Liquid Phase Fischer-tropsch Reaction Patents (Class 518/700)
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Publication number: 20110124748Abstract: The system contained within this application for patent protection provides the ability to produce clean syngas, natural gas, synthetic fuels, electricity, hydrogen fuels, and oil substitutes using a variety of materials. These materials include, but are not limited to: coal, biomass (including but not limited to municipal solid wastes), and agricultural byproducts. The fuels and electricity generated by this system can immediately be utilized by existing power and transportation grids, and as such, allow for rapid integration into the nation's energy needs. The system also removes and sequesters carbon dioxide, creating a clean, environmentally responsible supply of multiple types of power. The overall process provides an alternative to current oil and power solutions, allowing for domestic production of various energy requirements, creating the possibility for the reduced dependence on foreign imports for energy needs.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2010Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventor: Lai O. Kuku
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Patent number: 7947746Abstract: Process for converting synthesis gas to ethanol, including the steps of 1) introducing synthesis gas, together with methyl ethanoate and/or ethyl ethanoate, into an alcohol synthesis unit to produce methanol and ethanol, 2) separating the methanol from the ethanol of step 1, 3) introducing methanol, from step 2, together with CO, into a carbonylation unit in the presence of a methanol carbonylation catalyst, to produce ethanoic acid, and 4) introducing ethanoic acid, from step 3, together with methanol and/or ethanol, into an esterification unit to produce methyl ethanoate and/or ethyl ethanoate. In step 5), methyl ethanoate and/or ethyl ethanoate, produced in step 4, are fed into the alcohol synthesis unit of step 1, and in step 6) ethanol from step 2 is recovered.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: BP P.L.C.Inventors: Berian John Daniel, Benjamin Patrick Gracey, John Glenn Sunley
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Patent number: 7943673Abstract: A process is described for converting synthesis gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen to hydrocarbons via methanol as an intermediate, by contacting the synthesis gas with a catalyst system containing a mixture of gallium silicate zeolite catalyst and a methanol catalyst. The process results in reduced amounts of undesirable low carbon number hydrocarbons, e.g., C4 and lower, undesirable high carbon number hydrocarbons, e.g., C10 and higher, and aromatic hydrocarbons. The process provides higher yields of useful, high octane hydrocarbons boiling in the gasoline range.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2008Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Charles L. Kibby, Allen W. Burton, Jr., Alfred Haas, Simon Holz
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Patent number: 7943674Abstract: A method for performing synthesis gas conversion is disclosed which comprises contacting synthesis gas with a hybrid Fischer-Tropsch catalyst formed by impregnating a ZSM-12 zeolite extrudate using a solution, for example, a substantially non-aqueous solution, comprising a cobalt salt and activating the impregnated zeolite extrudate by a reduction-oxidation-reduction cycle. The method results in reduced methane yield and increased yield of liquid hydrocarbons substantially free of solid wax.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Charles L. Kibby, Kandaswamy Jothimurugesan, Tapan K. Das, Robert J. Saxton, Allen W. Burton, Jr.
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Publication number: 20110107661Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing gasoline components from syngas. Syngas is converted to one or more of methanol, ethanol, mixed alcohols, and dimethyl ether, followed by various combinations of separations and reactions to produce gasoline components with oxygenates, such as alcohols. The syngas is preferably derived from biomass or another renewable carbon-containing feedstock, thereby providing a biorefining process for the production of renewable gasoline.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2010Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: Range Fuels, Inc.Inventors: Shakeel H. TIRMIZI, John D. WINTER, David T. GALLASPY
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Publication number: 20110105630Abstract: A catalyst support which may be used to support various catalysts for use in reactions for hydrogenation of carbon dioxide including a catalyst support material and an active material capable of catalyzing a reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction associated with the catalyst support material. A catalyst for hydrogenation of carbon dioxide may be supported on the catalyst support. A method for making a catalyst for use in hydrogenation of carbon dioxide including application of an active material capable of catalyzing a reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction to a catalyst support material, the coated catalyst support material is optionally calcined, and a catalyst for the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide is deposited on the coated catalyst support material. A process for hydrogenation of carbon dioxide and for making syngas comprising a hydrocarbon, esp. methane, reforming step and a RWGS step which employs the catalyst composition of the present invention and products thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2010Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Robert W. Dorner, Heather D. Willauer, Dennis R. Hardy
