And Recycle Or Reuse Of Contact Liquid For Further Contact Patents (Class 95/187)
  • Patent number: 11067335
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for liquefied natural gas production facilities are disclosed herein. A liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facility includes a liquefaction unit that condenses natural gas vapor into liquefied natural gas; an electric-driven compression system for the refrigerant(s) in power to the liquefaction unit; and a sequestration compression unit configured to compress and convey at least one CO2-rich stream towards a sequestration site, thereby reducing the overall emissions from the LNG facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: NEXT CARBON SOIITTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Ivan Van der Walt, Ben Heichelbech, Alex Thompson, Vikrum Subra, Victor Fernandes, Michael Abegg
  • Patent number: 10543458
    Abstract: A process to treat a gas comprising hydrogen sulphide and mercaptans is described. The following steps are part of this process: (a) contacting the hydrogen sulphide and mercaptans comprising gas (1) with an aqueous solution (3) comprising sulphide-oxidising bacteria thereby obtaining a loaded aqueous solution (5) and a gas (4) having a lower content of hydrogen sulphide and mercaptans, (b) contacting the loaded aqueous solution with mercaptan reducing microorganisms immobilized on a carrier under anaerobic conditions, (c) separating the aqueous solution obtained in step (b) from the mercaptan reducing microorganisms to obtain a first liquid effluent (7), and (d) contacting the first liquid effluent (7) with an oxidant (9) to regenerate the sulphide-oxidising bacteria to obtain a second liquid effluent (11) comprising regenerated sulphide-oxidising bacteria. The sulphide-oxidising bacteria as present in step (a) are comprised of regenerated sulphide-oxidising bacteria obtained in step (d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: PAQELL B.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Bernardus Maria Klok, Gijsbert Jan van Heeringen, Jan Henk van Dijk, Albert Joseph Hendrik Janssen
  • Patent number: 10479685
    Abstract: A method of sulfur enriching an acid gas stream in an acid gas enrichment system includes: (i) feeding an acid gas stream to a contactor, the acid gas stream comprising hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon dioxide (CO2), and hydrocarbons; (ii) separating the acid gas stream in the contactor to create a carbon dioxide rich stream and a purified acid gas stream; (iii) feeding the purified acid gas stream to a regenerator fluidly connected to the contactor; (iv) separating the purified acid gas stream in the regenerator to create a hydrogen sulfide rich stream and a hydrogen sulfide lean stream, the hydrogen sulfide rich stream having a concentration of hydrogen sulfide; and (v) periodically feeding at least a portion of the hydrogen sulfide rich stream exiting the regenerator to the acid gas stream entering the contactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Nasser A. Al-Qahtani
  • Patent number: 10465136
    Abstract: A method for producing refined-coal has steps of (A) heating a mixture including moisture-containing coal and oil, to dehydrate the coal; (B) removing, in a first mist separator having plural baffle plates disposed in parallel, fine particles accompanying vapor generated by the dehydration step and adhered to the surface of the a first mist separator by spraying a liquid at a temperature of 50 ° C. or above and 150 ° C. or below in the first mist separator, which temperature is lower than a temperature to which the mixture is heated in step (A), wherein the sprayed liquid includes an oil component; and (C) compressing the vapor to obtain high-temperature vapor. In the step (B), the vapor is made to sequentially pass through the first mist separator and a second mist separator of a mesh type, while spraying liquid onto the first mist separator through which the vapor passes firstly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Kinoshita, Takuo Shigehisa, Hiroki Watanabe, Shinichi Katsushima
  • Patent number: 9931582
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for use with flue gas having a moisture content M. The flue gas is introduced to strong brine adapted to exothermically absorb moisture. Simultaneously, heat is withdrawn. This produces heat, water-enriched brine and a gas having a moisture concentration less than M. The strong brine can be recovered by distillation from enriched brine to produce water. The brine temperature throughout absorption can remain within 2° F. of a temperature T in the range 220° F.-300° F. The heat withdrawal can be associated with gas-liquid phase change of a working fluid. The terminus of the heat flow can be associated with gas-liquid phase change of the working fluid. The working fluid can: as liquid, flow only by gravity, convection or wicking; and, as gas, flow only by diffusion or convection. The heat flow can drive a boiler producing steam. M can be greater than 15 wt. % water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Drystill Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Furlong, Ian R. McGregor, Christopher H. Belchers
