Group Ib Metal Containing Catalyst Utilized For The Fischer-tropsch Reaction (i.e., Cu, Ag, Or Au) Patents (Class 518/713)
  • Publication number: 20090069452
    Abstract: The present invention discloses and teaches new methods of converting syngas into ethanol and/or other higher alcohols. Preferred embodiments recycle methanol, partially convert it to syngas, and then convert this additional syngas also to C2+ alcohols. Generally, the invention provides reactors comprising catalysts capable of converting syngas to alcohols with low selectivities to carbon dioxide and methane, and further provides process strategies to separate and recycle unreacted syngas as well as methanol produced by the catalyst. The invention is capable of turning modest per-pass reaction selectivities to a particular alcohol, such as ethanol, into economically significant net selectivities and yields.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Range Fuels, Inc
    Inventor: Heinz Juergen ROBOTA
  • Publication number: 20090069451
    Abstract: A method of producing an iron catalyst for catalyzing the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide is disclosed. The method comprises using a reduced amount of acid for iron dissolution compared to certain previous methods. The resulting acidic iron mixture is heated without boiling to obtain a nitrate solution having a Fe2+:Fe3+ ratio in the range of about 0.01%:99.99% to about 100%:0% (wt:wt). Iron phases are precipitated at a lower temperature compared to certain previous methods. The recovered catalyst precursor is dried and sized to form particles having a size distribution between 10 microns and 100 microns. In embodiments, the Fe2+:Fe3+ ratio in the nitric acid solution may be in the range of from about 3%:97% to about 30%:70% (wt:wt) and the calcined catalyst may comprise a maghemite:hematite ratio of about 1%:99% to about 70%:30%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: RENTECH, INC.
    Inventors: Belma Demirel, Charles B. Benham, Jesse W. Taylor, Pandurang V. Nikrad, Sara L. Rolfe, Olga P. Ionkina, Dawid J. Duvenhage, Harold A. Wright
  • Publication number: 20090048355
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing Cu/Zn/Al catalysts. In this process, the metals are used in the form of their formates and are precipitated in a suitable form. Suitable precipitants are, for example, alkali metal carbonates. The invention further relates to a catalyst as can be obtained by the process according to the invention and to its use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: SUD-CHEMIE AG
    Inventors: Siegfried Polier, Martin Hieke, Dieter Hinze
  • 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: 20080242749
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for the removal of COS from a first synthesis gas stream comprising COS and H2S, the process having the steps of: (a) converting COS in the first synthesis gas stream to H2S by contacting the first synthesis gas stream with a COS-hydrolysing catalyst in the presence of water in a hydrolysis zone to obtain a second synthesis gas stream depleted of COS and enriched in H2S; (b) removing H2S from the second synthesis gas stream by contacting the second synthesis gas stream with a solid adsorbent in a H2S removal zone to obtain a third synthesis gas stream depleted of H2S and depleted of COS
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicants: SHELL INTERNATIONALE RESEARCH MAATSCHAPPIJ B.V.
    Inventors: Robert Martijn Van Hardeveld, Rudolf Henri Max Herold, Adriaan Johannes Kodde, Thijme Last, Cornelis Jacobus Smit
  • Patent number: 7402612
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods for making a stabilized transition alumina of enhanced hydrothermal stability, which include the introduction of at least one structural stabilizer; a steaming step before or after the introduction step, wherein steaming is effective in transforming a transition alumina at least partially to boehmite and/or pseudoboehmite; and a calcining step to create a stabilized transition alumina. The combination of the structural stabilizer and the steaming step is believed to impart high hydrothermal stability to the alumina crystal lattice. Particularly preferred structural stabilizers include boron, cobalt, and zirconium. The stabilized transition alumina is useful as a catalyst support for high water partial pressure environments, and is particularly useful for making a catalyst having improved hydrothermal stability. The invention more specifically discloses Fischer-Tropsch catalysts and processes for the production of hydrocarbons from synthesis gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Yaming Jin, Rafael L. Espinoza, Nithya Srinivasan, Olga P. Ionkina
  • Patent number: 7393876
    Abstract: Catalyst compositions and methods for F-T synthesis which exhibit high CO conversion with minor levels (preferably less than 35% and more preferably less than 5%) or no measurable carbon dioxide generation. F-T active catalysts are prepared by reduction of certain oxygen deficient mixed metal oxides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Eltron Research, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. White, Jesse W. Taylor
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7384985
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for producing methanol. The methanol product that is produced according to this invention is achieved with a high conversion of synthesis gas. The high conversion of synthesis gas is achieved by flowing a liquid layer across a plurality of catalyst beds countercurrent to the gas flow. The gas containing methanol product exiting each bed flows through the liquid layer. The liquid acts to extract methanol from the gas, as well as cool the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Lattner
