Inorganic Component (e.g., Carbon Dioxide, Etc.) Patents (Class 44/457)
  • Publication number: 20110277379
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cavitating a mixture of a fuel and an additive are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a cavitation stream, the cavitation stream comprising a counter jet device, a jet stroke device and a swirling cavitation device. A mixture of a fuel and additive is arranged to pass through the cavitation stream, wherein the mixture undergoes wave and cavitation processing in the swirling cavitation device. The cavitation apparatus further comprises a resonance chamber and a homogenizer, into which the wave and cavitated mixture is passed to obtain an emulsion of improved homogeneity from an outlet of the homogenizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: Neftech PTE Ltd.
    Inventors: Sergey Bortkevitch, Alexey Boldyrev, Victor Levin
  • Patent number: 8016899
    Abstract: Composite fuels for hydrogen generation include materials that endothermically release hydrogen, materials that exothermically release hydrogen, and additives to promote endothermic reaction and to inhibit exothermic reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Eion Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Qingjun Zhao, Yuyan Luo
  • Publication number: 20110179698
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing clean petroleum fuel by reducing sulfur content, and raising the Cetane Number to a value above 50, in a process that may be carried out at one atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Hassan Agha
  • Publication number: 20110146145
    Abstract: Methods for regenerating acidic ion-exchange resins and reusing regenerants in such methods are provided. A spent ion-exchange resin is contacted with an alcohol ion-exchange regenerant. The spent ion-exchange resin is thereafter contacted with an acidic ion-exchange regenerant to recharge the acidic ion-exchange resin to produce a regenerated acidic ion-exchange resin. Metal- and water-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is then contacted with the regenerated acidic ion-exchange resin to produce low metal, water-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oil. The regenerated acidic ion-exchange resin may be recycled. The spent alcohol and acid ion-exchange regenerants may be recovered and recycled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Timothy A. Brandvold, Stanley J. Frey, Vasken Abrahamian, Thomas Traynor
  • Patent number: 7959690
    Abstract: Novel nano-sized rare earth metal oxide prepared from aqueous reverse micelles is provided. The engineered nanoparticles have large surface area to volume ratios, and sufficient oxygen vacancies on the surface of each particle, so that when mixed with carbon-containing combustible fuels, the particles remain suspended indefinitely; there is a significant reduction in soot and other by-products of combustion, an increase in engine efficiency and less fuel consumed per mile traveled in various vehicles, such as, but not limited to, automobiles, defense vehicles, airplanes, ships and other surface or air-bearing vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Sudipta Seal, Eric L. Petersen, Sameer Deshpande, Swanand Patil, Suresh Chandra Kuiry
  • Publication number: 20110088311
    Abstract: A motor fuel providing higher gas mileage comprising gasoline produced from petroleum and from about 1 to 30 wt % of mesitylene. This fuel can advantageously contain conventional additives used in gasoline. The use of mesitylene in gasoline blend yields a fuel blend with a higher research octane number and motor octane number. In addition, an improved jet fuel is provided, having from 1-10 wt % biomass-derived mesitylene added thereto, having improved carbon emission characteristics while maintaining required specifications. Further, an improved bio-fuel is provided, which may function as a replacement for conventional Jet A/JP-8 fuel and has lowered carbon emission specifications, the bio-fuel comprised of 75-90 wt % synthetic parafinnic kerosene (SPK) and 10-25 wt % mesitylene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: SWIFT ENTERPRISES, LTD.
