Saturated Compound Synthesis Patents (Class 585/700)
  • Patent number: 9099749
    Abstract: Catalysts of the present invention are not corroded in acidic electrolytes or at high potential and have excellent durability and high oxygen reducing ability. The catalyst includes a metal oxycarbonitride containing two metals M selected from the group consisting of tin, indium, platinum, tantalum, zirconium, titanium, copper, iron, tungsten, chromium, molybdenum, hafnium, vanadium, cobalt, cerium, aluminum and nickel, and containing zirconium and/or titanium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventors: Ryuji Monden, Tadatoshi Kurozumi, Toshikazu Shishikura, Yasuaki Wakizaka
  • Patent number: 9048499
    Abstract: [Object] The invention provides catalysts that are not corroded in acidic electrolytes or at high potential and have excellent durability and high oxygen reducing ability. [Solution] A catalyst of the invention includes a metal oxycarbonitride that contains titanium and at least one metal (hereinafter, also referred to as “metal M” or simply “M”) selected from silver, calcium, strontium, yttrium, ruthenium, lanthanum, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium and lutetium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventors: Yasuaki Wakizaka, Ryuji Monden, Toshikazu Shishikura, Takuya Imai, Kenichiro Ota
  • Publication number: 20150148573
    Abstract: The invention relates to a synthetic hydrocarbon fuel composition, and a process for making such a fuel composition, in which the fuel composition has the following properties: a) a boiling point distribution having (i) a 10% recovery of 205° C. or less and (ii) an end point of 300° C. or less; b) a freezing point of ?47° C. or less; and c) a density at 15° C. of at least 775 kg/m3. A process for producing the fuel composition comprises the oligomerisation of olefins over an oligomerisation catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: IGTL TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventors: Richard Hyman, Alfred Ecker
  • Patent number: 9040762
    Abstract: Metal oxide catalysts comprising various dopants are provided. The catalysts are useful as heterogenous catalysts in a variety of catalytic reactions, for example, the oxidative coupling of methane to C2 hydrocarbons such as ethane and ethylene. Related methods for use and manufacture of the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Siluria Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel M. Cizeron, Erik C. Scher, Fabio R. Zurcher, Wayne P. Schammel, Greg Nyce, Anja Rumplecker, Jarod McCormick, Marian Alcid, Joel Gamoras, Daniel Rosenberg, Erik-Jan Ras
  • Publication number: 20150087875
    Abstract: Nanowires useful as heterogeneous catalysts are provided. The nanowire catalysts are useful in a variety of catalytic reactions, for example, the oxidative coupling of methane to C2 hydrocarbons. Related methods for use and manufacture of the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Fabio R. Zurcher, Erik C. Scher, Joel M. Cizeron, Wayne P. Schammel, Alex Tkachenko, Joel Gamoras, Dmitry Karshtedt, Greg Nyce, Anja Rumplecker, Jarod McCormick, Anna Merzlyak, Marian Alcid, Daniel Rosenberg, Erik-Jan Ras
  • Publication number: 20150073192
    Abstract: Metal oxide catalysts comprising various dopants are provided. The catalysts are useful as heterogenous catalysts in a variety of catalytic reactions, for example, the oxidative coupling of methane to C2 hydrocarbons such as ethane and ethylene. Related methods for use and manufacture of the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Joel M. Cizeron, Erik C. Scher, Fabio R. Zurcher, Wayne P. Schammel, Greg Nyce, Anja Rumplecker, Jarod McCormick, Marian Alcid, Joel Gamoras, Daniel Rosenberg, Erik-Jan Ras
  • Publication number: 20140366724
    Abstract: The invention is a process involving membrane-based gas separation for separating and recovering carbon dioxide emissions from combustion processes in partially concentrated form, and then transporting the carbon dioxide and using or storing it in a confined manner without concentrating it to high purity. The process of the invention involves building up the concentration of carbon dioxide in a gas flow loop between the combustion step and a membrane separation step. A portion of the carbon dioxide-enriched gas can then be withdrawn from this loop and transported, without the need to liquefy the gas or otherwise create a high-purity stream, to a destination where it is used or confined, preferably in an environmentally benign manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH, INC.