  • Patent number: 7375142
    Abstract: A carbonaceous feedstock to alcohol conversion process in which carbon dioxide and a portion of the hydrogen produced are removed from the syngas stream issuing from a feedstock reformer, to yield a reduced hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane syngas stream. The hydrogen and the carbon dioxide are passed through a Fischer Tropsch reactor which is catalyzed to favor the production of methanol. The methanol produced in the Fischer-Tropsch reactor is passed with the reduced hydrogen syngas through a second Fischer-Tropsch reactor which is catalyzed to favor the production of ethanol. Also disclosed, without limitation, are a unique catalyst, a method for controlling the content of the syngas formed in the feedstock reformer, and a feedstock handling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Pearson Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley R. Pearson
  • Publication number: 20080108715
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for removing carbon monoxide from a hydrogenous gas stream by reacting the carbon monoxide with hydrogen to give methane and water in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst. In this process, the catalyst is present in the form of a thin-layer catalyst on a support material. The invention further relates to an apparatus for carrying out the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: BASF AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Mathias Haake, Stefan Kotrel, Michael Karcher, Rudi Blummel
  • Publication number: 20070299146
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for making a methanol product from a synthesis gas (syngas) feed using a fast fluid bed reactor. The reactor is operated at substantially plug flow type behavior. The heat from circulated catalyst is sufficient to initiate the reaction process with little to no preheating of feed required. In addition, little if any internal reactor cooling is needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventor: James R. Lattner
  • 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: 7276540
    Abstract: The present invention relates to thermally stable, high surface area alumina supports and a method of preparing such supports with at least one modifying agent. The method includes adding an aluminum modifying agent to the alumina prior to calcining. The inventive support has thermal stability at temperatures above 800° C. A more specific embodiment of the invention is a catalyst having a high surface area, thermally stable alumina support with at least one group VIII metal or rhenium and an optional promoter loaded onto the support. The present invention further relates to gas-to-liquids conversion processes, more specifically for producing C5+ hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Rafael L. Espinoza, Dan Fraenkel, Kevin L. Coy
  • Patent number: 7273893
    Abstract: A catalyst and process for converting carbon dioxide into oxygenates. The catalyst comprises copper, zinc, aluminum, gallium, and a solid acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Jianhua Yao, James B. Kimble
  • Patent number: 7262225
    Abstract: A process for preparing and using a cobalt slurry phase Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalyst includes introducing a modifying component Mc into a catalyst support precursor, followed by shaping and calcination, to obtain a catalyst support. The catalyst support is impregnated with an aqueous solution of a cobalt salt, to form an impregnated support which is partially dried and calcined, to obtain a catalyst precursor. The catalyst precursor is reduced to form a cobalt slurry phase Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalyst. A synthesis gas is contacted with this catalyst in a slurry phase Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction at elevated temperature and elevated pressure, and a clean wax product that contains less than 50 mass ppm submicron particulates of cobalt is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Sasol Technology (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventors: Peter Jacobus Van Berge, Jan Van De Loosdrecht, Sean Barradas
  • Patent number: 7211606
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for the preparation of dimethylether from hydrocarbons, including tri-reforming a feedstock mixture comprised of hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and water vapor in the presence of a tri-reforming catalyst, to prepare a syngas, which then undergoes gas-phase direct synthesis into dimethylether in one step in the presence of a hybrid catalyst. According to the process of this invention, three main processes among typical syngas preparation processes are simultaneously performed, and then, the syngas thus obtained is prepared into dimethylether through a direct reaction in one step, thereby decreasing the apparatus cost and operation cost. In addition, all of the carbon dioxide separated and recovered from the unreacted material and by-products may be reused as reaction material, thus decreasing the generation of carbon dioxide and reducing the material cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Kores Gas Corporation
    Inventors: Young Soon Baek, Won Ihl Cho, Byoung Hak Cho, Jung Chul Suh, Dong Hyuk Kim, Hyung Gyu Kim, Seung Ho Lee, Woo Sung Ju
  • Patent number: 7208642