  • Patent number: 9399192
    Abstract: The present invention provides a carbon dioxide absorber capable of efficiently and stably removing carbon dioxide in a gas or solution. This carbon dioxide absorber contains an amine compound, a weakly acidic compound and water, the pKb value of the amine compound in an aqueous solution at 30° C. is 4.0 to 7.0, the pKa value of the weakly acidic compound in an aqueous solution at 30° C. is 7.0 to 10.0, and the weakly acidic compound is present in an amount within the range of 0.01 equivalents to 1.50 equivalents with respect to amino groups of the amine compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: ASAHI KASEI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Norikazu Fujimoto, Kyouhei Hattori, Fumihiko Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9230700
    Abstract: Radon is removed from a gas in an apparatus comprising: (a) a liquid-contacting apparatus having a shielded reservoir containing a fresh working liquid in which radon is soluble; and (b) a means for causing a stream of gas containing radon to pass through the liquid-contacting apparatus. When the radon level in the working liquid reaches a certain level, the working liquid is either taken out of service and stored until the radon level is reduced or the working liquid is diluted with additional working liquid having no radon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Radon Scrubber LLC
    Inventors: Colin G. Meyer, Allan H. Moyse
  • Patent number: 9101882
    Abstract: A wet type flue-gas desulfurization apparatus includes a desulfurization apparatus main body; a gas introducing unit that is disposed on a side wall of the desulfurization apparatus main body and that introduces a flue gas; an absorbent accumulating unit that accumulates an absorbent which has absorbed the sulfur oxide present in the flue gas; a circulation line that circulates the absorbent from the absorbent circulating unit; a spray pipe that is disposed in the vicinity of the middle portion of the desulfurization apparatus main body and that sprays the absorbent, which is circulated in the circulation line, as a spray liquid from a nozzle; an ORP meter that measures the oxidation reduction potential of the absorbent; and an oxidation resistant pipe group that, in the vicinity of the interface of the absorbent present in the absorbent accumulating unit, cushions a falling liquid falling from an absorber of the absorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Shintaro Honjo, Toshihiro Fukuda, Seiji Kagawa, Naoyuki Kamiyama, Satoru Sugita, Norikazu Inaba, Motofumi Ito, Jun Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 9039809
    Abstract: A method directed to reducing mineral buildup on drift eliminators of a cooling tower by allowing irrigation of the drift eliminators of the cooling tower with fluid in the basin of the cooling tower to reduce mineral buildup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventor: Ty Sween
  • Publication number: 20150122120
    Abstract: Systems and methods for removing hydrogen sulfide from biogas resulting from anaerobic digestion of biodegradable waste utilize scrubbing vessels with pressure release devices to vent biogas when necessary to avoid over pressurization of the digesters. Use of iron containing sulfide scavengers in the digesters is avoided which avoids the disposal costs associated with iron containing sludge and the regular need to shut down the digesters to remove scale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Geoffrey Lawrence Stensland
  • Publication number: 20150122125
    Abstract: An absorbent composition that is useful in the selective removal of hydrogen sulfide relative to carbon dioxide from gaseous mixtures that comprise both hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide and the use thereof. The absorbent composition includes an amine mixture of an amination reaction product of tert-butylamine with a polydispersed polyethylene glycol (PEG) mixture having an average molecular weight within a certain specified range of molecular weights. The amination reaction product may also comprise a first sterically hindered amine and a second sterically hindered amine. The absorbent composition, preferably, includes an organic co-solvent, such as a sulfone compound. A method is also provided for improving the operation of certain gas absorption processes by utilizing the absorbent composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: James Edward Critchfield, Diego Patricio Valenzuela, Loren Clark Wilson, Jingjun Zhou
  • Patent number: 8986430