    Inventors: Johannes G. Wijmans, Richard W. Baker, Timothy C. Merkel
  • Publication number: 20140350318
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a catalyst for converting diesel type liquid hydrocarbons to methane rich gas. The catalyst includes a nickel component, a cerium oxide component, and gadolinium oxide component. The catalysts provide high conversion, selectivity, and stability compare to the state of the art commercial catalysts. The catalyst compositions can improve the overall fuel cell efficiency for both mobile and stationary fuel cell applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Sai P. Katikaneni, Joongmyeon Bae, Sangho Lee
  • Patent number: 8884088
    Abstract: In a dehydrogenation process a hydrocarbon stream comprising at least one non-aromatic six-membered ring compound and at least one five-membered ring compound is contacted with a first catalyst comprising at least one metal component and at least one support and a second catalyst. The first catalyst is utilized to convert at least a portion of the at least one non-aromatic six-membered ring compound in the hydrocarbon stream to at least one aromatic compound and the second catalyst is utilized to convert at least a portion of the at least one five-membered ring compound in the hydrocarbon stream to at least one paraffin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Smith, Tan-Jen Chen, Terry E. Helton, Teng Xu
  • Publication number: 20140275684
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to catalytically active carbocatalysts, e.g., a graphene oxide or graphite oxide catalyst suitable for use in a variety of high value chemical transformations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Graphea, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Bielawski, Daniel R. Dreyer, Richard Miller
  • Patent number: 8809603
    Abstract: A method of producing a hydrocarbon fuel from a hydrocarbon-containing gas is disclosed and described. A hydrocarbon-containing gas is produced (10) containing from about 25% to about 50% carbon dioxide and can be reformed (12) with a steam gas to form a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The reforming can be a composite dry-wet reforming or a tri-reforming step. The mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide can be at least partially converted (14) to a methanol product. The methanol product can be converted to the hydrocarbon fuel (18), optionally via UME synthesis (16). The method allows for effective fuel production with low catalyst fouling rates and for operation in an unmanned, self-contained unit at the source of the hydrocarbon-producing gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Oberon Fuels, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Corradini, Jarod McCormick
  • Patent number: 8729328
    Abstract: A method for the oxidative coupling of hydrocarbons, such as the oxidative coupling of methane to toluene, includes providing an oxidative catalyst inside a reactor, and carrying out the oxidative coupling reaction under a set of reaction conditions. The oxidative catalyst includes (A) at least one element selected from the group consisting of the Lanthanoid group, Mg, Ca, and the elements of Group 4 of the periodic table (Ti, Zr, and Hf); (B) at least one element selected from the group consisting of the Group 1 elements of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, and the elements of Group 3 (including La and Ac) and Groups 5-15 of the periodic table; (C) at least one element selected from the group consisting of the Group 1 elements of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, and the elements Ca, Sr, and Ba; and (D) oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sivadinarayana Chinta, Joseph L. Thorman, James R. Butler, Joe Hunter, Taylor Rives
  • Publication number: 20140121433
    Abstract: Catalytic forms and formulations are provided. The catalytic forms and formulations are useful in a variety of catalytic reactions, for example, the oxidative coupling of methane. Related methods for use and manufacture of the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Joel M. Cizeron, Fabio R. Zurcher, Jarod McCormick, Joel Gamoras, Roger Vogel, Joel David Vincent, Greg Nyce, Wayne P. Schammel, Erik C. Scher, Daniel Rosenberg, Erik-Jan Ras, Erik Freer
  • Publication number: 20140094632
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for recovering normal hexane from a reformate stream are provided. In one example, a method for recovering normal hexane from a reformate stream includes extracting aromatics from the reformate stream to form an aromatic extract stream and a raffinate stream. In the method, the normal hexane is separated from the raffinate stream to form a normal hexane product stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventor: David James Shecterle
  • Patent number: 8652222
