Liquid Phase Fischer-tropsch Reaction Patents (Class 518/700)
  • Patent number: 7442290
    Abstract: Mesoporous aluminum oxides with high surface areas have been synthesized using inexpensive, small organic templating agents instead of surfactants. Optionally, some of the aluminum can be framework-substituted by one or more other elements. The material has high thermal stability and possesses a three-dimensionally randomly connected mesopore network with continuously tunable pore sizes. This material can be used as catalysts for dehydration, hydrotreating, hydrogenation, catalytic reforming, steam reforming, amination, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and Diels-Alder synthesis, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Lummus Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Zhiping Shan, Jacobus Cornelius Jansen, Chuen Y. Yeh, Philip J. Angevine, Thomas Maschmeyer
  • Patent number: 7439274
    Abstract: A process (10) for producing liquid and, optionally, gaseous products from gaseous reactants includes feeding at a low level gaseous reactants (14) and, optionally, a portion of a recycle gas stream into a vertically extending slurry bed (70) of solid particles suspended in a suspension liquid inside a vessel (12), and feeding, as an additional gas feed (58), at least a portion of the recycle gas stream into the slurry bed (70) above the level at which the gaseous reactants (814) are fed into the slurry bed (70) and above the lower 20% of the vertical height of the slurry bed (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: SASOL Technology (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventors: André Peter Steynberg, Berthold Berend Breman
  • Patent number: 7439273
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation system is disclosed that includes a fuel reforming reactor generating a hydrogen-rich reformate gas at a temperature greater than 150 C, a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) hydrogen purification unit that separates the reformate gas into a relatively pure hydrogen stream and an off-gas stream, and a catalytic reactor down stream of the PSA unit that converts carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) contained in the relatively pure hydrogen stream into methane (CH4) and water vapor (H2O). The method of purification involves generating a hydrogen-rich reformate gas at a temperature greater than 150 C in a fuel reforming reactor, separating the reformate gas into a relatively pure hydrogen stream and an off-gas stream in a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) hydrogen purification unit, and converting carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) contained in the relatively pure hydrogen stream into methane (CH4) and water vapor (H2O) in a catalytic reactor down stream of the PSA unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Root Woods, Brook Forest Porter, Kandaswamy Duraiswamy
  • Patent number: 7435760
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing reagents for a chemical reaction by introducing a fuel containing hydrocarbons into a flash distillation process wherein the fuel is separated into a first component having a lower average molecular weight and a second component having a higher average molecular weight. The first component is then reformed to produce synthesis gas wherein the synthesis gas is reacted catalytically to produce the desire reagent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Darrell R Herling, Chris L. Aardahl, Robert T. Rozmiarek, Kenneth G. Rappe, Yong Wang, Jamelyn D. Holladay
  • Patent number: 7435759
    Abstract: A method for producing DME, which comprises separating a CO2 rich stream from a crude product stream containing DME and CO2 obtained by a DME synthesis from a feed syn gas; introducing the CO2 rich stream to a reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reactor wherein it is reacted with hydrogen in the presence of an oxide catalyst of either ZnO or NiO to provide a CO rich stream, and recycling the CO rich stream to the step of the methanol synthesis step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Kwang-Deog Jung, Oh-Shim Joo, Jun-Woo Oh
  • Publication number: 20080242748
    Abstract: A process for producing branched olefins from a mixed linear olefin/paraffin isomerisation feed comprising linear olefins having at least 7 carbon atoms in 5-50% w comprising in a first stage skeletally isomerising linear olefins in the isomerisation feed and in a second stage separating branched and linear molecules wherein branched molecules are substantially olefinic and linear molecules are olefinic and/or paraffinic; novel stages and combinations thereof; apparatus therefor; use of catalysts and the like therein; and use of branched olefins obtained thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Arnoldy
  • Patent number: 7429621
    Abstract: A method of synthesizing and reacting compounds in a cyclone reactor (10) is disclosed and described. A liquid carrier can be provided which can include solid catalyst particles, liquid catalysts, and/or liquid reactants. The liquid carrier can be formed into a swirl layer (38) within the cyclone reactor (10). A reactant composition including at least one reactant can also be injected through at least a portion of the swirl layer (38) such that at least a portion of the reactant is converted to a reaction product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jan D. Miller, Jan Hupka, Wlodzimierz W. Zmierczak
  • Publication number: 20080234397
    Abstract: A method of treating off-gas from a Fischer-Tropsch reaction is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of: (i) recovering the off-gas from a Fischer-Tropsch reaction, and (ii) hydrogenating a portion of the olefins present in said off-gas. In preferred embodiments the hydrogenated off-gas is used as a feed for a hydrogen manufacturing unit based on steam reforming. Carbon monoxide can be oxidised or methanated. A CuO/ZnO based catalyst can be used to hydrogenate the olefins. The present invention allows Fischer-Tropsch off-gas (containing unconverted syngas, olefins, C1-C4 hydrocarbons and inerts) to be recycled which is more efficient than using it as fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2005
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: SHELL INTERNATIONALE RESEARCH MAATSCHAPPIJ B.V.
