By Heating (e.g., Fractional Distillation, Etc.) Patents (Class 95/193)
  • Patent number: 8409339
    Abstract: A CO2 recovery system includes an absorption tower and a regeneration tower. CO2 rich solution is produced in the absorption tower by absorbing CO2 from CO2-containing gas. The CO2 rich solution is conveyed to the regeneration tower where lean solution is produced from the rich solution by removing CO2. A regeneration heater heats lean solution that accumulates near a bottom portion of the regeneration tower with saturated steam thereby producing steam condensate from the saturated steam. A steam-condensate heat exchanger heats the rich solution conveyed from the absorption tower to the regeneration tower with the steam condensate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Masaki Iijima, Takashi Kamijo, Takahito Yonekawa, Tomio Mimura, Yasuyuki Yagi
  • Patent number: 8398748
    Abstract: Contemplated configurations and methods include a solvent regenerator (58) that has an upper (93) and a lower stripping section (94). Cooled rich solve is used as reflux while heated rich solvent (11) is used as a source of stripping agent in the upper section (91). A reboiler (62) in the lower section provides further stripping agent, hi especially preferred configurations, a portion of lean solved from the regenerator (58) is further stripped in a separate or integrated regenerator (62) to form an ultra-lean solvent. Both lean and ultra-lean solvents are preferably used in a two-stage absorber (52) to thereby from the rich solvent and an offgas that is very low in acid gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: John Mak
  • Patent number: 8388737
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering a gaseous component from an incoming gas stream is described. The incoming gas stream is contacted with a lean aqueous absorbing medium to absorb at least a portion of the gaseous component from the incoming gas stream to form a lean treated gas stream and a rich aqueous absorbing medium. At least a portion of the gaseous component is desorbed from the rich aqueous absorbing medium at a temperature to form an overhead gas stream and a regenerated aqueous absorbing medium. At least a portion of the overhead gas stream is treated to recover a condensate stream. At least a portion of the condensate stream is used to form a heated stream. At least a portion of the heated stream is recycled back to the desorbing step. Novel absorbing medium compositions to recover carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulfide are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: University of Regina
    Inventors: Don Gelowitz, Paitoon Tontiwachwuthikul, Raphael Idem
  • Publication number: 20130014645
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removal of organic compounds, such as acetic acid, from waste water streams in processes for production of (meth)acrylic acid. In particular, a mixed product gas, comprising (meth)acrylic acid, acetic acid, propylene and acrolein, is subjected to fractional absorption to produce an aqueous product stream comprising (meth)acrylic acid, water and acetic acid, and an absorber off-gas stream comprising propylene and acrolein. The aqueous product stream is distilled to produce a purified (meth)acrylic acid stream and a waste water stream comprising water and acetic acid. The absorber off gas is then contacted with the waste water stream and at least a portion of the acetic acid moves from the waste water stream to the absorber off gas to produce a stripped waste water stream and an enriched absorber off gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Marc Charendoff, Jamie Jerrick Juliette, Joy Mendoza, Rajesh Shah
  • Patent number: 8353979
    Abstract: A heat recovery apparatus, for an absorption apparatus for removing CO2 in combustion exhaust gas emitted from a thermal power plant 112 and for regeneration apparatuses 104 to 107 for regenerating CO2 in an absorbing liquid from the absorption apparatus, includes a regeneration-apparatus-exit-CO2-gas cooling apparatus 100 for cooling CO2 gas from an exhaust port of the regeneration apparatus, and may further include a circulation line 102 for circulating reflux water among boiler feedwater heaters 114 and 116 in the thermal power plant 112 and the regeneration-apparatus-exit-CO2-gas cooling apparatus 100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Oishi, Hiroshi Tanaka, Takahiko Endo, Masahiko Tatsumi, Yasuyuki Yagi
  • Patent number: 8303685
    Abstract: An improved acid gas regeneration and injection process wherein the separated acid gas stream emerging from a regenerator is compressed and injected into subsurface reservoir, the improvement comprising conducting the acid gas separation in the regenerator under pressure that exceeds 50 psia and does not exceed 300 psia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Craig N. Schubert, Timothy C. Frank
  • Patent number: 8287626
    Abstract: A method for treating a gas mixture containing acid gases, including: contacting the gas mixture with an absorbing solution, to obtain a de-acidified gas mixture and an absorbing solution with acid gases. To regenerate the absorbing solution with acid gases, the absorbing solution is passed into a first regenerator at a first pressure, then the solution is passed into a second regenerator at a second pressure, and finally to a third regenerator at a third pressure, the third pressure being less than the second pressure which is less than the first pressure. The gases from the second and third regenerator are compressed and recycled to the first and second regenerator, respectively. Gases from the second and/or the third regenerator are drawn off to provide a gas mixture rich in hydrogen sulfide. Gases from the first regenerator are drawn off to provide a gas mixture rich in carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Total S.A.
