbon, and a second feed stream comprises oxygen and hydrogen chloride. By segregating these feeds, combustion reactions can be minimized and yields of chlorinated paraffins increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: John E. STAUFFER
  • Publication number: 20090306414
    Abstract: The present invention provides a microchannel reactor that is used as a new reaction device capable of greatly expanding the utilization range of chemical reactions occurring in microspaces. A solution of a soluble linear polymer containing ligands and a solution of a soluble transition metal molecule are individually introduced into a microreactor, the flows are merged inside a microchannel and a metal polymer membrane of a complex formed is generated at the interface of the flows. The membrane is used as a solid catalyst, and various reactions such as carbon-carbon bond formation reactions, oxidation reactions and the like can be conducted at extremely fast reaction rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Uozumi, Yoichi Yamada, Naoshi Fukuyama, Tomohiko Beppu, Takehiko Kitamori, Masaharu Ueno
  • Patent number: 7628964
    Abstract: A method for feeding lime mud into a lime kiln including a rotary kiln shell having an interior between a first end wall and a second end wall, the method including: feeding the lime mud into a flue gas flow in the interior of the rotary kiln shell or in close proximity to the shell to pretreat the lime mud; separating the pretreated lime mud from the flue gas flow; conveying the separated lime mud into the lime kiln, and calcining the separated lime mud in the lime kiln.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Andritz OY
    Inventor: John Mahlon Leichliter, III
  • Patent number: 7628963
    Abstract: A small cylindrical reformer according to the embodiments of the present invention are suitable for use in the production of hydrogen from fossil fuels for a small fuel cell power plant. In the small cylindrical reformer, a reforming reactor, a water gas shift reactor (high temperature or low temperature), a combustor, a heat exchanger, a steam generator, etc., may be integrated in a single container to form an optimal heat exchanging network, minimize heat loss and optimize heat exchange efficiency. Thereby, the reformer is designed to be easily processed and manufactured and to have a compact size, thus realizing high efficiency, light weight and ease of mass production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: SK Energy Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae Woo Woo, Young Seek Yoon, Seong Ho Lee, Il Su Kim, Keun Seob Choi
  • Patent number: 7628965
    Abstract: A gas generating system comprises a catalytic reactor in fluid communication with a sulfur separator. The catalytic reactor oxidizes a fuel to provide a supply of carbon dioxide. The sulfur separator removes sulfur components from the stream before or after the fuel is oxidized. A portion of the hot exhaust gas from the catalytic reactor can be used to regenerate an adsorption bed of the sulfur separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc
    Inventors: Russell Johnson, Stephen F. Yates, Rehan Zaki
  • Publication number: 20090299112
    Abstract: A method for hydroconversion of a combined feed of at least one low value petroleum derived hydrocarbon and at least one biorenewable feedstock in a hydroconversion reaction zone in the presence of a hydroconversion catalyst at hydroconversion reaction conditions for a period of time sufficient to form a hydroconversion reaction product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Lorenz J. Bauer, Michael J. McCall, Edwin P. Boldingh
  • Patent number: 7625532
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ablative thermolysis reactor (12) comprising a reaction vessel (20), and inlet (14) into the reaction vessel (20) for receiving feedstock, and an outlet from the reaction vessel (20) for discharging thermolysis product. Within the reaction vessel (20), is provided an ablative surface (20a) defining the periphery of a cylinder, and heating means (22) are arranged to heat the ablative surface (20a) to an elevated temperature. In addition at least one rotatable surface (28) having an axis of rotation coincident with the longitudinal axis of said cylinder. The rotatable surface (28) is provided relative to the ablative surface (20a) such that feedstock is pressed between a part of the rotatable surface (28) and said ablative surface (20a) and moved along the ablative surface (20a) by the rotatable surface (28), whereby to thermolyse said feedstock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Aston University
    Inventors: Anthony Victor Bridgwater, George Vernon Cordner Peacocke, Nicholas Matthew Robinson
  • Patent number: 7625414
    Abstract: A reactor intended to carry out partial oxidation reactions starting from liquid feedstocks that can go from GPL to gas oil for the purpose of producing synthesis gas is characterized by finely controlled hydrodynamics and a high degree of thermal integration, and comprises an elongated jacket along an axis of any orientation, means (12) for supplying a preheated gas that contains oxygen and optionally water vapor, means (9) for supplying a hydrocarbon feedstock, means (11) for evacuation of a hydrogen-rich effluent, a first internal chamber (5) inside of which is carried out an essentially isothermal partial oxidation reaction that is connected to means (9) for supplying the hydrocarbon feedstock and to means (12) for supplying preheated gas, gas turbulizing means that are suitable for creating a perfect mixing flow, means (8) for linking first chamber (5) to a second chamber (7) with a suitable volume for carrying out a piston flow, linking means (8) that comprise at least one orifice, and second chamber (7
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Luc Nougier, Stéphane Bertholin, Willy Nastoll
  • Publication number: 20090292132