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Patent number: 7935734Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a process for conducting a chemical reaction between at least one liquid reactant and at least one gaseous reactant in a process microchannel containing at least one catalyst, the catalyst comprising a solid phase catalyst or a homogeneous catalyst immobilized on a solid. In one embodiment, the process microchannel comprises a processing zone containing one or more structures for disrupting fluid flow and a reaction zone containing one or more structures for contacting and/or supporting the catalyst, the one or more structures for contacting and/or supporting the catalyst containing openings to permit the reactants to flow through the one or more structures and contact the catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Kai Tod Paul Jarosch, Timothy J. Sullivan, Terry Mazanec, Sean Patrick Fitzgerald, Maddalena Fanelli
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Patent number: 7935313Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 16, 2005Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignees: IFP Energies Nouvelles, ENI S.p.A.Inventors: Nathalie Brunard, Jean-Marc Schweitzer
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Patent number: 7932296Abstract: Systems and methods for producing syngas are provided. A first hydrocarbon can be partially oxidized in the presence of an oxidant and one or more first catalysts at conditions sufficient to partially combust a portion of the first hydrocarbon to provide carbon dioxide, non-combusted first hydrocarbon, and heat. The non-combusted first hydrocarbon can be reformed in the presence of the heat generated in the partial oxidation step and the one or more first catalysts to provide a first syngas. Heat can be indirectly exchanged from the first syngas to a second hydrocarbon to reform at least a portion of the second hydrocarbon in the presence of steam and one or more second catalysts to provide a second syngas. A syngas, which can include the at least a portion of the first syngas, at least a portion of the second syngas, or a mixture thereof can be converted to provide one or more Fischer-Tropsch products, methanol, derivatives thereof, or combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2008Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLCInventors: Avinash Malhotra, David P. Mann
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Patent number: 7932297Abstract: A method and system for the production of valuable chemicals or alternative liquid fuels via an integrated biomass conversion and upgrading process is disclosed. The process integrates three subcomponent processes, capturing the desirable attributes of each: zoned partial oxidation, alcohol production, and gas-to-liquids reformation. The method and system may include reacting gasification intermediates—e.g., syngas from zoned partial oxidation, with bioprocessing intermediates—e.g., aqueous ethanol from alcohol production in a reactive separation to produce a product(s) of higher alcohols, liquid hydrocarbons, or a combination of these. The product(s) can be split into two (or more) boiling point fractions by the same reactive separations unit operation. The resulting product(s) are valuable for a variety of applications, including potentially as alternative (non-fossil-based) liquid transportation fuels.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2009Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Pennsylvania Sustainable Technologies, LLCInventor: Thomas Paul Griffin
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Patent number: 7919536Abstract: The present invention relates to a slurry bed loop reactor comprising a riser and at least one downcomer (3), wherein two ends of the riser are connected to two ends of the downcomer (3) via lines (16) and (7), respectively. The riser comprises a reaction section (1) and a settling section (2) with an increased tube diameter disposed on the reaction section (1). A gas outlet (13) exists at the top of the settling section (2). Each of the downcomers (3) is divided into a filtrate section (5) and a slurry section (6) by filter medium (4), wherein the filtrate section (5) is connected to a liquid outlet (10); two ends of the slurry section (6) are respectively connected to two ends of the riser, and the filtrate region (5) may further be connected to a back purging system.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2007Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignees: China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, Research Institute of Petroleum Processing, SinopecInventors: Zhanzhu Zhang, Lifeng Hu, Xiaojin Tang, Shaobing Wang, Shuandi Hou, Junyi Mao, Hongliang Qu
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Patent number: 7915193Abstract: A method of activating an iron Fischer-Tropsch catalyst by introducing an inert gas into a reactor comprising a slurry of the catalyst at a first temperature, increasing the reactor temperature from the first temperature to a second temperature at a first ramp rate, wherein the second temperature is in the range of from about 150° C. to 250° C., introducing synthesis gas having a ratio of H2:CO to the reactor at a space velocity, and increasing the reactor temperature from the second temperature to a third temperature at a second ramp rate, wherein the third temperature is in the range of from about 270° C. to 300° C. The iron Fischer-Tropsch catalyst may be a precipitated unsupported iron catalyst, production of which is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Rentech, Inc.Inventors: Belma Demirel, Charles B. Benham, Dan Fraenkel, Richard Bley, Jesse W. Taylor, Bahman Rejai, Sara Rolfe, Harold A. Wright