    Inventors: Viep Hoang-Dinh, Damien Roquet, Kenza Habchi-Tounsi, Olivier Chazelas, Claire Weiss
  • Patent number: 8257476
    Abstract: A first contaminant selected from oxygen and carbon monoxide is removed from impure liquid carbon dioxide using a mass transfer separation column system which is reboiled by indirect heat exchange against crude carbon dioxide fluid, the impure liquid carbon dioxide having a greater concentration of carbon dioxide than the crude carbon dioxide fluid. The invention has particular application in the recovery of carbon dioxide from flue gas generated in an oxyfuel combustion process or waste gas from a hydrogen PSA process. Advantages include reducing the level of the first contaminant to not more than 1000 ppm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent White, Rodney John Allam
  • Patent number: 8206489
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of deacidizing a gaseous effluent, wherein the following stages are carried out: a) contacting the gaseous effluent with an absorbent solution so as to obtain a gaseous effluent depleted in acid compounds and an absorbent solution laden with acid compounds, the absorbent solution being selected for its property to form two separable phases when it absorbs an amount of acid compounds, b) separating the absorbent solution laden with acid compounds into two fractions: a first absorbent solution fraction depleted in acid compounds and a second absorbent solution fraction enriched in acid compounds, c) regenerating the second fraction so as to release part of the acid compounds, d) mixing a predetermined amount of water with the first absorbent solution fraction obtained in stage b) or with the regenerated absorbent solution fraction obtained in stage c), then e) recycling the first absorbent solution fraction and the regenerated absorbent solution as the absorbent solu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Renaud Cadours, Pierre-Louis Carrette, Pierre Boucot
  • Patent number: 8202349
    Abstract: A method for processing pre-combustion syngas includes, in an exemplary embodiment, providing an absorber unit having a membrane contactor having a plurality of micro-pores, channeling pre-combustion syngas along a first surface of the membrane contactor, channeling an amine based solvent along a second opposing surface of the membrane contactor, and contacting the solvent with the syngas such that the solvent and the syngas contact at gas-liquid interface areas, defined by the plurality of micro-pores in the membrane contactor, to separate CO2 from the flue gas by a chemical absorption of CO2 into the solvent to produce a solvent containing CO2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Jennifer Lynn Molaison
  • Patent number: 8192530
    Abstract: A system (10) for regenerating a rich absorbent solution (26), the system including: an absorber (20) facilitating interaction between a process stream (22) and an absorbent solution, wherein the process stream comprises an acidic component, and interaction of the process stream with the absorbent solution produces a reduced acidic component stream (28) and a rich absorbent solution; at least one heat exchanger accepting at least one of said reduced acidic component stream and the process stream to transfer heat to a heat transfer fluid (60); and at least one mechanism (60a) to transfer the heat transfer fluid from said at least one heat exchanger to a regenerator (34) regenerating the rich absorbent solution, wherein each of the at least one mechanisms is fluidly coupled to each of the at least one heat exchangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Nareshkumar B. Handagama, Rasesh R. Kotdawala
  • Publication number: 20120125196
    Abstract: A method for reclaiming CO2 absorbing chemical(s) from a lean aqueous CO2 absorbent leaving a regeneration column (8), where lean absorbent (30) is withdrawn and flashed (31) to generate a vapor that is compressed (34) and returned into the regeneration column as stripper gas (37), where a part of the lean absorbent (20) is withdrawn and introduced into a reclaimer (21) in which the lean absorbent is boiled to generate a gas phase (23) that is withdrawn and returned into the regeneration column as reclaimed absorbent, and a liquid phase containing impurities (24), wherein the gaseous phase that is withdrawn from the reclaimer is compressed (34) together with the vapor part (33) from the flashing of the lean absorbent, to generate a pressure in the reclaimer that is lower than the pressure in the regeneration column, and a reboiler (11) for carrying out the method, are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Aker Clean Carbon AS
    Inventors: Simon Woodhouse, Otto Morten Bade, Anne-Helene Haaland, Oddvar Gorset, Bjorn Magnus Berg
  • Patent number: 8137441