    Abstract: Particulate compositions are described comprising an intimate mixture of a biomass, such as switchgrass or hybrid poplar, a non-biomass carbonaceous material, such as petroleum coke or coal, and a gasification catalyst, where the gasification catalyst is loaded onto at least one of the biomass or non-biomass for gasification in the presence of steam to yield a plurality of gases including methane and at least one or more of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other higher hydrocarbons are formed. Processes are also provided for the preparation of the particulate compositions and converting the particulate composition into a plurality of gaseous products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: GreatPoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Pattabhi K. Raman, Edwin J. Hippo, Nelson Yee
  • Patent number: 8637719
    Abstract: The invention concerns a catalyst comprising a porous support, palladium, at least one metal selected from the group constituted by alkalis and alkaline-earths, in which: the specific surface area of the porous support is in the range 50 to 210 m2/g; the palladium content in the catalyst is in the range 0.05% to 2% by weight; at least 80% by weight of the palladium is distributed in a crust at the periphery of the support, the thickness of said crust being in the range 20 to 200 ?m; the metallic dispersion D is in the range 25% to 70%; the density of the palladium particles in the crust is in the range 1500 to 4100 particles of palladium per ?m2; and said alkali and/or alkaline-earth metal is distributed homogeneously across the support. The invention also concerns the preparation of the catalyst and its use in selective hydrogenation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: IFP Energies nouvelles
    Inventors: Lars Fischer, Carine Petit-Clair, Cecile Thomazeau, Lois Sorbier, Catherine Verdon
  • Publication number: 20130345472
    Abstract: A method of reacting one or more components in a liquid phase to form an organic product, the method including feeding a carbon-based gas to a high shear device; feeding a hydrogen-based liquid medium to the high shear device; using the high shear device to form a dispersion comprising the carbon-based gas and the hydrogen-based liquid medium, wherein the dispersion comprises gas bubbles with a mean diameter of less than about 5 ?m; introducing the dispersion into a reactor; and reacting the dispersion to produce the organic product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: H R D CORPORATION
    Inventors: Abbas HASSAN, Aziz HASSAN, Rayford G. ANTHONY, Gregory BORSINGER
  • Patent number: 8609923
    Abstract: Processes for the production of an alcohol, esters and aliphatic hydrocarbons are provided. In one embodiment, a process for the production of an alcohol comprises: oligomerizing an olefin or a mixture of olefins having the structural formula Cn-2H2n-3—CH?CH2, wherein n is an integer from 4 to 22, in the presence of an oligomerization catalyst, so as to form a vinylidene containing olefin oligomer; hydroformylating the vinylidene containing olefin oligomer in the presence of a hydroformylation catalyst so as to form a hydroformylated olefin oligomer; and dimerizing the hydroformylated olefin oligomer by means of a Guerbet reaction so as to form the alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Abraham Robert De Kraker
  • Patent number: 8609913
    Abstract: An axial flow staged zone oligomerization reaction process includes the steps of passing a hydrocarbon feedstock into the lower portion of the axial flow staged zone reactor which includes axial circulation of the hydrocarbon reaction fluid serially in each of the reaction zones, passing catalyst through a constriction zone located between successive upper and lower catalytic reaction zones which includes heat exchanging of the fluids being the constriction zone within the reactor and further includes withdrawing the oligomerized product from the top of the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: IFP Energies Nouvelles
    Inventors: Sylvain Louret, Patrice Font, Sylvie Lacombe, Eric Sanchez, Laurent Simon
  • Patent number: 8586814
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods comprising catalytic dimerization of ?-farnesene to obtain squalane and/or isosqualane. Compositions comprising squalane and/or isosqualane are provided. In certain embodiments, squalane and isosqualane prepared by the methods provided herein can be useful for applications in cosmetic industry and/or in the lubricants industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Amyris, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Fisher, Susan Jessica Schofer, David B. Kanne
  • Publication number: 20130296603
    Abstract: Dehydrogenative coupling can be achieved in nearly quantitative conversions and yields using a membrane reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: KING ABDULLAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: KING ABDULLAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
  • Publication number: 20130247454
    Abstract: A radiant heat chemical reactor is configured to generate chemical products including synthesis gas products. Two or more tubes in the radiant heat chemical reactor separate an exothermic heat source, such as flames and gas from a regenerative burner, from the endothermic reaction of the reactant gas occurring within the cavity of the refractory vessel. The exothermic heat source heats a space inside the tubes. One or more feed lines supply chemical reactants to the cavity area between an inner wall of the cavity of the refractory vessel of the chemical reactor and the two or more tubes that are internally heated located with the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: SUNDROP FUELS, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy E. Laska, John T. Turner
