By Plural Serial Diverse Separations Patents (Class 585/802)
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Patent number: 6815569Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising one or more tetramantanes. Specifically disclosed are compositions comprising 10 to 100 weight percent of one or more tetramantanes. Also disclosed are novel processes for the separation and isolation of tetramantane components into recoverable fractions from a feedstock containing at least a higher diamondoid component which contains one or more tetramantane components.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2001Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Jeremy E. Dahl, Robert M. Carlson
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Patent number: 6812371Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising one or more nonamantanes. Specifically disclosed are compositions comprising 25 to 100 weight percent of one or more nonamantanes. Also disclosed are novel processes for the separation and isolation of nonamantane components into recoverable fractions from a feedstock containing at least a higher diamondoid component which contains one or more nonamantane components.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2001Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Jeremy E. Dahl, Robert M. Carlson
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Patent number: 6812370Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising one or more hexamantanes. Specifically disclosed are compositions comprising 25 to 100 weight percent of one or more hexamantanes. Also disclosed are novel processes for the separation and isolation of hexamantane components into recoverable fractions from a feedstock containing at least a higher diamondoid component which contains one or more hexamantane components.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2001Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Jeremy E. Dahl, Robert M. Carlson
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Patent number: 6755965Abstract: A process for ethane extraction from a gas stream based on turboexpansion and fractionation with no mechanical refrigeration is provided. The feed gas is sweetened and dehydrated by a conventional amine process and by a molecular sieve unit, to remove carbon dioxide and water. After this pretreatment, the feed gas undergoes to a series of cooling steps through a cryogenic brazed aluminum heat exchanger and fed to a demethanizer column. A stream rich in methane is recovered from the top of this column and fed to a centrifugal compressor and subsequently routed to a booster/turboexpander. The temperature of the methane gas is greatly reduced by the expansion allowing the cooled methane stream to be a cooling source for cryogenic heat exchanger. Feed for a de-ethanizer column comes from the bottom liquids of the de-methanizer column. Ethane is recovered overhead at the de-ethanizer column.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2001Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Inelectra S.A.Inventors: Filippo Pironti, Jorge Vincentelli
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Publication number: 20040065538Abstract: A process for recovering crude 1,3-butadiene from a C4 fraction by extractive distillation using a selective solvent in a dividing wall column (TK) in which a dividing wall (T) is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the column to form a first subregion (A), a second subregion (B) and a lower common column region (C) and which is preceded by an extractive scrubbing column (K) is proposed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Gerd Bohner, Klaus Kindler, Melanie Pahl, Gerd Kaibel
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Patent number: 6592749Abstract: An improved process for separating hydrogen from hydrocarbons. The process includes a pressure swing adsorption step, a compression/cooling step and a membrane separation step. The membrane step uses a rubbery polymeric membrane selective for all C1-C6 hydrocarbons over hydrogen. The process can produce three products: a high-purity hydrogen stream, an LPG stream and a light hydrocarbon fuel gas stream.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2000Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.Inventors: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Richard W. Baker
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Publication number: 20030120126Abstract: This invention relates to a process for separating and isolating saturated hydrocarbons from olefins, and in particular, to a process for separating and isolating saturated hydrocarbons from olefins in a Fisher-Tropsch stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2003Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventors: Lynn Henry Slaugh, Howard Lam-Ho Fong, Laurent Alain Fenouil
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Patent number: 6579419Abstract: For the purification of the norbornene obtained by the reaction of dicyclopentadiene or cyclopentadiene and ethylene, the crude reaction mixture containing light impurities having boiling temperatures lower than that of norbornene; medium-heavy impurities having the boiling temperatures between that of norbornene and that of ethylnorbornene; and heavy impurities containing ethylnorbornene and compounds boiling higher than ethylnorbornene, boiling temperatures greater than that ethylnorbornene, a first distillation of the crude reaction mixture is carried out in a tailing column (C1), removing a portion of the heavy impurities and a portion of the medium-heavy impurities; then a second distillation of the crude mixture, thus tailed, is carried out in a topping column (C2), removing the light impurities; and a third distillation of the mixture, thus topped, is subsequently carried out in a tailing column (C3), removing the remainder of the heavy and medium-heavy impurities.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Elf Atochem, S.A.Inventors: Roland Kotwica, André Marbach
