Hydrogenation With Gaseous Hydrogen To Purify Or Recover Patents (Class 518/726)
  • Publication number: 20040167234
    Abstract: An integrated Fischer-Tropsch process having improved alcohol processing capability is provided. The integrated Fischer-Tropsch process includes, optionally, synthesis gas production, Fischer-Tropsch reaction, Fischer-Tropsch reaction product recovery and, optionally, separation, catalytic dehydration of primary and internal alcohols, and, optionally, hydro-processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: Syntroleum Corporation
    Inventors: Armen N. Abazajian, H. Lynn Tomlinson, Peter Z. Havlik, Milton D. Clingan
  • Publication number: 20040167235
    Abstract: A process for producing oxygenated products from an olefin-rich feedstock comprise reacting, in a hydroformylation stage, a Fischer-Tropsch derived olefinic product comprising linear and methyl branched olefins, with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalytically effective quantity of a hydroformylation catalyst and under hydroformylation reaction conditions, to produce oxygenated products comprising linear and methyl branched aldehydes and/or alcohols. The Fischer-Tropsch derived olefinic product is that obtained by subjecting a synthesis gas comprising carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) to Fischer-Tropsch reaction conditions in the presence of a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: SASOL TECHNOLOGY (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED
    Inventors: Mark Justin Betts, Mark Eberhard Dry, Arie Geertsema, Gerhardus Johannes Hendricus Rall
  • Patent number: 6776898
    Abstract: A novel process for forming hydrocarbon waxes from synthesis gas is disclosed. This invention teaches a process whereby a Fischer-Tropsch wax can be formulated such that the wax softness as defined by ASTM Standard Test Method for Needle Penetration of waxes (ASTM D-1321) can be adjusted to within a region most preferred for end use applications while simultaneously removing undesirable impurities, such as oxygenates (e.g., primary alcohols), olefins, and trace levels of aromatics. In a Fischer-Tropsch reactor, Fischer-Tropsch wax is formed from synthesis gas in a catalyzed reaction. The Fischer Tropsch wax is then subjected to a relatively mild hydroprocessing over a hydroisomerization catalyst under conditions such that essentially no boiling point conversion is obtained, but yet chemical conversions (e.g., hydrogenation and mild isomerization) occur yielding a high purity, hydrocarbon wax product of reduced hardness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Wittenbrink, Daniel Francis Ryan
  • Publication number: 20040157941
    Abstract: A process for the conversion of synthesis gas to a product comprising liquid hydrocarbons and oxygenates wherein said process comprises 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: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Josephus Johannes Helena Maria Font Freide, Stephen Anthony Leng, David Charles Griffiths
  • Publication number: 20040157940
    Abstract: A method is used to increase the energy content of a pipeline and other vessels that are designed to carry natural gas under ambient conditions, in a compressed state or in a liquefied state. Methane and other gas are used as the feedstock. Methane from natural gas fields, coal beds or derived from hydrogen reacting with coal are primary energy sources for this method. Also, this method could provide an abundant source for hydrogen production. Energy from hydrogen is used for fuel cell applications that generate electricity and power motor vehicles. This method is capable to increase the energy capacity of current natural gas pipelines and other storage and transport vessels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Robert C. Dalton
  • Publication number: 20040152793
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an olefinic naphtha and a process for producing lower olefinc from this naphtha. In the process of the present invention for producing lower olefins, preferably ethylene, at least a portion of a hydrocarbon asset is converted to synthesis gas and at least a portion of the synthesis gas is converted to an olefinic naphtha by a Fischer-Tropsch process. At least a portion of the olefinic naphtha is converted in a naphtha cracker to a product stream comprising lower olefins, and at least a portion of the lower olefins from the product stream of the cracker are recovered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Rear, Guan Dao Lei
  • Publication number: 20040152794
    Abstract: A process for converting synthesis gas to higher hydrocarbons, at an elevated temperature and pressure, comprising continuously introducing a synthesis gas feed stream comprising 0.1 to 50% by volume of carbon dioxide into a continuous stirred reactor system comprising a reactor vessel containing a suspension of a solid particulate Fischer-Tropsch catalyst suspended in a liquid medium wherein the solid particulate Fischer-Tropsch catalyst is stable in the presence of carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: George Albert Huff, Barry Nay