    Inventors: Frederik Willem Hendrik Gimpel, Gerard Grootveld
  • Patent number: 7420004
    Abstract: A process for producing synthetic hydrocarbons that reacts carbon dioxide, obtained from seawater of air, and hydrogen obtained from water, with a catalyst in a chemical process such as reverse water gas shift combined with Fischer Tropsch synthesis. The hydrogen is produced by nuclear reactor electricity, nuclear waste heat conversion, ocean thermal energy conversion, or any other source that is fossil fuel-free, such as wind or wave energy. The process can be either land based or sea based.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Dennis R. Hardy, Timothy Coffey
  • Publication number: 20080207969
    Abstract: Novel methods of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis are described. It has been discovered that conducting the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis over a catalyst with a catalytically active surface layer of 35 microns or less results in a liquid hydrocarbon product with a high ratio of C5-C20:C20+. Descriptions of novel Fischer-Tropsch catalysts and reactors are also provided. Novel hydrocarbon compositions with a high ratio of C5-C20:C20+ are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Yong Wang, Chunshe Cao, Xiaohong Shari Li, Douglas C. Elliott
  • Publication number: 20080200569
    Abstract: A process for the production of liquid hydrocarbons by the Fischer-Tropsch process comprises a step a) for generating a synthesis gas, a step b) for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, a step c) for condensing the gaseous effluent obtained during step b), a step d) for separating the effluent condensed during step c) to obtain a gaseous effluent enriched in carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and a step e) for recycling at least a portion of the enriched gaseous effluent obtained during step d) to the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis step b), characterized in that: 1) two molar ratio of concentrations, A1 and A2, are determined between the hydrogen and the carbon monoxide (H2/CO), A1 being the value of said ratio in the supply to the synthesis step b), and A2 being the value of said ratio in any one of the gaseous effluents obtained during steps b) to e); 2) comparing ratios A1 and A2; and 3) adjusting the concentrations of hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide in the synthesis gas to keep the difference between the two ratios A1 and A
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Marie-Claire Marion, Eric Lemajre, Jean-Marc Schweitzer
  • Publication number: 20080188576
    Abstract: A system having a movable platform including synthesis gas production, synthetic crude production and product upgrading is provided. The system may include one or more movable platforms on which the various production and/or upgrading facilities are located. A process for converting natural gas to hydrocarbon products is also provided where the process occurs on a movable platform. The process may occur on one or more operationally connected vessels. The movable platform may be any of a number of movable or transportable bases on which process equipment may be placed and/or in which hydrocarbon products may be stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: SYNTROLEUM CORPORATION
    Inventors: H. Lynn Tomlinson, E. Gary Roth, Kenneth Agee, Ed Sheehan, Ad van Loenhout, Linda Zeelenberg, Arjan Gerritse, Peter van Sloten
  • Patent number: 7405243
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a hydrogen-rich stream from a hydrogen-depleted stream. More particularly, the invention relates to a hydrocarbon synthesis process, by way of example, a Fischer Tropsch process, from which both hydrocarbons and high purity hydrogen are obtained. The process comprises contacting the hydrogen-depleted stream with a first reverse-selective membrane and a second reverse-selective membrane to provide a CO2-enriched permeate and a hydrogen-containing retentate. The high purity hydrogen is produced from the hydrogen-containing retentate. The high purity hydrogen thus obtained may be used in a process selected from the group consisting of upgrading hydrocarbons produced from the hydrocarbon synthesis process, hydrotreating a natural gas stream, recycling to the hydrocarbon synthesis reaction unit, high purity hydrogen production, catalyst rejuvenation, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford M. Lowe, Daniel Chinn, Paul Bryan
  • Patent number: 7402718