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Patent number: 6576805Abstract: The invention relates to a new process for more efficient separation and recovery of light olefins such as ethylene and propylene from a fluid catalytic cracking unit. The new process invention for recovering olefins from a mixture of cracked hydrocarbons from a fluid catalytic cracker comprises the steps of: (a) providing a mixture of cracked hydrocarbons including methane, ethylene, ethane, propylene, propane, butylene, butane and heavier hydrocarbons such as naphtha produced in a fluid catalytic cracker; (b) separating said mixture into (i) a first stream comprising substantially all of said ethane, ethylene, and methane and a major portion of said propane and propylene and (ii) a second stream comprising a portion of said butylene and butane, and a major portion of said heavier hydrocarbons; and (c) processing said first stream to recover the ethylene and propylene therefrom, and the details of such process described herein.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Stone & Webster Process Technology, Inc.Inventors: Ginger S. Keady, Juan Puerto, Berj Garbouchian
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Publication number: 20030100808Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising one or more nonamantanes. Specifically disclosed are compositions comprising 25 to 100 weight percent of one or more nonamantanes. Also disclosed are novel processes for the separation and isolation of nonamantane components into recoverable fractions from a feedstock containing at least a higher diamondoid component which contains one or more nonamantane components.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2001Publication date: May 29, 2003Inventors: Jeremy E. Dahl, Robert M. Carlson
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Publication number: 20030097032Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising one or more decamantanes. Specifically disclosed are compositions comprising 25 to 100 weight percent of one or more decamantanes. Also disclosed are novel processes for the separation and isolation of decamantane components into recoverable fractions from a feedstock containing at least a higher diamondoid component which contains one or more decamantane components.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2001Publication date: May 22, 2003Inventors: Jeremy E. Dahl, Robert M. Carlson
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Patent number: 6559348Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the treatment of a gas stream obtained from the production of polyolefins and containing unreacted compounds. According to the process, uncondensed compounds are removed from the gas stream and, when so desired, these compounds are directed to further treatment. According to the invention, the uncondensed compounds are separated from the gas stream by membrane separation. Thus the separation of gases is facilitated, since by coupling the membrane system in conjunction with distillation columns the distillation can be carried out at a substantially higher top temperature. By using the membrane system it is possible effectively to remove the lightest gases, which would otherwise accumulate in the process.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Borealis Technology OyInventors: Juhani Aittamaa, Harri Järvelin, Timo Nyman
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Patent number: 6552242Abstract: Fractional distillation performed to recover butane used as a desorbent component for adsorptive separation is integrated with the other fractionation of the raffinate stream of a C5-C6 paraffin adsorptive separation zone. A single fractionation column is employed to recover the desorbent butane, a highly branched paraffin product stream and a mono-branched paraffin rich recycle stream, thus reducing the cost of the process.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: UOP LLCInventor: Lynn H. Rice
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Patent number: 6514387Abstract: The invention relates to a rectifying column for extractive distillation, comprising a column main section (204) and a raffinate section (205) above said main section, an evaporator (208) situated on the lower end of the column, an inlet (214) disposed between the main section of the column and the raffinate section and a solvent inlet (215) arranged on the top side of the raffinate section (205) for feeding an extracting agent. According to the invention, the main section (204) has two chambers (216, 217) connected in parallel. A stripping section (222) is disposed between the bottom of the column (221) and the main section (204), in which concentration of the extracting agent occurs from the top down. The bottom (221) is connected to the solvent inflow (215) by a device (223) for recycling the extracting agent.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2000Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Krupp Uhde GmbHInventors: Gerd Emmrich, Bärbel Kolbe, Helmut Gehrke, Frank Ennenbach, Uwe Ranke