  • Publication number: 20040152792
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable, low sulfur, olefinic distillate fuel blend component derived from a Fischer-Tropsch process and a process for producing this stable, low sulfur, olefinic distillate fuel blend component. The stable, low sulfur, olefinic distillate fuel comprises olefins in an amount of 2 to 80 weight percent, non-olefins in an amount of 20 to 98 weight percent wherein the non-olefins are predominantly paraffins, oxygenates in an amount of less than 1 weight percent, and sulfur in an amount of less than 10 ppm by weight. A distillate fuel comprising the above blend component forms less than 5 ppm peroxides after storage at 60° C. for four weeks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Rear, Guan Dao Lei
  • Publication number: 20040147621
    Abstract: A process for the conversion of synthesis gas to higher hydrocarbons by contacting a gaseous stream comprising synthesis gas, at an elevated temperature and pressure, with a suspension comprising a particulate Fischer-Tropsch catalyst suspended in a liquid medium, in a reactor system comprising at least one high shear mixing zone and a tubular loop reactor wherein the process comprises: a) passing the suspension and the gaseous stream through the high shear mixing zone(s) wherein the gaseous stream is broken down into gas bubbles and/or irregularly shaped gas voids; b) discharging suspension having gas bubbles and/or irregularly shaped gas voids dispersed therein from the high shear mixing zone(s) into the tubular loop reactor; c) circulating the discharged suspension around the tubular loop reactor; and d) withdrawing a product suspension stream comprising at least a portion of the circulating suspension from the tubular loop reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Josephus Johannes Helena Maria Font- Freide, David Newton, Christopher Sharp
  • Publication number: 20040147622
    Abstract: A process which comprises contacting a gaseous reactant stream comprising synthesis gas at elevated temperature and pressure with a suspension of a particulate Fischer-Tropsch catalyst comprising cobalt in a liquid medium in a reactor system comprising at least one high shear mixing zone and a reactor vessel wherein the process comprises the steps of: a) contacting the particulate Fischer-Tropsch catalyst with a reducing gas at elevated temperature and pressure outside of the high shear mixing zone(s) and the reactor vessel and subsequently suspending the particulate Fischer-Tropsch catalyst in the liquid medium; b) passing the suspension from step a) through the high shear mixing zone(s) where the gaseous reactant stream comprising synthesis gas is mixed with the suspension; c) discharging a mixture comprising the synthesis gas and the suspension from the high shear mixing zone(s) into the reactor vessel; and d) converting the synthesis gas to liquid hydrocarbons in the reactor vessel to form a product suspe
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Josephus Johannes Helena Maria Font Freide, Barry Nay, Christopher Sharp
  • Publication number: 20040147623
    Abstract: A method of starting up a Fischer-Tropsch reaction in a system comprising at least one high shear mixing zone and a reactor vessel which method comprises a) passing a suspension of a particulate Fischer-Tropsch catalyst in a liquid medium through the high shear mixing zone(s) into the reactor vessel and recycling at least a portion of the suspension to the high shear mixing zone(s) in the substantial absence of a gaseous reactant feed stream comprising synthesis gas; b) increasing the temperature and/or pressure within the reactor vessel until a threshold temperature and/or pressure is reached and subsequently introducing a gaseous reactant stream comprising synthesis gas into the high shear mixing zone(s) where the gaseous reactant stream is mixed with the suspension; c) discharging a mixture comprising synthesis gas and the suspension from the high shear mixing zone(s) into the reactor vessel; d) converting the synthesis gas to liquid hydrocarbons in the reactor vessel to form a product suspension comprisin
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Johannes Helena Maria Front Freide
  • Publication number: 20040132836