    Abstract: The invention relates to a conversion process for making olefin(s) using a molecular sieve catalyst composition. More specifically, the invention is directed to a process for converting a feedstock comprising an oxygenate in the presence of a molecular sieve catalyst composition, wherein the feedstock is free of or substantially free of metal salts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Marcel J. G. Janssen, Teng Xu, Cor F. Van Egmond, Keith H. Kuechler, Stephen N. Vaughn, James Harding Beech, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080167391
    Abstract: A reactor for carrying out a chemical reaction in a three phase slurry system, the reactor comprising: (a) a reaction vessel having a freeboard zone and a slurry zone, the slurry zone having a diameter of at least 0.5 m, preferably greater than 1 m, more preferably greater than 2 m, and a height of at least 15 m preferably at least 10 m; (b) a gas inlet means at or near the bottom of the reaction vessel; (c) a gas outlet at or near the top of the reaction vessel; (d) a plurality of vertical pipes within the reaction vessel slurry zone, therefore pipes having a diameter of from about 1 cm to about 200 cm, and a total perimeter of from about 1400 to about 4000 cm/ra2; and optionally (e) a liquid outlet means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Franciscus Johannes Maria Schrauwen
  • Publication number: 20080161427
    Abstract: A transportable GTL processing facility constructed on an inland barge is provided. Also provided is a process for producing liquid hydrocarbons from natural gas utilizing a transportable GTL processing facility. The facility and process may be used to access and convert stranded natural gas in an economical fashion into liquid hydrocarbons. Further provided is a transportable GTL processing facility and process for producing liquid hydrocarbons wherein the liquid hydrocarbons are upgraded into transportation fuels and other locally usable materials. Water facilities of the transportable GTL processing facility are supplied from the sea near the barge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: SYNTROLEUM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth Agee, Juan Inga, John Hutton, Ed Sheehan, Ad van Loenhout, Linda Zeelenberg, Arjan Gerritse, Peter van Sloten
  • Patent number: 7393877
    Abstract: In a process for the conversion of carbon monoxide to C2+ hydrocarbons in the presence of hydrogen and of a catalyst comprising a metal and a support comprising silicon carbide, the support comprises more than 50% by weight of silicon carbide in the beta form. A process for the conversion of carbon monoxide to C2+ hydrocarbons in the presence of hydrogen and of a catalyst the effluent thus obtained are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignees: Total France, Total S.A.
    Inventors: Sabine Savin-Poncet, Marc-Jacques Ledoux, Cuong Pham-Huu, Jacques Bousquet, Behrang Madani
  • Publication number: 20080146682
    Abstract: A process for producing liquid and, optionally, gaseous products from gaseous reactants includes feeding at a low level gaseous reactants into a vertically extending slurry bed of solid particles suspended in a suspension liquid, the slurry bed being located around a plurality of vertically extending jacketed conduits each comprising an inner conduit and an outer or jacket conduit defining between them a jacket space and the slurry bed also being located inside the inner conduits. The gaseous reactants are allowed to react exothermically as they pass upwardly through the slurry bed, thereby to form liquid and, optionally, gaseous products, and with the liquid product forming together with the suspension liquid, a liquid phase of the slurry bed, the reactions thus taking place outside the jacketed conduits and inside the inner conduits. A cooling medium is passed through the jacket spaces thereby to remove reaction heat from the slurry bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Andre Peter Steynberg
  • Patent number: 7384987
    Abstract: There are disclosed catalyst formulations and methods for the preparation of oxygenated lower aliphatic compounds. The methods comprise applying a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen to a catalyst formulation under reaction conditions, wherein the catalyst formulation is a solid which may comprise: an active metal, a mixed metal component comprising one or more of a metal A, a metal B, a metal C, and a promoter. In certain embodiments one or more of the metals and the promoter may be present as compounds. In a first embodiment the catalyst comprises a noble metal and an alkali metal promoter, mixed oxides of cerium, zirconium and molybdenum, and an alkali metal promoter. Carbon monoxide and hydrogen may be reacted in the presence of the catalysts disclosed to produce mixtures enriched in lower aliphatic alcohols and particularly ethanol. Various catalyst preparation methods are disclosed including autoignition and gel-sol methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Syntec Biofuel, Inc.
