Hydrogenation With Gaseous Hydrogen To Purify Or Recover Patents (Class 518/726)
  • Patent number: 11446642
    Abstract: A hybrid catalyst including a metal oxide catalyst component comprising chromium, zinc, and at least one additional metal selected from the group consisting of iron and manganese, and a microporous catalyst component that is a molecular sieve having 8-MR pore openings. The at least one additional metal is present in an amount from 5.0 at % to 20.0 at %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Glenn Pollefeyt, Davy L. S. Nieskens, Vera P. Santos Castro, Alexey Kirilin, Adam Chojecki, David Yancey, Andrzej Malek
  • Patent number: 11247959
    Abstract: Provided is a method for directly preparing dimethyl ether by synthesis gas, the method comprises: the synthesis gas is passed through a reaction zone carrying a catalyst, and reacted under the reaction conditions sufficient to convert at least a portion of the raw materials to obtain the reaction effluent comprising dimethyl ether; and the dimethyl ether is separated from the reaction effluent, wherein the catalyst is zinc aluminum spinel oxide. In the present invention, only one zinc aluminum spinel oxide catalyst is used, which can make the synthesis gas to highly selectively form dimethyl ether, the catalyst has good stability and can be regenerated. The method of the present invention realizes the production of dimethyl ether in one step by the synthesis gas, and reduces the large energy consumption problem caused by step-by-step production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Youming Ni, Wenliang Zhu, Zhongmin Liu, Yong Liu, Hongchao Liu, Xiangang Ma, Shiping Liu
  • Patent number: 11111193
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treatment of a mixed metal oxide catalyst containing molybdenum, vanadium, niobium and optionally tellurium, comprising contacting a gas stream comprising methane, an inert gas or oxygen or any combination of two or more of these with the catalyst, wherein said gas stream comprises 0 to 25 vol. % of an alkane containing 2 to 6 carbon atoms and/or alkene containing 2 to 6 carbon atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Ronald Jan Schoonebeek, Michael Johannes Franciscus Maria Verhaak
  • 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
  • Patent number: 10335773
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a Fe-based hydrogenation catalyst having Fe as a primary active metal component, and zinc and potassium as a first co-active metal component. The molar ratio of the primary active metal component to the first co-active metal component is 0.5-200:1. The Fe-based hydrogenation catalyst in present invention overcomes the problem of limiting to the active metal components as used over decades for the conventional hydrogenation catalyst, and thus has long-term values for industrial application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: CHINA UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM—BEIJING
    Inventors: Baojian Shen, Hao Li, Yandan Wang, Jiancong Li, Lei Li, Bojun Shen, Baohua Shen, Wennian Wang, Delin Yuan, Honglian Xu
  • Patent number: 10260005
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to improved catalysts that provide for reduced product contaminants, related methods and improved reaction products. It more specifically relates to improved direct fuel production and redox catalysts that provide for reduced levels of certain oxygenated contaminants, methods related to the use of those catalysts, and hydrocarbon fuel or fuel-related products that have improved characteristics. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of converting one or more carbon-containing feedstocks into one or more hydrocarbon liquid fuels. The method includes the steps of: converting the one or more carbon-containing feedstocks into syngas; and, converting the syngas to one or more hydrocarbons (including liquid fuels) and a water fraction. The water fraction comprises less than 500 ppm of one or more carboxylic acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Greyrock Technology LLC
    Inventors: Robert Schuetzle, Dennis Schuetzle
  • Patent number: 10252963
    Abstract: Synthesizing methanol from a synthesis gas and separating an unreacted gas from a reaction mixture obtained by passing through the synthesis step, the method including a synthesis loop having at least two synthesis steps and at least two separation steps; obtaining a first mixed gas by increasing through a circulator a pressure of a residual gas, obtained by removing a purge gas from the final unreacted gas separated from the final reaction mixture subsequent to the final synthesis step, and by mixing the residual gas with a fraction of a make-up gas; synthesizing methanol; separating a first unreacted gas from the first reaction mixture obtained in the synthesizing step; obtaining a second mixed gas by mixing the first unreacted gas and a fraction of the make-up gas; finally synthesizing methanol; and separating the final unreacted gas from the final reaction mixture obtained in the final synthesis step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI GAS CHEMICAL COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Yasuaki Kambe, Kohei Uchida, Hiroshi Watanabe, Daigo Hirakawa, Tatsuya Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 10029973