    Abstract: A CO2 recovery system includes an absorption tower and a regeneration tower. CO2 rich solution is produced in the absorption tower by absorbing CO2 from CO2-containing gas. The CO2 rich solution is conveyed to the regeneration tower where lean solution is produced from the rich solution by removing CO2. A reclaimer heats the lean solution that is produced in the regeneration tower to produce a condensed waste-product from the lean solution by condensing a depleted material contained in the lean solution, and removes the condensed waste-product. A cooler cools the condensed waste-product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc
    Inventors: Masaki Iijima, Tomio Mimura, Yasuyuki Yagi
  • Patent number: 8118915
    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: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Donald Leo Stinson
  • Patent number: 8116029
    Abstract: A filter material for use in an electronic enclosure. The filter material includes a mixture of carbon and calcium chloride. In some embodiments, the filter material further includes a polyolefin binder, and optionally other ingredients. In one embodiment, the filter material includes 5 to 15 percent calcium chloride, and in another embodiment, the filter material includes 10 percent calcium chloride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley B. Miller, III
  • Patent number: 8088200
    Abstract: In a method for removing acid gases from a fluid stream, the fluid stream, which is in contact with an absorption medium within an absorber, is passed through a first absorption zone in the absorber to remove a majority of acid gases from the fluid stream. The fluid stream is susequently passed through a second absorption zone in the absorber to further remove acid gases from the fluid stream. The loaded absorption medium is passed into a first regeneration zone to obtain a partially regenerated absorption medium, and a part of the partially regenerated absorption medium is passed into the first absorption zone. The other part of the partially regenerated absorption medium is passed into a second regeneration zone to obtain a regenerated absorption medium. A part of the regenerated absorption medium is passed into the first absorption zone and the other part is passed into the second absorption zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Rupert Wagner, Randolf Hugo
  • Patent number: 8007567
    Abstract: The present invention is a biogas processing system having a compressor having a biogas input and output, a pump having a water input and output, a scrubber tower having a mixing chamber connected to a biogas input, a water pump input, a water output, and a processed biogas output, and a filtration member connected to the water output to remove contaminants from the water exiting the first scrubber tower. The system also includes devices for heating and cooling the recycled flow of water to enhance the ability of the water to absorb contaminants from the biogas and the ability of a stripper to remove absorbed contaminants from the water in a closed loop water system, and a controller for closely controlling the operating parameters of the system to achieve safe and optimal operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: A & B Process Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Roe, David J. Mandli, Amanda M. Neuhalfen
  • Patent number: 7998248
    Abstract: Process for the dehydration of gases, comprising: absorbing water vapor by means of a hygroscopic liquid consisting essentially of one or more C2-C8 glycols and an additive capable of forming a minimum type azeotrope with water; distilling the glycol/water/additive mixture to obtain a top product consisting mainly of the water/additive azeotropic mixture and a bottom product consisting mainly of glycol and additive (hygroscopic liquid); recycling the regenerated hygroscopic liquid to the absorption stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: ENI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Angelo Carugati, Roberto Pea, Liberato Giampaolo Ciccarelli
  • Patent number: 7994374
    Abstract: A method for treating a fluid having hydrate-forming constituents is provided. In one or more embodiments, the method includes including a mixture (110) comprising glycol and one or more kinetic inhibitors to a fluid (105) that includes one or more hydrate-forming constituents and water to provide a treated fluid comprising the glycol, one or more kinetic inhibitors, one or more hydrate-forming constituents and water. The treated fluid (125) is then separated at conditions sufficient to provide an oil phase stream and an aqueous phase stream, wherein the aqueous phase stream includes one or more kinetic inhibitors, glycol and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Larry D. Talley, Karla S. Colle
  • Patent number: 7981196
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for absorbing and recovering carbon dioxide from flue gas using ammonia water as an absorbent, including an absorption column and a circulation cooler connected to the absorption column so that a high-temperature absorbent is recovered from the absorption column, cooled to a preset temperature, and then supplied again into the absorption column, in order to dissipate absorptive heat generated when carbon dioxide is absorbed from the flue gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignees: POSCO, Research Institute of Industrial Science & Technology