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Patent number: 7910630Abstract: Process for the preparation of dimethyl ether product by catalytic conversion of synthesis gas to dimethyl ether comprising the steps of contacting a stream of synthesis gas comprising carbon dioxide in a dimethyl ether synthesis step in one or more reactors and with one or more catalysts being active in formation of methanol and dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether, to form a product mixture comprising the dimethyl ether and carbon dioxide, washing the product mixture in a scrubbing zone with a liquid solvent being rich in dialkyl ether of a polyalkylene glycol and thereby dissolving carbon dioxide and dimethyl ether in the liquid solvent, treating the liquid solvent being withdrawn from the scrubbing zone sequentially in separation zone to effect desorption of the dissolved carbon dioxide and to recover a substantially pure dimethyl ether product and the liquid solvent in its substantially lean form and recycling the lean liquid solvent to the scrubbing zone.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Haldor Topsøe A/SInventors: Thomas Rostrup-Nielsen, Jørgen Madsen
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Patent number: 7910787Abstract: An apparatus and method of producing methanol includes reacting a heated hydrocarbon-containing gas and an oxygen-containing gas in a reactor; to provide a product stream comprising methanol; and transferring heat from the product stream to the hydrocarbon-containing gas to heat the hydrocarbon containing gas. After removing methanol and CO2 from the product stream, unprocessed hydrocarbons are mixed with the hydrocarbon containing gas for reprocessing through the reactor. Reactor byproducts are injected into the ground to increase the output of a hydrocarbon producing well.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2006Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Gas Technologies LLCInventors: Nathan A Pawlak, Walter Breidenstein, Robert W. Carr
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Publication number: 20110065813Abstract: The present invention includes a removable microchannel unit including an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice in fluid communication with a plurality of microchannels distributed throughout the removable microchannel unit, and a pressurized vessel adapted have the removable microchannel unit mounted thereto, the pressurized vessel adapted to contain a pressurized fluid exerting a positive gauge pressure upon at least a portion of the exterior of the removable microchannel unit. The invention also includes a microchannel unit assembly comprising a microchannel unit operation carried out within a pressurized vessel, where pressurized vessel includes a pressurized fluid exerting a positive gauge pressure upon an exterior of the microchannel unit operation, and where the microchannel unit operation includes an outlet orifice in fluid communication with an interior of the pressurized vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventors: William Allen Rogers, Paul Willam Neagle, Michael Alan Marchiando, Christopher Paul Weil, Robert Dwayne Litt, Ronald Chester Pasadyn, G. Bradley Smith, Charles Robert Miele, Thomas Peter Forte, Jimmy Glen Pelham
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Publication number: 20110054044Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventor: Alexander J. SEVERINSKY
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Patent number: 7897649Abstract: An improved, economical alternative method to supply steam and methane to a steam methane reformer (SMR) is accomplished by a combination of procedures, wherein product gas from a steam hydro-gasification reactor (SHR) is used as the feedstock for the SMR by removing impurities from the product stream from the SHR with a gas cleanup unit that operates substantially at process pressures and at a temperature above the boiling point of water at the process pressure, is located between the SHR and SMR.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2007Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Joseph M. Norbeck, Chan Seung Park
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Publication number: 20110039953Abstract: Process for maintaining the stability of performances of a catalyst for Fischer-Tropsch reaction, performed in a slurry bubble column reactor under a triphase system which comprises gradually increasing the PH2O/PH2 ratio and the PH2O/Z ratio, during the start-up phase, with Z=P0·(T/T1)4·e?(K2/(t·K3)) from 0.4 to 0.8, for a period of time not shorter than 100-150 hrs and not longer than 200-300 hours and, at the end of the start-up phase, maintaining the PH2O/PH2 and PH2O/Z ratios substantially equal to or lower than 0.8.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2008Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicants: ENI S.P.A., INSTITUT FRANCAIS DU PETROLEInventors: Andrea Tasso, Stefano Rossini, Paolo Pollesel
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Publication number: 20110039952Abstract: A method of separating magnetic particles from Fischer-Tropsch synthetic crude oil is provided, the method including: a solid-liquid separation step of separating a solid component from Fischer-Tropsch synthetic crude oil produced by a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction; and a magnetic separation step of capturing magnetic particles contained in the Fischer-Tropsch synthetic crude oil subjected to the solid-liquid separation step and separating the magnetic particles from the Fischer-Tropsch synthetic crude oil, wherein the magnetic separation step is carried out by means of a high gradient magnetic separator including a washing liquid introduction line for introducing washing liquid used to intermittently clean the captured magnetic particles and a washing liquid discharge line for discharging the washing liquid which has been used to clean the magnetic particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2009Publication date: February 17, 2011Inventor: Kazuhiko Tasaka