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: GROPO PETROTEMEX, S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventors: Alan George Wonders, Robert Lin, Lee Reynolds Partin, Marcel de Vreede, Wayne Scott Strasser
  • Patent number: 9994763
    Abstract: The Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process can be controlled to create water that has desirable characteristics for use in secondary processes such as fracking or irrigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Claude LeViness, Ivan Greager
  • Patent number: 9981254
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a zeolite catalyst useful for aromatization of a lower alkane, a zeolite catalyst useful for aromatization of a lower alkane obtainable by said method and a process for aromatization of a lower alkane using the zeolite catalyst of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: SAUDI BASIC INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Suman Kumar Jana
  • Patent number: 9873836
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods, reactor systems, and catalysts for increasing the yield of aromatic hydrocarbons produced while converting biomass to hydrocarbons. The invention includes methods of using catalysts to increase the yield of benzene, toluene, and mixed xylenes in the hydrocarbon product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Virent, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Blommel, Andrew Held, Ralph Goodwin, Randy Cortright
  • Patent number: 9776924
    Abstract: A mullite sintered body according to the present invention has an impurity element content of 1% by mass or less and contains sintered mullite grains having an average grain size of 8 ?m or less. When a surface of the mullite sintered body is finished by polishing, pores in the surface have an average largest pore length of 0.4 ?m or less. The surface preferably has a center line average surface roughness (Ra) of 3 nm or less. The surface preferably has a maximum peak height (Rp) of 30 nm or less. The number of pores in the surface is preferably 10 or less per unit area of 4 ?m×4 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Isoda, Yosuke Sato, Yuji Katsuda
  • Patent number: 9504952
    Abstract: A method for recycling a carbon-containing greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide and methane (natural gas) or a hydrocarbon homolog thereof. The method includes the steps of capturing the emissions, sequestering them in an underground or undersea storage area, withdrawing them from the storage area after storage therein, and converting them to carbon-containing compounds such as methanol, dimethyl ether and derived products. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane are chemically recycled to provide a permanent and inexhaustible supply of carbon-containing fuels or products, which subsequently can be combusted or used without increasing the carbon dioxide content of the atmosphere. The method is thus effective in neutralizing or reducing the carbon footprint due to human activities related to combustion or use of carbon-containing fuels while providing a repeatedly sustainable carbon source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: George A. Olah, G. K. Surya Prakash
  • Patent number: 9504979
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an axial radial catalytic reactor with a shell (as gas tight seal to maintain process gas flows within it) and a feed tube (passing from a source of process gas flow through the shell and into it do deliver feed gas to one or more levels of two annularly sequential catalyst beds), where one end of the feed tube is used as an inlet for feeding reaction mass. In one embodiment of the invention, an interior end of the feed tube is sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventors: Huaihai Zhang, Shiyu Zhao
  • Patent number: 9447336
    Abstract: Methods, systems and designs are provided for removing mercury from crudes. Crude oil is heated to a temperature above 100° C. in a stabilization column for a time sufficient to convert all of the forms of mercury in the oil into the elemental mercury form. The elemental mercury is then stripped from the crude oil by flashing, or preferably by gas stripping with a gas injected at the bottom of the column. Either process transfers the elemental mercury from the oil phase into the gas phase. Elemental mercury can then be removed from the gas phase by methods such as condensation, precipitation, or absorption either alone or in combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Charles J. Lord, III, Thomas R. Smith, David O'Halloran
  • Patent number: 9364808
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for a reduction reaction of carbon dioxide using solar energy and a reducing method of carbon dioxide for reacting carbon dioxide gas and hydrogen gas with each other by using solar energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Sogang University Research Foundation
    Inventor: Kyung Byung Yoon
  • Patent number: 9266100