    Abstract: A reactor system comprising: a reactor vessel, and positioned inside the reactor vessel, an absorbent and a catalyst positioned downstream from the absorbent; a process for reacting a feed; and a process for preparing a 1,2-diol, a 1,2-diol ether, a 1,2-carbonate, or an alkanolamine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Wayne Errol EVANS
  • Patent number: 7622086
    Abstract: A selectively permeable membrane type reactor including a catalyst for promoting a chemical reaction, a selectively permeable membrane which selectively allows a specific component to pass therethrough, and a carrier for disposing the catalyst and the selectively permeable membrane the carrier being a tubular body having two or more gas passage cells partitioned and formed by a partition wall formed of a porous body, the catalyst being individually disposed in some of the cells of the carrier, the selectively permeable membrane being individually disposed in the remainder of the cells, and the cell in which the catalyst is disposed and the cell in which the selectively permeable membrane is disposed being adjacently disposed with the partition wall positioned therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Takahashi, Nobuhiko Mori
  • Patent number: 7622088
    Abstract: A rapid start reactor is provided that can be used, for example, in a water gas shift reactor of a fuel processor. A reactor has a catalyst support structure with one or more surfaces overlaid with an active coating that includes a catalyst. The active coating heats upon exposure to a non-thermal energy source. The reactor also includes a generator of non-thermal energy for applying non-thermal energy to the active coating. Methods for operating such a reactor during transient and/or start-up conditions are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventors: Gerald E. Voecks, Paul Taichiang Yu
  • Publication number: 20090286979
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for the purification of melamine obtained by synthesis from urea which comprises the following steps: a) bringing raw melamine containing impurities of polycondensates and other by-products of the synthesis reaction, into solution, obtaining a solution/suspension in which the insoluble products are dispersed; b) subjecting the solution/suspension thus obtained to treatment to remove the CO2 dissolved, reducing its concentration to values lower than 0.5% by weight; c) treating the solution/suspension obtained in step b), having a content of CO2 lower than 0.5% by weight, with ammonia in a quantity ranging from 1 to 15%, preferably from 3 to 9% by weight, at a temperature ranging from 110 to 180° C., preferably from 130 to 140° C.; d) putting the solution leaving step c) in contact with a solid catalyst, under the same conditions as step c). The present invention also relates to the equipment for effecting said process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: EUROTECNICA MELAMINE, LUXEM., Zweig. in Ittigen
    Inventors: Sergio Noe, Roberto Santucci
  • Publication number: 20090285730
    Abstract: A milled plate is presented that is provided for use in a radial flow reactor. The milled plate has narrow slots milled in the plate on the solid particle side and slots of slightly greater width milled on the fluid side of the plate. The plates provide strength to support the pressure from solid particles that currently is not present in wire screen meshes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher Naunheimer, Paul A. Sechrist
  • Patent number: 7618255
    Abstract: A catalytic combustion apparatus is equipped with a reactor for catalytically burning a gas to be treated containing a combustible organic compound, which further comprises a condensate forming means for condensing a part of a gas after reaction in the reactor, to form a condensate, and a pH measuring means for measuring a pH of the resultant condensate. It is preferred that the catalytic combustion apparatus still further comprise a temperature adjusting means for adjusting a temperature of at least a catalyst-packed portion of the reactor based on data measured by the pH measuring means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyasu Takezawa, Tomohiko Mawatari, Yasuhiro Kabu
  • Patent number: 7618600
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for removing trace amounts of ammonia from a stream of gas, particularly hydrogen gas, prepared by a reformation apparatus. The apparatus is used to prevent PEM “poisoning” in a fuel cell receiving the incoming hydrogen stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Weifang Luo, Kenneth D. Stewart
  • Patent number: 7618599
    Abstract: Disclosed are a reaction chamber for manufacturing a carbon nanotube, an apparatus for manufacturing a carbon nanotube and a system for manufacturing a carbon nanotube. The reaction chamber includes a reaction furnace, a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a heat transfer member. The reaction furnace has a box structure for receiving a substrate wherein the reaction furnace provides a space for forming the carbon nanotube on the substrate. The gas inlet having a through-hole structure formed at a first portion of the reaction furnace and the gas outlet has a through-hole structure formed at a second portion of the reaction furnace. The heat transfer member has at least one rectangular through-hole structure formed at a third portion of the reaction furnace along a direction substantially in parallel to the substrate. The apparatus includes the reaction furnace, a gas supply member, a gas exhausting member and a heating member. The system includes the apparatus and a transfer apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Semes Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Soo Kim, Jong-Kwan Jeon
  • Patent number: 7611683