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Publication number: 20020198430Abstract: Process for the high-yield recovery of ethylene and heavier hydrocarbons from the gas produced by pyrolysis of hydrocarbons (1) in which the liquid products (12-15, 23) resulting from the fractionated condensation of the cracking gas (1) for the recovery of almost all the ethylene, are supplied to a distillation column (C1), called the de-ethanizer, at different intermediate levels, at the top of which the vapor (31) of the column distillate is treated directly in an acetylene hydrogenation reactor (R1), the effluent containing virtually no acetylene being separated by a distillation column (C2) called the de-methanizer, into an ethylene- and ethane-enriched tail product (43), while the head product (44) is recycled by compression or treated for subsequent recovery of ethylene.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2001Publication date: December 26, 2002Applicant: Technip-CoflexipInventors: Victor Kaiser, Jean-Paul Laugier, Yvon Simon
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Patent number: 6483000Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the recovery as a feedstock of an alpha-olefin from a mixture containing mainly hydrocarbon compounds, such as is obtained by Fischer-Tropsch-synthesis after an at least crude separation of components boiling higher and/or lower than the alpha-olefin, wherein tertiary olefins of the mixture, after superstoichiometrical addition of a low alcohol, are subjected to catalytic etherification and a stream derived by etherification is fed jointly with the alpha-olefin and the ethers produced and other high boiling reaction products to a distillative separation of components boiling higher than the olefin.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Sasol Technology (Pty) LTDInventor: Hans Becker
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Patent number: 6483003Abstract: A process for removing impurities from a hydrocarbon component or fraction comprises mixing, in a liquid-liquid extraction step, an impurity-containing liquid hydrocarbon component or fraction, as an impure liquid hydrocarbon feedstock, with an acetonitrile-based solvent. Thereby, at least one impurity is extracted from the hydrocarbon component or fraction into the solvent. There is withdrawn from the extraction step, as a raffinate, purified hydrocarbon component or fraction, while there is withdrawn from the extraction step, as an extract, impurity-containing solvent.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2000Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Sasol Technology (Proprietary) LimitedInventors: Waldo Eugene De Villiers, Petra De Wet, Magdalena Catharina Hough-Langanke, Hubert Naude, Atool Govan Pema
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Patent number: 6468399Abstract: Cyclopentane and/or cyclopentene and, if desired, isopentane can be obtained by distillative separation from a pre-benzene fraction or a C5 fraction which has in each case being partially hydrogenated to remove acetylene compounds and diolefins, wherein a) in a first fractional distillation, low boilers are removed as first top product and, either b1) the first bottom product is fed to a second fractional distillation and there cyclopentene is taken off as second top product and cyclopentane and higher-boiling hydrocarbons are taken off as second bottom product and this second bottom product is separated into cyclopentene and higher boilers in a third fractional distillation, or b2) the first bottom product is subjected to a catalytic hydrogenation and subsequently, in a fractional distillation, separated into cyclopentane as top product and higher boilers as bottom product, or b3) the first bottom product is subjected to a fractional distillation to separate off the relatively high boilers as bottom prodType: GrantFiled: February 16, 2001Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: BP Koln GmbHInventors: Arnd Stüwe, Rolf Dieter Wurtz, Michael Müller, Jens Herwig, Christian Gabel, Joachim Grub
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Patent number: 6444869Abstract: A process is provided for the concentration and recovery of ethylene and heavier components from an oxygenate conversion process. A separation process such as a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process is used to remove hydrogen and methane from a demethanizer overhead stream comprising hydrogen, methane and C2 hydrocarbons and subsequently return the recovered C2 hydrocarbons to be admixed with the effluent from the oxygenate conversion process. This integration of a separation zone with a fractionation scheme in an ethylene recovery scheme using an initial demethanizer zone resulted in significant capital and operating cost savings by the elimination of cryogenic ethylene-based refrigeration from the overall recovery scheme.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2001Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: John J. Senetar, Lawrence W. Miller, Linda Shi Cheng, Mark M. Davis
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Publication number: 20020095062Abstract: Process and installation for separation of a gas mixture, and gases obtained by this installation. The present invention pertains to a process and an installation for cryogenic separation of the constituents of a natural gas under pressure (14) by a first phase separator (B1) in which the constituents of each phase are separated in a distillation column (C1). Part of the gaseous fraction (5) from the top of the column (C1) is recycled into the highest stage of the column. The process also includes branching (9) of part of a first top fraction (3) from the first phase separator. The process also includes separation of a first bottom fraction (4) from the first separator, in a second separator (B2). Other modes of embodiment are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Applicant: TECHNIP-COFLEXIPInventor: Henri Paradowski