    Abstract: Heat is removed from a process liquid of a direct contact condenser in waste gas cooling using two separate and distinct cooling devices that provide cooled process liquid to at least two separate sections in the direct contact condenser. Most preferably, the sections are liquidly isolated and provide the heated process liquids to the respective cooling devices. However, in other embodiments, the sections are liquidly coupled to each other so to allow transfer of the process liquid from one section to another section. One of the two cooling devices uses a lower-cost or higher-availability coolant that the other. It is generally preferred that one of the cooling devices is an air cooler and that another one of the cooling devices employs a cooling medium other than air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Henry Kister, Richard B. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 8920548
    Abstract: The CO2 capture system by chemical absorption for removing CO2 from a combustion exhaust gas by a solvent, comprising: an absorber for absorbing CO2 by a solvent, a regenerator for heating a rich solvent absorbed CO2 thereby releasing CO2, a gas exhaust system for discharging gas from the regenerator, a gas compressor installed in the gas exhaust system, a heat exchanger disposed downstream of the gas compressor for exchanging heat between compressed gas and rich solvent to be supplied to the regenerator, a gas-liquid separator disposed downstream of the heat exchanger for separating gas from condensed water, a condensed water supply system for supplying condensed water from the gas-liquid separator to the regenerator, another gas exhaust system for discharging gas containing high-concentration CO2 from the gas-liquid separator, and a compressor disposed downstream of the gas-liquid separator in the another gas exhaust system for pressurizing the gas containing high-concentration CO2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Babcock-Hitachi K.K.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Hokari, Hisayuki Orita, Masaaki Mukaide, Jun Shimamura, Kouichi Yokoyama, Noriko Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20140366728
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for separating metal carbonyls from a gas mixture (1) by gas scrubbing with a physically acting scrubbing medium (6), where scrubbing medium (8) loaded with metal carbonyls in the scrub (W) is regenerated and is subsequently reused for separating off metal carbonyls. The invention is characterized in that in order to regenerate the loaded scrubbing medium (8) materials dissolved in the scrubbing medium are separated off only to the extent necessary for removal of the metal carbonyls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: LINDE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Ulvi KERESTECIOGLU, Thomas HABERLE
  • Patent number: 8894757
    Abstract: The CO2 capture system by chemical absorption for removing CO2 from a combustion exhaust gas by a solvent, comprising: an absorber for absorbing CO2 by a solvent, a regenerator for heating a rich solvent absorbed CO2 thereby releasing CO2, a gas exhaust system for discharging gas from the regenerator, a gas compressor installed in the gas exhaust system, a heat exchanger disposed downstream of the gas compressor for exchanging heat between compressed gas and rich solvent to be supplied to the regenerator, a gas-liquid separator disposed downstream of the heat exchanger for separating gas from condensed water, a condensed water supply system for supplying condensed water from the gas-liquid separator to the regenerator, another gas exhaust system for discharging gas containing high-concentration CO2 from the gas-liquid separator, and a compressor disposed downstream of the gas-liquid separator in the another gas exhaust system for pressurizing the gas containing high-concentration CO2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Babcock-Hitachi K.K.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Hokari, Hisayuki Orita, Masaaki Mukaide, Jun Shimamura, Kouichi Yokoyama, Noriko Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8876960
    Abstract: A method and system for transporting and processing sour gas are provided. The method includes collecting a sour gas at a collection location, which has an associated sweetening device, and delivering a solvent to the sweetening device from a regeneration device remote therefrom. The sour gas is treated at the collection location with the solvent in the associated sweetening device to form a sweetened gas and a sour gas-rich solvent. The sweetened gas is transported from the sweetening device to a gas processing plant remote therefrom, and the sour gas-rich solvent from the sweetening device is delivered to the regeneration device for regeneration therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Kalinowski, James E. Chitwood, James O. Y. Ong, Rui Song
  • Patent number: 8840714
    Abstract: A wet scrubber (1) and a method of using the wet scrubber to clean a process gas containing sulphur dioxide comprising at least one spray level system (20) with atomizing nozzles (38) to which an absorption liquid is supplied for atomization by the nozzles (38). The method comprises operating the spray level system (20) in at least a first operating mode with an active nozzle density of at least 0.7 nozzles/m2, an absorption liquid flow of at least 10 m3/hour per nozzle and a Total Flow of at least 30 m3/hour/m2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventor: Rikard Hakansson