    Inventors: Donald Bower, Philip Catania, Edward Johnson, Kenneth Kasper, John J. Rusek, Jonathon Ziulkowski
  • Publication number: 20110056123
    Abstract: A method of making cerium dioxide nanoparticles includes: a) providing an aqueous reaction mixture having a source of cerous ion, a source of hydroxide ion, a nanoparticle stabilizer, and an oxidant at an initial temperature no higher than about 20° C.; b) mechanically shearing the mixture and causing it to pass through a perforated screen, thereby forming a suspension of cerium hydroxide nanoparticles; and c) raising the initial temperature to achieve oxidation of cerous ion to eerie ion and thereby form cerium dioxide nanoparticles having a mean diameter in the range of about 1 nm to about 15 nm. The cerium dioxide nanoparticles may be formed in a continuous process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: CERION TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Albert Gary Difrancesco, Richard K. Hailstone, Andreas Langner, Kenneth J. Reed
  • Patent number: 7879116
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for improving the efficiency with which fuel is burnt in a fuel burning apparatus, particularly an internal combustion engine, comprising dispersing an amount of at least one particulate lanthanide oxide, particularly cerium oxide, in the fuel. This invention further relates to tablets, capsules, compositions and liquid fuel additives suitable for dispersing a lanthanide oxide in fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Neuftec Limited
    Inventors: Ronen Hazarika, Bryan Lawrence Morgan
  • Publication number: 20110008736
    Abstract: A combustion system, a combustion method and a fuel fluid, which can improve combustion efficiency of fuel while suppressing consumption of the fuel when the fuel is combusted, are provided as well as a method for producing the fuel fluid and an apparatus for producing the fuel fluid are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Yusho Arai
  • Publication number: 20110000128
    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 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. Uncondensed gas can be recycled to the reaction vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: Rudolf W. Gunnerman and Peter W. Gunnerman
    Inventors: Rudolf W. Gunnerman, Peter W. Gunnerman
  • Patent number: 7862630
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved chemical change reagent which is used as an additive to coal to enhance the complete combustion of the coal after turning it into a synthetic fuel. The composition is a chemical change agent in that it converts the coal/composition mix into a different material which, when burned, results in lower NOx emissions. The composition includes a wax, a base for ph adjustment and water and is mixed with the coal prior to combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: State Line Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph W. Hundley, Steven A. Dunwoody
  • Publication number: 20100242350
    Abstract: An aviation fuel composition contains an aviation fuel and nano-sized zinc particles. Examples of nano-sized zinc particles include nano-sized metallic zinc particles, nano-sized zinc oxide particles, and nano-sized zinc peroxide particles. The aviation fuel composition can be made by combining an aviation fuel and nano-sized zinc particles. The aviation fuel composition can be used to improve combustion in an aircraft engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Richard W. Tock, Arlene Hernandez, James Kenneth Sanders, Duck Joo Yang
  • Patent number: 7803200
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel additive composition, and more particularly, to the fuel additive composition comprising hydrogen peroxide, silicate, borax, sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, and water. When the fuel additive composition of the present invention is added to fuels such as coal, oil, gas and etc., it stimulates fuel combustion, induces the complete combustion of fuel, and increases the heat transfer by preventing clinker formation and fouling in combustion apparatus. In particular, when the fuel additive composition is added to the coal, it increases a pulverizing efficiency in pre-treatment process, thereby facilitating supply of the coal to combustion apparatus advantageously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: Mi-Hye Oh
  • Publication number: 20100205858
    Abstract: Biomass particles are modified by associating the particles with carbon fibers. The carbon fibers may be coated onto the biomass particles, or may be embedded within the biomass particles. As a result of the association with carbon fibers the particles are more susceptible to conversion to bioliquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicants: BIOECON INTERNATIONAL HOLDING N.V.