    Inventors: Coca Iordache-Cazana, Kevin Smith
  • Patent number: 7378452
    Abstract: A method for separating and filtering solid particles from a hydrocarbon slurry liquid includes two or more filter sections in fluid communication with the hydrocarbon slurry. At least one filter section is comprised of one or more filter elements having a mean pore size of less than 10 microns, and at least one other section is comprised of one or more filter elements having a mean pore size of 10 microns or greater. The small pore filter (less than 10 microns) will exclude all or substantially all of the smaller catalyst fines produced by catalyst particle attrition. The liquid product removed from the small pore filters will be substantially free of particulates. The large pore filters (10 microns or greater) will exclude larger catalyst particles, but will allow the smaller fines to pass. The liquid product removed from the large pore filters will contain the fines generated from catalyst particle attrition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Exxonmobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: David C. Long, Thomas M. Holden, Stephen J. Hsia, Costas A. Coulaloglou
  • Patent number: 7378563
    Abstract: The invention relates to a conversion process of a feedstock, preferably an oxygenated feedstock, into one or more olefin(s), preferably ethylene and/or propylene, in the presence of a molecular sieve catalyst composition that includes a molecular sieve and a Group 3 metal oxide and/or an oxide of a Lanthanide or Actinide series element. The invention is also directed to methods of making and formulating the molecular sieve catalyst composition useful in a conversion process of a feedstock into one or more olefin(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Doron Levin, James Clark Vartuli
  • Patent number: 7365102
    Abstract: In a process for forming a methane-enriched fuel, a hydrocarbon feedstock that includes hydrocarbons having molecular weights greater than that of methane (CH4) is mixed with an oxidizable gaseous reactant that includes water (H2O) and is free of molecular oxygen (O2). The mixture, which has a H2O/total hydrocarbon (H2O/C) ratio of less than about 1, is heated to an elevated temperature in the presence of a catalyst to form a methane-enriched pre-reformate product. At least a portion of the feedstock hydrocarbons having molecular weights greater than that of methane is converted to methane (CH4) in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey G. Weissman
  • Patent number: 7351750
    Abstract: Natural gas is reacted with steam for generating carbon monoxide and hydrogen in a first catalytic reactor. The resulting gas mixture is used to perform Fischer-Tropsch synthesis in a second catalytic reactor. After performing Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, the remaining hydrogen is separated from a hydrocarbon-rich stream using a hydrogen-permeable membrane, and the hydrocarbon-rich stream is returned to be subjected to steam reforming. Preferable, the hydrogen-rich stream is supplied to a combustion channel for providing heat for the endothermic steam-reforming reaction. The overall process converts natural gas to longer-chain hydrocarbons and can provide a carbon conversion of more than 80%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: CompactGTL PLC
    Inventor: Michael Joseph Bowe
  • Patent number: 7351751
    Abstract: A process for the startup of an ATR which does not contain an ignition means is provided. Also provided is a process to ascertain ATR catalyst activity prior to introduction of sufficient oxidant to form a flammable feed mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Syntroleum Corporation
    Inventors: Kym Arcuri, Kurt Schimelpfenig, Jim Leahy, Michael Morgan
  • Publication number: 20080027150
    Abstract: A process for synthesising hydrocarbons includes feeding a gaseous feedstock comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, into a dimethyl ether (DME) synthesis stage, and in the DME synthesis stage, converting a portion of the gaseous feedstock into a DME product and gaseous products. The DME product is separated from unreacted gaseous reactants and the gaseous products to obtain a tail gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The tail gas is fed into a Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis stage, and the hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are allowed at least partially to react catalytically in the Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis stage to form hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Andre Peter Steynberg
  • Patent number: 7323497
    Abstract: A process for the production of hydrocarbons is described including; a) subjecting a mixture of a hydrocarbon feedstock and steam to catalytic steam reforming to form a partially reformed gas, b) subjecting the partially reformed gas to partial combustion with an oxygen-containing gas and bringing the resultant partially combusted gas towards equilibrium over a steam reforming catalyst to form a reformed gas mixture, c) cooling the reformed gas mixture to below the dew point of the steam therein to condense water and separating condensed water to give a de-watered synthesis gas, d) synthesising hydrocarbons from side de-watered synthesis gas by the Fischer-Tropsch reaction and e) separating the hydrocarbons from co-produced water, characterised in that at least part of said co-produced water is fed to a saturator wherein it is contacted with hydrocarbon feedstock to provide at least part of the mixture of hydrocarbon feedstock and steam subjected to steam reforming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey PLC