  • Patent number: 8790453
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas purification system for removal of acidic gases from a gas stream. The system comprises an absorption unit arranged for receiving a gas stream and contacting it with a wash solution stream and a cooling unit in fluid communication with the absorption unit. The cooling unit receives wash solution enriched with acidic gases from a first withdrawal level of said absorption unit, cools the enriched wash solution, and provides cooled, enriched wash solution to a first reintroduction level of the absorption unit upstream of the withdrawal level. The ratio of withdrawn wash solution is 10-90% of the total wash solution stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignees: Alstom Technology Ltd, Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Barath Baburao, Craig Norman Schubert
  • Patent number: 8784532
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to recovery of carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulfide from a gas mixture. Separating of the carbon dioxide, for example, from the gas mixture utilizes a liquid sorbent for the carbon dioxide. The liquid sorbent contacts the gas mixture for transfer of the carbon dioxide from the gas mixture to the liquid sorbent. The carbon dioxide then desorbs from the liquid sorbent using hollow-fiber contactors as a source of heat to liberate the carbon dioxide further separated by the hollow-fiber contactors from the liquid sorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Phillips 66 Company
    Inventors: Imona C. Omole, George F. Schuette
  • Patent number: 8779223
    Abstract: A method for reducing one or more additives in a gaseous hydrocarbon stream (40) such as natural gas, comprising the steps of: (a) admixing an initial hydrocarbon feed stream (10) with one or more additives (20) to provide a multiphase hydrocarbon stream (30); (b) passing the multiphase hydrocarbon stream (30) from a first location (A) to a second location (B2); (c) at the second location (B2), passing the multiphase hydrocarbon stream (30) through a separator (22) to provide one or more liquid streams (50) comprising the majority of the one or more additives, and a gaseous hydrocarbon stream (40) comprising the remainder of the one or more additives; and (d) washing the gaseous hydrocarbon stream (40) in a decontamination unit (24) with a washing stream (60), wherein the washing stream (60) comprises distilled water, to provide an additive-enriched stream (70) and an additive-reduced hydrocarbon stream (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Paul Clinton, Marcus Johannes Antonius Van Dongen, Nishant Gupta
  • Patent number: 8722261
    Abstract: A recycler for a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) that uses methanol as a direct feed fuel includes: a housing in which a gas-liquid mixture recovered from a stack is accommodated; a rotor rotatably mounted in the housing; and a motor to rotate the rotor, wherein, when the rotor is rotated by the motor, a phase separation occurs such that liquid in the gas-liquid mixture is collected mainly in an outer region of the housing and gas is collected in the center region of the housing due to the centrifugal force. Accordingly, as it is unnecessary to align a liquid outlet port of the housing with a gravitational direction, the recycler can be employed in a mobile apparatus whose orientation occasionally changes. Also, the recycler does not use a membrane whose performance is rapidly reduced over time so that effective performance can be maintained for a long operation time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-soo Joung, Hye-jung Cho
  • Publication number: 20140060323
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for efficient removal of sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) contained in an exhaust gas generated from fuel combustion and efficient treatment of water containing microorganisms (e.g. ballast water).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: KEPPEL OFFSHORE & MARINE TECHNOLOGY CENTRE PTE LTD
    Inventors: Ming Liu, Nirmal Raman Gurunthalingam, Prapisala Thepsithar, Wen Sin Chong, Kok Seng Foo
  • Publication number: 20140047977
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid storage tank having an interior volume and a floor and having an internal spill containment chamber comprising a vent gas scrubbing apparatus or scrubber. The chamber may be defined by a containment wall which completely separates the chamber from the tank interior volume. The containment wall may comprise an exterior portion which extends beyond the tank wall. The scrubber is disposed within the chamber and comprises a gas inlet passing through the containment wall into the tank interior volume, a gas outlet for venting scrubbed gases, and a gas scrubbing chemical storage and circulation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: ATTERUS HOLDINGS LTD.