    Abstract: A process for the conversion of synthesis gas to hydrocarbons by contacting the synthesis gas at an elevated temperature and pressure with a suspension comprising a solid particulate catalyst suspended in a liquid medium, which contacting takes place in a system comprising at least one high shear mixing zone and a reactor vessel wherein the volume of suspension present in the high shear mixing zone(s) is substantially less than the volume of suspension present in the reactor vessel, suspension is mixed with synthesis gas in the high shear mixing zone(s), the resulting mixture of suspension and synthesis gas is discharged from the high shear mixing zone(s) into the reactor vessel and wherein kinetic energy is dissipated to the suspension present in the high shear mixing zone(s) at a rate of at least 0.5 kW/m3 relative to the total volume of suspension present in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Josephus Johannes Helena Maria Font Freide, John Richard Hensman, David Newton, Christopher Sharp, Geoffrey Benedict Smith
  • Publication number: 20040132838
    Abstract: A process for the conversion of synthesis gas to hydrocarbons, at least a portion of which are liquid at ambient temperature and pressure, by contacting the synthesis gas at an elevated temperature and pressure with a suspension comprising a particulate Fischer-Tropsch catalyst suspended in a liquid medium, in a reactor system comprising at least one high shear mixing zone and a reactor vessel wherein the process comprises: a) passing the suspension and synthesis gas through the high shear mixing zone(s) where the synthesis gas is broken down into gas bubbles and/or irregularly shaped gas voids; b) discharging suspension having gas bubbles and/or irregularly shaped gas voids dispersed therein from the high shear mixing zone(s) into the reactor vessel; and c) introducing a liquid coolant into the reactor system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Timothy Douglas Gamlin, Lawrence Trevor Hardy, David Newton
  • Publication number: 20040132837
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the conversion of synthesis gas to hydrocarbons comprising the steps of: a) contacting synthesis gas at an elevated temperature and pressure with a particulate Fischer-Tropsch catalyst in a Fischer-Tropsch reactor system to generate hydrocarbons comprising gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons; b) in a gas separation zone, separating a gaseous phase comprising saturated gaseous hydrocarbons from a liquid phase comprising liquid hydrocarbons and from the particulate Fischer-Tropsch catalyst; c) passing at least a portion of the separated gaseous phase to a dehydrogenation reactor where at least a portion of the saturated gaseous hydrocarbons are converted to unsaturated hydrocarbons; and d) recycling at least a portion of said unsaturated hydrocarbons back to the Fischer-Tropsch reactor system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Josephus Johannes Helena Maria Font Freide, Stephen Anthony Leng, Christopher Sharp
  • Publication number: 20040132839
    Abstract: A process for the conversion of synthesis gas into higher hydrocarbon products in a system comprising a high shear mixing zone and a post mixing zone wherein the process comprises: a) passing a suspension of catalyst in a liquid medium through the high shear mixing zone where the suspension is mixed with synthesis gas; b) discharging a mixture of synthesis gas and suspension from the high shear mixing zone into the post mixing zone; c) converting at least a portion of the synthesis gas to higher hydrocarbons in the post mixing zone to form a product suspensi n comprising catalyst suspended in the liquid medium and the higher hydrocarbons; d) separating a gaseous stream comprising uncoverted synthesis gas from the product suspension; e) recycling the separated gaseous stream to the high shear mixing zone; and f) recycling at least a portion of the product suspension to the high shear mixing zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: BP Exploration Operating Company, Limited
    Inventors: Graham Walter Ketley, Barry Nay, David Newton
  • Publication number: 20040132835
    Abstract: A process for filtering a suspension comprising a particulate Fischer-Tropsch catalyst suspended in liquid hydrocarbons and having synthesis gas dispersed therein in the form of gas bubbles and/or irregularly shaped gas voids which process comprises passing the suspension through a filtration unit via a mechanical pumping means under turbulent flow conditions. The filtration unit may comprise a conventional filter element or a T-piece magnetic separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Timothy Douglas Gamlin, Carole Graham, John Richard Hensman, Barry Nay, David Newton
  • Publication number: 20040122116
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for gas-solid contacting in a bubbling fluidized bed reactor by:
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: COUNCIL OF SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH
    Inventors: Vasant Ramchandra Choudhary, Tushar Vasant Choudhary
  • Publication number: 20040106690