    Inventor: Paul O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20100088949
    Abstract: A method of Improving the efficiency of a diesel engine provided with a source of diesel fuel includes the steps of: a) adding to the diesel fuel a reverse-micellar composition having an aqueous first disperse phase that includes a free radical initiator and a first continuous phase that includes a first hydrocarbon liquid, a first surfactant, and optionally a co-surfactant, thereby producing a modified diesel fuel; and b) operating the engine, thereby combusting the modified diesel fuel. The efficiency of a diesel engine provided with a source of diesel fuel and a source of lubricating oil can also be improved by modifying the lubricating oil by the addition of a stabilized nanoparticulate composition of cerium dioxide. The efficiency of a diesel engine can also be improved by adding to the diesel fuel a reverse-micellar composition that includes an aqueous disperse phase containing boric acid or a borate salt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: CERION TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Kenneth Reed
  • Publication number: 20100064577
    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: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Rudolf W. Gunnerman, Peter W. Gunnerman
  • Publication number: 20100011657
    Abstract: The combustion of gasoline can be facilitated by the addition of molecular hydrogen. The hydrogen can be generated by placing into the gasoline a hydrogen generating device, such as a mixture of metallic magnesium and EH-101 (HB-101) containing solution, whereby the device allows for the selective passage of the generated hydrogen but restricts the passage of magnesium and EH-101 (HB-101) components. This partitioning of hydrogen from EH-101 (HB-101) components is achieved by using reverse osmosis membrane, low density gasoline resistant plastic material or low molecular weight cutoff dialysis membrane to create a sealed container of the magnesium and EH-101 (HB-101) components, which can be placed into the gasoline. The EH-101 (HB-101) can be initially placed into a breakable inner compartment within the hydrogen permeable container. This compartment can be easily broken by simple squeezing just prior to placing the device into the gasoline that is intended to have its hydrogen content increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: William John Martin
  • Publication number: 20090307967
    Abstract: Cerium or other metal oxide is used with bio-derived fuels to reduce coking and to clean up combustion chamber surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: Oxonica Energy Ltd
    Inventors: Martin Gardener, Gareth Wakefield, Andrew Elphick
  • Patent number: 7604672
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of fuel additives for hydrocarbon fuels that acts to enhance efficiency and/or reduce pollution. The fuel additive is a phosphorus-containing composition that can be dispersed in hydrocarbon fuels or liquid carriers for combustion with the fuel in a combustion zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: EnviroFuels, LLC
    Inventors: Dwight Morrell Smith, Abdul R. Chughtai, James Dadura, James Dadura, Jr., legal representative
  • Publication number: 20090217570
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of controlling by-products or pollutants from fuel combustion, comprising corn-busting a fuel containing a dispersion, the dispersion comprises: (a) a mixture of at least two metal bases, wherein each metal of the metal bases has an average oxidation state of (+2) or higher, (b) at least one surfactant; and (c) at least one organic medium, wherein the metal bases are uniformly dispersed in the organic medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventors: David Hobson, Alex F. Psaila, David L. Spivey
  • Publication number: 20090199465
    Abstract: The invention refers to a procedure of obtaining automotive modified fuels with the help of this procedure based on treating the fuels resulting from petroleum refining with the HHO mixture. In full compliance with this invention, the procedure comprises treating the fuel with a HHO gaseous mixture coming up as a result of the water electrolysis, in the presence or in the absence of catalytic agents, at temperatures between 20 and 100 Celsius degrees, at pressures between 1 and 20 atmospheres, and as long as 0.2 to 8 hours.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Dennis J. Klein, Radu Chiriac, Cristian Georgescu, Cristian Pamfilie, Bombos Dorin, Corneliu Dica
  • Publication number: 20090183423