  • Publication number: 20130231238
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention includes a refractory material, said material comprising: (i) at least 20 wt. % of a first grain mode stabilized zirconia based upon the total weight of said material, said first grain mode having a D50 grain size in the range of from 5 to 2000 ?m, said stabilized zirconia including a matrix oxide stabilizer; (ii) at least 1 wt. % of a second grain mode having a D50 grain size in the range of from 0.01 ?m up to not greater than one-fourth the D50 grain size of said first grain mode zirconia, based upon the total weight of said material; and (iii) at least 1 wt. % of a preservative component within at least one of said first grain mode stabilized zirconia, said second grain mode stabilized zirconia, and an optional another grain mode; wherein after sintering, said material has porosity at 20° C. in the range of from 5 to 45 vol %.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: ChangMin CHUN, Frank Hershkowitz
  • Publication number: 20130224106
    Abstract: A process for the decomposition of methane can be controlled to form ethane or hydrogen with a solid carbon product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: KING ABDULLAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
  • Patent number: 8502007
    Abstract: The invention provides processes for generating a methane-enriched gas from a gas mixture comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen such as gas streams generated by gasification of an alkali metal catalyst-loaded carbonaceous feedstock, and a char methanation catalyst useful in such processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Greatpoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin J. Hippo, Vincent G. Reiling, Earl T. Robinson, Pattabhi K. Raman, Jeffery Smith, Charles Mims, Nicholas Charles Nahas
  • Patent number: 8487154
    Abstract: A process comprising adjusting a level of conjunct polymers in an ionic liquid catalyst between a low level that favors production of C5+ products boiling at 137.8° C. or below and a higher level that favors production of both C5+ products boiling at 137.8° C. or below and C5+ products boiling above 137.8° C.; wherein the adjusting is done in response to market demand. A process unit, comprising a reactor that operates with an ionic liquid catalyst comprising a low level or a higher level of conjunct polymers, and the alkylation reactor is switched between operating with the low and the higher levels in response to market demand. A process unit, comprising a reactor that operates in an alkylate mode and a distillate mode, and a catalyst regenerator that operates with varying severity to adjust the level of conjunct polymers in response to demand for gasoline or distillate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Hye-Kyung Timken, Shawn Winter, Howard S. Lacheen, Sven Ivar Hommeltoft
  • Publication number: 20130178680
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a catalyst for oxidative coupling of methane, specifically, it relates to a catalyst for oxidative coupling of methane comprising: a magnesium titanium oxide support comprising a mixed oxide of magnesium and titanium; and sodium tungstate and manganese oxide supported on the support, a method for preparing the same, and a method for oxidative coupling of methane. The catalyst for oxidative coupling according to the present disclosure, wherein a mixed oxide of magnesium and titanium is used as the support of the catalyst, is capable of providing significantly improved catalytic activity and C2 hydrocarbon yield as compared to pure magnesium oxide or titanium oxide. By preparing the oxide support not by a physical process but by a chemical sol-gel process, a catalyst for oxidative coupling with a peculiar crystal structure not found in a single oxide support can be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
  • Publication number: 20130165728
    Abstract: Nanowires useful as heterogeneous catalysts are provided. The nanowire catalysts are useful in a variety of catalytic reactions, for example, the oxidative coupling of methane to C2 hydrocarbons. Related methods for use and manufacture of the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: SILURIA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Siluria Technologies, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8455708
    Abstract: A process for producing hydrocarbon products, comprising: a) operating a process unit in an alkylate mode wherein greater than 50 wt % of a C5+ hydrocarbon stream from the process unit boils at 137.8° C. or below, b) adjusting one or more process conditions in the process unit, and c) after the adjusting step, operating the process unit in a distillate mode wherein greater than 50 wt % of the C5+ hydrocarbon stream from the process unit boils above 137.8° C. Also, a process unit, comprising: a) an alkylation reactor; and b) a control system that enables the alkylation reactor to be operated in the alkylate mode and in the distillate mode; wherein the alkylation reactor can switch back and forth from operating in the alkylate mode to the distillate mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Hye-Kyung Timken, Shawn Winter, Howard S. Lacheen, Sven Ivar Hommeltoft