    Inventors: Ki Joon Kang, Young Bong Lee, Kwang Hyun Kim, Je Young Kim
  • Patent number: 7938888
    Abstract: A liquid desiccant regenerator system, including a desiccant/air heat exchanger having a first desiccant inlet and a desiccant reservoir. The reservoir has a first desiccant outlet, a second desiccant outlet and a second desiccant inlet. The first desiccant inlet and the first desiccant outlet are connectable to a heat source, the second desiccant inlet conducts diluted desiccant of the reservoir and the second desiccant outlet conducts concentrated desiccant from the reservoir. The second desiccant inlet and the desiccant outlet are connected to a desiccant/desiccant heat exchanger for applying heat to the diluted desiccant flowing into the reservoir. A dehumidification method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Agam Energy Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Gad Assaf
  • Patent number: 7938889
    Abstract: A CO2 recovery system includes an absorption tower that removes CO2 from exhaust gas, a regeneration tower that regenerates a rich solution, and a separation drum that condensates steam in CO2 gas released from the regeneration tower and separates water. The CO2 recovery system further includes a filtration membrane apparatus that filters solid content remaining in the lean solution using a filter, and cleans the filter using condensed water as cleaning water and again return the condensed water into the system. The CO2-absorbing solution attached to the filter is collected and the filter is cleaned without diluting the CO2-absorbing solution upon replacement of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Iijima
  • Patent number: 7883569
    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: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Donald Leo Stinson
  • Patent number: 7819951
    Abstract: A first contaminant selected from oxygen and carbon monoxide is removed from impure liquid carbon dioxide using a mass transfer separation column system which is reboiled by indirect heat exchange against crude carbon dioxide fluid, the impure liquid carbon dioxide having a greater concentration of carbon dioxide than the crude carbon dioxide fluid. The invention has particular application in the recovery of carbon dioxide from flue gas generated in an oxyfuel combustion process or waste gas from a hydrogen PSA process. Advantages include reducing the level of the first contaminant to not more than 1000 ppm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent White, Rodney John Allam
  • Publication number: 20100101416
    Abstract: A method and a device for removing acidic materials, such as CO2 and H2S, with limited energy consumption are provided. The method comprises a step of introducing the feed gas into a first absorber, and removing CO2 and H2S from the feed gas by contacting the feed gas with a lean solution in the first absorber; and a step of introducing the feed gas into a second absorber, and removing CO2 and H2S remaining in the feed gas by contacting the feed gas with a semi-lean solution in the second absorber. The rich solution having absorbed CO2 and H2S in the first and second absorber is introduced into a flash drum where an internal pressure is kept lower than that in the first absorber and in the second absorber. After a part of CO2 and H2S is released from the rich solution in the flash drum to obtain a semi-lean solution, a part of the semi-lean solution is cooled and introduced into the second absorber to contact with the feed gas in the second absorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoko Akiyama
  • Patent number: 7604686
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cooling rising vapor (3) in a desorption column (2) by means of a condenser, which is situated at the head of the desorption column, is configured as an indirect heat exchanger and is traversed by a coolant (1). According to said method, the coolant enters at the bottom of the condenser (1) and flows upwards through conduits (8) that are arranged vertically in the condenser. The coolant is enriched with hydrogen sulphide prior to its entry into the condenser (1) and after the absorption of heat, escapes as an overflow (6) from the top of the condenser (1) through upper openings (10) of the conduits (8). The invention also relates to a desorption column (2) for carrying out said method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Uhde GmbH
    Inventor: Holger Thielert
  • Publication number: 20080307967
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing NOx comprising an exhaust conduit (101) of an IC engine (not shown) in which is placed a urea hydrolysis reactor (102) supplied with aqueous urea from urea storage tank (103). Flow of the hot exhaust gas through the exhaust conduit (101) heats the reactor (102) and causes the temperature of the urea therein to rise, promoting its hydrolysis and producing gaseous hydrolysis products. A pressure control valve (106) controls the release of the gaseous hydrolysis products from the reactor to a condenser (107). The condenser (107) is provided with a heat exchanger (108) which has an inlet (109) and an outlet (110) for connection to a coolant supply. When the gaseous hydrolysis gas enters the condenser (107) it is cooled by heat exchange with the engine cooling fluid and the ammonia and steam condense to form a pool of liquid in the bottom of the condenser (107).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: IMI Vision Limited