    Abstract: A production process and a catalyst are provided, which can be less decreased in activity of the catalyst even when CO2, water and the like are present in the starting material and/or the reaction system, and which can produce a formic ester or a methanol at a low temperature and a low pressure. The present invention relates to a process for producing methanol, comprising reacting carbon monoxide with an alcohol in the presence of an alkali metal-type catalyst, and/or an alkaline earth metal-type catalyst to produce a formic ester, wherein a hydrogenolysis catalyst of formic ester and hydrogen are allowed to be present together in the reaction system to hydrogenate the produced formic ester and thereby obtain a methanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Kaoru Fujimoto, Noritatsu Tsubaki, Kenichiro Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 7196239
    Abstract: The present invention provides various processes for producing light olefins from methanol and ethanol, optionally in a mixed alcohol stream. In one embodiment, the invention includes directing a first syngas stream to a methanol synthesis zone to form methanol and directing a second syngas stream and methanol to a homologation zone to form ethanol. The methanol and ethanol 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: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Cornelis F. Van Egmond, Andrew Argo, Teng Xu, Marcel Johannes Janssen, Jaimes Sher
  • Patent number: 7183328
    Abstract: A process for producing methanol is described in which a hydrocarbon is steam reformed in a reforming zone, and during the reforming stage, of a cyclic steam reformer having a reforming stage and a regeneration stage, the steam reforming being conducted under conditions effective to produce a first effluent stream containing synthesis gas. A fuel and an oxygen-containing gas are combusted in the regeneration stage of the reformer so as to reheat the reforming zone to a temperature sufficient for the reforming stage and generate a flue gas. At least part of the first effluent stream is contacted with a methanol synthesis catalyst under conditions effective to convert synthesis gas to methanol and form a methanol-containing stream and a tail gas stream comprising unreacted carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Hershkowitz, James R. Lattner
  • Patent number: 7169821
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for processing agricultural waste to make alcohol and/or biodiesel. The agricultural wastes are subjected to anaerobic digestion which produces a biogas stream containing methane, which is subsequently reformed to a syngas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The syngas is converted to an alcohol which may be stored, sold, used, or fed directly to a reactor for production of biodiesel. The solids effluent from the anaerobic digester can be further utilized as slow release, organic certified fertilizer. Additionally, the wastewater from the process is acceptable for immediate reuse in agricultural operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Best Biofuels LLC c/o Smithfield Foods, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerrel Dale Branson
  • Patent number: 7157404
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst for preparing hydrocarbons of carbon dioxide and more particularly, the Fe—Cu—K/?—Al2O3 catalyst prepared by impregnation which enables producing hydrocarbons in high yield for more than 2000 hours due to its excellent activity and stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology
    Inventors: Ki-Won Jun, Jin-Soo Hwang, Kyu-Wan Lee, Myoung-Jae Choi
  • Patent number: 7148261
    Abstract: A process for producing methanol is described in which a hydrocarbon is steam reformed in a reforming zone, and during the reforming stage, of a cyclic steam reformer having a reforming stage and a regeneration stage, the steam reforming being conducted under conditions effective to produce a first effluent stream containing synthesis gas. Fuel and an oxygen-containing gas are combusted in the regeneration stage of the reformer so as to reheat the reforming zone to a temperature sufficient for the reforming stage and generate a flue gas. At least part of the first effluent stream is contacted with a methanol synthesis catalyst under conditions effective to convert synthesis gas to methanol and form a methanol-containing stream and a tail gas stream comprising unreacted carbon monoxide and hydrogen. At least part of the tail gas stream is recycled as fuel for the regeneration stage of the cyclic steam reformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Hershkowitz, James R. Lattner
  • Patent number: 7091252
    Abstract: Bubble columns fractionate with vapor-liquid mass transfer efficiencies approaching that of distillation towers when vapor velocities in excess of 50% of jet flood are used. If the vapor velocities are pushed above about 70% of jet flood then the distillation performance of a given column packing becomes similar for both liquid continuous operation (bubble column mode) and vapor continuous operation (ordinary distillation tower mode).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Catalytic Distillation Technologies
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Smith, Jr., Mitchell E. Loescher
  • Patent number: 7084180