  • Publication number: 20130053604
    Abstract: The present invention describes an exchanger-reactor for carrying out endothermic reactions such as steam reforming oil cuts or alcohols integrating a steam generation bundle which can thereby increase the thermal efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES
    Inventors: Christophe BOYER, Fabrice GIROUDIERE
  • Publication number: 20130042615
    Abstract: The present invention deals with the serious pollution problems from electric power plants that burn coal which may be forced to shut down by virtue of their being uneconomical to be retrofitted with expensive pollution controls. The pollutants from coal-burning power stations comprise SO2, NOx, Hg, Particulate Matter, Ash, and CO2. This invention offers a unique and comprehensive solution that makes possible the prevention of the ill-effects currently caused to health and environment while at the same time would also prevent the closure of these badly needed power generation facilities that provide some 50% of the electricity generated in this country. The herein comprehensive solution converts the six mentioned pollutants into valuable products and thus avoids the discharge of such pollutants into the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Albert Calderon, Richard Owen McCarthy, Terry James Laubis
  • Publication number: 20130046121
    Abstract: Process and systems for converting lower molecular weight alkanes to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons that include recovery of residual halogenated hydrocarbons (e.g., CH3Br) from higher molecular weight hydrocarbon products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: MARATHON GTF TECHNOLOGY, LTD.
    Inventors: Sabah A. Kurukchi, Yijun Liu, Anand Moodley
  • Patent number: 8378159
    Abstract: A method of producing a hydrocarbon fuel from a hydrocarbon-containing gas is disclosed and described. A hydrocarbon-containing gas is produced (10) containing from about 25% to about 50% carbon dioxide and can be reformed (12) with a steam gas to form a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The reforming can be a composite dry-wet reforming or a tri-reforming step. The mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide can be at least partially converted (14) to a methanol product. The methanol product can be converted to the hydrocarbon fuel (18), optionally via DME synthesis (16). The method allows for effective fuel production with low catalyst fouling rates and for operation in an unmanned, self-contained unit at the source of the hydrocarbon-producing gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Oberon Fuels, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Corradini, Jarod McCormick
  • Patent number: 8373011
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon prepared using an ?-olefin as a raw material and represented by the general formula (1), including the steps of: (I) producing a vinylidene olefin by dimerizing the ?-olefin in the presence of a metallocene complex catalyst; (II) further dimerizing the vinylidene olefin in the presence of an acid catalyst; and (III) hydrogenating the obtained dimer. Further, there are provided a lubricant composition containing the saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon compound produced by the above process, a bearing oil consisting of the lubricant composition, and making use of the same, a bearing and gyral equipment. The saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds produced by the process of the present invention have low-temperature fluidity, exhibiting low evaporativity, and excellent in thermal stability and oxidation stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruhito Sato, Hideto Kamimura
  • Patent number: 8366795
    Abstract: Particulate compositions are described comprising a carbonaceous material, such as petroleum coke and/or coal, treated or otherwise associated with a gasification catalyst, where the catalyst is at least in part derived from a leachate from a biomass char, for gasification in the presence of steam to yield a plurality of gases including methane and at least one or more of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other higher hydrocarbons are formed. Processes are also provided for the preparation of the particulate compositions and converting the particulate composition into a plurality of gaseous products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: GreatPoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Pattabhi K. Raman, Nelson Yee
  • Patent number: 8361428