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a composition of diesel, biodiesel or blended fuel (DF) with exhaust gas (EG) mixtures or with liquid CO2. The composition is in a liquid state near the supercritical region or a supercritical fluid mixture such that it quasi-instantaneously diffuses into the compressed and hot air as a single and homogeneous supercritical phase upon injection in a combustion chamber. Suitable temperatures and pressures are greater than about 300° C. and 100 bar, and the mole fraction of EG or CO2 (XEG or XCO2) in DF is in the range of 0.0-0.9. In a combustion process embodiment, composition embodiments are injected into a combustion chamber under supercritical conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Lawrence L. Tavlarides, Gheorghe Antiescu
  • Publication number: 20090181279
    Abstract: Fuel for a fuel cell includes a main fuel that includes at least hydrogen and carbon, and a fuel additive formed of a hydrogen-containing compound that has a redox potential lower than that of hydrogen. A fuel cell system includes an electrolyte, an anode arranged on one side of the electrolyte and a cathode arranged on the other side of the electrolyte, and a fuel supply source that supplies the main fuel and the fuel additive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Haruyuki Nakanishi, Norihiko Nakamura, Shinichi Matsumoto, Hidekazu Arikawa, Kazuya Uchisasai
  • Patent number: 7524340
    Abstract: A catalyst and method for improving combustion efficiency in boilers, engines, and other equipment by adding to fossil and other fuels a fuel additive that contains an oil-soluble iron compound and an over-based magnesium compound and for which the median particle size of the additive is less than about 0.01 micrometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Inventor: Walter R. May
  • Publication number: 20090090049
    Abstract: A process for producing LNG from high CO2 natural gas. The process includes: separating methane from a hydrocarbon stream containing CO2 to produce a methane-depleted hydrocarbon stream; subjecting the methane-depleted hydrocarbon stream to at least one separation process; and feeding at least one recycle stream from the at least one separation processes into the step for separating methane. The at least one separation process is selected from the group consisting of deethanizing, depropanizing, debutanizing and CO2 separating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Chinn, Chung-Nan Nancy Tsai, Paul F. Bryan, Brian M. Frankie, Kaman Ida Chan, Justin I-Ching Pan
  • Patent number: 7503944
    Abstract: A method of improving the combustion of a fuel by adding a catalyst or combustion enhancer at an extremely low concentration, preferably in the range of 1 part catalyst per 200 million parts fuel to 1 part catalyst per 6 trillion parts fuel. The catalyst or combustion enhancer may be selected from a wide range of soluble compounds. The method may comprise the steps of an initial mixing of the catalyst or enhancer with a suitable solvent and then subsequent dilution steps using solvents or fuel. Suitable solvents include water, MTBE, methylketone, methylisobutylketone, butanol, isopropyl alcohol and other hydrophilic/oleophilic compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventors: Robert W. Carroll, Noel Carroll, William F. Carroll, Michael Carroll
  • Patent number: 7501103
    Abstract: Tropospheric volume elements enriched with vital elements and/or protective substances as well as procedures for their production and application. The term “vital elements” applies to all matter supporting the development of life within the earth's biosphere and the term “protective substances” means all those substances which contribute directly or indirectly to the prevention of harmful effects on the earth's biosphere and in particular on man. Tropospheric volume elements in the form of clouds which contain contaminants and which can escape from industrial facilities due to damage or malfunction are enriched with protective substances which prevent the organism from taking in radioactive elements and minimize the extent of the area affected by the clouds and possess additional warning and identification properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: Franz-Dietrich Oeste
  • Patent number: 7488357
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a composition of diesel, biodiesel or blended fuel (DF) with exhaust gas (EG) mixtures or with liquid CO2. The composition is in a liquid state near the supercritical region or a supercritical fluid mixture such that it quasi-instantaneously diffuses into the compressed and hot air as a single and homogeneous supercritical phase upon injection in a combustion chamber. Suitable temperatures and pressures are greater than about 300° C. and 100 bar, and the mole fraction of EG or CO2 (XEG or XCO2) in DF is in the range of 0.0-0.9. In a combustion process embodiment, composition embodiments are injected into a combustion chamber under supercritical conditions. The content of EG or CO2 in DF can be controlled as a function of engine operating parameters such as rpm and load. The thermodynamic and transport properties of supercritical DF-EG or DF-CO2 compositions can be more easily tuned and controlled than subcritical two-phase compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Syracuse University