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Patent number: 6407301Abstract: An adsorptive separation process for preparing the separate feed streams charged to naphtha reforming unit and a steam cracking unit is presented. The feed stream to the overall unit is fractionated to yield a C5 stream and a second stream containing the rest of the feed, which is passed into the adsorptive separation unit. The C5 stream is utilized as the desorbent in the adsorptive separation. The adsorptive separation separates the C6-plus components of the feed stream into a normal paraffin stream, which is charged to the steam cracking process, and non-normal hydrocarbons which are passed into a reforming zone. The invention improves the yields from both downstream units.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Timothy D. Foley, Stephen W. Sohn
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Publication number: 20020065446Abstract: A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. In recent years, the preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes supplying at least portions of the gas stream to a fractionation tower having at least one reboiler, and often one or more side reboilers, to supply heat to the column by withdrawing and heating some of the tower liquids to produce stripping vapors that separate the more volatile components from the desired components. The reboiler and side reboilers (if any) are typically integrated into the feed stream cooling scheme to provide at least a portion of the refrigeration needed to condense the desired components for subsequent fractionation in the distillation column.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2001Publication date: May 30, 2002Applicant: Elcor CorporationInventors: John D. Wilkinson, Hank M. Hudson, Michael C. Pierce
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Publication number: 20020045793Abstract: A process for separating multibranched paraffins comprised in a hydrocarbon feed comprising hydrocarbons containing 5 to 8 carbon atoms per molecule comprises a separation unit functioning by adsorption and contains at least one zeolitic adsorbent with a mixed structure with principal channels with openings defined by a ring containing 10 oxygen atoms and secondary channels with openings defined by a ring of at least 12 oxygen atoms, the secondary channels only being accessible to the feed to be separated via the principal channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2001Publication date: April 18, 2002Applicant: Institut Francais du PetroleInventors: Elsa Jolimaitre, Olivier Ducreux
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Publication number: 20020042551Abstract: An improved process for separating a hydrocarbon bearing feed gas containing methane and lighter, C2 (ethylene and/or ethane), and heavier components into a fraction containing predominantly methane and lighter components and a fraction containing predominantly C2 and heavier hydrocarbon components including the steps of cooling and partially condensing and delivering the feed stream to a separator to provide a first residue vapor and a first liquid containing C2, directing a first part of the first liquid containing C2 into a heavy-ends fractionation column wherein the liquid is separated into a second hydrocarbon bearing vapor residue and a second liquid product containing C2; further cooling the second part of the first liquid containing C2 and partially condensing the second hydrocarbon bearing vapor residue; combining the cooled second part of the first liquid and partially condensed second hydrocarbon-bearing vapor residue and directing them to a second separator effecting a third residue and a third liType: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2001Publication date: April 11, 2002Applicant: PRO-QUIP CORPORATIONInventors: Ronald D. Key, William G. Brown
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Patent number: 6358399Abstract: A process and a device for separating ethane and ethylene from a hydrocarbon steam-cracking effluent is described. Effluent (1) is absorbed in an absorption column (7) by a cooled solvent (9). At the bottom of the column, liquid phase (12) that contains the solvent and the C2+ hydrocarbons is recovered and hydrogenated (15). The hydrogenation effluent that contains the solvent is introduced into a first distillation column (70) where the solvent is regenerated. The solvent is cooled and recycled at the top of absorption column (7). The C2+ hydrocarbons are collected at the top, and a condensed liquid phase is distilled in a second distillation column (77) to recover a C2 fraction that consists of ethane and ethylene.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Institute Francais du PetroleInventors: Ari Minkkinen, Jean-Hervé Le Gal, Pierre Marache
