Plural Solid, Extended Surface, Fluid Contact Reaction Stages (e.g., Inert Raschig Rings, Particulate Sorbent, Particulate Or Monolithic Catalyst, Etc.) Patents (Class 422/631)
  • Publication number: 20120171089
    Abstract: A non-woven fabric for reacting with a liquid to produce a gas is provided. The non-woven fabric includes at least one non-woven fabric fiber, a plurality of hot melt particles, and a plurality of solid particles. The non-woven fabric fiber has a first melting point. The hot melt particles are bonded with the non-woven fabric fiber and have a second melting point, in which the first melting point is higher than the second melting point. At least a part of the solid particles are bonded with the hot melt particles. Moreover, a method for fabricating the non-woven fabric and a gas generation apparatus using the non-woven fabric are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: YOUNG GREEN ENERGY CO.
    Inventors: Po-Kuei Chou, Wei-Yi Yen, Din-Sun Ju, Tsai-Hsin Cheng, Cheng Wang
  • Patent number: 8202499
    Abstract: A small cylindrical reformer having at least a combustion reaction unit and a fuel-converting catalytic reaction unit wherein the combustion reaction unit and the fuel-converting catalytic reaction unit are structured as six cylindrical pipes to realize optimal heat exchange efficiently, a route supplying a water gas shift reformate to a preferential oxidation reactor and a route supplying feed and water into reforming reaction parts from the feed/water inlet overlap each other at a lower portion of the reformer so as to increase heat transfer efficiency, and a preferential oxidation reactor provided outside the fuel-converting catalytic reaction unit to decrease the concentration of carbon monoxide in the water gas shift reformate to a predetermined level or lower and increase heat transfer efficiency with an air/fuel preheating passage communicating with the air/fuel inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: SK Energy Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae Woo Woo, Young Seek Yoon, Seong Ho Lee, Il Su Kim, Keun Seob Choi
  • Patent number: 8192691
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can include an apparatus for transferring catalyst from a regeneration zone to a reaction zone in a hydrocarbon conversion unit. The hydrocarbon conversion unit can include a transfer vessel, and first, second, and third lines. The transfer vessel can transfer regenerated catalyst from the regeneration zone at a first pressure to the reaction zone at a second pressure where the second pressure is greater than the first pressure. Generally, the first line communicates the catalyst to the transfer vessel and is coupled to a first valve to allow catalyst into the transfer vessel and the second line communicates the catalyst from the transfer vessel and is coupled to a second valve to allow catalyst out of the transfer vessel. The third line for allowing the passage of gas therethrough may be at a pressure higher than the first pressure having a first portion communicating with the transfer vessel and having a second portion coupled to third and fourth valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: David J. Fecteau, Paul A. Sechrist, Christopher Naunheimer
  • Publication number: 20120134907
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a method of treating a gas stream comprising flowing the gas stream over a hydrocarbon reduction and NOx reduction catalyst first, and thereafter flowing the gas over a perovskite and NOx trap material for NOx oxidation and storage. In one embodiment, the hydrocarbon reduction and NOx reduction catalyst may include palladium. In one embodiment, the perovskite catalyst may have the general formula ABO3, AA?BO3, ABB?O3, or AA?BB?O3. The perovskite catalyst may be the only catalyst or a second non-perovskite catalyst may include at least one of palladium, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium or a catalyst system including one or more of the same or alloys thereof. In one embodiment, the NOx trap material may include at least one of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals such as barium, calcium, potassium, or sodium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gongshin Qi, Chang H. Kim, Wei Li
  • Patent number: 8187560
    Abstract: Steam, partial oxidation and pyrolytic fuel reformers (14 or 90) with rotating cylindrical surfaces (18, 24 or 92, 96) that generate Taylor Vortex Flows (28 or 98) and Circular Couette Flows (58, 99) for extracting hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels such as methane (CH4), methanol (CH3OH), ethanol (C2H5OH), propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10), octane (C8H18), kerosene (C12H26) and gasoline and hydrogen-containing fuels such as ammonia (NH3) and sodium borohydride (NaBH4) are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Global Energy Science, LLC
    Inventor: Halbert Fischel
  • Patent number: 8178062