    Inventors: Lawrence L. Tavlarides, Gheorghe Antiescu
  • Publication number: 20080311447
    Abstract: The fuel composition for a fuel cell for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell includes a fuel, water, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and heteropoly acid. The fuel may be a hydrocarbon fuel. The hydrogen peroxide may be present in an amount of 10 wt % to 60 wt % based on the weight of the mixture of the fuel, water, and the hydrogen peroxide. The heteropoly acid may be present in an amount of 0.0001 parts to 5 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of a mixture of the fuel, water, and hydrogen peroxide. The fuel composition may reduce a reforming reaction temperature and also hydrogen generating efficiency and resultantly provides a high power cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: In-Hyuk Son
  • Publication number: 20080286621
    Abstract: The present invention involves modifying certain characteristics of solid and aqueous chemical metal hydride fuels to increase the efficiency of hydrogen generation and/or to reduce the problems associated with such conventional hydride fuel sources. The present invention also relates to an apparatus (10) usable with the release of hydrogen from hydride-water fuel cells in which both the borohydride (110) and the water (210) components are in flowable or liquid form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Andrew J. Curello, David M. Weisberg
  • Publication number: 20080229655
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dispersion composition containing (a) a metal base selected from the group consisting of: (i) a metal hydroxide with a solids content of greater than about 51 wt % of the composition; (ii) a metal base other than a metal hydroxide with a solids content of greater than about 15 wt % of the composition; and (iii) mixtures thereof; (b) a surfactant; and (c) an organic medium containing less than about 2 wt % of water. The invention further provides a process for preparing the composition and a method for its use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: THE LUBRIZOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Hobson, Benjamin Boulay, Alexander F. Psaila
  • Patent number: 7419516
    Abstract: Novel nano-sized rare earth metal oxide prepared from aqueous reverse micelles is provided. The engineered nanoparticles have large surface area to volume ratios, and sufficient oxygen vacancies on the surface of each particle, so that when mixed with carbon-containing combustible fuels, the particles remain suspended indefinitely; there is a significant reduction in soot and other by-products of combustion, an increase in engine efficiency and less fuel consumed per mile traveled in various vehicles, such as, but not limited to, automobiles, defense vehicles, airplanes, ships and other surface or air-bearing vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Research Foundation of the University of Central Florida, Inc.
    Inventors: Sudipta Seal, Eric L. Petersen, Sameer Deshpande, Swanand Patil, Suresh Chandra Kuiry
  • Patent number: 7367995
    Abstract: Fuel oxygenates comprised of fatty acid or fatty acid ester derivatives which have been reacted with ozone; a base; and a lower alkanol (1 to 8 carbon atoms) are described. The oxygenates comprise ester groups at a point of cleavage by the ozone which provide oxygen in the oxygenate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Ramani Narayan, Daniel Graiver, Kenneth W. Farminer
  • Patent number: 7364599
    Abstract: A method for increasing removal of drag reducer additive (DRA) from liquid hydrocarbon fuel. The method comprises producing contaminated liquid hydrocarbon fuel comprising a concentration of removable DRA comprising a quantity of one or more polar groups, and contacting the contaminated liquid hydrocarbon fuel with an amount of one or more removal agents under removal conditions effective to produce a reduced concentration of the removable DRA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventor: John Andrew Waynick
  • Publication number: 20080086936
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method to reduce wear and prevent deposit formation in an internal combustion engine, said method comprising combusting in said engine a fuel composition comprising gasoline, ethanol and at least one fuel additive. There is also provided a composition to improve wear protection in an internal combustion engine combusting an ethanol-containing fuel, said composition comprising gasoline, ethanol, and one or more fuel additive materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Cunningham, Richard J. DuMont, William J. Colucci, Alexander M. Kulinowski, Joseph W. Roos, Ronald K. Fricke