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a zeolite catalyst useful for aromatization of a lower alkane, a zeolite catalyst useful for aromatization of a lower alkane obtainable by said method and a process for aromatization of a lower alkane using the zeolite catalyst of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: SAUDI BASIC INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Suman Kumar Jana
  • Patent number: 9162208
    Abstract: A system and process for producing synthetic crude oil from produced fluids of an oil well is disclosed. The system comprises a separation plant for producing an associated gas stream from produced fluids a membrane unit comprising a plurality of polymer membranes to provide a CO2 enriched permeate stream and a CO2 depleted product gas stream, a gas conversion plant for converting the CO2 depleted product gas stream into a synthetic crude oil and a heat exchanger adding heat to the associated gas stream so that the membrane unit operates at a temperature of at least 80° C. during separation of the associated gas stream using the membrane unit. A process using the aforementioned components, including separation of the associated gas stream using the membrane unit at a temperature >80° C., into a CO2 enriched stream and a CO2 depleted product stream, is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Chinn, Gordon R. Deppe, Anne M. Helgeson, Shabbir Husain
  • Patent number: 9132419
    Abstract: [Problem] The present invention provides a NOx purification catalyst which utilizes Ag as one of the catalyst components and exhibits NOx purification performance without adjustment to a special exhaust gas composition, as well as a method of producing the same. [Means for Solution] The present invention provides a nitrogen oxide purification catalyst in which particulates are supported on a metal oxide carrier, wherein the aforementioned particulates consist of Ag and Ni and the aforementioned Ag and Ni are at least partially alloyed. Also provided is a method of producing the aforementioned catalyst, comprising the step of preparing a colloidal suspension in which the ratio of Ag is 10 to 90 at % with respect to the total amount of Ag and Ni.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, CAMBRIDGE ENTERPRISE LIMITED
    Inventors: Mayuko Osaki, Yoshiaki Inagaki, Atsushi Tanaka, Brian Johnson, Andrew Wheatley, Maciej Cabaj, Masaya Ibe
  • Patent number: 9050588
    Abstract: A Fischer-Tropsch catalyst activation system including separation apparatus configured for separating a product gas comprising primarily hydrogen from a gas stream comprising hydrogen, an activation reactor fluidly connected with the separation apparatus via an activation gas inlet line whereby the product gas may be introduced into the activation reactor, and a circulation loop fluidly connecting a gas outlet of the activation reactor with the activation gas inlet line or with another gas inlet of the activation reactor and fluidly connecting the activation reactor with one or more apparatus configured for removal of H2O. A method of activating a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: GI—GASIFICATION INTERNATIONAL, S.A.
    Inventor: Juan R. Inga
  • Patent number: 8790614
    Abstract: ZnO structures comprising crystalline ZnO micro or nanorods and methods for making and using these ZnO structures are provided. The side surface of the central portion of each rod may comprise planes of the form {1 0 ?1 0}, {0 1 ?1 0}, {?1 1 0 0}, {?1 0 1 0}, {0 ?1 1 0} or {1 ?1 0 0}, with central edge regions including a crystallographic plane of the form {2 ?1 ?1 0} or {?2 1 1 0}. The tip of the rod may comprise planes of the form {1 0 ?1 1} {0 1 ?1 1}, {?1 1 0 1}, {?1 0 1 1}, {0 ?1 1 1} or {1 ?1 0 1} with tip edge regions including a crystallographic plane of the form {2 ?1 ?1 2} or {?2 1 1 2}. The rods may be joined at or near their bases to form a “flower-like” morphology. In an embodiment, a synthesis mixture is prepared by dissolving a zinc salt in an alcohol solvent, followed by addition of at least two additives. The zinc salt may be zinc nitrate hexahydrate, the first additive may be benzyl alcohol and the second additive may be urea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Colorado School of Mines
    Inventors: Ryan M. Richards, Lifang Chen, Juncheng Hu
  • Patent number: 8791166
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing methanol and its products exclusively from a geothermal source as the sole source material also using the needed energy from the geothermal energy source. The method includes separating or isolating carbon dioxide accompanying hot water or steam of the source, generating hydrogen from the water and subsequently preparing methanol from the carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The methanol can be further converted into dimethyl ether or other products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: George A. Olah, G. K. Surya Prakash
  • Publication number: 20140163122