    Inventors: Peter Edward James Abbott, Mark McKenna
  • Publication number: 20080021118
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved hydrocarbon recovery process of the Fischer-Tropsch process overhead stream using a scrubber system. Described is a process for recovering Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbons from a reactor exit gas produced from a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis operation. The process includes (a) passing the reactor exit gas to a gas/liquid contactor; and (b) withdrawing a lean tail gas stream, a light hydrocarbon stream, and a water stream from the scrubber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: SYNTROLEUM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Juan Inga, Tsungani Record
  • Patent number: 7314891
    Abstract: A process for production of hydrocarbons including a) reforming a divided hydrocarbon feedstock stream, mixing the first stream with steam, passing the mixture over a catalyst disposed in heated heat exchange reformer tubes to form a primary reformed gas, forming a secondary reformer feed stream including the primary reformed gas and the second hydrocarbon stream, partially combusting the secondary reformer feed stream and bringing the partially combusted gas towards equilibrium over a secondary catalyst, and producing a partially cooled reformed gas, b) further cooling the partially cooled reformed gas below the dew point of steam therein to condense water and separating condensed water to give a de-watered synthesis gas, c) synthesising hydrocarbons from the de-watered synthesis gas by the Fischer-Tropsch reaction and separating some of the synthesised hydrocarbons into a tail gas, and d) incorporating part of the tail gas into the secondary reformer feed stream before partial combustion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey PLC
    Inventors: Peter Edward James Abbott, Martin Fowles
  • Patent number: 7304012
    Abstract: A process for preparing a supported catalyst or catalyst precursor containing carbon, said process comprising: a. preparing a liquid mixture of (i) at least one catalyst support or catalyst support precursor; (ii) at least one metal-containing compound, wherein said metal is selected from V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Mo and W, and (iii) at least one polar organic compound which acts as a solvent for the metal-containing compound, said liquid mixture comprising 0 to 20 wt % of water based on the total weight of the mixture; b. converting said mixture to a paste or solid residue; and c. combusting the residue in an oxygen-containing atmosphere to at least partially convert the organic compound to carbon and to form said supported catalyst or catalyst precursor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventors: Malcolm Leslie Hodder Green, Tiancun Xiao
  • Patent number: 7300959
    Abstract: Fischer-Tropsch process for the conversion of carbon monoxide and hydrogen to C5+ hydrocarbon mixtures in which process use is made of Fischer-Tropsch catalyst particles and particles comprising zeolite Y with a water adsorption capacity (25° C., p/p0=0.20) of at least 16 wt %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Albemarle Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Eelco Titus Carel Vogt, Johannes Petrus Jozef Verlaan, Marieke Paulyne Renate Spee
  • Patent number: 7297719
    Abstract: A method and integrated system are provided for purifying and delivering a metal carbonyl precursor utilized to process a substrate. The method includes providing the metal carbonyl precursor containing un-reacted metal carbonyl precursor and metal-containing impurities in a metal precursor vaporization chamber containing a precursor collection plate, evacuating the metal precursor vaporization chamber, pressurizing the metal precursor vaporization chamber with a CO-containing gas, vaporizing the un-reacted metal carbonyl precursor, and condensing the vaporized un-reacted metal carbonyl precursor as a purified metal carbonyl precursor on the precursor collection plate. The method may further include vaporizing the purified metal carbonyl precursor, and delivering a process gas containing the vapor of the purified metal carbonyl precursor by flowing a gas containing CO through the metal precursor vaporization chamber to a deposition system configured to expose a substrate to the process gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Kenji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7297825