    Abstract: In a reforming apparatus, for use in a fuel cell, for reforming a raw fuel into a hydrogen-rich reformed gas, a reformer generates the reformed gas from the raw fuel. A shift reactor reduces carbon monoxide contained in the reformed gas through a shift reaction. A selective oxidation unit reduces the carbon monoxide contained in the reformed gas that has passed through the shift reactor by performing selective oxidation on the carbon monoxide. A reforming reaction tube houses linearly the reformer, the shift reactor and the selective oxidation unit in this order. A combustion means produces combustion exhaust gas by combusting the raw fuel. An outer casing is placed around the reforming reaction tube, and the outer casing has a larger diameter than that of the reforming reaction tube. A heated flow passage through which the combustion exhaust gas passes to heat the reforming reaction tube is formed between the reforming reaction tube and the outer casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Nippon Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Fuju, Masataka Kadowaki, Kazumi Kobayashi, Kazuaki Nakajima, Yasushi Sato, Ken Samura
  • Patent number: 8173083
    Abstract: A compact catalytic reactor defines a multiplicity of first and second flow channels arranged alternately in the reactor, for carrying first and second fluids, respectively, wherein at least the first fluids undergo a chemical reaction. Each first flow channel containing a removable gas-permeable catalyst structure (20) incorporating a metal substrate, the catalyst structure defining flow paths therethrough, with catalytic material on at least some surfaces of each such path. The catalyst structure also incorporates a multiplicity of projecting resilient lugs (22) which support the catalyst structure (20) spaced away from at least one adjacent wall of the channel (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: CompactGTL plc
    Inventor: Michael Joseph Bowe
  • Patent number: 8173082
    Abstract: A fuel processing system for heavier sulfur-laden hydrocarbon fuels, such as JP-8 and diesel fuels, having a fuel processor in which the sulfur-laden hydrocarbon fuels are reformed using steam reforming, an integrated desulfurization/methanation unit, and a solid oxide fuel cell. The heart of the system is the desulfurization/methanation unit which has a first reactor vessel and a second reactor vessel disposed within the first reactor vessel, forming an enclosed reaction space between the first reactor vessel and the second reactor vessel. A methanation catalyst is provided in the enclosed reaction space or the second reactor vessel. A desulfurization material is provided in the other of the enclosed reaction space and the second reactor vessel. During the normal course of operation, the desulfurization material will reach a saturation point at which it is no longer able to adsorb the sulfur-containing compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventors: James Wangerow, Andy Hill, Chakravarthy Sishtla, Michael Onischak
  • Patent number: 8168143
    Abstract: A process and system for producing hydrocarbon compounds or fuels that recycle products of hydrocarbon compound combustion—carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide, or both, and water. The energy for recycling is electricity derived from preferably not fossil based fuels, like from nuclear fuels or from renewable energy. The process comprises electrolysing water, and then using hydrogen to reduce externally supplied carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide, then using so produced carbon monoxide together with any externally supplied carbon monoxide and hydrogen in Fischer-Tropsch reactors, with upstream upgrading to desired specification fuels—for example, gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene, diesel fuel, and others. Energy released in some of these processes is used by other processes. Using adiabatic temperature changes and isothermal pressure changes for gas processing and separation, large amounts of required energy are internally recycled using electric and heat distribution lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Alexander J. Severinsky
  • Patent number: 8133458
    Abstract: A reactor for converting methane, ammonia and oxygen and alkaline or alkaline earth hydroxides into alkaline or alkaline earth cyanides by two-stage reactions comprising a first stage with a gas inlet, wherein the first stage is formed by a cone with distribution plates providing an even gas distribution over the catalyst material wherein the distribution plates are located between the gas inlet of the reactor and catalyst material and the distribution plates being perforated with a number of holes, with the distribution plates spaced from each other in the flow direction of the gas, the first distribution plate(s) functioning mainly to distribute the gas, whereas the last distribution plate works as a heat radiation shield and as a distribution plate facing the catalyst material, and wherein the catalyst material is present in the form of catalyst gauze fixed by catalyst weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: EICPROC AS