    Abstract: A reactor, which is capable of accommodating a reaction in which at least three phases are present and at least one gaseous starting material and at least one liquid starting material are reacted in cocurrent over a fixed-bed catalyst to give one or more product(s), contains at least one first zone in which a catalyst is present as a fixed bed; and at least one second zone whose size corresponds to a reactor cross section and which is separated from the at least one first zone by a distributor plate provided with at least one hole and in which at least one liquid and at least one gaseous starting material enter the reactor. The distributor plate is provided with at least one static mixer which is located in the at least one hole on at least one side of the distributor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: OXENO Olefinchemie GmbH
    Inventors: Gerda Grund, Stefan Jelko, Wilfried Büschken, Udo Peters
  • Publication number: 20090261018
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for facilitating a transfer of a metal catalyst component from at least one donor particle to at least one recipient particle in a catalytic naphtha reforming unit. The process can include transferring an effective amount of the metal catalyst component from the at least one donor particle to the at least one recipient particle under conditions to effect such transfer to improve a conversion of a hydrocarbon feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Mark P. Lapinski, Gregory J. Gajda, Jeffry T. Donner, Richard R. Rosin, Marc R. Schreier, Simon R. Bare
  • Publication number: 20090263303
    Abstract: A fibrous catalytic filter can be used for treating a fluid stream containing particulate matter. The fluid stream is contacted with fibers comprising a catalytic composition. The particulate matter deposits on the fibers and undesirable species within the fluid stream are converted into more desirable species via the catalytic action of the fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: ASPEN PRODUCTS GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Mark D. Fokema, Neng Ye, Timothy Morin
  • Publication number: 20090264682
    Abstract: A system and a method for preparing cycloalkanone are provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) oxidizing cycloalkane to form a mixture containing ketone, alcohol and unreacted cycloalkane; (b) adding to the mixture alkali metal hydroxide or alkali metal carbonate to form a first mixed solution; (c) separating the first mixed solution into a first organic phase solution and a first aqueous phase solution; and (d) extracting the first organic phase solution by water to obtain a second organic phase solution and a second aqueous phase solution; and (e) distilling the second organic phase to separate out cycloalkanone. The method performs phase separation after a mixing step, and then performs water extraction, thereby effectively lowering the contents of the metal salts in the organic phases. Compared with acid-water extraction, the method not only provides better cooling effects but also reduces equipment corrosion, and therefore has the advantage of decreasing the need for sewage treatments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: CHINA PETROCHEMICAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yau-Ching Tsai, Chih-Chung Chou, Chin-Hisang Lin
  • Patent number: 7604781
    Abstract: Multiphasic reactions, especially those reactions using a phase transfer catalyst, are conducted in microchannel apparatus. Advantageously, these reactions can be conducted with two, planar microlayers of reactants in adjacent laminar flow streams. Microchannel apparatus and methods for conducting unit operations such as reactions and separations in microchannel apparatus is also described. Microchannel apparatus can provide advantages for controlling reactions and separating products, solvents or reactants in multiphase reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: John H. Brophy, Bruce F. Monzyk
  • Publication number: 20090259087
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of propylene from a hydrocarbon feed containing one or more C5 and/or C6 cycloalkanes, wherein the hydrocarbon feed containing one or more C5 and/or C6 cycloalkanes is contacted under cracking conditions with a one-dimensional zeolite having 10-membered ring channels and a silica to alumina ratio in the range from 1 to 500. The invention further provides an industrial set-up for such a process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Leslie Andrew Chewter, Michiel Johannes Franciscus Maria Verhaak, Jeroen Van Westrenen
  • Publication number: 20090257928
    Abstract: A system for producing hydrogen features a reactor including a reaction channel adapted to receive a reaction stream including a mixture of supercritical water and a hydrocarbon fuel. A catalyst is positioned in the reaction channel so that a product stream containing hydrogen is produced by a reaction in the reaction channel when the mixture is exposed to the catalyst; wherein the catalyst contains a catalytically active metal and a promoter in a metal format, selected from the group consisting of potassium, sodium, rubidium, lithium, cesium, beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, and barium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Zhijun Jia, Mark Wood, Clay Thiele
  • Publication number: 20090253940
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing purified methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) comprising subjecting a feed stream containing MIBK and impurities to a first distillation procedure from which acetone is recovered. The bottom product of the first distillation procedure is fed to a liquid-liquid separator and an organic phase from the said liquid-liquid separator is fed to the top region of a second distillation column to produce an overhead product. The said overhead product is condensed and fed to the said liquid-liquid separator. A bottom product containing MIBK is withdrawn from the second distillation column. This bottom product is fed to a third distillation column, high boiling impurities are withdrawn as a bottom product, and purified MIBK is also withdrawn. The invention also relates to an apparatus used in such a method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Tristan Erich Hahn, Johannes Jochemus Gildenhuys, Braam Van Dyk, James Christoffel Crause, Paranjothi Moodliar