    Inventor: Russell HEBBLETHWAITE
  • Patent number: 8623123
    Abstract: CO2 is absorbed from a gas mixture by bringing the gas mixture into contact with an absorbent that comprises water and at least one amine of the formula (I), wherein R1 and R2, independently of each other, are hydrogen or an alkyl group. According to the invention, absorption media comprise sulfolane or an ionic liquid in addition to water and an amine of the formula (I). A device according to the invention for removing CO2 from a gas mixture comprises an absorption unit, a desorption unit, and an absorption medium according to the invention that is conducted in the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Seiler, Jöm Rolker, Rolf Schneider, Bernd Glöckler, Axel Kobus, Wolfgang Benesch, Thomas Riethmann, Hermann Winkler, Jens Reich, Helmut Brüggemann
  • Patent number: 8529666
    Abstract: Produced natural gas containing carbon dioxide is dehydrated and chilled to liquefy the carbon dioxide and then fractionated to produce a waste stream of liquid carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Natural gas liquids may be first separated and removed before fractionation. After fractionation, the waste stream is pressurized and transmitted to a remote injection well for injection either for disposal of the waste stream and preferably to urge hydrocarbons toward the producing well. A hydrocarbon stream proceeds from fractionation to a methanol absorber system which removes carbon dioxide gas. The hydrocarbon stream is thereafter separated into at least hydrocarbon gas, nitrogen and helium. Some of the nitrogen is reintroduced into a fractionation tower to enhance the recovery of hydrocarbons. A methanol recovery system is provided to recover and reuse the methanol. The hydrocarbons are sold as natural gas and the helium is recovered and sold. Excess nitrogen is vented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Donald Leo Stinson
  • Publication number: 20130228073
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for scrubbing diesel exhaust gases produced on a ship are provided. In an embodiment, a method for scrubbing diesel exhaust gases on a ship includes providing a scrubber vessel formed with a quench zone, a scrubbing zone, and a riser. Water is passed through the scrubbing zone and into the quench zone. The exhaust gases are delivered to the quench zone through the riser and enter the quench zone at a temperature of about 175° C. to about 340° C. The method includes cooling the exhaust gases to a temperature of about 60° C. to about 70° C. in the quench zone by contacting the exhaust gases with the water. The cooled exhaust gases are then scrubbed in the scrubbing zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: Ronald G. Patterson, Andrew J. Olds
  • Patent number: 8518156
    Abstract: A process and system (100) for removing contaminants from a solution to regenerate the solution within the system. The process includes providing a solution (165) from a wash vessel (160) to a stripping column (181), the solution (165) including contaminants removed from a flue gas stream (150) present in the wash vessel (160) and contacting the solution with steam (185) inside the stripping column (181) thereby removing the contaminants from the solution and regenerating the solution. The stripping column (181) is operated at a pressure less than about 700 kilopascal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Frederic Z. Kozak, Arlyn V. Petig, Ritesh Agarwal, Rameshwar S. Hiwale
  • Patent number: 8512448
    Abstract: A multi-stage scrubbing system comprises a pre-scrubber system structured to receive a vent stream therein and pre-scrub the vent stream with a pre-scrubber fluid. The pre-scrubber system includes a first outlet for discharging a pre-scrubbed vent stream and a second outlet for discharging a discharge stream of pre-scrubber fluid. A main scrubber system is fluidly coupled to the first outlet of the pre-scrubber system for receiving and further scrubbing the pre-scrubbed vent stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Integroenergy Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Sonnek, Gregory W. Loest
  • Patent number: 8500105
    Abstract: A contact tray is provided with a tray deck and dividing walls which form groupings of one or more cans and one or more downcomer inlets distributed across the tray deck. The cans have walls that surround vapor openings in the tray deck that permit upward passage of a vapor stream into the cans. Downcomers extend downwardly from the downcomer inlet and are positioned for delivering a liquid stream into the center of cans positioned on a tray deck of an underlying contact tray. Discharge openings are provided in the walls of the cans to allow the liquid stream to exit the cans. The dividing walls direct the exiting liquid stream into the downcomer inlets in the same grouping and prevent or impede the liquid stream from flowing to a low side of the tray deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Koch-Glitsch, LP
    Inventor: Izak Nieuwoudt
  • Patent number: 8500894