    Abstract: An integrated process for the generation of saturated C3 and higher hydrocarbons from carbon oxide(s) and hydrogen, includes the steps of: (a) feeding a gas feed stream including carbon oxide(s) and hydrogen to a two-stage reaction system comprising a first stage including a carbon oxide(s) conversion catalyst, where the feed stream is converted in the first stage to form an intermediate product stream, (b) feeding the intermediate product stream to a second stage including a dehydration/hydrogenation catalyst and (c) removing a product stream from the second stage, the product stream including saturated C3 and higher hydrocarbons. The two-stage reaction system could exhibit a high activity and selectivity to C3 and higher hydrocarbons, and the two stage reactions may be operated in different reaction conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicants: BP P.L.C., DALIAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
    Inventors: Qingjie Ge, Xiangang Ma, Junguo Ma, Hengyong Xu
  • Publication number: 20140142204
    Abstract: A process and system are described for producing a synthetic crude oil by contacting a synthesis gas with a combination of a synthesis gas conversion catalyst and a hydroconversion catalyst in a synthesis gas reactor. The synthesis gas can be obtained from gas associated with crude oil production, i.e., associated gas, in a synthesis gas generator. The synthetic crude oil can be blended with a natural crude oil to produce a blended stabilized crude oil having 2 wt % or more of the synthetic crude oil. The resulting blended stabilized crude oil has improved flow characteristics including a pour point of 30° C. or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Leonard Kibby, Dennis John O'Rear, Robert James Saxton, Tapan Kumar Das, Kandaswany Jothimurugesan, Allison Amy Evans, Michelle Hart
  • Patent number: 8658554
    Abstract: A catalyst support which may be used to support various catalysts for use in reactions for hydrogenation of carbon dioxide including a catalyst support material and an active material capable of catalyzing a reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction associated with the catalyst support material. A catalyst for hydrogenation of carbon dioxide may be supported on the catalyst support. A method for making a catalyst for use in hydrogenation of carbon dioxide including application of an active material capable of catalyzing a reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction to a catalyst support material, the coated catalyst support material is optionally calcined, and a catalyst for the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide is deposited on the coated catalyst support material. A process for hydrogenation of carbon dioxide and for making syngas comprising a hydrocarbon, esp. methane, reforming step and a RWGS step which employs the catalyst composition of the present invention and products thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert W. Dorner, Heather D. Willauer, Dennis R Hardy
  • Patent number: 8574501
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting natural gas from a source, such as a wellhead, pipeline, or a storage facility, into hydrocarbon liquid stable at room temperature, comprising a skid or trailer mounted portable gas to liquids reactor. The reactor includes a preprocessor which desulfurizes and dehydrates the natural gas, a first stage reactor which transforms the preprocessed natural gas into synthesis gas, and a liquid production unit using a Fischer-Tropsch or similar polymerization process. The hydrocarbon liquid may be stored in a portable tank for later transportation or further processed on site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Greenway Innovative Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: F. Conrad Greer
  • Patent number: 8367883
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing naphtha, wherein, in hydrogenation of a naphtha fraction which is fractionated from synthetic oil (FT synthetic oil) obtained by Fisher-Tropsch synthesis, the hydrogenised component is recycled and the recycled amount thereof is adjusted to reduce a olefin content in a hydro-refining apparatus whereby heat generation is suppressed and unstable operation of the hydro-refining apparatus can be stabilized. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing naphtha, wherein a cut point for fractionating a naphtha fraction from FT synthetic oil is adjusted to reduce the amount of olefin in a hydro-refining apparatus whereby unstable operation of the hydro-refining apparatus can be stabilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignees: Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Inpex Corporation, Nippon Oil Corporation, Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd., Cosmo Oil Co., Ltd., Nippon Steel Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichi Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20120283341
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesizing ethanol using synthetic routes via synthesis gas are disclosed. A method and apparatus for gasifying biomass, such as biomass, in a steam gasifier that employs a fluidized bed and heating using hot flue gases from the combustion of synthesis gas is described. Methods and apparatus for converting synthesis gas into ethanol are also disclosed, using stepwise catalytic reactions to convert the carbon monoxide and hydrogen into ethanol using catalysts including iridium acetate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: WOODLAND BIOFUELS INC.