    Abstract: A catalyst for producing a liquefied petroleum gas according to the present invention comprises a Pd-based methanol synthesis catalyst component and a ?-zeolite catalyst component. It can be used in a reaction of carbon monoxide and hydrogen to give a hydrocarbon containing propane or butane as a main component, i.e., a liquefied petroleum gas, with high activity, high selectivity and high yield. Furthermore, the catalyst has a longer catalyst life with less deterioration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Japan Gas Synthesize, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kaoru Fujimoto, Kenji Asami, Sachio Asaoka, Xiaohong Li, Qianwen Zhang
  • Patent number: 7297324
    Abstract: Microchannel devices and method of use are disclosed wherein a reaction microchamber 52 is in thermal contact with a heat exchange channel 61. An equilibrium limited exothermic chemical process occurs in the reaction microchamber 52. Sufficient heat is transferred to the heat exchange channels to substantially lower the temperature in the reaction microchamber 52 down its length to substantially increase at least one performance parameter of the exothermic chemical process relative to isothermal operation. Optionally, an endothermic reaction occurs in the heat exchange channel 61 which is sustained by the exothermic chemical process occurring the exothermic reaction chamber. Both the reaction chamber 52 and the heat exchange channel 61 can be of micro dimension. Catalyst 75 can be provided in the microchamber 52 in sheet form such that reactants flow by the catalyst sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Ward E. TeGrotenhuis, David L. King, Greg A. Whyatt, Christopher M. Fischer, Robert S. Wegeng, Kriston P. Brooks
  • Patent number: 7294225
    Abstract: A process (44) for the production of pulp and paper (28), recycling of cooking chemicals (3, 29), combustion of biomass (30, 37) and generation of heat and electric energy (27, 40) comprising a pulp and paper mill (28), in that the part of the process which is recycling cooking chemicals is adjusted from combustion (29) to gasification (3) to generate synthesis gas (14); and that biomass is added (33, 39) in an amount sufficient for compensating of the decrease in heat and electricity generation as a consequence of the generation of synthesis gas (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Chemrec Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Ingvar Landälv, Mats Lindblom
  • Patent number: 7294327
    Abstract: A relatively simple and energy efficient multiple stage cryogenic process for the purification of a hydrogen-rich stream by the removal of acid gases, mainly CO2 and H2S, by method of autorefrigeration and delivering or producing those acid gases, mainly CO2, at pressure sufficiently high for disposal by containment, commonly known as sequestration. Autorefrigeration is comprised of (a) condensing acid gases from the syngas stream by cooling the syngas, (b) separating the liquefied acid gases from the syngas, and (c) evaporating the liquefied acid gases at a pressure lower than that of the syngas to provide cooling. The process is composed of multiple autorefrigeration stages to generate multiple acid gas product streams with a pressure as high as practical in each stream so as to lessen the power needed to pressurize the acid gas streams for sequestration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Tennessee Valley Authority
    Inventors: Timmons S. McClanahan, Michael C. Crim
  • Publication number: 20070259972
    Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for forming mixed alcohols containing methanol and ethanol. The mixed alcohol can then be used as a feedstock for an oxygenate-to-olefin reaction system for conversion thereof to ethylene, propylene, and the like. In addition, the olefins produced by the oxygenate-to-olefin reaction can then be used as monomers for a polymerization of olefin-containing polymers and/or oligomers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventors: James R. Lattner, Michel Molinier, Kun Wang
  • Patent number: 7288576
    Abstract: Methods have been developed to form catalysts having active metals disposed on a carbon nanotube coated porous substrate. Catalysts and reactions over nanotube-containing catalysts are also disclosed. Results are presented showing enhanced performance resulting from use of the inventive catalyst. Mesoporous oxide layers can be utilized to improve catalyst properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Yong Wang, Ya-Huei Chin, Yufei Gao
  • Patent number: 7288689
    Abstract: The present invention provides various processes for producing C1 to C4 alcohols, optionally in a mixed alcohol stream, and optionally converting the alcohols to light olefins. In one embodiment, the invention includes directing a first portion of a syngas stream to a methanol synthesis zone wherein methanol is synthesized. A second portion of the syngas stream is directed to a fuel alcohol synthesis zone wherein fuel alcohol is synthesized. The methanol and at least a portion of the fuel alcohol are directed to an oxygenate to olefin reaction system for conversion thereof to ethylene and propylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Marcel Johannes Janssen, Cornelis F. Van Egmond, Luc R. M. Martens, Jaimes Sher
  • Patent number: 7282474