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Patent number: 6340429Abstract: A process for separating ethane and ethylene from a hydrocarbon steam-cracking effluent is described. Effluent (1) is absorbed in an absorption column by a cooled solvent (9). At the bottom of the column, the liquid phase that contains the solvent and the C2+ hydrocarbons is recovered and hydrogenated (15). The hydrogenation effluent that contains the solvent is introduced into a first distillation column (16). Ethane-ethylene mixture (17) is drawn off laterally from the column, and a phase (19) that contains the solvent and hydrocarbons with at least 3 carbon atoms is drawn off at the bottom of the column. This phase (19) is separated in a second distillation column (22), and C3+ hydrocarbons and, at the bottom of the column, regenerated solvent (26) that is cooled and that is recycled (9, 52) in the absorption column are collected.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2000Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventors: Ari Minkkinen, Jean-Hervé Le Gal, Pierre Marache
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Publication number: 20020007101Abstract: A process is provided for the concentration and recovery of ethylene and heavier components from an oxygenate conversion process. A separation process such as a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process is used to remove hydrogen and methane from a demethanizer overhead stream comprising hydrogen, methane and C2 hydrocarbons and subsequently return the recovered C2 hydrocarbons to be admixed with the effluent from the oxygenate conversion process. This integration of a separation zone with a fractionation scheme in an ethylene recovery scheme using an initial deethanizer zone resulted in significant capital and operating cost savings by the elimination of cryogenic ethylene-based refrigeration from the overall recovery scheme.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2001Publication date: January 17, 2002Inventors: John J. Senetar, Lawrence W. Miller, Linda S. Cheng, Mark M. Davis
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Patent number: 6333445Abstract: The olefin-hydrogen effluent vapor stream from a dehydrogenation process is separated by a cryogenic separation method utilizing a cryogenic separation system. The method does not require external refrigeration and reheats and portions an expander feed stream to extract energy and controls the warm end and cold end temperature differences in the primary heat exchanger to provide energy savings and economical operation and material use.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1999Date of Patent: December 25, 2001Assignee: Chart, Inc.Inventor: John V. O'Brien
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Publication number: 20010044565Abstract: The invention relates to a new process for more efficient separation and recovery of light olefins such as ethylene and propylene from a fluid catalytic cracking unit. The new process invention for recovering olefins from a mixture of cracked hydrocarbons from a fluid catalytic cracker comprises the steps of: (a) providing a mixture of cracked hydrocarbons including methane, ethylene, ethane, propylene, propane, butylene, butane and heavier hydrocarbons such as naphtha produced in a fluid catalytic cracker; (b) separating said mixture into (i) a first stream comprising substantially all of said ethane, ethylene, and methane and a major portion of said propane and propylene and (ii) a second stream comprising a portion of said butylene and butane, and a major portion of said heavier hydrocarbons; and (c) processing said first stream to recover the ethylene and propylene therefrom, and the details of such process described herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2001Publication date: November 22, 2001Inventors: Ginger S. Keady, Juan Puerto, Berj Garbouchian
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Patent number: 6303841Abstract: A process is provided for the concentration and recovery of ethylene and heavier components from an oxygenate conversion process. A separation process such as a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process is used to remove hydrogen and methane from a demethanizer overhead stream comprising hydrogen, methane, and C2 hydrocarbons and subsequently return the recovered C2 hydrocarbons to be admixed with the effluent from the oxygenate conversion process. This integration of a separation zone with a fractionation scheme in an ethylene recovery scheme using an initial demethanizer zone resulted in significant capital and operating cost savings by the elimination of cryogenic ethylene-based refrigeration from the overall recovery scheme.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1999Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: John J. Senetar, Lawrence W. Miller, Linda Shi Cheng, Mark M. Davis
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Patent number: 6278035Abstract: An improved process for separating a hydrocarbon bearing feed gas containing methane and lighter, C2 (ethylene and/or ethane), and heavier components into a fraction containing predominantly methane and lighter components and a fraction containing predominantly C2 and heavier hydrocarbon components including the steps of cooling and partially condensing and delivering the feed stream to a separator to provide a first residue vapor and a first liquid containing C2, directing a first part of the first liquid containing C2 into a heavy-ends fractionation column wherein the liquid is separated into a second hydrocarbon bearing vapor residue and a second liquid product containing C2; further cooling the second part of the first liquid containing C2 and partially condensing the second hydrocarbon bearing vapor residue; combining the cooled second part of the first liquid and partially condensed second hydrocarbon-bearing vapor residue and directing them to a second separator effecting a third residue and a third liType: GrantFiled: March 17, 2000Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Inventors: Ronald D. Key, William G. Brown