    Abstract: A method of mixing an oxygen gas with a hydrocarbon-containing gas includes the steps of wet scrubbing the oxygen gas in a wet scrubber, supplying oxygen gas from the wet scrubber to a gas mixer and mixing the oxygen gas with the hydrocarbon-containing gas in the gas mixer. Wet scrubbers for use in the method may take various forms, including packed-tower, bubble cap, and sparger-type wet scrubbers. The removal of the particulate matter reduces the risk of ignition of the hydrocarbon-containing gas in the gas mixer. The use of a wet scrubber in the oxygen supply line overcomes many problems currently faced with screen and filters, as per current practice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Dow Technology Investments LLC
    Inventors: Harvey E. Andresen, Christopher P. Christenson, Charles W. Lipp, John R. Mayer, Thomas J. Kling, Victor R. Fey, Laurence G. Britton, Michael J. Rangitsch, Michael L. Hutchison
  • Patent number: 8500867
    Abstract: CO2 is absorbed from a gas mixture by bringing the gas mixture into contact with an absorbent that comprises water and at least one amine of the formula (I), wherein R1 and R2, independently of each other, are hydrogen or an alkyl group. According to the invention, absorption media comprise sulfolane or an ionic liquid in addition to water and an amine of the formula (1). A device according to the invention for removing CO2 from a gas mixture comprises an absorption unit, a desorption unit, and an absorption medium according to the invention that is conducted in the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Seiler, Jörn Rolker, Rolf Schneider, Bernd Glöckler, Axel Kobus, Wolfgang Benesch, Thomas Riethmann, Hermann Winkler, Jens Reich, Helmut Brüggemann
  • Patent number: 8500892
    Abstract: CO2 is absorbed from a gas mixture by bringing the gas mixture into contact with an absorbent that comprises water and at least one amine of the formula (I), wherein R1 and R2, independently of each other, are hydrogen or an alkyl group. According to the invention, absorption media comprise sulfolane or an ionic liquid in addition to water and an amine of the formula (I). A device according to the invention for removing CO2 from a gas mixture comprises an absorption unit, a desorption unit, and an absorption medium according to the invention that is conducted in the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Seiler, Jörn Rolker, Rolf Schneider, Bernd Glöckler, Axel Kobus, Wolfgang Benesch, Thomas Riethmann, Hermann Winkler, Jens Reich, Helmut Brüggemann
  • Patent number: 8460436
    Abstract: The present invention relates processes of removal of acidic gases from a gas stream, comprising the steps of a) contacting a wash solution stream with said gas stream containing acidic gases to be removed to allow absorption of the acidic gases into the wash solution stream; b) withdrawing wash solution enriched with acidic gases from said wash solution stream at a first withdrawal level; c) cooling said withdrawn wash solution; and d) reintroducing said cooled wash solution to the wash solution stream at a first reintroduction level to form a mixed wash solution stream, said first reintroduction level being upstream of said first withdrawal level. The present invention also relates to systems for removal of acidic gases from a gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignees: Alstom Technology Ltd, Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Barath Baburao, Craig Schubert
  • Patent number: 8459030
    Abstract: A process fluid cooler can extract thermal energy from a process fluid including carbon dioxide. An absorber can transfer carbon dioxide from the process fluid to a removal fluid. A reboiler can heat the removal fluid so as to cause carbon dioxide to be released from the removal fluid and outputted as part of a reboiler output stream. The reboiler can also output a heating fluid. A stripper condenser can extract thermal energy from the reboiler output stream so as to cause condensation of water associated with the reboiler output stream and to remove carbon dioxide therefrom. A compression system can remove thermal energy from carbon dioxide received from the stripper condenser. A heat engine can be configured to operate according to an organic Rankine cycle, receiving thermal energy from the heating fluid and/or extracted at the process fluid cooler, at the stripper condenser, and/or at the compression system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Matthias Finkenrath, Gabor Ast, Michael Adam Bartlett, Vittorio Tola
  • Patent number: 8454726
    Abstract: A solid absorbent for absorption of CO2 from flue gas, comprising: a) particles made of a cross bounded, highly porous polymer substrate, and b) CO2 absorbing functional nucleophilic groups grafted on the particle surface, is described. A method for CO2 sequestration using the absorbent is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Aker Clean Carbon AS
    Inventor: Thomas Ranes Haugan
  • Patent number: 8454731
    Abstract: Vapor-liquid contacting apparatuses comprising a primary contacting zone and a secondary contacting zone are disclosed. A representative secondary contacting zone is a secondary absorption zone, such as a finishing zone for subsequent contacting of the vapor effluent from the primary contacting zone to further remove impurities and achieve a desired purity of purified gas exiting the secondary absorption zone. The secondary contacting zone is disposed below the primary contacting zone, such that the secondary contacting zone, which must operate efficiently in removing generally trace amounts of remaining impurities, is more protected from movement than the more elevated, primary or initial contacting stages for bulk impurity removal. The apparatuses are therefore especially beneficial in offshore applications where they are subjected to rocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Zhanping Xu