    Abstract: This invention relates to process for producing middle distillates having good cold flow properties, such as the Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) measured in accordance with the IP method 309, and a high Cetane number, as well as to a process for production of such distillates. More particularly, this invention relates to a process in which middle distillates are produced from a mainly paraffinic synthetic crude which is produced by the reaction of CO and H2, typically by the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process. The middle distillates produced by the process of the invention are predominantly isoparaffinic, the isoparaffins being methyl, ethyl and/or propyl branched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: Sasol Technology (PTY) Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert DeHaan, Luis Pablo Dancuart, Mark Jan Prins, Ewald Watermeyer DeWet
  • Publication number: 20040106689
    Abstract: A process for the production of liquid hydrocarbon products from synthesis gas in a system comprising a reaction zone and a gas separation zone wherein the process comprises: a) in the reaction zone, contacting synthesis gas at elevated temperature and pressure with a suspension of a particulate Fischer-Tropsch catalyst in a liquid medium so as to convert at least a portion of the synthesis gas into liquid hydrocarbon products; b) discharging a product suspension comprising catalyst suspended in the liquid medium and the liquid hydrocarbon products from the reaction zone into the gas separation zone, the product suspension having unconverted synthesis gas dissolved and/or entrained therein; c) in the gas separation zone, separating a gaseous stream comprising unconverted synthesis gas from the product suspension; d) recycling at least a portion of the separated gaseous stream to the reaction zone; and e) recycling at least a portion of the degassed product suspension from the gas separation zone to the reacti
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: David Newton
  • Publication number: 20040102531
    Abstract: Embodiments include a method and apparatus for producing synthesis gas in a catalytic partial oxidation reactor by adding hydrogen to the reactor feed stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen R. Landis, Lisa M. Carmichael, Kevin L. Ricketson, Thomas R. Ruddy
  • Publication number: 20040102532
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for controlling the ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide in feed streams to reactors that convert syngas to hydrocarbon liquids. The process includes primary syngas production process for converting hydrocarbon gas to syngas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The process further includes introducing a hydrogen rich stream, a carbon monoxide rich stream, or both produced by an auxiliary source to a feed stream being passed to a reactor for converting the syngas to hydrocarbon liquid, thereby adjusting the H2/CO ratio in the feed stream. Examples of reactors that may be used to convert syngas to hydrocarbon liquids are FT reactors staged in series and oxygenate producing reactors staged in series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Stephen R. Landis, Rafael L. Espinoza, Sergio R. Mohedas, Barbara A. Belt, Vincent H. Melquist, Ralph T. Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20040097761
    Abstract: A microemulsion containing water, a densified fluid, a surfactant, and an organometallic catalyst is used to catalyze chemical reactions. The organometallic catalyst preferably has substantial solubility in the water phase of the microemulsion. Separation of reaction products from the microemulsion is facilitated by removal of the densified fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Can Erkey, Xing Dong
  • Publication number: 20040092610
    Abstract: A catalyst and process for converting carbon dioxide into oxygenates. The catalyst comprises copper, zinc, aluminum, gallium, and a solid acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Jianhua Yao, James B. Kimble
  • Publication number: 20040092609
    Abstract: A process for reducing C2-C9 olefin formation by recycling them to a Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis process and promoting recycled olefins chain growth comprises contacting a gas feed comprising a mixture of H2 and CO with a catalyst in a reactor system at conditions effective to produce a hydrocarbon product stream including C2-C9 olefins, separating a C2-C9 olefins-rich stream from the hydrocarbon product stream to form a light olefin recycle stream and recycling the light olefin recycle stream to the reactor system at a point in the reactor system where the H2:CO ratio is low relative to the H2:CO ratio in the rest of the reactor system. Depending on whether the initial H2:CO ratio is greater or less than the usage ratio of the selected catalyst, the recycled olefins can be returned to the system up- or downstream of the reactor system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Rafael L. Espinoza, Ajoy P. Raje, Doug S. Jack