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process for converting a reactant composition comprising H2 and CO to a product comprising at least one aliphatic hydrocarbon having at least about 5 carbon atoms, the process comprising: flowing the reactant composition through a microchannel reactor in contact with a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst to convert the reactant composition to the product, the microchannel reactor comprising a plurality of process microchannels containing the catalyst; transferring heat from the process microchannels to a heat exchanger; and removing the product from the microchannel reactor; the process producing at least about 0.5 gram of aliphatic hydrocarbon having at least about 5 carbon atoms per gram of catalyst per hour; the selectivity to methane in the product being less than about 25%. The disclosed invention also relates to a supported catalyst comprising Co, and a microchannel reactor comprising at least one process microchannel and at least one adjacent heat exchange zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Wang, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Terry Mazanec, Francis P. Daly, Dave VanderWiel, Jianli Hu, Chunshe Cao, Charles Kibby, Xiaohong Shari Li, Michael D. Briscoe, Nathan Gano, Ya-Huei Chin
  • Patent number: 7064150
    Abstract: A process for hydrogenating carbon dioxide to generate methanol. In the process, a strip of copper base plate is transported by the groups of rotating drive rollers to deposit porous metallic zinc on the copper base plate. Hydrogen is generated from the porous metallic zinc upon electrochemical reactions in the inner space sealed with the above groups of rollers. Simultaneously, zinc oxide and copper oxide catalysts are formed on the porous metallic zinc. Carbon dioxide is introduced into the sealed inner space under high-temperature and high-pressure to generate methanol by hydrogenation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: Masayoshi Matsui
  • Patent number: 7012104
    Abstract: A hydrothermally-stable catalyst, method for making the same, and process for producing hydrocarbon, wherein the catalyst is used in synthesis gas conversion to hydrocarbons. In one embodiment, the method comprises depositing a compound of a catalytic metal selected from Groups 8, 9, and 10 of the Periodic Table on a support material comprising boehmite to form a composite material; and calcining the composite material to form the catalyst. In other embodiments, the support material comprises synthetic boehmite, natural boehmite, pseudo-boehmite, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Rafael L. Espinoza, Yaming Jin, Kandaswamy Jothimurugesan, Nithya Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 6992113
    Abstract: CO2 emissions from syngas conversion processes are reduced by use of a multi-stage Fischer-Tropsch reaction system. A process for the conversion of syngas using a Fischer-Tropsch reactor comprises forming a first syngas and reacting at least a portion of the first syngas in a Fischer-Tropsch reactor to form a first hydrocarbonaceous product and a second syngas. The second syngas is mixed with a hydrogen-containing stream to provide an adjusted syngas, at least a portion of which is reacted in a dual functional syngas conversion reactor to form a second hydrocarbonaceous product and a third syngas comprising a reduced amount of CO2 than was present in the adjusted syngas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Rear, Charles L. Kibby
  • Patent number: 6992112
    Abstract: The present invention is an improvement in the preparation of liquid hydrocarbons from natural gas/methane, oxygen and/or steam. In particular, the present invention relates to processes for the production of synthesis gas, reducing the oxygen concentration from the synthesis gas, and the production of liquid hydrocarbons using the oxygen reduced synthesis gas as a feedstock. More particularly, the present invention described herein identifies catalyst compositions, apparatus and methods of using such catalysts and apparatus for preparing liquid hydrocarbons via oxygen reduced synthesis gas all in accordance with the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Daxiang Wang, Harold A. Wright, Beatrice C. Ortego, Sinh Trinh, Rafael Espinoza
  • Patent number: 6916457
    Abstract: A non-chrome, copper-containing catalyst, Cu—Al—O and method of preparing the same are provided wherein the Cu—Al—O catalyst is prepared by the co-precipitation of copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2) and sodium aluminate (Na2Al2O4) solutions using sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) as a precipitant. The precipitate is filtered, washed to removed excess sodium, and dried. The dried product, to be used in a powder form, is calcined at a preferred temperature of approximately 700° to 900° C. for approximately 1 to 4 hours. The dry powder, to be tableted or extruded, is calcined at a temperature of approximately 400° to 700° C. The activity of the Cu—Al—O catalyst can be promoted in hydrogenolysis applications by the addition of various agents. The Cu—Al—O catalyst can be employed in applications in place of Cu/Cr, or other copper based catalysts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Engelhard Corporation
    Inventor: Jianping Chen
  • Patent number: 6903140
    Abstract: Process for the conversion of synthesis gas to a product comprising liquid hydrocarbons and oxygenates. The process includes contacting synthesis gas at an elevated temperature and pressure with a mixed particulate catalyst comprising a mixture of a particulate Fischer-Tropsch catalyst and a particulate oxygenate synthesis catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignees: BP Exploration Operating C Company Limited, Davy Process Technology Limited
    Inventors: Josephus Johannes Helena Maria Font Freide, Stephen Anthony Leng, David Charles Griffiths