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Patent number: 6271433Abstract: The invention relates to a new process for more efficient separation and recovery of light olefins such as ethylene and propylene from a fluid catalytic cracking unit. The new process invention for recovering olefins from a mixture of cracked hydrocarbons from a fluid catalytic cracker comprises the steps of: (a) providing a mixture of cracked hydrocarbons including methane, ethylene, ethane, propylene, propane, butylene, butane and heavier hydrocarbons such as naphtha produced in a fluid catalytic cracker; (b) separating said mixture into (i) a first stream comprising substantially all of said ethane, ethylene, and methane and a major portion of said propane and propylene and (ii) a second stream comprising a portion of said butylene and butane, and a major portion of said heavier hydrocarbons; and (c) processing said first stream to recover the ethylene and propylene therefrom, and the details of such process described herein.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1999Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: Stone & Webster Engineering Corp.Inventors: Ginger S. Keady, Juan Puerto, Berj Garbouchian
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Patent number: 6264799Abstract: Cyclopentane and/or cyclopentene and, if desired, isopentane can be obtained by distillative separation from a pre-benzene fraction or a C5 fraction which has in each case being partially hydrogenated to remove acetylene compounds and diolefins, wherein a) in a first fractional distillation, low boilers are removed as first top product and, either b1) the first bottom product is fed to a second fractional distillation and there cyclopentene is taken off as second top product and cyclopentane and higher-boiling hydrocarbons are taken off as second bottom product and this second bottom product is separated into cyclopentene and higher boilers in a third fractional distillation, or b2) the first bottom product is subjected to a catalytic hydrogenation and subsequently, in a fractional distillation, separated into cyclopentane as top product and higher boilers as bottom product, or b3) the first bottom product is subjected to a fractional distillation to separate off the relatively high boilers as bottom prodType: GrantFiled: March 5, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: EC Erdolchemie GmbHInventors: Arnd Stüwe, Rolf Dieter Wurtz, Michael Müller, Jens Herwig, Christian Gabel, Joachim Grub
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Patent number: 6264828Abstract: Processes for providing improved methane removal and hydrogen reuse in reactors, particularly in refineries and petrochemical plants. The improved methane removal is achieved by selective purging, by passing gases in the reactor recycle loop across membranes selective in favor of methane over hydrogen, and capable of exhibiting a methane/hydrogen selectivity of at least about 2.5 under the process conditions.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Membrane Tehnology and Research, Inc.Inventors: Richard W. Baker, Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Zhenjie He, Ingo Pinnau
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Patent number: 6258993Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously reacting a feed gas to form a product and separating the product from unreacted feed gas is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of compartments and means for connecting the compartments in a series, with the last compartment in the series being connected to the first compartment in the series to provide a closed loop. Each compartment may include an upstream reaction zone and a downstream separation zone.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Regents of the University of MinnesotaInventors: Robert W. Carr, Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich
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Patent number: 6225518Abstract: A molecular sieve used in a process for separating olefinic hydrocarbons from paraffinic hydrocarbons is regenerated in a method which removes diolefins and aromatic hydrocarbons from the molecular sieve. The method comprises contacting the sieve with alkaline water and then drying the sieve with stream of a superheated light paraffin. The molecular sieve may be present in either a guard bed used upstream of a main separation zone or as part of the main adsorptive separation zone.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Stephen Wayne Sohn, Santi Kulprathipanja
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Patent number: 6156950Abstract: For producing three effluents which are respectively rich in straight chain paraffins, in mono-branched paraffins, and in di-branched and tri-branched paraffins possibly with naphthenic and/or aromatic compounds, from C5-C8 cuts or intermediate cuts (C5-C7, C6-C8, C7-C8, C6-C7, C7 or C8), comprising paraffic and possibly naphthenic, aromatic and olefinic hydrocarbons, the separation process of the invention uses at least two separation units operating either by adsorption or by permeation. It is of particular application when coupled with a hydro-isomerization process, which selectively recycles straight chain and mono-branched paraffins, necessary with paraffins containing more than 7 carbon atoms.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1998Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventors: Karine Ragil, Isabelle Prevost, Olivier Clause, Joseph Larue, Benoit Millot