  • Publication number: 20040082670
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of synthesis gas (i.e., a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen), typically labeled syngas. More particularly, the present invention relates to a regeneration method for a syngas catalyst. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to the regeneration of syngas catalysts using a re-dispersion technique. The re-dispersion technique involves the formation and removal of carbonyls with the active metals. The carbonyl formation and removal effectively re-disperses the catalyst metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Robin G. Cnossen, Lisa M. Carmichael
  • Publication number: 20040082671
    Abstract: A reactor system for oxidative conversion of hydrocarbons comprising at least one reactor tube being provided with a plurality of perforations along a wall of the tube and a reaction zone with an active catalyst arranged on tube side and/or shell side of the reactor tube; and a bed of particulate material surrounding the at least one reactor tube, the bed of particulate material being adapted to be fluidised by an oxygen containing atmosphere and to transport heat from the reactor tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Jens Perregaard, Gregory Patience
  • Publication number: 20040059009
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing the heat required to maintain the desired temperature for catalyst regeneration. The catalyst is heated by contacting a reactant gas mixture with the catalyst in order to initiate an exothermic reaction and, once the desired temperature is achieved, exposing the catalyst to a regenerating gas. The temperature may also be maintained by heating the reactant gas mixture prior to contacting the catalyst and/or adding a liquid, which may be heated, to the catalyst. For heating a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst for regeneration, the reactant gas preferably contains less than 12 mole percent carbon monoxide and more preferably contains between 1 and 4 mole percent carbon monoxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: ConocoPhillips
    Inventors: Barbara A. Belt, Stephen R. Landis, Sergio R. Mohedas, Ajoy P. Raje
  • Publication number: 20040059008
    Abstract: The present invention is generally related towards the regeneration of hydrocarbon synthesis catalysts. In particular, the present invention is directed towards the regeneration of deactivated Fischer-Tropsch type catalysts using a two step process wherein the catalyst is first prepared using a dry gas and then regenerated using a hydrogen rich gas. The regeneration process is carried out at temperatures and pressures that are generally different than the operating temperatures and pressures for a typical hydrocarbon synthesis reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: ConocoPhillips
    Inventors: Ajoy P. Raje, Rafael L. Espinoza, Jack E. Cnossen, Sergio R. Mohedas
  • Publication number: 20040054016
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a catalyst for the production of synthesis gas, the catalyst comprising a) from about 0.1 to about 1.3% by weight of nickel that is supported on modified support, and b) a promoting agent. The catalyst can also comprise a dispersing agent. In another aspect, the invention provides a process for preparing the catalyst above, and a process for the catalytic partial oxidation of methane using the same catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: National University of Singapore
    Inventors: Yong Lu, Luwei Chen, Jianyi Lin, Frits M. Dautzenberg
  • Publication number: 20040048937
    Abstract: A method for making a catalyst is provided that features loading a catalytic metal to a support using at least two different precursor compounds of that said metal; and loading the promoter to the support in an amount effective so as to achieve similar promotion as for a comparable catalyst comprising a greater amount of the promoter using only one precursor compound, where the catalytic metal is selected from among Group 8 metals, 9 metal, Group 10 metals, and combinations thereof. The promoter is preferably boron, silver, a noble metal, or combination thereof. Also provided are catalysts made by the method and Fischer-Tropsch processes that include contacting synthesis gas with a catalyst made by the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Nithya Srinivasan, Rafael L. Espinoza, Kevin L. Coy, Kandaswamy Jothimurugesan
  • Publication number: 20040048938
    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: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio R. Mohedas, Rafael L. Espinoza, Jianping Zhang
  • Publication number: 20040039069