    Inventors: James Martin Coates, Alan Bhimani
  • Publication number: 20070209512
    Abstract: A method of regenerating liquid desiccant used in the dehydration or sweetening of gases. A first step involves boiling wet liquid desiccant containing water to create lean liquid desiccant. A second step involves introducing the lean liquid desiccant via a liquid seal pot into a water exhausting stripping column. The hot lean liquid desiccant cascades down the stripping column and evolving equilibrium vapors rise up the stripping column. A third step involves directing the rising equilibrium vapor into a condenser in which the vapor undergoes cooling with a resulting phase change back to liquid. The phase change from vapor to liquid reduces pressure in the condenser, which draws more evolving vapor from the lean liquid desiccant cascading down the stripping column upwards into the condenser, thereby further reducing the water content of the lean liquid desiccant to create a very lean liquid desiccant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventor: Brian Howard Seibert
  • Patent number: 7121115
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating a natural gas, saturated or not with water, containing essentially hydrocarbons, a substantial amount of hydrogen sulfide and possibly carbon dioxide. The method of the invention comprises a condensation stage intended to condense a major part of the water, a distillation stage wherein a gaseous effluent depleted in hydrogen sulfide and substantially free of water is recovered, and a contacting stage wherein the gaseous effluent from the previous stage is contacted with a solvent so as to obtain a treated gas substantially free of hydrogen sulfide and possibly of carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Eric Lemaire, Fabrice Lecomte
  • Patent number: 7074258
    Abstract: A process for the removal of water from gas which comprises an absorption step of bringing a gas saturated with water vapor into gas-liquid contact with a water-lean absorbing liquid comprising a water absorbing liquid having a cloud point temperature above the freezing point of water whereby water vapor present in the gas is absorbed into the water-lean absorbing liquid at a temperature below its cloud point to produce a refined gas having a reduced water vapor content and water-loaded absorbing liquid. A regeneration step is provided in which the water-loaded absorbing liquid is heated to above the cloud point temperature of the absorbing liquid whereby the water-loaded absorbing liquid separates into a water-rich phase and an absorbing liquid-rich phase and the absorbing liquid-rich phase is cooled to a temperature below its cloud point prior to recycling the absorbing liquid-rich phase for use as water-lean absorbing liquid in the absorption step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: BP Exploration Operating Company Limited
    Inventors: Ian Ralph Collins, Stephen Paul Goodwin
  • Patent number: 7018450
    Abstract: The natural gas is successively contacted in column CA with a relatively methanol-rich solvent flowing in through line 4, then with a relatively poor solvent flowing in through line 9. The acid gas-containing solvent recovered through line 3 at the bottom of column CA is expanded through valves V1 and V2 to release acid gases through line 6. A fraction of the expanded solvent is distilled in column CR. The regenerated solvent obtained at the bottom of column CR is sent to the top of column CA through line 9. A second fraction of the expanded solvent is mixed with a solvent drawn off from column CR at an intermediate point between the bottom and the top of this column. This mixture of solvents is sent through line 4 into column CA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Alexandre Rojey, Fabrice Lecomte, Eric Lemaire
  • Patent number: 7004996
    Abstract: Process for the removal of the hydrogen sulfide contained in natural gas, which comprises: a. absorbing the hydrogen sulfide present in natural gas by means of a virgin naphtha, in an adsorbing device and with a molar ratio virgin naphtha/H2S ranging from 0.85 to 1.5; b. recovering the hydrogen sulfide absorbed by the virgin naphtha as head product of a distillation column operating with a reflux having a temperature of between ?5 and ?20° C.; c. recycling the virgin naphtha discharged as bottom product of the distillation column, to the absorption step (a); d. introducing the hydrogen sulfide back to the production field of natural gas, at the temperature and pressure conditions present at the head of the distillation column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: ENI S.p.A.