  • Patent number: 7354461
    Abstract: A solid fuel for use in fuel cells is presented. The solid fuel includes solid oxygenates, and mixtures for generating a gaseous fuel from the solid fuel. The solid fuel can be contained in a cartridge and reacted with a liquid reactant for generating a gaseous fuel used in the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Laszlo T. Nemeth, Anil R. Oroskar, Kurt M. Vanden Bussche, Gavin P. Towler, Rusty M. Pittman
  • Patent number: 7338540
    Abstract: A method of decomposing an organic azide is provided and comprises allowing an organic azide to contact a catalytic metal halide, main group halide, mixed metal-main group halide, or mixture thereof. Organic azide fuel sources comprising an organic azide/catalyst combination are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Ultramet Incorporated
    Inventors: Jason R. Babcock, Arthur J. Fortini
  • Patent number: 7332002
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to additives for coal-fired furnaces, particularly furnaces using a layer of slag to capture coal particles for combustion. The additive(s) include iron, mineralizer(s), handling aid(s), flow aid(s), and/or abrasive material(s). The iron and mineralizers can lower the melting temperature of ash in low-iron, high alkali coals, leading to improved furnace performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: ADA Environmental Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Allen Johnson, John Wurster, John Philip Comer
  • Patent number: 7282072
    Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic fuels, additives for use in preparing synthetic fuels and methods for producing synthetic fuel. The synthetic fuels include low levels of a chemical change additive selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth oxides and hydroxides and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the synthetic fuel further includes low levels of a second chemical change additive, which is a petroleum hydrocarbon material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventor: Darrell M. Taulbee
  • Patent number: 7279018
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a fuel composition for diesel engines. The fuel composition comprises 0.1-99% by weight of a component or a mixture of components produced from biological raw material originating from plants and/or animals and/or fish. The fuel composition comprises 0-20% of components containing oxygen. Both components are mixed with diesel components based on crude oil and/or fractions from Fischer-Tropsch process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Fortum Oyj
    Inventors: Juha Jakkula, Pekka Aalto, Vesa Niemi, Ulla Kiiski, Jouko Nikkonen, Seppo Mikkonen, Outi Piirainen
  • Patent number: 7264640
    Abstract: A method for improving performance of an engine comprising contacting contaminated liquid hydrocarbon fuel comprising an initial concentration of DRA with one or more effective DRA removal agent under conditions effective to produce decontaminated liquid hydrocarbon fuel comprising a reduced concentration of the DRA, and feeding the decontaminated liquid hydrocarbon fuel to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventor: John Andrew Waynick
  • Patent number: 7261747
    Abstract: The present application provides a method for removing drag reducer additive (“DRA”) from liquid hydrocarbon fuel. The method comprises: providing contaminated liquid hydrocarbon fuel comprising an initial concentration of DRA; contacting the contaminated liquid hydrocarbon fuel with a quantity of fresh attapulgus clay under conditions effective to produce decontaminated liquid hydrocarbon fuel comprising a reduced concentration of the DRA; said fresh attapulgus clay being effective to remove about 10% or more of a target DRA when 1 g of the fresh attapulgus clay is added in increments of from about 0.02 gram to about 0.1 gram, with agitation, to 100 ml. of contaminated liquid hydrocarbon fuel comprising from about 8 to about 9 ppm of the unsheared target DRA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventor: John Andrew Waynick
  • Patent number: 7241320
    Abstract: The invention relates to a composition and process for improving the combustion of any kind of combustible. Also the invention relates to a process and device for obtaining such composition. The variant destined to the firing installations using common liquid/gaseous combustible as well as those ones using solid combustibles and, simultaneously liquid/gaseous combustibles for enhancing the combustion contain ?20% of 6% watery solution of potassium dichromate, treated with monochromatic light having/=480?490. 10?9 m; 0.02 ammonia; 0.3% non-additivated mineral oil and ?80% demineralized water. The variant destined to the firing installations using solid combustibles ?10% of 5% watery solution of potassium permanganate, treated with monochromatic light having/=595?625. 10?9 m; 0.05% urea 0.3% non-additivated mineral oil and ?90% de-mineralized water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Mihai Suta