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Publication number: 20110034569Abstract: A method and system for co-production of electric power, fuel, and chemicals in which a synthesis gas at a first pressure is expanded using a stand-alone mechanical expander or a partial oxidation gas turbine, simultaneously producing electric power and an expanded synthesis gas at a second pressure after which the expanded synthesis gas is converted to a fuel and/or a chemical.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2010Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: GAS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTEInventors: Arunabha Basu, Iosif K. Rabovitser, John J. Lewnard, John M. Pratapas, Howard S. Meyer, Dennis Leppin, Dmitri Boulanov
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Patent number: 7884138Abstract: A process is described by which an olefinic naphtha and a hydrogenated distillate fuel are made from a Fischer-Tropsch process. The olefinic naphtha is suitable for use in an ethylene cracker where the olefins enhance the formation of ethylene. Thy hydrogenated distillate fuel is used in jet and or diesel fuels. Optionally the olefinic naphtha has a low content of acids. This low acid content, is obtained by operating the Fischer-Tropsch unit at H2/CO ratios from 1.8 to 2.05 or treating the effluent from the Fischer-Tropsch unit with a metal oxide to remove the acids.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Jerome F. Mayer, Dennis J. O'Rear
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Publication number: 20110028573Abstract: A method of producing value-added product from refinery-related gas, the method comprising: providing a refinery-related gas comprising at least one selected from C1-C8 compounds; intimately mixing the refinery-related gas with a liquid carrier in a high shear device to form a dispersion of gas in the liquid carrier, wherein the gas bubbles in the dispersion have a mean diameter of less than or equal to about 5 ?m; and extracting value-added product comprising at least one component selected from higher hydrocarbons, olefins and alcohols. A system for producing value-added product from refinery-related gas comprising: at least one high shear device comprising at least one rotor and at least one complementarily-shaped stator; apparatus for the production of a refinery-related gas comprising one or more of C1-C8 compounds; and a pump configured for delivering a liquid stream comprising the liquid carrier to the high shear device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: HRD CORP.Inventors: Abbas HASSAN, Aziz HASSAN, Rayford G. ANTHONY, Gregory G. BORSINGER
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Publication number: 20110028574Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous separation and discharge apparatus and method of solid catalysts and liquid products for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactions, and more particularly, to a continuous separation and discharge apparatus and method of solid catalysts and products for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactions involving the conversion of synthetic gas into synthetic oil, by which products of the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis including wax, as a long-chain hydrocarbon, can be stably obtained by continuously separating the products from a slurry comprising solid catalyst particles and the products using periodic pulses of a feeding gas and discharging the products through a lower portion of a reactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2008Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: Korea Research Institute of Chemical TechnologyInventors: Kwang Jae Woo, Ki-won Jun, Suk-Hwan Kang, Seung-Moon Kim, Jong-Wook Bae
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Patent number: 7879919Abstract: A process for producing hydrocarbons from natural gas includes, in a cryogenic separation stage, cryogenically separating the natural gas to produce at least a methane stream and natural gas liquids, in a reforming stage, reforming the methane stream to produce a synthesis gas which includes at least CO and H2, and in a Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis stage, converting at least some of the CO and H2 into a Fischer-Tropsch product which includes hydrocarbons. A Fischer-Tropsch tail gas which includes at least CO and H2, methane and heavier than methane hydrocarbons, is separated from the Fischer-Tropsch product in a Fischer-Tropsch product separation stage. At least a portion of the Fischer-Tropsch tail gas is recycled to the cryogenic separation stage, where the Fischer-Tropsch tail gas is cryogenically separated into two or more streams.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Sasol Technology (Proprietary) LimitedInventors: Werner Siegfried Ernst, Jacobus Francois Van Tonder