    Inventors: Larry Jack Melnichuk, Karen Venita Kelly, Robert S. Davis
  • Patent number: 8231776
    Abstract: A method for obtaining a petroleum distillate product is provided, the method includes subjecting an untreated light Fischer-Tropsch liquid to a two-step hydrogenation process, each step to be carried in the presence of a catalyst comprising an amorphous substrate having a metallic composition embedded therein. After the first step of hydrogenation, an intermediate hydrotreated light Fischer-Tropsch liquid is obtained, followed by the second step of hydrogenation thereof, obtaining the petroleum distillate product as a result. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Peter Kokayeff
  • Patent number: 8158842
    Abstract: A process for the recovery of organic chemical feedstocks from biooil is presented. The process comprises separating the water soluble chemicals from biomass and recovering the primarily oxygenate compounds for use as feedstocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Michael J. McCall
  • Patent number: 8022108
    Abstract: Novel methods of treating a Fischer-Tropsch product stream with an acid are disclosed. Such methods are capable of removing contamination from the Fischer-Tropsch product stream such that plugging of the catalyst beds of a subsequent hydroprocessing step is substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Lucy M. Bull, Donald L. Kuehne, William L. Schinski, Philippus Rudolf Heydenrich, Richard O. Moore, Jr., Quintin John Beukes, Gianni Guilio Eligio Bacco Rodriquez
  • Patent number: 8017658
    Abstract: A method of: introducing hydrogen and a feed gas containing at least 50 vol % carbon dioxide into a reactor containing a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst; and heating the hydrogen and carbon dioxide to a temperature of at least about 190° C. to produce hydrocarbons in the reactor. An apparatus having: a reaction vessel for containing a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, capable of heating gases to at least about 190° C.; a hydrogen delivery system feeding into the reaction vessel; a carbon dioxide delivery system for delivering a feed gas containing at least 50 vol % carbon dioxide feeding into the reaction vessel; and a trap for collecting hydrocarbons generated in the reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Nick E Tran, Dennis R Hardy, Samuel G Lambrakos, John G. Michopoulos
  • Patent number: 7896935
    Abstract: A process of conducting a catalyst reaction or fluid separation in 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: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Dongming Qiu, Richard Q. Long, Barry L. Yang, Thomas Yuschak, Steven T. Perry
  • Patent number: 7883882
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of manufacturing renewable chemicals through the manufacture of novel triglyceride oils followed by chemical modification of the oils. Methods such as transesterification, hydrogenation, hydrocracking, deoxygenation, isomerization, interesterification, hydroxylation, hydrolysis and saponification are disclosed. Novel oils containing fatty acid chain lengths of C8, C10, C12 or C14 are also disclosed and are useful as feedstocks in the methods of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Solazyme, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Franklin, Aravind Somanchi, Karen Espina, George Rudenko, Penelope Chua
  • Patent number: 7879920
    Abstract: This invention is directed to methods for forming an olefin stream from a methanol stream. A lower grade methanol, such as chemical grade or crude methanol, can be used as feed to form the olefin stream. The process uses a relatively simple distillation type step to vaporize a portion of the methanol feed stream and send the resulting vapor stream to a reaction unit to form the olefin stream. In addition, the invention provides the ability to operate the downstream recovery units with reduced fouling or plugging due to the presence of fine solids components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Lattner, Christopher Becker, Cor F. Van Egmond, Andrew M. Argo
  • Patent number: 7875254
    Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in internal loop reactors. The reactor of the invention is characterized by a plurality of cooling tubes which form the annulus between the riser and the downcomer path of said internal loop reactor. The reactor also provides improvements in hydroformylation reactions using the improved reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Dean Garton, Matthew Findlay, Krishnan Sankaranarayanan, Arie Van Vliet
  • Publication number: 20100317751
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the extraction of hydrogen from a gas mixture comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide and optionally nitrogen, carbon dioxide, lower hydrocarbons and/or water, by contacting the gas mixture with a non-porous polyimide-based membrane, especially with the selective side of an asymmetric membrane, to obtain a hydrogen rich permeate and a hydrogen lean retentate, the polyimide-based membrane being a specific mixture of two polyimides. This specific membrane shows a very high hydrogen/carbon monoxide selectivity. The invention is especially suitable for the upgrading of synthesis gas obtained by partial oxidation and/or reforming of hydrocarbonaceous feedstream for use in hydrocarbon synthesis reaction as the Fischer-Tropsch reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Paulus Theodorus Maria Van Brugge, Lisa Johanne Deprez, Arian Nijmeijer
  • Patent number: 7829751
    Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for forming mixed alcohols containing methanol and ethanol. The mixed alcohol can then be used as a feedstock for an oxygenate to olefin reaction system for conversion thereof to ethylene, propylene, and the like. In addition, the olefins produced by the oxygenate to olefin reaction can then be used as monomers for a polymerization of olefin-containing polymers and/or oligomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents, Inc.