  • Patent number: 6894081
    Abstract: Process for the catalytic production of methanol under pressure using a synthesis gas which at least contains hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and also undesired impurities, with at least one stage being equipped with a reactor, in which an absorption stage is connected upstream of each catalytic reaction system for the production of methanol, which contains catalyst material suitable as absorbent for the synthesis of methanol, the absorption stage being operated at a temperature which is below the temperature required for the catalytic conversion to methanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Uhde GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Joachim Bahnisch
  • Patent number: 6824682
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for processing agricultural waste to make alcohol and/or biodiesel. The agricultural wastes are subjected to anaerobic digestion which produces a biogas stream containing methane, which is subsequently reformed to a syngas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The syngas is converted to an alcohol which may be stored, sold, used, or fed directly to a reactor for production of biodiesel. The solids effluent from the anaerobic digester can be further utilized as slow release, organic certified fertilizer. Additionally, the wastewater from the process is acceptable for immediate reuse in agricultural operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Best Biofuels LLC c/o Smithfield Foods, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerrel Dale Branson
  • Patent number: 6812260
    Abstract: A reactor comprises a plurality of triple tubes having reaction tube, inner tube and central tube and disposed in a main body of the reactor, a first supply port formed in the main body and communicated with the central tube, and a second supply port formed in the main body and communicated with an annular space of triple tubes. The raw material introduced from the first supply port is fed into the catalyst layer to permit the reaction of the raw material to take place, and that as the activity of the catalyst is gradually lowered, the quantity of raw material to be fed to the first supply port is correspondingly reduced, and the quantity of raw material corresponding to this reduction of raw material is fed from the second supply port to the catalyst layer charged in the annular space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Osora, Yoshio Seiki, Tetsuya Imai, Kazuto Kobayashi, Chie Kuwada, Kazuhiro Morita, Shuichi Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 6809123
    Abstract: A carbon-bearing feedstock is reacted with oxygen and water in a partial oxidation reactor to produce a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The hydrogen is removed as a first product and the remaining carbon monoxide is reacted with steam over a bifunctional catalyst to produce higher hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide. The bifunctional catalyst provides water gas shift and Fischer-Tropsch functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Rentech, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis L. Yakobson
  • Patent number: 6800579
    Abstract: There is provided a process for regenerating the activity of used metal catalysts for the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide comprising decreasing the hydrocarbon content thereof, calcining under an oxidant-containing atmosphere, impregnating with a solution of at least one of a metal compound, calcining under an oxidant-containing atmosphere and activating by contacting with a hydrogen-contacting gas at elevated temperatures to form an active catalyst. The process regenerates and enhances both supported and dispersed active metal (DAM) catalysts. Used catalysts enhanced by the process are initially treated to decrease their hydrocarbon content. The treatment may be carried out in a single reactor, or by carrying out up to all steps after catalyst may be withdrawn from a reactor and returned to at least one reactor, both preferably during operation thereof. Up to all steps may be effected in a subsequent reactor, or in specialized apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michel Daage, Russell John Koveal, Min Chang
  • Patent number: 6800665
    Abstract: A method for producing dimethyl ether comprising: (a) reacting a raw material gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to produce a reaction gas including dimethyl ether, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen; (b) separating the reaction gas from step (a) into carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and into dimethyl ether carbon dioxide; (c) recycling to step (a) the carbon monoxide and the hydrogen which were separated from the reaction gas in step (b); (d) removing the carbon dioxide from the dimethyl ether and the carbon dioxide from step (b) to obtain the dimethyl ether; and the (e) recycling the dimethyl ether from step (d) to step (b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: JFE Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Shikada, Yotaro Ohno, Takashi Ogawa, Masatsugu Mizuguchi, Masami Ono, Kaoru Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 6777452