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Patent number: 7872054Abstract: A low-temperature catalytic process for converting biomass (preferably glycerol recovered from the fabrication of bio-diesel) to synthesis gas (i.e., H2/CO gas mixture) in an endothermic gasification reaction is described. The synthesis gas is used in exothermic carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions, such as Fischer-Tropsch, methanol, or dimethylether syntheses. The heat from the exothermic carbon-carbon bond-forming reaction is integrated with the endothermic gasification reaction, thus providing an energy-efficient route for producing fuels and chemicals from renewable biomass resources.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignees: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, Virent Energy SystemsInventors: Randy D. Cortright, James A. Dumesic
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Publication number: 20110003899Abstract: A process for producing Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon products onboard a marine vessel from carbonaceous feedstock by gasification in a thermal conversion plant connected to an onboard power plant unit includes the steps of forming Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbons in a Fischer-Tropsch reactor having a recycle line from the Fischer-Tropsch reactor to the thermal conversion plant and recycling at least one of carbon dioxide and tail gas from the Fischer-Tropsch reactor to the thermal conversion plant during gasification.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2009Publication date: January 6, 2011Inventor: How Kiap Gueh
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Patent number: 7863340Abstract: 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 electrolyzing 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: GrantFiled: December 24, 2009Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Fuelcor LLCInventor: Alexander J. Severinsky
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Patent number: 7855235Abstract: A method to start a steady state process for producing normally gaseous, liquid and solid hydrocarbons comprises providing a synthesis gas and catalytically converting the synthesis gas into normally gaseous, liquid or solid hydrocarbons. The process involves using at least a portion of the gaseous hydrocarbons produced as a recycle stream to which hydrogen is added prior to its reintroduction into the reactors and as the activity of the catalyst converting the synthesis gas proceeds from start-up towards a steady state, the amount of recycle stream is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2006Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventor: Robert Martijn Van Hardeveld
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Patent number: 7855234Abstract: A method of accommodating a reduction in production capacity of one or more reactors in a multi-reactor assembly adapted for the production of hydrocarbon products from syngas, the syngas being provided by a syngas manufacturing facility and provided to an entry stream system providing syngas to each of the reactors, and having an exit stream system taking at least hydrocarbon products from the reactors, wherein the method comprises the steps of: redistributing the syngas from the one or more said reactors to one or more other reactors, and increasing the temperature in the said one or more other reactors to at least partially take over the reduction in production capacity of the one or more reactors.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2006Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Arend Hoek, Hans Michiel Huisman
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Publication number: 20100317747Abstract: A medium oil to be used for a synthesis reaction in a slurry-bed reaction procedure. The medium oil has as a main component, a branched, saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon having 16 to 50 carbon atoms, 1 to 7 tertiary carbon atoms, 0 quaternary carbon atoms, and 1 to 16 carbon atoms in the branched chains bonded to the tertiary carbon atoms; and at least one of the tertiary carbon atoms is bonded to hydrocarbon chains with a chain length having 4 or more carbon atoms in three directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Inventors: Keiichi Okuyama, Yotaro Ohno, Takashi Ogawa, Seiji Aoki, Tsutomu Shikada, Yasuhiro Mogi, Toshifumi Suzuki, Yasuo Miyoshi, Nobuaki Kobayashi, Kazuro Suzuki
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Publication number: 20100317748Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method of producing synthesis gas from carbonaceous material, the method comprising: (a) providing a mixture comprising carbonaceous material and a liquid medium; (b) subjecting the mixture to high shear under gasification conditions whereby a high shear-treated stream comprising synthesis gas is produced; and (c) separating a product comprising synthesis gas from the high shear-treated stream. Herein also disclosed is a method for producing a liquid product. The method comprises forming a dispersion comprising gas bubbles dispersed in a liquid phase in a high shear device, wherein the average gas bubble diameter is less than about 1.5 ?m; contacting the dispersion with a multifunctional catalyst to form the liquid product; and recovering the liquid product. In an embodiment, the liquid product is selected from the group consisting of C2+ hydrocarbons, C2+ oxygenates, and combinations thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: HRD CORP.Inventors: Abbas HASSAN, Aziz HASSAN, Rayford G. ANTHONY, Gregory G. BORSINGER