    Abstract: Processes for the generation of steam are provided for use in an integrated catalytic gasification process for converting carbonaceous materials to combustible gases, such as methane. Generally, the exhaust gas from a steam generating reactor is provided along with steam, a carbonaceous feedstock, and a gasification catalyst, to a catalytic gasifier, wherein under appropriate temperature and pressure conditions, the carbonaceous feedstock is converted into a plurality of product gases, including, but not limited to, methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. As substantially all the carbon dioxide produced from the steam generation process and the gasification process are subsequently directed though gas purification and separation processes, substantially all the carbon dioxide may be recovered, yielding a process having a near zero carbon footprint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: GreatPoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Pattabhi K. Raman, Francis S. Lau, Earl T. Robinson, Donald Anthony
  • Patent number: 8349039
    Abstract: Processes are provided for capturing and recycling carbonaceous fines generated during a gasification process. In particular, the recycled fines are processed into a particulate composition which is useable as a carbonaceous feedstock and is conversion into a gas stream comprising methane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: GreatPoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Earl T. Robinson
  • Patent number: 8329970
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the deoxygenation of materials of biological origin and particularly to the removal of oxygen from biomass derived organic compounds with carbon monoxide, to yield linear and branched hydrocarbons suitable as biofuels or as blending stocks or components for biofuels, such as gas, gasoline, diesel fuel and aviation fuel, as well as solvents. The method comprises contacting a feedstock with carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst comprising a metal selected from a group consisting of ruthenium, manganese, rhodium, rhenium, osmium, iridium, molybdenum, copper, zinc, palladium, platinum and cobalt, in the presence of water, under alkaline conditions at a temperature from 150 to 350° C. and under a pressure from 0.1 to 150 bar, to produce hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Neste Oil Oyj
    Inventors: Elina Harlin, Helka Turunen, Johan-Fredrik Selin, Marja Tiitta, Mohamed Lashdaf
  • Patent number: 8314279
    Abstract: A process to perform selective catalytic oxidation of four-carbon alcohols to produce four-carbon olefins with yields greater than 90%. The process includes providing a supply of oxygen gas and a butanol fuel, atomizing and evaporating the fuel to produce a vapor, mixing the vapor with the oxygen to form a fuel mixture, reacting the fuel mixture in the presence of a heated solid Rh/Al2O3 or Al2O3 catalysts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as reprensted by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Ivan C. Lee, Douglas A. Behrens
  • Patent number: 8273937
    Abstract: Methods for producing in a reactor natural gas from heavy hydrocarbons. A mixture of heavy hydrocarbons and a catalyst comprising a transition metal are heated under an anoxic condition in a reactor. Natural gas, e.g., catalytic natural gas, is generated from the heavy hydrocarbons by a disproportionation reaction promoted by the catalyst. The anoxic condition can be created by flowing an anoxic stimulation gas in the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Petroleum Habitats, LLC
    Inventor: Frank D. Mango
  • Patent number: 8242318
    Abstract: Catalytic hydrogenation of a double bond, notably a C?C or C?N double bond, is carried out using a homogenous catalyst which is a complex of rhodium or other transition metal containing at least one ligand which is a nitrogenous organic base. Preferably the complex is phosphorus-free and the ligand is a bicyclic base having formula where R1 and R4 are hydrocarbon chains. R1 preferably is a saturated chain of two carbon atoms and R4 preferably is a saturated chain of three to five carbon atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Li Jiang, Timothy Jones, Fenglou Zou
  • Patent number: 8203027
    Abstract: Biogases such as natural gas and other gases capable of being biologically derived by digestion of organic matter are converted to a clean-burning hydrocarbon liquid fuel in a continuous process wherein a biogas is fed to a reaction vessel where the biogas contacts a liquid petroleum fraction and a transition metal catalyst immersed in the liquid, vaporized product gas is drawn from a vapor space above the liquid level, condensed, and fed to a product vessel where condensate is separated from uncondensed gas and drawn off as the liquid product fuel as uncondensed gas is recycled to the reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventors: Rudolf W. Gunnerman, Peter W. Gunnerman
  • Publication number: 20120149957
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for oligomerizing one or more hydrocarbons. The process can include providing a feed including one or more C3 and C4 hydrocarbons to a separation zone, separating at least a portion of C3 olefins, sending the C3 olefins to a first oligomerization zone for producing one or more C9 hydrocarbons, and returning at least a portion of an effluent from the first oligomerization zone to the separation zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: UOP, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Lee Krupa, Christian D. Freet, Mohamed Shakur
  • Patent number: 8192716