    Inventor: Erik Fareid
  • Patent number: 8128896
    Abstract: There is disclosed a permselective membrane reactor which efficiently forms hydrogen by use of a water-gas shift reaction and which is excellent in an aspect of manufacturing cost. In a permselective membrane reactor, a permselective membrane is a Pd membrane or a Pd alloy membrane, and a catalyst layer includes a first catalyst layer on the side of the permselective membrane and a second catalyst layer disposed apart from the permselective membrane. The first catalyst layer has a noble metal-based catalyst, and the second catalyst layer has an iron-based catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Nakamura, Nobuhiko Mori, Osamu Sakai, Koichi Katsurayama, Takashi Ina, Koki Hamada
  • Patent number: 8124034
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a method of modifying an alkylation unit to increase capacity. The method may include combining a first alkylation zone with a second alkylation zone. Generally, the first alkylation zone includes a first settler having a height and a width. Typically, the width is greater than the height. In addition, the second alkylation zone may have a second settler having a height and a width. Usually, the height is greater than the width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Daryl Dunham, Dale James Shields
  • Patent number: 8124035
    Abstract: Continuous processes for monoalkylating aromatic compound with an aliphatic feedstock comprising aliphatic olefin of 8 to 18 carbon atoms per molecule are effected using at least 3 reaction zones in series, each containing solid alkylation catalyst with effluent cooling between reaction zones, each of which reaction zones is supplied a portion of the fresh aliphatic feedstock, such that the Reaction Zone Delta T in each reaction zone is less than about 15° C. The overall aromatic compound to olefin molar ratio is less than about 20:1. The alkylation product has desirable linearity and low amounts of dimers, dealkylated compounds and diaryl compounds even though a low aromatic compound to olefin molar ratio is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Mark G. Riley
  • Patent number: 8114353
    Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing catalyst, such as chromium catalysts, are provided. The valence of at least a portion of the catalyst sent to an activator is changed from Cr(III) to Cr(VI). The catalyst is prepared or activated continuously using a fluidization bed catalyst activator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Benham, Max P. McDaniel, Ted H. Cymbaluk, Charles K. Newsome, Charles R. Nease, H. Kenneth Staffin, Thomas R. Parr
  • Patent number: 8114363
    Abstract: A system for and method of conversion of electrical energy into gaseous and liquid fuels, comprising steps of and means for provide a hydrocarbon fuels, including a collector for collecting carbon dioxide gas from a carbon dioxide gas source, a means for reducing at least a portion of the collected carbon dioxide gas to carbon monoxide, a means for producing hydrogen from a hydrogen source and a vessel for thermo-chemically reacting the hydrogen gas with carbon dioxide in a Fischer-Tropsch type process in the presence of a catalyst and heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ergenics Corporation
    Inventor: P. Mark Golben
  • Patent number: 8110149
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the continuous production of high-molecular polyesters by esterification of dicarboxylic acids and/or transesterification of dicarboxylic acid esters with diols and/or mixtures thereof in the presence of catalysts with formation of a prepolymer in a tower reactor and polycondensation thereof to form a high-molecular polyester in a polycondensation reactor, a prepolymer with >40 to 70 repeat units (DP) being produced in the tower reactor and this prepolymer being polycondensed in only one further reactor to form a polyester with >150 to 205 DP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Uhde Inventa-Fischer GmbH
    Inventor: Eike Schulz Van Endert
  • Patent number: 8101141
    Abstract: A unified fuel processing reactor for a solid oxide fuel cell can reform hydrocarbon-based fuel into hydrogen-rich gas, remove a sulfur component, and convert non-converted fuel and a low carbon (C2˜C5) hydrocarbon compound into hydrogen and methane in a single reactor. The reactor comprises a primary-reformer which reforms a hydrocarbon-base fuel and generates hydrogen-rich reformed gas, a desulfurizer which removes a sulfur component from the reformed gas, and a post-reformer which selectively decomposes a low carbon (C2˜C5) hydrocarbon in the desulfurized reformed gas into hydrogen and methane. The primary-reformer, desulfurizer and post-reformer are in the unified reactor and isolated, except for a fluid passage, from each other by internal partition walls. The primary-reformer is disposed at a center portion of the reactor. The post-reformer and the desulfurizer are concentrically disposed outside of the primary-reformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Joongmyeon Bae, Sangho Yoon, Sunyoung Kim