    Inventor: Liberato Giampaolo Ciccarelli
  • Patent number: 6896718
    Abstract: Moisture is removed from gas by contacting the gas with a solution of potassium formate to remove moisture from the gas, regenerating the potassium formate solution by removing water from it, and returning the potassium formate solution to contact gas to dehydrate it. Regeneration of the potassium formate solution is most preferably accomplished in a cavitation regenerator. The gas is most preferably natural gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Clearwater International LLC
    Inventor: John H. Hallman
  • Patent number: 6837919
    Abstract: According to the present invention, electrorheological fluid is deaerated after it is sealed in a closed device which is operated by the electrorheological fluid. Thus, it is possible to control the operation of the closed device in accordance with an electric field. Additionally, the control of viscosity is not affected by repetitive operations of the closed device, thereby obtaining a closed device having a smooth operation and good repeatability. The deaeration is achieved under a predetermined reduced pressure, for example, of not more than 100 torr. In addition thereto, a suitable heating process is carried out as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignees: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd., CKD Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Asako, Satoru Ono, Kazutoshi Ito, Eiji Uematu
  • Patent number: 6793714
    Abstract: In a process for dehydration/fractionation of a wet natural gas containing heavy constituents and light constituents, In the presence of methanol, aqueous liquid phases are combined and the resultant combined aqueous liquid phase contacted with the first part of the gas to be scrubbed, which carries along the major part of the methanol, which allows to collect practically pure water. Before this step, all or part of one or both of the aqueous liquid phases and/or all or part of the aqueous liquid phase from a washing zone is sent to a distillation stage where practically pure methanol is collected at the top and a methanol-depleted aqueous liquid phase is collected at the bottom prior to being sent back to the first stage or used for the washing stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Fabrice Lecomte, Béatrice Fischer, Jean-Charles Viltard
  • Patent number: 6767388
    Abstract: Process for dehydrating/fractionating a low-pressure wet natural gas containing “heavy” constituents and “light” constituents includes a stage a) in which at least a fraction of the wet gas at temperature T0 is contacted with an aqueous liquid phase L'1 containing methanol, the gas carrying along substantially all of the methanol contained in phase L'1. In a stage b), the gas from stage (a) is cooled to a temperature T1 lower than temperature T0, producing a gas phase G1 at equilibrium with a hydrocarbon-containing liquid phase L1 containing C3+ and an aqueous liquid phase L'1 containing methanol. In stage c), phase L'1 is sent to stage (a), and in stage d), said phase G1 is fractionated by distillation carried out by continuous thermal exchange with a cooling fluid, so as to extract the “light” constituents (gas phase G2) and the “heavy” constituents (condensed phase L2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Fabrice Lecomte, Béatrice Fischer, Jean-Charles Viltard
  • Publication number: 20040031389
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for use with a natural gas dehydrator. The apparatus and method of the invention provide for recirculation of gaseous or combustible materials so that they are not released into the atmosphere and to provide fuel for the process. Likewise, liquid hydrocarbons are collected. Various components, including separators, an absorber, wet glycol, dry glycol, an effluent condenser, heat exchangers, and a reboiler are utilized in accordance with the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Rodney T. Heath, Forrest D. Heath
  • Patent number: 6585807
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to carry out separation recovery of ammonia efficiently from a gaseous mixture containing ammonia and carbon dioxide, without generating a solid ammonium carbamate. A recovery method of ammonia from a gaseous mixture, includes a process (I) in which a gaseous mixture containing ammonia and carbon dioxide is contacted with an organic solvent to allow the organic solvent to absorb ammonia in the gaseous mixture, and a process (II) in which the organic solvent which absorbed ammonia is distilled to separate ammonia from the organic solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Umino, Nobuyasu Chikamatsu, Hirofumi Ito, Masamichi Mizukami
  • Patent number: 6514321