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Patent number: 6106702Abstract: A molecular sieve guard bed used in an adsorptive process for separating olefinic hydrocarbons from paraffinic hydrocarbons is regenerated in a method which recovers valuable hydrocarbons from the guard bed void volumes. The method comprises first contacting the sieve with a purge stream, with the initial effluent of the guard bed passed into a raffinate column to recover the olefinic hydrocarbons in the void volume of the bed. The flow of the effluent of the guard bed is then switched to a different fractionation column.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1998Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Stephen W. Sohn, Santi Kulprathipanja
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Patent number: 6069288Abstract: A process for the separation and removal, of hydrogen, alone or together with carbon monoxide, if present, from a mixture of these gases with reactive unsaturated hydrocarbons, by contacting the mixture with oxygen over a catalyst at conditions sufficient to oxidize the hydrogen to form water while suppressing reaction of the reactive, unsaturated hydrocarbons. The catalyst contains at least one metal or metal oxide from Groups IB, IIB, IIIB, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB, and VIII of the Periodic Table, and the temperature of the reaction may range from about 40.degree. C. to about 300.degree. C., the pressure of the reaction ranges from about 14.7 psig to 1,000 psig, and the flow rate of the entering feed ranges from about 1 GHSV to about 50,000 GHSV. Oxygen amounts less than the stoichiometric amount required to react with the hydrogen, and optionally any carbon monoxide, are used.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1999Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.Inventors: John D. Y. Ou, Stephen N. Vaughn, Lawrence G. Daniel
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Patent number: 6066238Abstract: A process for the separation of propylene from an input stream of C3 hydrocarbons containing propylene and methyl acetylene and/or propadiene and, optionally, C4 and/or higher hydrocarbons is described. The process includes subjecting the input stream to fractional distillation to separate propylene as an overhead stream leaving a bottoms stream containing the methyl acetylene and/or propadiene and the C4 and/or higher hydrocarbons, when present. A propane-containing stream is added to said input stream whereby propane is separated as part of the bottoms stream. The propylene content of the bottoms streams is maintained at less than 10% weight. The amount of propane added to the input stream is such that the weight of propane, propylene, and C4 and/or higher hydrocarbons, when present, in the bottoms stream is greater that the total weight of methyl acetylene and propadiene in the bottoms stream.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1998Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries PLCInventor: Graham Michael Perry
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Patent number: 6045661Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for recovering diluent, unreacted monomer, and unreacted comonomer from a polymerization reactor effluent. The comonomer has a boiling point higher than the boiling point of the monomer and the diluent has a boiling point between the boiling points of the monomer and comonomer. The process and apparatus employ at least one flash tank, a first fractionation stage including a first column and operating at a first fractionation pressure, and a second fraction stage including a second column and operating at a higher second fractionation pressure. Comonomer is withdrawn from the first column as a fractionation product, and overhead vapor containing diluent and monomer is substantially condensed to yield a substantially condensed overhead stream. Liquid and vapor from the stream are separated in an accumulator.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1998Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: Phillips Petroleum CompanyInventors: Bruce E. Kreischer, Donald W. Verser, James E. Hein
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Patent number: 6015933Abstract: A process to remove polymeric by-products from the product of an acetylene selective hydrogenation reactor has been developed. The product is generated by introducing hydrogen and a liquid hydrocarbon stream containing largely butadiene and some acetylenes to a reactor containing a catalyst effective for the selective hydrogenation of acetylenes. The product contains at least hydrogen, butadiene, and polymeric by-products. The pressure of the product is reduced and the product cooled. The cooled product is conducted to a low pressure flash drum to produce a hydrogen enriched stream and a butadiene and polymeric by-product-enriched stream. The hydrogen-enriched stream is removed. The butadiene and polymeric by-product is passed to a knockout drum to produce a stream enriched in butadiene and polymeric by-products having less than about 12 carbon atoms and a stream enriched in polymeric by-products having about 12 or more carbon atoms.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1998Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Hayim Abrevaya, Bipin V. Vora
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Patent number: 6011192Abstract: A process for treating gas streams containing hydrogen and hydrocarbons. The process includes a membrane conditioning step to remove C.sub.5 -C.sub.8 hydrocarbons, followed by a selective adsorption or membrane separation step to separate hydrogen from methane. The membrane conditioning step uses a membrane selective for C.sub.5 -C.sub.8 hydrocarbons over hydrogen.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1998Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.Inventors: Richard W. Baker, Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala
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Patent number: 5965785Abstract: This invention relates to inhibiting corrosion in systems of condensing hydrocarbons which contain water and chlorides, and, more particularly, in the overhead of crude oil atmospheric pipestills, with blends of amines. Preferred blends are 2-amino-1-methoxypropane, sec-butylamine, n-butylamine, dipropylamine and monoamylamine; 2-amino-1-methoxypropane, sec-butylamine, monoamylamine, n-butylamine and isobutylamine; and sec-butylamine, 2-amino-1-methoxypropane and 3-amino-1-methoxypropane.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1997Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Nalco/Exxon Energy Chemicals, L.P.Inventors: Veronica K. Braden, Paul Fearnside, Christopher J. Murphy
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Patent number: 5962763Abstract: A method of distilling a crude oil and a contaminated liquid stream in an atmospheric distillation column (2) comprising the steps of (a) heating (13, 15) the crude oil at atmospheric pressure and introducing the heated crude oil into the inlet section (10) of the column (2); (b) removing from bottom a residue (19), removing from the top an overhead (20) and removing from the rectification section (7) at least one side stream (26, 28); (c) cooling (13) one of the side streams (28) and introducing the cooled side stream (29) into the rectification section (7) and partly condensing (21) the overhead (20) and introducing the condensed fraction (24) into the upper end of the distillation column (2); (d) supplying the contaminated liquid stream (40) to a membrane unit (3) provided with a suitable membrane (33), and removing a permeate (37) and a retentate (36); and (e) introducing the permeate (37) into the rectification section (7) and adding the retentate (36) to the crude oil (11) upstream of the furnace (1).Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1998Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Robert Paul Henri Cossee, Johan Jan Barend Pek
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Patent number: 5948947Abstract: An HF-agent complex, such as HF-pyridine complex where the complexing agent is pyridine, is recovered and recycled from a by-product stream containing ASO, and ASO is rejected from the by-product stream, in an alkylation process using the complex.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Uop LLCInventor: James F. Himes
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Patent number: 5925356Abstract: A method of isolating and purifying cucurbitacin is described. The method involves providing a cucurbitacin-containing liquid obtained from plant matter containing cucurbitacin, which liquid is then sequentially extracted with a non-polar solvent and then a moderately polar solvent. In a preferred embodiment, the cucurbitacin is purified by flash-column chromatography.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1996Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Inventor: Ven Subbiah
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Patent number: 5907076Abstract: A process is disclosed for the separation and removal of hydrogen, alone or together with carbon monoxide, from a mixture of these gases with olefinic hydrocarbons by contacting the mixture with oxygen over a catalyst at conditions sufficient to oxidize the hydrogen to form water while suppressing reaction of the reactive, unsaturated hydrocarbons. The catalyst contains at least one metal or metal oxide from Groups Ib, IIb, IIIa, IVa and Va of the Periodic Table, and the temperature of the reaction may range from about 40.degree. C. to 300.degree. C. and a pressure of about 14.7 psig to 1,000 psig, and the flow rate of the entering feed ranges from about 1 GHSV to about 50,000 GHSV. The process can be conducted using one, two or three reaction zones.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1997Date of Patent: May 25, 1999Assignee: Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.Inventors: Di-Yi Ou, Stephen Neil Vaughn, Lawrence Gilbert Daniel
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Patent number: 5877382Abstract: Disclosed is a process for removing acid soluble oils, produced as an undesirable by-product of an HF (catalyzed alkylation reaction, from a fluid containing a sulfone compound. The process includes the use of hydrocarbons to remove ASO from the sulfone-containing fluid.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1995Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Phillips Petroleum CompanyInventor: Alan D. Eastman
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Patent number: 5877380Abstract: The viscosity of quench oil circulated in a pyrolysis fractionation unit is controlled by contacting pyrolysis furnace effluent with a slip stream of 0.1-0.5 kg/kg of the quench oil, separating the resulting vapor-liquid mixture to remove tarry liquid, and feeding the remaining vapor to the fractionator. Removing the tarry liquid from the fractionator feed in this manner allows operation of the fractionator with less reflux, a higher bottoms temperature, and more heat recovery at a higher temperature.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: The M. W. Kellogg CompanyInventors: Brendan Patrick Conroy, Vijender Kumar Verma