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Patent number: 7846979Abstract: Process for the production of liquid hydrocarbons from a feedstock that comprises at least one elementary feedstock from the group of biomass, coal, lignite, petroleum residues, methane, and natural gas, comprising: at least one stage a) for gasification of the feedstock by partial oxidation and/or steam reforming to produce a synthesis gas SG; a stage b) for separating CO2 from SG and a portion of the effluent of the subsequent stage c); the mixing of a portion of the CO2 that is separated with a gas of an H2/CO ratio of more than 3; a stage c) for partial conversion with hydrogen, thermal or thermocatalytic, of the CO2 that is present in said first mixture according to the reaction: CO2+H2?CO+H2O in a specific reaction zone that is separated from said gasification zone or zones; a stage d) for Fisher-Tropsch synthesis on a synthesis gas that comprises at least a portion of SG and at least a portion of the CO that is produced by the conversion of CO2 into hydrogen.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: IFP Energies NouvellesInventors: Alexandre Rojey, Reynald Bonneau, Nicolas Boudet
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Patent number: 7846978Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing methanol from a methane source by oxidizing methane under conditions sufficient to a mixture of methanol and formaldehyde while minimizing the formation of formic acid and carbon dioxide. The oxidation step is followed by treatment step in which formaldehyde is converted into methanol and formic acid which itself can further be converted into methanol via catalytic hydrogenation of intermediately formed methyl formate.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2010Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: University of Southern CaliforniaInventors: George A. Olah, G. K. Surya Prakash
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Patent number: 7846977Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst comprising a preferably oxidic, core material, a shell of zinc oxide around said core material, and a catalytically active material in or on the shell, based on one or more of the metals cobalt, iron, ruthenium and/or nickel, preferably a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, to the preparation of such a catalyst and the use thereof in GTL processes.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: BASF CorporationInventors: Cornelis Roeland Baijense, Geoffrey Johnson, Ahmad Moini
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Publication number: 20100305220Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing liquid hydro carbonaceous product (1) such as biofuel from solid biomass (2). The method comprises a gasifying step for gasifying solid biomass (2) in a gasifier (6) to produce raw synthesis gas (3), conditioning of the raw synthesis gas (3) to purify the raw synthesis gas (3) to obtain purified synthesis gas (4) having a molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide between 2.5 to 1 and 0.5 to 1, preferably to between 2.1 to 1 and 1.8 to 1, more preferably about 2 to 1, and subjecting purified synthesis gas (4) to a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis in a Fischer-Tropsch reactor (5) to produce liquid hydro carbonaceous product (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2008Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: Upmkymmene OyjInventors: Petri Kukkonen, Pekka Knuuttila, Pekka Jokela
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Patent number: 7842264Abstract: A multiple stage apparatus and process using aerodynamic reactors and aero-coalescers in sequence for the selective capture and removal of purified carbon dioxide gas, the sequential capture and removal of mercury, metal and particulate aerosols by a recycling chemical generation-regeneration system using alkali metal chloride solution following multiple oxidations of mercury vapor, and nitric oxide in sequence, selective capture and removal of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide by two stage absorption by a recycling chemical generation-regeneration system using alkali metal hydroxide-carbonate-bicarbonate solution together with sequential oxidation to alkali metal sulfate and alkali metal nitrate compounds through evaporation and crystallization. Carbon dioxide capture and recovery is achieved in sequence by selective thermal decarbonation from an alkaline liquid followed by recovery as a purified gas stream.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2008Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Cefco, LLCInventors: Hal B. H. Cooper, Robert E. Tang, Donald E. Degling, Thomas K. Ewan, Sam M. Ewan
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Publication number: 20100298449Abstract: Process for producing liquid hydrocarbons from a heavy feedstock such as biomass, carbon, lignite, or heavy petroleum residue comprising: A partial oxidation b) of the heavy feedstock, producing a synthesis gas SG1, with an H2/CO ratio <1; A vapor reforming c) of a light feedstock that comprises hydrocarbons having at most 4 carbon atoms, for the production of a synthesis gas SG2 with an H2/CO ratio >3; A Fischer-Tropsch conversion into liquid hydrocarbons of a synthesis gas SG, mixture of at least a portion of SG1 and at least a portion of SG2, in proportions such that SG has an H2/CO ratio of between 1.2 and 2.5. The light feedstock comprises hydrocarbons that have less than 10 carbon atoms C1-C10 that are obtained from a pretreatment of the heavy feedstock and/or are produced in the Fischer-Tropsch stage and/or during a downstream hydrocracking.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2007Publication date: November 25, 2010Inventor: Alexandre Rojey