    Abstract: Promoted skeletal iron catalysts are provided which contain 70-90 wt % iron together with promoters 0-5.0 wt. % copper, 0.1-10.0 wt. % manganese, and 0.1-3.0 wt. % potassium, with the balance being aluminum. The catalysts are prepared by mixing the metal chips or powders uniformly together, then melting and rapidly quenching the molten metals to form a solid metal alloy precursor including the promotor metals except potassium, removing most of the aluminum by caustic extraction/leaching to provide a base skeletal iron form, then loading the potassium promoter from a suitable potassium alcohol solution promoter. After evaporation of the solvent, the promoted skeletal iron catalyst is activated by contact with hydrogen. The promoted skeletal iron catalysts are utilized for F-T synthesis processes at 10-30 wt % catalyst concentration, 200-350° C. temperature, 1.0-3.0 Mpa pressure and gas hourly space velocity of 0.5-5.0 L/gcat-h to produce desired hydrocarbon liquid products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignees: Hydrocarbon Technologies, Institue of Coal Chemistry
    Inventors: Peizheng Zhou, Yijun Lu
  • Patent number: 6777451
    Abstract: A process for enhancing metal catalysts for carbon monoxide hydrogenation comprising reducing the catalyst so that at least a portion is in the metallic state, impregnating under a non-oxidative atmosphere with a solution of a salt of at least one metal, optionally in combination with at least one of an ammonium salt, an alkyl ammonium salt, a weak organic acid and ammonia, oxidizing with a gaseous oxidant in the presence of the impregnating solution, and reducing to form an active catalyst. Used catalysts enhanced by the process are initially treated to decrease their hydrocarbon content. The treatment may be carried out in a single reactor, or by carrying out up to all steps after catalyst may be withdrawn from a reactor and returned to at least one reactor, both preferably during operations. Up to all steps may be effected in a subsequent reactor, or in specialized apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Russell John Koveal, Michel Daage, Charles Harrison Mauldin, Janet Renee Clark
  • Patent number: 6753354
    Abstract: There is provided a process for hydrocarbon synthesis wherein a supported metal catalyst for hydrogenating carbon monoxide to form a mixture of hydrocarbons is regenerated by decreasing its hydrocarbon content, impregnating under a non-oxidative atmosphere with a solution of at least one member selected from the group consisting of ammonium salts, alkyl ammonium salts and weak organic acids, optionally including ammonia, oxidizing with a gaseous oxidant in the presence of the impregnating solution, activating the catalyst by reduction with hydrogen at elevated temperatures and reusing the catalyst. The treatment may be carried out in a single reactor, or by carrying out up to all steps after catalyst has been withdrawn therefrom and returned to at least one reactor. Up to all steps subsequent to decreasing the hydrocarbon content may be effected in a subsequent reactor, or in specialized apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Russell John Koveal, Michel Daage, Eric Baochun Shen
  • Patent number: 6753351
    Abstract: A process for activating a supported metal catalyst or catalyst precursor useful for the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide to form a mixture of hydrocarbons, comprising reducing with a hydrogen-containing gas at elevated temperature so that at least a portion is in the metallic state, impregnating under a non-oxidizing atmosphere with a solution of at least one member selected from the group consisting of ammonium salts, alkyl ammonium salts and weak organic acids, optionally further including ammonia, to the point where it has absorbed a volume of solution equal to at least about 10% of its calculated pore volume, oxidizing with a gaseous oxidant in the presence of the impregnating solution and reducing with hydrogen-containing gas at elevated temperatures to form an active catalyst. The steps beginning with the impregnation may be repeated. Optionally, the catalyst may be calcined after the oxidation step and/or passivated after activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Janet Renee Clark, Michel Daage, Russell John Koveal
  • Patent number: 6740683
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for selectively producing linear alcohols, olefins and paraffins from hydrogen-poor carbonaceous fuels such as coal, petroleum coke, or heavy residue oil in a Fischer-Tropsch reactor. The process includes producing synthesis gas, modifying the ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide in the synthesis gas to a ratio that is at or above the overall H2/CO usage ratio in the reactor, but less than 2. The modified synthesis gas is combined with a recycled vapor product from the reactor to provide combined synthesis gas having a hydrogen/carbon monoxide ratio of greater than 2 and less than 3. The combined synthesis gas is introduced into the reactor, and the hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the combined synthesis gas is reacted with an iron-based catalyst under Fischer-Tropsch conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Sasol Technology (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Julian Graham Price
  • Patent number: 6627666
    Abstract: A process is described in which the waste gas from the production of acetylene is employed in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis of hydrocarbon liquids. The process consists of the steps of collecting the waste gas, compressing it to the proper pressure, passing the compressed gas into a reactor containing a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst under the proper conditions of temperature, pressure, and space velocity, and collecting the liquid products thereby formed from the waste gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Rentech Inc.
