Title: Heavy fossil hydrocarbon conversion and upgrading using radio-frequency or microwave energy

Abstract

Conversion of heavy fossil hydrocarbons (HFH) to a variety of value-added chemicals and/or fuels can be enhanced using microwave (MW) and/or radio-frequency (RF) energy. Variations of reactants, process parameters, and reactor design can significantly influence the relative distribution of chemicals and fuels generated as the product. In one example, a system for flash microwave conversion of HFH includes a source concentrating microwave or RF energy in a reaction zone having a pressure greater than 0.9 atm, a continuous feed having HFH and a process gas passing through the reaction zone, a HFH-to-liquids catalyst contacting the HFH in at least the reaction zone, and dielectric discharges within the reaction zone. The HFH and the catalyst have a residence time in the reaction zone of less than 30 seconds. In some instances, a plasma can form in or near the reaction zone.

Inventors:

Strohm, James J.; Roberts, Benjamin Q.; Smurthwaite, Tricia D.; Bergsman, Theresa M.; Bearden, Mark D.

Issue Date:

2018-01-09

Research Org.:

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States); Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1532040

Patent Number(s):

9862892

Application Number:

14/464,635

Assignee:

Battelle Memorial Institute (Richland, WA)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

B - PERFORMING OPERATIONS B01 - PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL B01J - CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY

C - CHEMISTRY C10 - PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES C10G - CRACKING HYDROCARBON OILS

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B - PERFORMING OPERATIONS B01 - PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL B01J - CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY

B01J19/0093 - {Microreactors, e.g. miniaturised or microfabricated reactors
B01J19/088 - {giving rise to electric discharges
B01J19/126 - {Microwaves}
B01J2219/00792 - One or more tube-shaped elements
B01J2219/00822 - Metal
B01J2219/00826 - Quartz
B01J2219/00835 - Comprising catalytically active material
B01J2219/0086 - Dimensions of the flow channels
B01J2219/00941 - Microwaves
B01J2219/0894 - Processes carried out in the presence of a plasma
B01J2219/1215 - Single reactor
B01J2219/1227 - Reactors comprising tubes with open ends
B01J2219/1239 - Means for feeding and evacuation
B01J2219/1245 - Parts of the reactor being microwave absorbing, dielectric
B01J2219/1269 - Microwave guides
B01J2219/1272 - Materials of construction

C - CHEMISTRY C10 - PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES C10G - CRACKING HYDROCARBON OILS

C10G1/002 - {in combination with oil conversion- or refining processes}
C10G15/08 - by electric means or by electromagnetic or mechanical vibrations
C10G2300/1033 - Oil well production fluids
C10G2400/02 - Gasoline
C10G2400/04 - Diesel oil
C10G2400/08 - Jet fuel
C10G29/205 - {by reaction with hydrocarbons added to the hydrocarbon oil}

H - ELECTRICITY H05 - ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR H05H - PLASMA TECHNIQUE

H05H1/46 - using applied electromagnetic fields, e.g. high frequency or microwave energy

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DOE Contract Number:  

HR0011-10-0088; Z075/00

Resource Type:

Patent

Resource Relation:

Patent File Date: 2014-08-20

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English