    Abstract: Processes for the catalytic conversion of a carbonaceous composition into a gas stream comprising methane are provided, where a sour shift reaction is used to remove carbon monoxide gas stream produced by the gasification process. The incorporation of the sour shift reaction provides an efficient and cost-effective means of eliminating carbon monoxide from the gas stream. In addition, the sour shift reaction also generates additional hydrogen, thus increasing the amount of hydrogen produced from the gasification process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Greatpoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Pattabhi K. Raman, Francis S. Lau, Earl T. Robinson
  • Patent number: 8183421
    Abstract: A method for producing biofuels from biomass in which a refined biomass material is introduced into a non-Faradaic electrochemical device, preferably at a temperature greater than or equal to about 150° C., and deoxygenated and/or decarboxylated in said device to produce an increased carbon chain fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventor: Qinbai Fan
  • Publication number: 20120101323
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing synthetic natural gas are provided. The method can include gasifying a carbonaceous feedstock within a gasifier to provide a raw syngas. The raw syngas can be cooled to provide a cooled raw syngas. The cooled raw syngas can be processed in a purification system to provide treated syngas. The purification system can include a flash gas separator in fluid communication with the gasifier and a saturator. The treated syngas can be converted to synthetic natural gas to provide steam, a methanation condensate, and a synthetic natural gas. The methanation condensate can be introduced to the flash gas separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: KELLOGG BROWN & ROOT LLC
    Inventors: Siva Ariyapadi, Philip Shires
  • Publication number: 20120071610
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed toward a method to create an enhanced carbon nanotube spaceframe network. The spaceframe network contains an assembly of regiofunctional carbon nanotube beams by crown-to-crown connection into nodes to form a networked lattice configuration. The inventive method includes selecting crown materials and applying appropriate processing conditions which result in the production of secondary forms. The crown materials include polymers with unsaturated sites, polymeric crowns, silicon boron, poly(hydridocarbyne). The processing conditions include radical initiation, vulcanization, pyrolysis, hydroboration at unsaturation sites, using silicon bearing polymers in the Rf-CNB crowns, dissolution of silicon containing organics into the nodes and poly(hydridocarbyne). The secondary forms include cross-linked polymers, carbonized, graphitized, ceramic, diamond-like along with tailored functionalization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Nolan Walker Nicholas
  • Publication number: 20110314881
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is the production of hydrocarbon based fuel from micro-organisms and algae that comprise algaenan without requiring prior removal of water, as well as the production of hydrocarbon based fuel directly from the algaenan itself. Also disclosed herein are feed material for the processes disclosed herein comprising modified algae and algaenan that selectively produce hydrocarbon of desired chain lengths, along with the process of modifying the algae and algaenan. Also disclosed herein is the production of both hydrocarbon and organic fertilizer from algae without the need to remove the water from the algae prior to processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Patrick G. Hatcher, Elodie Salmon
  • Publication number: 20110275875
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for promoting the production of oil and/or gas from organic carbon-rich sedimentary rocks in a surface reactor processing facility. The method includes applying a light hydrocarbon gas to the sedimentary rock in the reactor vessel to increase the yield of the oil and/or gas that is generated by the natural catalytic activity of the sedimentary rock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Frank D. Mango
  • Publication number: 20110263919
    Abstract: A method of operation of one or more chemical reactors, wherein each reactor defines first flow channels for a chemical reaction process in proximity to second flow channels for heat transfer, and each reactor is provided with fluid connections for bringing about flows of respective fluids through the first and second flow channels, involves the steps of shutting down the flows of fluids through at least one of the first and second flow channels, and then changing the fluid connections, and then reopening the fluid connections. There is no change in the chemical reaction process performed by the reactors. The change to the fluid connections is preferably such as to achieve a flow reversal. This may involve turning the reactor itself around, or changing the arrangement of ducts connected to the reactor. This changes the thermal stress distribution within the reactor, and can consequently increase the reactor's operational lifetime.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: CompactGTL plc
    Inventor: David James West