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Patent number: 7837853Abstract: Process to blend a mineral derived hydrocarbon product and a Fischer-Tropsch derived hydrocarbon product by providing in a storage vessel of a marine vessel a quantity of mineral derived hydrocarbon product and Fischer-Tropsch derived hydrocarbon product such that initially the mineral derived hydrocarbon product is located substantially above the Fischer-Tropsch derived hydrocarbon product, transporting the combined products in the marine vessel from one location to another location, also referred to as the destination, and obtaining a blended product at arrival of the marine vessel at its destination.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2006Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Claire Ansell, Richard Hugh Clark, Richard John Heins
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Publication number: 20100292350Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for preparing gaseous products, and in particular methane, via the catalytic hydromethanation of a carbonaceous feedstock in the presence of steam, syngas and an oxygen-rich gas stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: GREATPOINT ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Earl T. Robinson, Pattabhi K. Raman, Vincent G. Reiling
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Patent number: 7829602Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process and apparatus for converting natural gas to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons. The process includes steam reforming to form synthesis gas followed by a Fischer-Tropsch reaction to convert the synthesis gas to the high molecular weight hydrocarbons. The reforming and Fischer-Tropsch reactions are conducted in microchannel reactors. The higher molecular weight hydrocarbons may be further treated to form hydrocarbon products such as middle distillate fuels, lubricating oils, and the like. The apparatus includes vessels containing SMR microchannel reactors and Fischer-Tropsch microchannel reactors. A composition comprising a mixture of olefins and paraffins is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2008Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Velocys, Inc.Inventors: Robert Dwayne Litt, Wayne W. Simmons
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Patent number: 7829601Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for preparing a mixture comprising CO and H2 by operating a partial oxidation process of a solid carbonaceous feed, which process comprises the steps of: (a) supplying the solid carbonaceous feed and an oxygen-containing stream to a burner, wherein a CO2 containing transport gas is used to transport the solid carbonaceous feed to the burner; (b) partially oxidizing the carbonaceous feed in the burner wherein a gaseous stream comprising CO and H2 is being discharged from said burner into a reaction zone, wherein the temperature in the reaction zone is from 1200 to 1800° C.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2008Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Johannes Everdinus Gerrit Ploeg, Jacobus Hendrikus Scheerman
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Patent number: 7825164Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting a feed comprising synthesis gas to liquid hydrocarbons within a single reactor at essentially common reaction conditions. The synthesis gas contacts a catalyst bed comprising a mixture of a synthesis gas conversion catalyst on a support containing an acidic component and a dual functionality catalyst including a hydrogenation component and a solid acid component. The hydrocarbons produced are liquid at about 0° C., contain at least 25% by volume C10+ and are substantially free of solid wax.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2009Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Charles L. Kibby, Kandaswamy Jothimurugesan, Tapan K. Das, Robert J. Saxton, Allen W. Burton
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Patent number: 7820867Abstract: Process for converting oxygenate compounds to hydrocarbons comprising the steps: (a) introducing a feed stream of synthesis gas to a synthesis section for the production of easily convertible oxygenates, (b) passing the effluent stream from said synthesis section containing easily convertible oxygenates to a gasoline synthesis section, (c) passing the effluent of said gasoline synthesis section to a separator and withdrawing from said separator hydrocarbons boiling in the gasoline boiling range, (d) admixing a recycle stream from the separator containing unconverted synthesis gas volatile hydrocarbons with the feed stream of synthesis gas of step (a), (e) introducing a feed containing difficulty convertible oxygenates to the synthesis section of step (a).Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2006Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Haldor Topsøe A/SInventors: Finn Joensen, Bodil Voss, Jesper Nerlov
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Patent number: 7820727Abstract: Process for the running of a reactor in which reactions take place in multiphase systems, wherein a gaseous phase prevalently consisting of CO and H2 is bubbled into a suspension of a solid in the form of particles (catalyst) in a liquid (prevalently reaction product), according to the Fischer-Tropsch technology.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2009Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignees: ENI S.p.A., Institut Francais du Petrole, Enitecnologie S.p.A.Inventors: Cristina Maretto, Giovanni Pederzani