  • Patent number: 8101142
    Abstract: A reactor system, plant and a process for the production of methanol from synthesis gas is described in which the reactor system comprises: (a) a first reactor adapted to be maintained under methanol synthesis conditions having inlet means for supply of synthesis gas and outlet means for recovery of a first methanol-containing stream, said first reactor being charged with a first volume of a methanol synthesis catalyst through which the synthesis gas flows and on which in use, partial conversion of the synthesis gas to a product gas mixture comprising methanol and un-reacted synthesis gas will occur adiabatically; and (b) a second reactor adapted to be maintained under methanol synthesis conditions having inlet means for supply of the gaseous first methanol-containing stream, outlet means for recovery of a second methanol-containing stream and cooling means, said second reactor being charged with a second volume of a methanol synthesis catalyst through which the gaseous first methanol-containing stream flows
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Davy Process Technology Limited
    Inventor: Philip Henry Donald Eastland
  • Publication number: 20120014855
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and to a process for decomposing dinitrogen monoxide. The apparatus comprises a gas inlet 1 for supplying a nitrogen monoxide-containing gas, a first heat exchange medium 3 for exchanging heat between an offgas and the nitrogen monoxide-containing gas, a heating apparatus 4 for occasional heating of the nitrogen monoxide-containing gas, a fixed bed reactor 5 in which a catalyst is accommodated, in order to decompose the dinitrogen monoxide in the dinitrogen monoxide-containing gas, a gas outlet through which the offgas leaving the fixed bed reactor can be conducted out via the heat exchange medium 3. According to the invention, the catalyst is suitable for decomposing dinitrogen monoxide at temperatures below 800° C., especially preferably below 450° C., more preferably below 400° C. The fixed bed reactor 5 is configured for operation in an adiabatic state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: LINDE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Franz Beran, Karl-Heinz Hofmann, Nicole Schödel, Wolfgang Schmehl, Ulrike Wenning, Hans-Jörg Zander
  • Patent number: 8075857
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for making a peroxycarboxylic acid. The apparatus includes a reaction catalyst and a guard column for pretreating one or more reagents, which can increase the life, activity, and/or safety of the reaction catalyst. The peroxycarboxylic acid compositions made by the method and apparatus can include one or more peroxycarboxylic acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: David D. McSherry, Richard K. Staub, Dan Tallman, Junzhong Li, Keith D. Lokkesmoe
  • Publication number: 20110293502
    Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for the synthesis of ammonia from a synthesis gas containing N2 and H2, comprising at least one first reactor. The apparatus comprises a first non-cooled catalyst bed unit, at least one heat exchanger apparatus, and at least two cooled catalyst bed units. Each cooled catalyst bed unit is equipped with a plurality of cooling pipes. The apparatus further comprises a circuit line having at least one feed apparatus and at least one outlet apparatus, wherein the circuit line, starting from the feed apparatus, comprises in consecutive downstream arrangement the plurality of cooling pipes, the first non-cooled catalyst bed unit, the at least one heat exchanger apparatus, and the at least two cooled catalyst bed units up to the outlet apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Gert Ungar, Jürg Dieter Ungar
  • Patent number: 8057749
    Abstract: A device for carrying out exothermal chemical reactions wherein a gas phase is guided across a fixed bed and allowed to react, comprising a housing and an exchangeable unit wherein the reaction takes place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Fischer, Harald Heinzel, Christoph Weckbecker, Klaus Huthmacher
  • Publication number: 20110256034
    Abstract: An apparatus for the synthesis of anhydrous hydrogen halide fluids from organic halide fluids, such as perfluorocarbon fluids and refrigerant fluids, and anhydrous carbon dioxide for the environmentally safe disposition thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Gregorio Tarancon, III
  • Patent number: 8038961
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for preparing silanes of the general formula HnSiCU n where n=1, 2, 3 and/or 4 by dismutation of a chlorinated silane in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the apparatus includes: a distillation column having a column bottom, a column top, at least one feed inlet, a plurality of product offtakes, and a chimney tray; and a side reactor containing a catalyst bed having an upper edge, the side reactor being connected to the distillation column via at least three pipes including a first pipe, a second pipe, and a third pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Raymund Sonnenschein, Peter Adler, Tim Pöpken, John Kahsnitz