  • Patent number: 8445737
    Abstract: A method for reducing one or more additives in a gaseous hydrocarbon stream (40) such as natural gas, comprising the steps of: (a) admixing an initial hydrocarbon feed stream (10) with one or more additives (20) to provide a multiphase hydrocarbon stream (30); (b) passing the multiphase hydrocarbon stream (30) from a first location (A) to a second location (B2); (c) at the second location (B2), passing the multiphase hydrocarbon stream (30) through a separator (22) to provide one or more liquid streams (50) comprising the majority of the one or more additives, and a gaseous hydrocarbon stream (40) comprising the remainder of the one or more additives; and (d) washing the gaseous hydrocarbon stream (40) in a decontamination unit (24) with a washing stream (60), wherein the washing stream (60) comprises distilled water, to provide an additive-enriched stream (70) and an additive-reduced hydrocarbon stream (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Paul Clinton, Marcus Johannes Antonius Van Dongen, Nishant Gupta
  • Publication number: 20130074695
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for improving the utilization of energy in a cement manufacturing plant comprising an absorption based contaminant, e.g. CO2, capture process using thermal regeneration of a liquid absorbent. The methods and systems of the present invention are characterized in that the thermal regeneration of the liquid absorbent is at least partially effected using a hot exhaust gas stream generated in the kiln of the cement manufacturing plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Nareshkumar B. Handagama, Rasesh R. Kotdawala, Ajay Vajpeyi
  • Patent number: 8382983
    Abstract: A method for removing methane from biogas is described. The method includes: (i) receiving biogas including methane and other components into a first tank; (ii) receiving water into the first tank; (iii) contacting the biogas with the water inside the first tank; (iv) dispensing methane gas from an outlet of the first tank; and (v) producing from the tank an effluent stream that includes other components of the biogas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Christopher Ott
  • Patent number: 8377174
    Abstract: A gas sparger (30) is operative for supplying an oxidation gas containing oxygen to a tank (18) of a wet scrubber which is operative for removing sulphur dioxide from a process gas by means of a slurry (S). The gas sparger (30) is provided with at least a first liquid supply nozzle (38), which is located inside an oxidation gas supply duct (32) and is operative for spraying a liquid containing water towards a first oxidation gas supply nozzle (44). The oxidation gas supply duct (32) has a characteristic cross-sectional measure, such as a diameter (D), at said first oxidation gas supply nozzle (44). The first liquid supply nozzle (38) is located a distance (L1) of maximum 5 times said characteristic cross-sectional measure (D) from said first oxidation gas supply nozzle (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Fredrik J. Brogaard, Rikard Hakansson
  • Patent number: 8361424
    Abstract: The gaseous effluent to be treated is contacted in C1 with an absorbent solution selected for its property of forming two separable phases when it has absorbed an amount of acid compounds and when it is heated. The absorbent solution laden with acid compounds is then heated in E1 and E3 so as to separate two fractions in BS1: a first absorbent solution fraction depleted in acid compounds and a second absorbent solution fraction enriched in acid compounds. The second fraction is regenerated in C2 so as to release part of the acid compounds, and the first absorbent solution fraction and the regenerated absorbent solution are recycled as absorbent solution. According to the invention, an absorbent solution portion circulating in C1 is cooled in E2 in order to prevent demixing of the solution in column C1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: IFP
    Inventors: Pierre-Antoine Bouillon, Marc Jacquin, Ludovic Raynal
  • Patent number: 8308849
    Abstract: Ultra cleaning of combustion gas to near zero concentration of residual contaminants followed by the capture of CO2 is provided. The high removal efficiency of residual contaminants is accomplished by direct contact cooling and scrubbing of the gas with cold water. The temperature of the combustion gas is reduced to 0-20 degrees Celsius to achieve maximum condensation and gas cleaning effect. The CO2 is captured from the cooled and clean flue gas in a CO2 absorber utilizing an ammoniated solution or slurry in the NH3—CO2—H2O system. The absorber operates at 0-20 degrees Celsius. Regeneration is accomplished by elevating the pressure and temperature of the CO2-rich solution from the absorber. The CO2 vapor pressure is high and a pressurized CO2 stream, with low concentration of NH3 and water vapor is generated. The high pressure CO2 stream is cooled and washed to recover the ammonia and moisture from the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventor: Eli Gal
  • Patent number: 8282899