    Abstract: A reformer for obtaining a synthesis gas by partially oxidizing a carbon-containing raw material and then steam-reforming the oxidized raw material, includes: a reactor vessel, an oxidizing agent feed pipe and a carbon-containing raw material feed pipe, wherein the central axis of the oxidizing agent feed pipe and the central axis of the carbon-containing raw material feed pipe intersect with each other downstream of the outlet of the oxidizing agent feed pipe in an oxidizing agent flowing direction and downstream of the outlet of the carbon-containing raw material feed pipe in a carbon-containing raw material flowing direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Kiuchi, Makoto Shimagaki, Kunio Hirotani, Katsunori Yagoh
  • Publication number: 20040034111
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for conducting an equilibrium limited chemical reaction in a single stage process channel. A process for conducting a water shift reaction is disclosed. A multichannel reactor with cross flow heat exchange is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Wayne W. Simmons, Kai Tod Paul Jarosch, Terry Mazanec, Eric Daymo, Ying Peng, Jennifer Lynne Marco
  • Publication number: 20040029984
    Abstract: A process for increasing the yield of C10 plus hydrocarbon products from a Fischer-Tropsch plant which comprises (a) recovering a Fischer-Tropsch condensate fraction boiling below about 700 degrees F. from the Fischer-Tropsch plant, wherein said fraction contains at least 10 weight percent and preferably more olefins; (b) contacting the olefins in the Fischer-Tropsch condensate fraction under oligomerization conditions, at a reaction temperature between about 650 degrees F. and 800 degrees F. with an oligomerization catalyst comprising active chromium on an inert support; and (c) recovering a C10 plus hydrocarbon product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: David R. Johnson, Christopher A. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20040024072
    Abstract: There is provided a process of preparing hydrogen through thermochemical decomposition of water capable of supplying a mixture composed of the impalpable powders of CaO and coal directly to a main reactor. The process of preparing hydrogen through thermochemical decomposition of water, wherein coal powders are caused to react with water in the presence of CaO under a condition of temperature in a range of 600° C. to 800° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Shi-Ying Lin, Hiroyuki Hatano, Yoshizo Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20040014826
    Abstract: Embodiments include methods and apparatus for arranging multiple reaction zones such that at least one hot spot in one of the reaction zones is moderated by a cooler spot in an adjacent reaction zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Daxiang Wang, Bang Cheng Xu, Yi Jiang
  • Publication number: 20040014825
    Abstract: A process for producing a liquid hydrocarbon product from hydrogen and carbon monoxide comprises: (a) providing a reaction vessel containing a slurry of particles of a particulates Fischer Tropsch catalyst in a liquid medium comprising a hydrocarbon, the particles of catalyst having a particle size range such that no more than about 10% by weight of the particles of catalyst have a particle size which lies in an upper particle size range extending up to a maximum particle size, (b) supplying hydrogen and carbon monoxide to the reaction vessel, (c) maintaining in the reaction vessel reaction conditions effective for conversion of hydrogen and carbon monoxide to a liquid hydrocarbon product by the Fischer Tropsch reaction, (d) maintaining mixing conditions in the reaction vessel sufficient to establish a circulation pattern throughout the reaction vessel including an upflowing path for slurry and a downflowing path for slurry, the upward velocity of the slurry in the upflowing slurry path being greater than abo
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: John Richard Hensman
  • Publication number: 20040002553
    Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to an olefin includes heating the gas to a selected range of temperature to convert a fraction of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbons, primarily ethylene or acetylene, and reacting with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to produce the olefin, usually ethylene. A portion of the incoming natural gas may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Hydrogen resulting from the reactions may be used to make electricity in a fuel cell. Alternatively, hydrogen may be burned to heat the natural gas to the selected range of temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Applicant: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Hall, Jerry A. Bullin, Philip T. Eubank, Aydin Akgerman, Rayford G. Anthony
  • Publication number: 20030236311