  • Publication number: 20110243825
    Abstract: A process of converting a tetrahalosilane into a trihalosilane is provided that includes: diluting the tetrahalosilane with hydrogen (H2) to form a mixture; and passing the mixture through a bed of heated oxide particles to convert the tetrahalosilane into the trihalosilane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Peak Sun Silicon Corporation
    Inventor: John C. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 8029738
    Abstract: Methods and devices for removing inflammable gases produced by radiolysis in a closed chamber containing radioactive matters comprising organic compounds and possibly water, or radioactive matters in the presence of organic compounds and possibly water. Inside the chamber there may be placed a catalyst of at least one reaction for oxidizing the inflammable gases by oxygen contained in the chamber atmosphere, supported by an inert solid support; a catalyst of at least the reaction for oxidizing CO to CO2; possibly an oxygen source; and possibly a hygroscopic microporous inert solid support. Also, chambers for radioactive matters containing such devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: TN International
    Inventors: Pascale Abadie, Herve Issard
  • Patent number: 8029748
    Abstract: The invention provides methods, apparatus and chemical systems for making vinyl acetate from ethylene, oxygen, and acetic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignees: Velocys, Inc, Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Terry Mazanec, Victor J. Johnston, Michael Huckman, Sean P. Fitzgerald, James A. Foster, Daniel Lindley, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Francis P. Daly, Leslie Wade, Tony Hammock, Thomas Yuschak, Bin Yang, Kai Jarosch
  • Patent number: 8025858
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for the production of light olefins comprising olefins having from 2 to 3 carbon atoms per molecule from a feedstock containing heavier olefins. An intermediate cut from a fractionation column is used as olefinic feed to an olefin cracking process preferably after undergoing selective hydrogenation of diolefins. In one embodiment, a liquid side draw from a fractionation column is selectively hydrogenated and then returned to the fractionation column from which a vapor side draw containing olefins is cracked in the olefin cracking reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Douglas G. Stewart, Joseph E. Zimmermann, Angelo P. Furfaro, Bipin V. Vora
  • Publication number: 20110223502
    Abstract: A fuel reforming apparatus includes a catalyst packed portion containing therein fuel reforming catalyst (I) having excellent hydrocarbon conversion rate and fuel reforming catalyst (II) having excellent H2+CO formation rate. Each of catalyst (I) and catalyst (II) especially preferably includes rhodium supported thereon. When the carrier for catalyst (I) is aluminum oxide and the carrier for catalyst (II) is cerium oxide, the hydrogen generation efficiency is excellent particularly even at start-up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Takao Maruyama
  • Patent number: 8017082
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for making a peroxycarboxylic acid. The apparatus includes a reaction catalyst and a guard column for pretreating one or more reagents, which can increase the life, activity, and/or safety of the reaction catalyst. The peroxycarboxylic acid compositions made by the method and apparatus can include one or more peroxycarboxylic acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: David D. McSherry, Richard K. Staub, Dan N. Tallman, Junzhong Li, Keith D. Lokkesmoe
  • Patent number: 8012435
    Abstract: A system and method for producing natural gas is provided. a gas dynamic laser is powered by a gas, such as carbon dioxide, while the same gas is converted by a catalytic converter heated by the beam of the laser. Other gases can be formed simultaneously in other catalytic converters heated by the laser beam. The resulting converted gases can be used to produce a fuel gas. Excess heat and/or by-products of the process can be used to produce electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Merritt
  • Patent number: 7976797
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention includes an apparatus for pyrolyzing a hydrocarbon feedstock in a regenerative pyrolysis reactor system, the apparatus comprising a regenerative pyrolysis reactor comprising a stabilized refractory grade zirconia in a reactive region of the reactor system. In another aspect, this invention includes a method for pyrolyzing a hydrocarbon feedstock using a reverse flow regenerative pyrolysis reactor comprising the steps of providing a reverse flow regenerative pyrolysis reactor including a stabilized refractory grade zirconia in a heated reaction zone of the reactor; and pyrolyzing a hydrocarbon feedstock within the reactive region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Changmin Chun, Frank Hershkowitz
