Search Patents
  • Microchannel with internal fin support for catalyst or sorption medium
    Patent number: 8580211
    Abstract: An apparatus is described which comprises at least one process microchannel having a height, width and length, the height being up to about 10 mm, the process microchannel having a base wall extending in one direction along the width of the process microchannel and in another direction along the length of the process microchannel; at least one fin projecting into the process microchannel from the base wall and extending along at least part of the length of the process microchannel; and a catalyst or sorption medium supported by the fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Dongming Qiu, Richard Q. Long, Barry L. Yang, Thomas Yuschak, Steven T. Perry
  • Microchannel apparatus, methods of making microchannel apparatus, and processes of conducting unit operations
    Patent number: 9452407
    Abstract: Novel methods of making laminated, microchannel devices are described. Examples include: assembly from thin strips rather than sheets; and hot isostatic pressing (HIPing) to form devices with a hermetically sealed wall. Laminated microchannel articles having novel features are also described. The invention includes processes conducted using any of the articles described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Gary Roberts, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Timothy M. Werner, Matthew B. Schmidt, Robert J. Luzenski, G. Bradley Chadwell, James A. Mathias, Abhishek Gupta, David J. Kuhlmann, Thomas D. Yuschak
  • Process and apparatus employing microchannel process technology
    Patent number: 9695368
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for conducting a hydrocracking or a hydrotreating process in a microchannel reactor. This invention also relates to a process and apparatus for flowing a vapor and liquid into a plurality of microchannels in a microchannel processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Ravi Arora, John Brophy, Francis P. Daly, Soumitra Deshmukh, Maddalena Fanelli, Kai Tod Paul Jarosch, Timothy J. LaPlante, Richard Q. Long, Terry Mazanec, Daniel Francis Ryan, Laura J. Silva, Wayne W. Simmons, Bruce Stangeland, Yong Wang, Thomas Yuschak, Steven T. Perry, Jeffrey Dale Marco, Michael Alan Marchiando, Robert Lewis Litt
  • Process for converting a hydrocarbon to an oxygenate or a nitrile
    Patent number: 7294734
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for converting a hydrocarbon reactant to a product comprising an oxygenate or a nitrile, the process comprising: (A) flowing a reactant composition comprising the hydrocarbon reactant, and oxygen or a source of oxygen, and optionally ammonia, through a microchannel reactor in contact with a catalyst to convert the hydrocarbon reactant to the product, the hydrocarbon reactant undergoing an exothermic reaction in the microchannel reactor; (B) transferring heat from the microchannel reactor to a heat exchanger during step (A); and (C) quenching the product from step (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Brophy, Frederick A. Pesa, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Jeffrey S. McDaniel, Kai Tod Paul Jarosch
  • Distillation process using microchannel technology
    Patent number: 7610775
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a distillation process for separating two or more components having different volatilities from a liquid mixture containing the components. The process employs microchannel technology for effecting the distillation and is particularly suitable for conducting difficult separations, such as the separation of ethane from ethylene, wherein the individual components are characterized by having volatilities that are very close to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Wayne W. Simmons, Laura J. Silva, Dongming Qiu, Steven T. Perry, Thomas Yuschak, Thomas P. Hickey, Ravi Arora, Amanda Smith, Robert Dwayne Litt, Paul Neagle
  • Laminated, leak-resistant chemical processors; methods of making, and methods of operating
    Patent number: 9527057
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of making laminated devices (especially microchannel devices) in which plates are assembled and welded together. Unlike conventional microchannel devices, the inventive laminated devices can be made without brazing or diffusion bonding; thus providing significant advantages for manufacturing. Features such as expansion joints and external welded supports are also described. Laminated devices and methods of conducting unit operations in laminated devices are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Thomas Yuschak, Paul W. Neagle, Jennifer L. Marco, Jeffrey D. Marco, Michael A. Marchiando, Lane W. Keyes, Soumitra Deshmukh, Robert J. Luzenski
  • Methods for applying microchannels to separate gases using liquid absorbents, especially ionic liquid (IL) absorbents
    Patent number: 8221528
    Abstract: Methods of using microchannel separation systems including absorbents to improve thermal efficiency and reduce parasitic power loss. Energy is typically added to desorb a solute and then energy or heat is removed to absorb a solute using a working solution. The working solution or absorbent may comprise an ionic liquid, or other fluids that demonstrate a difference in affinity between a solute and other gases in a solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Robert D. Litt, Ravi Arora, Qiu Dongming, Micheal Jay Lamont, Maddalena Fanelli, Wayne W. Simmons, Laura J. Silva, Steven Perry
  • Multi-Stream Microchannel Device
    Publication number: 20130186607
    Abstract: Provided is a process and device for exchanging heat energy between three or more streams in a microchannel heat exchanger which can be integrated with a microchannel reactor to form an integrated microchannel processing unit. The combining of a plurality of integrated microchannel devices to provide the benefits of large-scale operation is enabled. In particular, the microchannel heat exchanger enables flexible heat transfer between multiple streams and total heat transfer rates of about 1 Watt or more per core unit volume expressed as W/cc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: VELOCYS, INC.