    Abstract: A process for producing saleable liquids from organic material comprising the following steps. Providing organic material and separating it into solids, liquids and vapour. Reacting the liquids, combining it with water vapour and producing a volatized gas stream. Removing nitrogen dioxide from the gas stream to produce a scrubbed volatized gas stream. Reacting the scrubbed volatized gas stream with water vapour to produce a combined volatized gas stream. Removing carbon dioxide from the combined volatized gas stream to produce a subtracted volatized gas stream. Reacting the subtracted volatized gas stream with methanol to produce an enhanced volatized gas stream. Distilling the enhanced volatized gas stream to produce ethanol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Larry Jack Melnichuk, Karen Venita Kelly
  • Publication number: 20030232894
    Abstract: Methods for producing clean liquid/wax products from a slurry used in a Fischer-Tropsch reactor are disclosed. In general, one embodiment of the present invention comprises a solid/liquid filtration system having a filter medium comprising a substrate and a filter cake deposited on the substrate, wherein the filter cake is generated by deposition of solids from the slurry. The thickness of the filter cake can be maintained within a desired range by controlling the slurry velocity and/or the pressure differential across the filter medium. This invention relates to a method of operation of such filtration system which increases filtration cycle time and improved filtrate quality resulting in very low solid content in filtrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Conocophillips Company
    Inventors: Sergio R. Mohedas, Rafael L. Espinoza, Doug S. Jack, Oluwasei A. Odueyungbo, James Dale Ortego
  • Publication number: 20030225169
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting natural gas from a remote source into hydrocarbon liquid stable at room temperature, comprising a skid or trailer-mounted portable gas-to-liquids reactor. The reactor includes a preprocessor which desulfurizes and dehydrates the natural gas, a first-stage reactor which transforms the preprocessed natural gas into synthesis gas, and a liquid productions unit using a Fisher-Tropsch or similar polymerization process. The hydrocarbon liquid may be stored in a portable tank for later transportation or further processed on site in a portable hydrocarbon cracking unit to yield fuel or lubricating oils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicants: GLT Microsystems AG, GTL Microsystems AG
    Inventor: Richard D. Yetman
  • Publication number: 20030153634
    Abstract: Methods for producing a substantially paraffinic Fischer-Tropsch product or a blended Fischer Tropsch product comprising a selected oxygenate concentration, and if required, a selected oxygenate concentration of specific individual oxygenates, are disclosed. The methods of the present invention measure oxygenate concentration using GC-AED. The oxygenate measurements obtained using the GC-AED may be used to adjust and control various processes used to produce, upgrade, or finish Fischer Tropsch products to provide Fischer Tropsch products with a selected oxygenate concentration, and if required, a selected oxygenate concentration of specific individual oxygenates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Andrew Rainis, D. J. O'Rear
  • Publication number: 20030134913
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for water removal in multi-phase reactors operating at Fischer-Tropsch conditions. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of reducing the concentration of water in a multi-phase reactor for Fisher-Tropsch synthesis containing an expanded slurry bed and a water-rich slurry region includes removing a portion of water from the water-rich slurry from a predetermined region in the reactor, removing the water from the water-rich slurry to form a water-reduced slurry, and returning the water-reduced slurry back to the reactor. Preferably the water-rich slurry region is located between ½H to H and ½R to R, where H is the height of the expanded slurry bed and R is the radius of the expanded slurry bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Jianping Zhang, Rafael L. Espinoza
  • Publication number: 20030125396
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for water removal and optionally liquid product separation in slurry reactors operating at Fischer-Tropsch conditions. More particularly, the present invention includes a water stripping system that allows the reaction water to the stripped in an external vessel, with a relatively high rate of catalyst and wax circulation. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for removing water from a slurry reactor containing a water-rich slurry includes removing a portion of water-rich slurry from the slurry reactor, stripping water from the water-rich slurry using a dry gas to form a water-reduced slurry and a water-rich gas stream, and returning the water-reduced slurry back to the reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Rafael L. Espinoza, Sergio Mohedas, Vincent Melquist