  • Patent number: 7959879
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently producing aromatic dicarboxylic acids (e.g., terephthalic acid). In one embodiment the process/apparatus reduces costs by recovering and purifying residual terephthalic acid present in the liquid phase of an initial oxidation slurry. In another embodiment the process apparatus reduces costs associated with hydrogenation by forming a final composite product containing unhydrogenated acid particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Grupo Petrotemex, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventors: Robert Lin, Marcel de Vreede
  • Patent number: 7947233
    Abstract: A method of combusting a catalyzed hydrocarbon fuel comprising providing a first fluid and a second fluid, at least one of said fluids comprising a mixture of a hydrocarbon fuel with an air stream, passing the first fluid into one or more catalytic tubes of a catalytic reactor, and passing the second fluid adjacent the catalytic tubes in a chamber of a catalytic reactor. A varying tube cross section to modify the flow of one of the fluids is provided for at least a portion of the tube. The flow of the first fluid leaving the catalytic tubes is mixed with the second fluid and combusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Steven W. Burd, Meredith B. Colket, III
  • Patent number: 7943102
    Abstract: A method for formaldehyde production through catalytic oxidation of methanol, comprising the steps of feeding to a first oxidation catalytic bed (2) a gas flow comprising methanol and oxygen at a predetermined crossing linear flow rate, obtaining at the outlet of said first catalytic bed (2) a flow of gaseous reaction products comprising unreacted methanol, and feeding the flow of gaseous products to a second oxidation catalytic bed (6) is distinguished by the fact that the flow of gaseous reaction products comprising unreacted methanol is fed to the second catalytic bed (6) with a crossing linear flow rate substantially equal to said predetermined first catalytic bed (2) feeding flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Casale Chemicals S.A.
    Inventor: Giancarlo Sioli
  • Patent number: 7935320
    Abstract: A system and/or process for decreasing the level of at least one organic fluoride present in a hydrocarbon phase contained in an alkylation settler by contacting the hydrocarbon phase with an HF containing stream, containing greater than about 80 wt. % and less than about 94 wt. % HF, in the intermediate portion of the settler which contains at least one tray system, with each tray system comprising a perforated tray defining a plurality of perforations and a layer of packing below the perforated tray, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Keith W. Hovis, Bruce B. Randolph
  • Patent number: 7935313
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for producing liquid hydrocarbons by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis on solid catalyst particles in a three-phase bed reactor, said device being equipped with at least one filter cartridge mounted in a filtering zone inside said reactor, said filter cartridge comprising: a filter for separating the filtrate of the solid catalyst particles, a cylindrical casing, and inner element having the shape of a hollow cylinder open at its ends and mounted substantially coaxial relative to the longitudinal axis of the casing, an annular chamber delimited by the casing and the walls of the inner element, said chamber being designed to collect the filtrate, and a discharge conduit for said filtrate, wherein the walls of the inner element of the filter cartridge are at least partly formed by the filter of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignees: IFP Energies Nouvelles, ENI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Nathalie Brunard, Jean-Marc Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 7927556
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for catalytic reforming of hydrocarbons wherein the effluent stream from the first and/or second reactor of a reforming train with several reactors in series is cooled in a multistage process to remove aromatic compounds in the reacting medium prior to being reheated and returned to subsequent reactors for additional reaction to occur. The partial removal of aromatic compounds enhances the driving force for the conversion of paraffins and naphthenes by making the equilibrium more favorable to such conversion. The removal of aromatic compounds reduces the size of downstream process equipment thereby reducing capital costs and lowering energy usage. It is possible to add additional feed streams to reactors downstream of the intermediate reactor effluent cooling step thereby making the process unit capable of processing more feedstock to produce more product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Emigdio Jesus Salmon