    Inventors: James A. Mathias, G. Bradley Chadwell, Dongming Qiu, Annalee Y. Tonkovich, Steven T. Perry, Matthew B. Schmidt, Sean P. Fitzgerald, David J. Hesse, Thomas D. Yuschak, Bin Yang
  • Flow control through plural, parallel connecting channels to/from a manifold
    Patent number: 7641865
    Abstract: The invention provides apparatuses and techniques for controlling flow between a manifold and two or more connecting microchannels. Flow between plural connecting microchannels, that share a common manifold, can be made more uniform by the use of flow straighteners and distributors that equalize flow in connecting channels. Alternatively, flow can be made more uniform by sections of narrowed diameter within the channels. Methods of making apparatus and methods of conducting unit operations in connecting channels are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Velocys
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Bin Yang, Steven T. Perry, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Ravi Arora, Robert Luzenski, Thomas D. Yuschak
  • Microchannel with internal fin support for catalyst or sorption medium
    Patent number: 7220390
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus, comprising: at least one process microchannel having a height, width and length, the height being up to about 10 mm, the process microchannel having a base wall extending in one direction along the width of the process microchannel and in another direction along the length of the process microchannel; at least one fin projecting into the process microchannel from the base wall and extending along at least part of the length of the process microchannel; and a catalyst or sorption medium supported by the fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Dongming Qiu, Richard Q. Long, Barry L. Yang, Thomas Yuschak, Steven T. Perry
  • Process for treating and/or forming a non-newtonian fluid using microchannel process technology
    Patent number: 8298491
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process, comprising: conducting unit operations in at least two process zones in a process microchannel to treat and/or form a non-Newtonian fluid, a different unit operation being conducted in each process zone; and applying an effective amount of shear stress to the non-Newtonian fluid to reduce the viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid in each process zone, the average shear rate in one process zone differing from the average shear rate in another process zone by a factor of at least about 1.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Ravi Arora, David Kilanowski, Eric Daymo
  • Multi-stream microchannel device
    Patent number: 7014835
    Abstract: The invention is a process and device for exchanging heat energy between three or more streams in a microchannel heat exchanger which can be integrated with a microchannel reactor to form an integrated microchannel processing unit. The invention enables the combining of a plurality of integrated microchannel devices to provide the benefits of large-scale operation. In particular, the microchannel heat exchanger of the present invention enables flexible heat transfer between multiple streams and total heat transfer rates of about 1 Watt or more per core unit volume expressed as W/cc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: James Allen Mathias, G. Bradley Chadwell, Dongming Qiu, Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Steven T. Perry, Matthew B. Schmidt
  • Methods of making purified water from the fischer-tropsch process
    Patent number: 10435318
    Abstract: The Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process creates significant amounts of water. This FT produced water contains significant amounts of organic impurities. The invention provides methods of treating FT produced water. Surprisingly, it was discovered that the FT produced water could be successfully treated in a membrane bioreactor (MBR) according to relatively simple and more efficient steps; for example, by adjusting the pH of the water in the range of 4.2 to 5.8 or treating the FT produced water in a stripper where the distillate product stream and a reflux stream returning to the stripper have the same composition. In a related aspect, water compositions are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Velocys Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Graham Lea, Ivan Philip Greager, Laura J. Silva
  • Methods for applying microchannels to separate methane using liquid absorbents, especially ionic liquid absorbents from a mixture comprising methane and nitrogen
    Patent number: 8029604
    Abstract: Methods of using microchannel separation systems including absorbents to improve thermal efficiency and reduce parasitic power loss. Energy is typically added to desorb methane and then energy or heat is removed to absorb methane using a working solution. The working solution or absorbent may comprise an ionic liquid, or other fluids that demonstrate a difference in affinity between methane and nitrogen in a solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Robert D. Litt, Qiu Dongming, Laura J. Silva, Micheal Jay Lamont, Maddalena Fanelli, Wayne W. Simmons, Steven Perry