  • Patent number: 6534064
    Abstract: A method for producing a cellular immune response in a vertebrate subject comprising administering to the vertebrate subject a vaccine composition comprising a protein particle antigen and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventors: Derek O'Hagan, Manmohan Singh
  • Publication number: 20030039600
    Abstract: A control scheme is set forth for conversion of variable composition synthesis gas to liquid fuels in a three-phase or slurry bubble column reactor (SBCR). The control scheme allows one to achieve constant or optimum liquid fuel production and constant or limited purge gas flow with highly variable synthesis gas feed condition. This is accomplished by adjusting one or more of the following independent variables: recycle ratio, water addition, and bypass flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: James Christian Sorensen, Douglas Edward Benedict, Tsun-Chiu Robert Tsao, Joseph Klosek
  • Publication number: 20030022950
    Abstract: A device for the production of hydrogen-containing gas for a fuel cell system, in particular in a motor vehicle, is disclosed. Suitable feed materials are water and at least one hydrocarbon-containing starting material, in particular a hydrocarbon derivative, such as methanol or ethanol. The device comprises an evaporator to evaporate the feed material; a superheater to superheat the feed material vapor; a high temperature reformer in which steam reforming of the superheated feed material is carried out; a burner which provides the thermal energy required for the steam reforming by burning a gas stream that contains fuel and oxygen; a water gas shift stage to reduce the carbon monoxide content of the reformate stream produced in the steam reforming; and a cooler to reduce the temperature of the reformate stream between the point where the reformate stream is discharged out of the high temperature reformer and the point where the reformate stream enters into the water gas shift stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Applicant: Ballard Power Systems AG
    Inventor: Berthold Keppeler
  • Publication number: 20020173556
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing a finished fuel product from a stabilized product mixture, which is produced from the effluent of a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process. In the process, a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process is conducted at a site which is remote from the market site where the products from the process are ultimately marketed. The Fischer-Tropsch effluent product is hydroprocessed, and the hydroprocessed effluent separated to remove a C4− fraction and to yield a stabilized product mixture which can be exported to the market site. At the market site, the stabilized product mixture is fractionated into at least one finished fuel product. A heavy fraction may also be recovered at the market site for separation into at least one lubricating oil base stock and then conversion at hydroisomerization conditions to form a lubricating base oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Richard O. Moore, Mark Schnell
  • Patent number: 6410477
    Abstract: Provided is a hydrogenation catalyst of carbon monoxide, which is suited to the manufacture of a hydrogenation product containing target components (e.g., gasoline fuel oil components or diesel fuel oil components) at high selectivity from a gas mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. This hydrogenation catalyst of carbon monoxide has a structure in which a transition metal is carried by a porous material in which 90% or more of all pores are fine pores each having a diameter of 1 to 50 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: President of Tohoku University
    Inventors: Yasuo Ohtsuka, Muneyoshi Yamada, Ye Wang
  • Patent number: 6258860
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of methanol from synthesis gas derived from a carbonaceous feedstock which comprises the following steps: (1) part of the unreacted gas stream from a first methanol synthesis zone is recycled to the first methanol zone; (2) another part of the unreacted gas stream from the first methanol synthesis zone is supplied to a second methanol synthesis zone; (3) part of the unreacted gas stream from the second methanol synthesis zone is recycled to the second methanol synthesis zone; (4) hydrogen is recovered from another part of the unreacted gas from the second methanol synthesis zone to give a hydrogen enriched gas stream and a hydrogen depleted gas stream; and (5) recycling the hydrogen depleted gas stream to the second methanol synthesis zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventors: Geoffrey Gerald Weedon, James Bernard Duhan