    Abstract: Solvent absorption processes for separating components of an impure feed gas are disclosed. The processes involve two stages of gas-liquid contacting, namely a first, absorption stage and a second, stripping stage. In the case of a carbon dioxide (CO2)-containing methane gas as an impure feed gas, contacting, in the stripping stage, the solvent effluent from the absorption stage with a recycled vapor fraction of the solvent effluent from the stripping stage can improve the recovery and purity of not only the methane (and/or other light hydrocarbons in the impure feed gas), but also that of the CO2 contaminant gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: David A. Bahr, Lamar A. Davis
  • Patent number: 8262787
    Abstract: Vapor-liquid contacting apparatuses comprising a primary contacting zone and a secondary contacting zone are disclosed. A representative secondary contacting zone is a secondary absorption zone, such as a finishing zone for subsequent contacting of the vapor effluent from the primary contacting zone to further remove impurities and achieve a desired purity of purified gas exiting the secondary absorption zone. The secondary contacting zone is disposed below the primary contacting zone, such that the secondary contacting zone, which must operate efficiently in removing generally trace amounts of remaining impurities, is more protected from movement than the more elevated, primary or initial contacting stages for bulk impurity removal. The apparatuses are therefore especially beneficial in offshore applications where they are subjected to rocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Zhanping Xu
  • Publication number: 20120216678
    Abstract: An absorbent composition for removing CO2 and/or H2S from a gas comprising a polyamine, a monoamine and water, wherein the polyamine comprises a polyamine having 3 to 5 amine functions and has a molecular weight of less than 200 g/mol; wherein the monoamine comprises a tertiary monoamine; and wherein the weight ratio of the polyamine having 3 to 5 amine functions to the tertiary monoamine is more than 1:1. A process wherein such an absorbent composition is used and a use of a tertiary monoamine as an accelerator for accelerating the removal of CO2 and/or H2S from a CO2 and/or H2S containing polyamine having 3 to 5 amine functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Frank Haiko Geuzebroek, Armin Schneider, Renze Wijntje, Xiaohui Zhang
  • Publication number: 20120174783
    Abstract: A method and system for removing gaseous contaminants from a gas stream by contacting the gas stream with a wash solution and regenerating the wash solution in a regeneration system for future use in removing gaseous contaminants from the gas stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Leister, Barath Baburao, Frederic Vitse
  • Patent number: 8216345
    Abstract: A gasification system is disclosed having a combustion or reaction vessel, a scrubber housing, and a filter housing. A carbonaceous fuel is partially combusted in the reaction vessel to generate a combustible gas. An improved ash support and removal system reduces clogging and other problems in the reaction vessel. The combustible gas passes through the scrubber housing to remove matter such as tar and oil, and the scrubbed gas passes through a hybrid blower to the filter housing. Wood chips are used in the filter housing to provide a relatively clean, dry gas. Wastewater and other waste products from the scrubber housing and filter housing are captured and returned to the reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Verde Reformation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jackie W. Rogers, Michael W. Rogers
  • Patent number: 8192524
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for producing a CO2-depleted product gas stream. The processes involve feeding a natural gas feed stream comprising greater than about 10 vol % CO2 to at least one membrane unit comprising a plurality of polymer membranes to provide a CO2-rich permeate comprising at least 95 vol % CO2 and a CO2-depleted product gas stream. The polymer membranes comprise a crosslinked polyimide polymer having covalent ester crosslinks and have a CO2 permeance of at least 20 GPU and a CO2/CH4 selectivity of greater than 20, at 35 degrees C. and a feed pressure of 100 psia. Also disclosed herein is an apparatus incorporating the crosslinked polyimide polymer for producing a CO2-depleted product gas stream from a natural gas feed stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Chinn, Siji Okeowo, Jeff D. Euhus, Shabbir Husain
  • Patent number: 8182584
    Abstract: A water recovery method which uses a desiccant, such as lithium chloride, to recover water vapor from the engine exhaust of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Richard Eugene Kirts
  • Publication number: 20120017762
    Abstract: CO2 is absorbed from a gas mixture by bringing the gas mixture into contact with an absorbent that comprises water and at least one amine of the formula (I), wherein R1 and R2, independently of each other, are hydrogen or an alkyl group. According to the invention, absorption media comprise sulfolane or an ionic liquid in addition to water and an amine of the formula (I). A device according to the invention for removing CO2 from a gas mixture comprises an absorption unit, a desorption unit, and an absorption medium according to the invention that is conducted in the circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Seiler, Jörn Rolker, Rolf Schneider, Bernd Glöckler, Axel Kobus, Wolfgang Benesch, Thomas Riethmann, Hermann Winkler, Jens Reich, Helmut Brüggemann