    Inventors: Doron Levin, Richard B. Hall
  • Patent number: 7812060
    Abstract: A method of treating off-gas from a Fischer-Tropsch reaction comprises recovering the off-gas and hydrogenating a portion of the olefins present in the off-gas and converting a portion of the carbon monoxide present in the off-gas to carbon dioxide or methane. The treated off-gas is then fed to a hydrogen manufacturing unit such as a steam reformer to form hydrogen that can be used elsewhere in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Frederik Willem Hendrik Gimpel, Gerard Grootveld
  • Patent number: 7803845
    Abstract: Method and device for cleaning synthesis gas obtained during gasification of biomass are disclosed. The synthesis gas is passed through a saturation device and an absorption device, both of which are fed with oil. In this way, the synthesis gas is scrubbed with oil and tar is substantially removed therefrom. The tar-containing oil which is released in this process is subjected to a cleaning step, as a result of which oil with a high percentage of tar and oil with a relatively low percentage of tar are formed. The first oil can be retuned to the gasification, and the remaining oil can be reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Stichting Energieonderzoek Centrum Nederland
    Inventors: Harold Boerrigter, Peter Christiaan Albert Bergman
  • Patent number: 7776208
    Abstract: This disclosure discusses integrating syngas streams with refinery hydrotreators, synthetic hydrocarbon gas to liquid (GTL) processes, and power generation units (such as combined cycle units) to efficiently use hydrogen contained in the syngas produced from heavy hydrocarbons (pet coke, residues, oil, etc.). Membrane separation and pressure swing adsorption is used to separate components of syngas and feed them to refineries, GTL units, and power/steam generation units. Hydrogen-rich refinery purge is used to raise the H2/CO ratio of syngas. A hydrogen-enriched syngas is produced with an H2/CO ratio favorable for the production on synthetic hydrocarbons (greater than about 1.5 to about 2.0 or higher). Pure hydrogen is also produced in a PSA unit, to further raise the H2/CO ratio of the syngas and provide hydrogen feed for refinery hydrotreators and synthetic hydrocarbon units (such as methanol units).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide - Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: C.J. Guo
  • Patent number: 7745502
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a hydrogen-rich stream from a hydrogen-depleted stream. More particularly, the invention relates to a hydrocarbon synthesis process, by way of example, a Fischer Tropsch process, from which both hydrocarbons and high purity hydrogen are obtained. The process comprises contacting the hydrogen-depleted stream with a reverse-selective membrane to provide a CO2-enriched permeate and a hydrogen-containing retentate. The high purity hydrogen is produced from the hydrogen-containing retentate. The high purity hydrogen thus obtained may be used in a process selected from the group consisting of upgrading hydrocarbons produced from the hydrocarbon synthesis process, hydrotreating a natural gas stream, recycling to the hydrocarbon synthesis reaction unit, high purity hydrogen production, catalyst rejuvenation, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford M. Lowe, Daniel Chinn
  • Patent number: 7737311
    Abstract: Use of a Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel in a fuel composition is disclosed, for the purpose of reducing catalyst degradation in a catalytically driven or catalyst containing system which is running on, or is to be run on, the composition or its products, wherein the Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel is used to reduce the level of silicon in the fuel composition, such as by reducing the concentration of silicon-containing antifoaming additive(s) in the fuel composition. It may also be used to reduce loss of efficiency of fuel atomization and/or combustion, and/or to reduce build up of silicon deposits, in a fuel consuming system which is running on, or is to be run on, the fuel composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Roger Francis Cracknell, Trevor Stephenson
  • Patent number: 7666366
    Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in internal loop reactors. The reactor of the invention is characterized by a plurality of cooling tubes which form the annulus between the riser and the downcomer path of said internal loop reactor. The reactor also provides improvements in hydroformylation reactions using the improved reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Dean Garton, Matthew Findlay, Krishnan Sankaranarayanan, Arie Van Vliet
  • Publication number: 20100022671
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing methanol and its products exclusively from a geothermal source as the sole source material also using the needed energy from the geothermal energy source. The method includes separating or isolating carbon dioxide accompanying hot water or steam of the source, generating hydrogen from the water and subsequently preparing methanol from the carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The methanol can be further converted into dimethyl ether or other products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: George A. Olah, G.K. Surya Prakash
  • Publication number: 20090326080
    Abstract: A process for converting methanol to ethanol which comprises reacting methanol and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst to produce a product comprising at least 25 mole % methyl acetate and, in some instances, acetic acid. The acetic acid then is reacted with at least one alcohol to produce at least one acetate selected from methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and butyl acetate. The at least one acetate (if produced) and the methyl acetate produced as a result of reacting methanol and carbon monoxide then are hydrogenated to produce ethanol. Syngas may be produced from biomass to produce all or a portion of the methanol, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide requirements for the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Esteban Chornet, Boris Valsecchi, Yasmin Avila, Betty Nguyen, Jean-Michel Lavoie
  • Patent number: 7638038
    Abstract: A method for controlling the pseudo-isothermicity of a chemical reaction in a respective reaction zone. (9) in which the use of heat exchangers (6) is foreseen having an operating heat exchange fluid flowing through them and in which heat exchange critical areas (9a) are identified, the method being distinguished by the fact that it reduces and controls, in the critical areas (9a) of the reaction zone, the value of the heat exchange coefficient between the operating fluid and the zone (9), through thermal insulation of the portions (6a, 6b) of such exchangers extending in such areas (9a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Methanol Casale S.A.
    Inventors: Ermanno Filippi, Enrico Rizzi, Mirco Tarozzo
  • Patent number: 7608743
    Abstract: An efficient and environmentally beneficial method of recycling and producing methanol from varied sources of carbon dioxide including flue gases of fossil fuel burning powerplants, industrial exhaust gases or the atmosphere itself. Converting carbon dioxide by chemical or electrochemical reduction secondary treatment to produce essentially methanol, dimethyl ether and derived products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: George A. Olah, G. K. Surya Prakash
  • Patent number: 7605285
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for producing dimethyl carbonate, wherein carbon dioxide is recovered from combustion exhaust gas of a steam reformer 10 and a boiler; and some of the recovered carbon dioxide is used for methanol synthesis as a raw material for the steam reformer 10, and the remaining carbon dioxide is allowed to react with some of the yielded methanol to synthesize dimethyl carbonate. According to the present invention, CO2, which has conventionally been discharged, is returned to the steam reformer and is used effectively to produce DMC, and also devices for producing methanol and DMC can be simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuto Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Osora, Yoshio Seiki, Masaki Iijima
  • Patent number: 7605293
    Abstract: An environmentally beneficial method of producing methanol from varied sources of carbon dioxide including flue gases of fossil fuel burning powerplants, industrial exhaust gases or the atmosphere itself. Converting carbon dioxide by electrochemical reduction produces formic acid acid and some formaldehyde and methanol mixtures. The formic acid can be used as source of carbon as well as hydrogen to produce methanol, dimethyl ether and other products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: George A. Olah, G. K. Surya Prakash