    Abstract: A system and method for dehumidifying air including a multiple effect evaporator that creates a concentrated desiccant solution. The desiccant solution from the multiple effect evaporator is conveyed to a desiccant spray chamber that sprays the cooled desiccant solution into an air stream. The desiccant solution absorbs water vapor from the air stream creating a desiccant and water solution. A conduit transfers the water and desiccant solution to the multiple effect evaporator for removal of the water from the desiccant solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: PowerMax, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Lehto, John Tyson
  • Publication number: 20020178918
    Abstract: In a process intended for dehydration/fractionation of a wet natural gas containing <<heavy>> constituents and <<light>> constituents, in the presence of methanol, which comprises at least the following stages
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Fabrice Lecomte, Beatrice Fischer, Jean-Charles Viltard
  • Patent number: 6461413
    Abstract: In a process using a hydrophilic liquid desiccant, for dehydrating a gas containing water with regeneration of the steps of: (a) absorbing water by contact between the moist gas and regenerated liquid desiccant from step c), producing a dry gaseous effluent and a stream of liquid desiccant charged with water and absorbed gases; (b) regenerating the liquid desiccant charged with water in a regeneration zone constituting a reboiling zone and a distillation zone, the charged liquid desiccant being sent to said distillation zone, from which a vapor containing water leaves overhead and from which liquid desiccant still containing water leaves from the bottom in the reboiling zone; (c) passing the liquid desiccant from the reboiling zone of step b) and still containing water to an absorption zone, in which the water in the desiccant is vaporized and the water vapor is absorbed by a fraction of regenerated or non regenerated desiccant, passing the resultant desiccant which has absorbed water vapor to the reboiling z
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Prosernat
    Inventors: Benoit Landreau, Jean-Claude Amande
  • Patent number: 6425942
    Abstract: The gas which is to be dried is fed into an absorber (1) where it is brought into contact with a glycol in countercurrent. The glycol absorbs the moisture from the gas and impurities. The glycol laden with water and impurities is removed from the absorber (1) via a line (5). It is then regenerated in a reboiler (9) where the water is eliminated by heating. The water-free glycol is passed into a storage vessel (10) from which it can then be refed to the absorber (1). The glycol which is withdrawn from the storage vessel (10) is purified by mixing it with at least half the quantity of water. The mixture is brought to a temperature above cloud point where it is maintained for a predetermined length of time so that the impurities flocculate. The flocculated impurities are removed in a filter (18) arid the purified glycol mixed with water is refed to the reboiler (9) via a line (19). The drying process is very economical as it integrates environmentally-friendly and simple purification of the glycol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Ruhrgas Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Randolf Ruediger Forster
  • Publication number: 20020073843
    Abstract: Apparatus for use with a natural gas dehydrator wherein a portion of the wet glycol in an emissions separator is pumped under pressure as circulating wet glycol which may be used as a coolant for effluent removed from a reboiler and/or a power source for an eductor to form a vacuum in a first chamber of a liquid water removal separator apparatus. The cooled effluent, comprising at least liquid water, liquid hydrocarbons and uncondensed vapors, moves into the first chamber wherein the liquid water and/or the liquid hydrocarbons are separated from the uncondensed vapors. At least, the uncondensed vapors are removed from the first chamber and move into the eductor wherein they are compressed and combined into the circulating wet glycol. The separated liquid water is transferred to a second chamber of the liquid water removal separator apparatus and then removed therefrom. In some instances, the liquid hydrocarbons are transferred to a third chamber and removed therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Rodney T. Heath
  • Publication number: 20020059865
    Abstract: Process for treating a gas containing acid gases, wherein:
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventors: Eric Lemaire, Jean-Charles Viltard
  • Publication number: 20020040640