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of detergents involving separating the hydrocarbonaceous product stream from a Fischer-Tropsch process producing normally liquid and normally solid hydrocarbons into a light fraction and one or more heavy fractions, hydrogenating at least part of the light fraction to convert unsaturated hydrocarbons and/or oxygenates into saturated hydrocarbons, distilling product thus obtained into at least one fraction comprising detergent hydrocarbons, dehydrogenating at least part of the detergent hydrocarbons to obtain a detergent hydrocarbon stream having mono-olefins and converting the mono-olefins into detergents. The invention further concerns a process for the preparation of detergents in which process a hydrogenated product, which is obtained according to the above process, is dehydrogenated to obtain a detergent hydrocarbon stream of mono-olefins, followed by conversion of the mono-olefins into detergents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Hendrik Dirkzwager, Joannes Ignatius Geijsel
  • Patent number: 7276105
    Abstract: A method for separating water from a Fischer-Tropsch reactor product stream in a cost effective and energy efficient manner which comprises feeding a Fischer-Tropsch product stream to a separation membrane, preferably a ceramic membrane, and recovering water vapor from the downstream permeate side of the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Randall B. Pruet
  • Patent number: 7256220
    Abstract: A method is provided for making a catalyst support, and includes the steps of providing an aqueous suspension of refractory inorganic oxide and refractory inorganic carbide; forming the suspension into droplets; exposing the droplets to a gelling agent whereby the droplets are at least partially solidified so as to provide substantially sphere-shaped portions of refractory inorganic oxide and refractory inorganic carbide; and drying and calcining the sphere-shaped portions so as to provide substantially spherical particles of catalyst support containing refractory inorganic oxide and refractory inorganic carbide. Catalytically active metal phases and hydrogenation processes using the catalyst are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Intevep, S.A.
    Inventors: Jorge M. Martinis, María E. Valera, José R. Velásquez, Angel R. Carrasquel
  • Patent number: 7250449
    Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to a hydrocarbon liquid wherein a stream of natural gas at a selected pressure is mixed with a hot gas stream which is at a temperature sufficient to affect a chemical reaction and form an intermediate product stream containing reactive hydrocarbons, the intermediate product stream being quenched and the quenched intermediate product stream being reacted in a catalytic liquification zone to produce a hydrocarbon liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Bryan Research & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Bullin, Joel G. Cantrell
  • Patent number: 7247656
    Abstract: This disclosure discusses problems associated with using natural gas to produce a variety of synthetic hydrocarbon products by production processes that require syngas feedstocks with varying H2/CO and (H2?CO2)/(CO+CO2) ratios. A number of gas separation membranes are used to vary the composition of the feed streams to different hydrocarbon synthesis units so that different synthetic hydrocarbon products can be produced. The process supplies syngas to an integrated hydrocarbon processing system comprising a number of hydrocarbon synthesis units. Gas (usually a portion of a raw syngas stream) is routed through the separation membrane units, multiple H2-rich and H2-lean streams are produced. These H2-rich and H2-lean streams can then be combined in a controlled fashion to produce feed streams of the desired compositions for the various hydrocarbon synthesis units. A variety of liquid synthetic hydrocarbon products can be produced from a given syngas source as required by market demands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme à Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Étude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Chang-Jie Guo, Paul Wentink
  • Patent number: 7244771
    Abstract: A commercial production of synthetic fuel from fermentation by-products system for efficiently producing synthetic fuels and other usable by-products. The major volatile by product of most fermentation processes is carbon dioxide. The commercial production of synthetic fuel from fermentation by-products system generally includes commercial production of synthetic fuel from fermentation by-products system for producing synthetic fuels and other usable by-products. The composition includes providing wind and/or solar generated energy to a electrolysis unit, providing water to the electrolysis unit, separating the water within the electrolysis unit into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, supplying the hydrogen gas and the oxygen gas to a turbine, sending the hydrogen gas, heated carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide to a Fischer-Tropsch reactor, producing ethanol and methanol within the Fischer-Tropsch reactor and collecting the mixture of ethanol and methanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Gary F. Seymour