  • Process for treating and/or forming a non-Newtonian fluid using microchannel process technology
    Patent number: 8048383
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process, comprising: conducting unit operations in at least two process zones in a process microchannel to treat and/or form a non-Newtonian fluid, a different unit operation being conducted in each process zone; and applying an effective amount of shear stress to the non-Newtonian fluid to reduce the viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid in each process zone, the average shear rate in one process zone differing from the average shear rate in another process zone by a factor of at least about 1.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Ravi Arora, David Kilanowski, Eric Daymo
  • Process for treating and/or forming a non-Newtonian fluid using microchannel process technology
    Patent number: 8721974
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process, comprising: conducting unit operations in at least two process zones in a process microchannel to treat and/or form a non-Newtonian fluid, a different unit operation being conducted in each process zone; and applying an effective amount of shear stress to the non-Newtonian fluid to reduce the viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid in each process zone, the average shear rate in one process zone differing from the average shear rate in another process zone by a factor of at least about 1.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Ravi Arora, David Kilanowski, Eric Daymo
  • Integrated reactors, methods of making same, and methods of conducting simultaneous exothermic and endothermic reactions
    Patent number: 8557186
    Abstract: Integrated Combustion Reactors (ICRs) and methods of making ICRs are described in which combustion chambers (or channels) are in direct thermal contact to reaction chambers for an endothermic reaction. Superior results were achieved for combustion chambers which contained a gap for free flow through the chamber. Particular reactor designs are also described. Processes of conducting reactions in integrated combustion reactors are described and results presented. Some of these processes are characterized by unexpected and superior results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Gary Roberts, Steven T. Perry, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Robert S. Wegeng, Yong Wang, David Vanderwiel, Jennifer L. Marco
  • Multi-stream microchannel device
    Patent number: 8685365
    Abstract: Provided is a process and device for exchanging heat energy between three or more streams in a microchannel heat exchanger which can be integrated with a microchannel reactor to form an integrated microchannel processing unit. The combining of a plurality of integrated microchannel devices to provide the benefits of large-scale operation is enabled. In particular, the microchannel heat exchanger enables flexible heat transfer between multiple streams and total heat transfer rates of about 1 Watt or more per core unit volume expressed as W/cc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Mathias, G. Bradley Chadwell, Annalee Y. Tonkovich, Steven T. Perry, Matthew B. Schmidt, Sean P. Fitzgerald, David J. Hesse, Thomas D. Yuschak, Bin Yang
  • Multi-Stream Multi-Channel Process and Apparatus
    Publication number: 20140109976
    Abstract: Provided is a process and apparatus for exchanging heat energy between three or more streams in a millichannel apparatus, which millichannel apparatus may comprise a heat exchanger which may be integrated with a millichannel reactor to form an integrated millichannel processing unit. The combining of a plurality of integrated millichannel apparatus to provide the benefits of large-scale operation is enabled. In particular, the millichannel heat exchanger enables flexible heat transfer between multiple streams and total heat transfer rates of about 1 Watt or more per core unit volume expressed as W/cc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Mathias, G. Bradley Chadwell, Dongming Qui, Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Steven T. Perry, Matthew B. Schmidt, Sean P. Fitzgerald, David J. Hesse, Thomas D. Yuschak, Bin Yang
  • Multi-Stream Microchannel Device
    Publication number: 20100300550
    Abstract: Provided is a process and device for exchanging heat energy between three or more streams in a microchannel heat exchanger which can be integrated with a microchannel reactor to form an integrated microchannel processing unit. The combining of a plurality of integrated microchannel devices to provide the benefits of large-scale operation is enabled. In particular, the microchannel heat exchanger enables flexible heat transfer between multiple streams and total heat transfer rates of about 1 Watt or more per core unit volume expressed as W/cc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: VELOCYS, INC.
    Inventors: James Allen Mathias, G. Bradley Chadwell, Dongming Qiu, Anna Lee Y.Tonkovich, Steven T. Perry, Matthew B. Schmidt, Sean P. Fitzgerald, David J. Hesse, Thomas D. Yuschak, Bin Yang
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