  • Patent number: 7195653
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for improving the efficiency with which fuel is burnt in a fuel burning apparatus, particularly an internal combustion engine, comprising dispersing an amount of at least one particulate lanthanide oxide, particularly cerium oxide, in the fuel. This invention further relates to tablets, capsules, compositions and liquid fuel additives suitable for dispersing a lanthanide oxide in fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Cerulean International Limited
    Inventors: Ronen Hazarika, Bryan Lawrence Morgan
  • Patent number: 7018434
    Abstract: The application relates to a method for selecting drag reducer additive (DRA) effectively removable by activated carbons and graphites to be used in fuel. The appliction also relates to effective activated carbons and graphites for removing DRA from fuel, and to a method of using effective activated carbons and graphites to remove DRA from fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventor: John Andrew Waynick
  • Patent number: 6896707
    Abstract: Novel methods of providing fuels to a gas-to-liquids facility are disclosed. A gas-to-liquids facility typically operates in a remote location and therefore must supply its own energy needs. These facilities are often sustained by fuels having different heating values, and for smooth operation while transitioning from one fuel to another, (such as during startup, shut down, and emergencies) the Wobble Indices of the two fuels cannot greatly vary from one another. According to embodiments of the present invention, the Wobble Index of either or both of the fuels is adjusted such that their ratio is less than or equal to about 3. The fuel having the higher Wobble Index may be natural gas, and materials such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide and flue gas may be added to lower its Wobble Index. The fuel having the lower Wobble Index may be the tail gas of a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, and materials such as methane, ethane, LPG, or natural gas may be added to raise its Wobble Index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Rear, André Peter Steynberg, Roger Van Gelder
  • Patent number: 6866689
    Abstract: An aqueous fuel for generating hydrogen includes alkaline aqueous composition of about 17 to 37 mole percent of a sodium borohydride, and from about 0.001 to 1 mole percent of sodium hydroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Montgomery Chemicals, LLC.
    Inventors: Charles A. Lumsden, Thomas Hugh Evans
  • Publication number: 20040247960
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel tank storing a fuel comprising an ether, water, and an alcohol; a vaporizer vaporizing the fuel; a reformer reforming the vaporized fuel into a hydrogen rich gas; a CO gas removal apparatus configured to remove CO gas in the hydrogen rich gas; and a fuel cell unit configured to generate electricity by electrochemical reaction of the hydrogen rich gas and oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Yuusuke Sato, Kaoru Fujimoto, Kenji Asami, Yoshiyuki Isozaki
  • Patent number: 6793693
    Abstract: A process for the utilization of a fuel having an initial boiling temperature or prevailing initial boiling temperature range at 1 bar of between 231 K and 830 K, characterized by the following features: (a) the fuel is contacted with at least one oxidant preheated to from 520 K to 880 K at a pressure, p, of ≧1 bar, or at a lower pressure with a reduction of the temperature range, and a C/O molar ratio of between 1:0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Heinrich Köhne
    Inventors: Heinrich Koehne, Klaus Lucka, Ingo Rudolphi, Heinz-Peter Gitzinger, Lutz Hartmann
  • Patent number: 6773470
    Abstract: A fuel composition for fuel cells includes a polar solvent such as water, a first portion of a first fuel dissolved in the solvent at a saturated concentration, and a second portion of the first fuel suspended in the solvent to serve as a reservoir of fuel as the dissolved portion is consumed. Preferably, the first fuel is a hydride such as NaBH4. Optionally, the fuel composition also includes a second fuel such as an alcohol that also controls the solubility of the first fuel in the solvent, inhibits decomposition of the first fuel and stabilizes the suspension. Preferably, the fuel composition also includes an additive such as an alkali for stabilizing the first fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: More Energy Ltd.
    Inventors: Gennadi Finkelshtain, Yuri Katzman, Nikolai Fishelson, Zina Lurie