  • Patent number: 7906081
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Naunheimer, Paul A. Sechrist
  • Publication number: 20110060149
    Abstract: Process for preparing ethylene oxide by catalytic gas phase oxidation of ethylene with oxygen, in which the reaction is performed in 5 to 50 reaction zones connected in series under adiabatic conditions, and reactor system for carrying out the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Bayer Technology Services GMBH
    Inventors: Evin Hizaler Hoffmann, Leslaw Mleczko, Ralph Schellen, Stephan Schubert
  • Publication number: 20110047864
    Abstract: Methods and reactors for producing a fuel are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the method uses a biomass feedstock and alkane and/or alcohol feedstock, which can be contacted with a metal-containing catalyst to form products including a bio-oil. In some embodiments, oxygen-containing functional groups can be removed from a bio-oil using one or more zeolite thin films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Aditya Bhan, Michael Tsapatsis, Lanny D. Schmidt, Paul J. Dauenhauer
  • Patent number: 7897124
    Abstract: Biogases such as natural gas and other gases capable of being biologically derived by digestion of organic matter are converted to a clean-burning hydrocarbon liquid fuel in a continuous process wherein a biogas is fed to a reaction vessel where the biogas contacts a liquid petroleum fraction and a transition metal catalyst immersed in the liquid, vaporized product gas is drawn from a vapor space above the liquid level, condensed, and fed to a product vessel where condensate is separated from uncondensed gas and drawn off as the liquid product fuel as uncondensed gas is recycled to the reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventors: Rudolf W. Gunnerman, Peter W. Gunnerman
  • Patent number: 7867459
    Abstract: A compact, tiered sulfur recovery unit having a burner, a combustion chamber, a reaction chamber, a waste heat boiler and a steam drum. The waste heat boiler is mounted above the reaction chamber, and the steam drum is mounted above the waste heat boiler, resulting in a three-tiered, compact design, requiring only a single platform for space. The reaction chamber comprises a horizontal body and an upright plenum. The reaction chamber includes an inlet for receipt of acid gas (H2S). One end of the horizontal body of the reaction chamber is fluidly attached to the combustion chamber, while the other end of the horizontal body of the reaction chamber is fluidly attached to a lower end of the upright plenum of the reaction chamber. An upper end of the upright plenum of the reaction chamber is fluidly attached to the waste heat boiler. The waste heat boiler includes an outlet for the release of SO2 for downstream sulfur blowdown to produce additional elemental sulfur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Sidney Leroy Born
  • Publication number: 20100312022
    Abstract: The invention provides a process and a reactor for the preparation of an alkylene glycol from an alkylene oxide. Alkylene oxide, water, a homogeneous carboxylation catalyst and a homogenous hydrolysis catalyst are supplied to a reactor comprising a carboxylation zone and a hydrolysis zone. One or more ejectors are used to mix carbon dioxide and the liquid reagents in the carboxylation zone so that alkylene oxide reacts with carbon dioxide in the presence of water in the carboxylation zone to form a reaction solution comprising alkylene carbonate, water, the homogeneous carboxylation catalyst and the homogeneous hydrolysis catalyst. The reaction solution is supplied from the carboxylation zone to a hydrolysis zone, wherein alkylene carbonate and water react to form a product solution comprising alkylene glycol, the homogeneous carboxylation catalyst and the homogeneous hydrolysis catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Hendrik Johannes Van Milligen, Peter Veenstra
  • Publication number: 20100308261
    Abstract: A system (100) of the present invention for producing an iodine compound includes: a raw material adjusting unit (1) for supplying hydrogen-containing gas to at least one of liquid iodine in an iodine melting pot (4) and gaseous iodine obtained by evaporating liquid iodine so as to obtain a mixture gas; a hydrogen iodide producing unit (10) including a hydrogen iodide producing tower (12) having a catalyst layer (12a) for converting the introduced mixture gas into crude hydrogen iodide gas; a hydrogen iodide refining unit for removing unreacted iodine from the introduced crude hydrogen iodide gas so as to obtain hydrogen iodide gas; and an iodine compound producing unit (30) for producing a target iodine compound from the obtained hydrogen iodide gas and a reaction material. This allows producing an iodine compound with high purity easily, efficiently, and with low cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Nippoh Chemicals Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Satoshi Kanbe, Kazumi Hosono, Masahiro Wada