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Patent number: 7820725Abstract: A process for carrying out at least two unit operations in series, the process comprising the step of: (a) directing a feed stream into an integrated assembly which comprises a first microchannel unit operation upon at least one chemical of the feed stream to generate a distributed output stream that exits the first microchannel unit operation in a first set of discrete microchannels isolating flow through the discrete microchannels; and (b) directing the distributed output stream of the first microchannel unit operation into a second microchannel unit operation as a distributed input stream, to continue isolating flow between the first set of discrete microchannels, and conducting at least one operation upon at least one chemical of the input stream to generate a product stream that exits the second microchannel unit operation, where the first microchannel unit operation and the second unit operation share a housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2006Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Velocys, Inc.Inventors: Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Robert D. Litt
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Patent number: 7820726Abstract: A process for the production of normally gaseous, normally liquid and optionally normally solid hydrocarbons from a light hydrocarbonaceous feed gas stream, which feed gas stream includes sulphur compounds and carbon dioxide, the process comprising the steps of: (i) removing at least most of the sulphur compounds from the feed gas stream by an aqueous amine process in one or more reactors, optionally followed by on or more further treatment processes; (ii) controlling where necessary the amount of carbon dioxide in the feed gas stream in step (i) so as to be in the range 0.25-2.0 v/v&, preferably 0.5-1.5 v/v %, of the processed feed stream; (iii) using the feed gas stream of step (ii) to provide synthesis gas; and (iv) catalytic converting the synthesis gas of step (iii) at an elevated temperature and pressure to obtain the normally gaseous, normally liquid and optionally normally solid hydrocarbons.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2006Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Anthony Malcolm Rigby, Jill Hui Chiun Chieng, Gijsbert Jan Van Heeringen, Hans Michiel Huisman
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Patent number: 7816415Abstract: Gasses containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen are converted into hydrocarbons using a reactor vessel having a liquid, a catalyst dispersed in the liquid, and a sonic mixing system interfaced with the reactor vessel. The sonic mixing system is used to agitate the mixture. In combination with the catalysts, the agitation increases reaction kinetics, thereby promoting chemical reactions used to efficiently convert gasses containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen into hydrocarbons.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2007Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: InEnTec LLCInventors: William J. Quapp, Jeffrey E. Surma, James A. Batdorf
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Patent number: 7812060Abstract: A method of treating off-gas from a Fischer-Tropsch reaction comprises recovering the off-gas and hydrogenating a portion of the olefins present in the off-gas and converting a portion of the carbon monoxide present in the off-gas to carbon dioxide or methane. The treated off-gas is then fed to a hydrogen manufacturing unit such as a steam reformer to form hydrogen that can be used elsewhere in the process.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2005Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Frederik Willem Hendrik Gimpel, Gerard Grootveld
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Publication number: 20100251616Abstract: A method and related apparatus for torrefaction of associated biomass which includes providing an enclosed chamber having a body and a door having an open position allowing passage into and out of the enclosed chamber and a closed position in which the door is disposed in sealing engagement with the body, providing the enclosed chamber with walls capable of sustaining both a negative pressure and a positive pressure within the enclosed chamber; moving the door to an open position; depositing a liquid heat transfer fluid within the enclosed chamber at a temperature sufficient to achieve torrefication of the biomass and a first quantity of biomass material in the enclosed chamber that is substantially totally immersed in the liquid heat transfer fluid whereby heat transfer occurs between the liquid heat transfer fluid and the biomass immersed therein; moving the door to a closed position in sealing engagement with the body; and allowing the pressure within the enclosed chamber to rise to a pressure above the vaType: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2009Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventors: JOHN A. PAOLUCCIO, JOHN J. PAOLUCCIO
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Publication number: 20100240777Abstract: A catalyst for F-T synthesis which exhibits high activity, long life, and high water resistance without deteriorating strength and attrition resistance is disclosed. A method for producing such a catalyst, a method for regenerating such a catalyst, and a method for producing a hydrocarbon by using such as catalyst are also disclosed. Specifically, a catalyst for producing a hydrocarbon from a syngas, wherein cobalt metal, or cobalt metal and cobalt oxides; and zirconium oxides are supported by a catalyst support mainly composed of silica, is disclosed. This catalyst is characterized in that the content of impurities of the catalyst 0.01 mass % to 0.15 mass %. Specifically, a method for producing such a catalyst, a method for regenerating such a catalyst, and a method for producing a hydrocarbon by using such a catalyst are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2007Publication date: September 23, 2010Inventors: Kenichiro Fujimoto, Noriyuki Yamane