  • Patent number: 7241815
    Abstract: A process is described for synthesising hydrocarbons from a mixture comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen and possibly carbon dioxide CO2, in the presence of a supported catalyst comprising at least one group VIII metal. The support comprises zirconia or a mixed zirconia-alumina oxide and the zirconia is present in the quadratic and/or amorphous form. Said catalyst is used in a liquid phase in a three-phase reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignees: Institut Francais du Petrole, ENI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Magalie Roy-Auberger, Renaud Revel, Virginie Tissot, Dan Ion Enache, Roberto Zennaro, Giovanni Pederzani
  • Patent number: 7238728
    Abstract: A commercial production of synthetic fuel from fiber system for reducing synthetic fuels and other usable by-products from fibrous plant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Gary F. Seymour
  • Patent number: 7232848
    Abstract: An apparatus for converting a gaseous and/or liquid feed fluid to gaseous and/or liquid products using a solid catalyst comprises a reactor, a liquid phase disposed within the reactor volume, a fixed catalyst at least partially disposed in the liquid phase, a cooling system having a cooling element in thermal contact with the liquid phase, a feed inlet positioned to feed the feed fluid into the reactor volume, and a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the liquid phase. The catalyst is contained in a catalyst container and the container may be adjacent to said cooling element, extend through said cooling element, or may surround the catalyst container. The catalyst may be a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Sergio R. Mohedas, Rafael L. Espinoza, Jianping Zhang
  • Patent number: 7230034
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for prevention of and recovery from a catalyst bed slumping in a gas-agitated multiphase hydrocarbon synthesis reactor, while the reactor is either under non-reactive conditions or under reaction promoting conditions when syngas is converted to products. The reactor contains a catalyst bed comprising catalyst particles and a gas injection zone suitable for injecting a reactor gas feed. A method for preventing bed slumping comprises supplying a supplemental gas to the gas-agitated multiphase reactor to prevent the catalyst bed from slumping due to insufficient reactor gas feed flow. The method may include recycling some or all of the supplemental gas to the reactor. The method may further comprise separating the gas injection zone from the catalyst bed with a porous plate so as to prevent migration of catalyst particles into the gas injection zone and to minimize plugging of gas distributor(s) present in said zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Sergio R. Mohedas, Rafael L. Espinoza, Jack E. Cnossen, Todd H. Harkins, Vincent H. Melquist, Larry D. Swinney
  • Patent number: 7227045
    Abstract: Process for the preparation of a mixture comprising C5+ linear olefins, which process comprises the steps of (a) reacting carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of an effective amount of Fischer-Tropsch catalyst under Fischer-Tropsch reaction conditions; (b) separating from the hydrocarbon mixture thus prepared at least one hydrocarbon fraction, of which at least 95% by weight consists of hydrocarbons containing 15 carbon atoms or more; (c) contacting this hydrocarbon fraction with hydrogen in the presence of an effective amount of hydrogenation catalyst under hydrogenation conditions; (d) subjecting the hydrogenated hydrocarbon fraction thus obtained to a mild thermal cracking treatment; and (e) separating from the cracked product thus prepared the mixture comprising C5+ linear olefins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Joachim Ansorge, Hendrik Dirkzwager, Joannes Ignatius Geijsel, Abdul Razak Mohamad Ali, Timothy Michael Nisbet, Laurent Alain Michel Fenouil
  • Patent number: RE40419
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a synthesis gas for use as a gaseous fuel or as feed into a Fischer-Tropsch reactor to produce a liquid fuel in a substantially self-sustaining process. A slurry of particles of carbonaceous material in water, and hydrogen from an internal source, are fed into a hydro-gasification reactor under conditions whereby methane rich producer gases are generated and fed into a steam pyrolytic reformer under conditions whereby synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide are generated. A portion of the hydrogen generated by the steam pyrolytic reformer is fed through a hydrogen purification filter into the hydro-gasification reactor, the hydrogen therefrom constituting the hydrogen from an internal source. The remaining synthesis gas generated by the steam pyrolytic reformer is either used as fuel for a gaseous fueled engine to produce electricity and/or process heat or is fed into a Fischer-Tropsch or similar reactor under conditions whereby a liquid fuel is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Joseph M. Norbeck, Colin E. Hackett