    Abstract: A method for recovering VOC and HAP emissions in the production of a lignocellulosic product is provided. The method comprises forming a mat of lignocellulosic material by bonding together and mat in a product formation press with an adhesive material to produce the lignocellulosic product. VOC and HAP emissions are produced during the formation of the lignocellulosic product in a product formation press. The VOC and HAP emissions produced are withdrawn during the formation of and lignocellulosic product prior to removal of the lignocellulosic product from the product formation press. Then, the VOC and HAP emissions which are withdrawn from the formation press are recovered without releasing same to the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventors: Wu-Hsiung Ernest Hsu, James A. Evensen
  • Patent number: 6352575
    Abstract: An appartus for removing VOC from a plurality of remotely located sources of VOC contaminated gas streams includes a plurality of liquid absorbers, each located near and communicating with a source of a VOC contaminated gas stream, the liquid absorbers associating the VOC with a scrubbing liquid. A conduit is connected to each liquid absorber for conveying VOC laden scrubbing liquid from the liquid absorber to a separating apparatus in fluid communication with each of the conduits. The separating apparatus receives the VOC laden scrubbing liquid from the plurality of liquid absorbers and separates the VOC from the scrubbing liquid. A conduit recycles the scrubbing liquid from the separating apparatus to at least one of the plurality of liquid absorbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell H. Lindsay, James D. Mavis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6342091
    Abstract: A process for the removal of carbon dioxide, sulphur compounds, water and aromatic and higher aliphatic hydrocarbons from industrial gases. The sour gas components, water and hydrocarbons are removed from the gas to be treated by absorption at elevated operating pressure. At least one morpholine derivative is used as the absorbent. The absorbent laden with absorbed components is regenerated with the aid of a stripping gas. The stripping gas is generated by partial evaporation of the laden absorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Krupp Uhde GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Menzel, Oliver Tondorf
  • Patent number: 6299671
    Abstract: There is described a method for regeneration of triethylene glycol (TEG) that has been used as a drying medium to remove water from a fluid such as natural gas, where a drier TEG is recovered at the bottom fraction in a regeneration column (7), where water vapor together with other gases is removed at the top fraction and where the partially dried TEG from the regeneration column (7) optionally is also supplied to a stripping column (9) for further dehydration, where in the optional stripping column (9) and in the still column (7) there is supplied a stripping gas in countercurrent to the TEG stream, where as stripping gas there is mainly used gas which is recovered from the top fraction from the regeneration column (7). There is also described an apparatus for carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Read Process Engineering A/S
    Inventor: Tor Christensen
  • Patent number: 6251166
    Abstract: A glycol regenerating system wherein a pressurized reboiler is introduced to a typical prior art system, the pressurized reboiler being in the glycol stream upstream from the conventional atmospheric reboiler. The pressurized reboiler heats the rich glycol coming from the glycol contactor from about 300° F. to 400° F. and keeps the glycol under pressure from about 10-25 psig. in order to first distill and condense VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which constitute non-condensable hydrocarbons and condensable hydrocarbons such as BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, Xylene) compounds, the components being conveniently under pressure for transporting the components to a desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Anderson Controls, LC
    Inventor: R. David Anderson
  • Patent number: RE39944
    Abstract: A natural gas dehydrator wherein a portion of the wet glycol from the absorber is pumped under pressure as circulating wet glycol which is used as a coolant for effluents removed from a reboiler and a power source for an educator to form a vacuum in a first chamber of a liquid water removal separator apparatus. The cooled effluents, comprising liquid water, liquid hydrocarbons and uncondensed vapors, move in to the first chamber wherein the liquid water is separated therefrom. The liquid hydrocarbons and the uncondensed vapors are removed from the first chamber and move into the eductor wherein they are combined into the circulating wet glycol. The separated liquid water is transferred to a second chamber of the liquid water removal separator apparatus and then removed therefrom. Also, gases from gas emitting level control apparatus in the natural gas dehydrator are collected and fed into the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Rodney T. Heath