    Inventor: Peter S. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 6613808
    Abstract: A Fischer-Tropsch catalyst comprising a catalytically active first metal selected from the group consisting of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, nickel, cobalt, chromium, and mixtures thereof, at least one second metal selected from the group consisting of silver, iron, zinc, copper, platinum, zirconium and combinations thereof; and a matrix structure comprising a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylates and polymethacrylates. The first and second metals are incorporated into the polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Stephan Schwarz, Sergej A. Maslov
  • Patent number: 6559191
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for enhancing the activity of a particulate Dispersed Active Metal (DAM) catalyst during operation of a reactor wherein the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide to produce a mixture of hydrocarbons is being carried out comprising withdrawing a mixture of hydrocarbons and a portion of the DAM catalyst from the reactor, reducing the hydrocarbon content thereof with hydrogen at a temperature above the temperature of the reactor, oxidizing a slurry of the catalyst particles in a suitable fluid at low temperature to form an oxidized precursor, reducing the precursor at elevated temperature to reform the catalyst and returning it to the reactor. The catalyst may be passivated before returning to the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Russell John Koveal, Michel A. Daage
  • Patent number: 6531630
    Abstract: The converting of an existing methanol plant to make acetic acid is disclosed. The converted plant utilizes the steam reformer (10) to which (a) a hydrocarbon ,e.g., natural gas, or a lower alkanol, e.g., methanol, and (b) steam (water) are fed. Syngas is formed in the reformer (10). All or part of the syngas is processed to separate out carbon dioxide (24), carbon monoxide (30) and hydrogen (32), and the separated carbon dioxide (24) is fed either to the existing methanol synthesis loop (12) for methanol synthesis, or back into the feed to the reformer (10) to enhance carbon monoxide formation in the syngas (18). When a lower alkanol is fed to the reformer (10), the methanol synthesis loop (12) is shutdown and isolated from the rest of the plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth Ebenes Vidalin
  • Publication number: 20030036573
    Abstract: Co-precipitated CoCuMn and CoCuMg catalysts are used in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Philippe Buess, Raphael Frans Ivo Caers, Alfred Frennet, Eric Ghenne, Claude Hubert, Norbert Kruse
  • Publication number: 20030027874
    Abstract: A catalyst and process for producing hydrocarbons using the catalyst is provided. The process involves contacting a feed stream comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide with the catalyst in a reaction zone maintained at conversion-promoting conditions effective to produce an effluent stream comprising hydrocarbons. In accordance with this invention the catalyst used in the process includes at least one catalytic metal for Fischer-Tropsch reactions, preferably cobalt. The catalyst further includes a structural component, preferably a support, that includes a metal selected from the group consisting of oxides of Group 2 metals, Group 3 metals, Group 6 metals, Group 8 metals, Group 12 metals, Group 15 metals, and combinations thereof, preferably as the oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Norman Herron, Kostantinos Kourtakis, Munirpallam A. Subramanian, Olga Ionkina, Nithya Srinivasan
  • Publication number: 20020183404
    Abstract: A Fischer-Tropsch catalyst comprising a catalytically active first metal selected from the group consisting of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, nickel, cobalt, chromium, and mixtures thereof, at least one second metal selected from the group consisting of silver, iron, zinc, copper, platinum, zirconium and combinations thereof; and a matrix structure comprising a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylates and polymethacrylates. The first and second metals are incorporated into the polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Stephan Schwarz, Sergej A. Maslov
  • Publication number: 20020132864
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for recovering carbon dioxide from an ethylene oxide production process and using the recovered carbon dioxide as a carbon source for methanol synthesis. More specifically, carbon dioxide recovered from an ethylene oxide production process is used to produce a syngas stream. The syngas stream is then used to produce methanol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald G. Searle