Lowell David Fraley

US Patent:

7019039, Mar 28, 2006

Filed:

Jul 14, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/181267

Inventors:

Lowell Fraley - Sugar Land TX, US

Assignee:

Starchem Technologies, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

C07C 27/00

US Classification:

518700, 702703, 702705

Abstract:

This invention relates to a process for producing methanol from a synthesis gas produced by partial oxidation of natural gas with an oxidant stream having a high nitrogen content, such as an oxygen enriched air stream. This invention utilizes a high pressure non-permeate gas stream of low BTU content obtained from a partial expansion of a very high pressure tail gas of the process down to a high pressure together with a high pressure non-permeate gas stream of low oxygen content to achieve an energy efficient process by passing these non-permeate, high pressure streams in combination into contact with an oxidizing catalyst, so to significantly increase the temperature of these combine high pressure gas streams, for increased working energy recovery therefrom, as by their expansion through a hot gas expander.

US Patent:

7799834, Sep 21, 2010

Filed:

Jan 19, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/655475

Inventors:

Lowell D. Fraley - Sugar Land TX, US

Assignee:

Starchem Technologies, Inc. - Zurich

International Classification:

C07C 27/00

US Classification:

518705, 518700, 518703

Abstract:

A process and a system are disclosed for producing methanol from synthesis gas. The synthesis gas is a stream containing H, CO, and COthat is created using a nitrogen containing oxidant stream, such as air. The synthesis gas is then reacted through a conventional reactor system to create methanol. Unreacted synthesis gas is recycled back through the reactor system. The disclosed methanol production process can be mounted and operated on a seagoing vessel.

US Patent:

8143320, Mar 27, 2012

Filed:

Aug 13, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/855787

Inventors:

Lowell D. Fraley - Sugar Land TX, US

Assignee:

Starchem Technologies, Inc. - Zurich

International Classification:

C07C 27/00

US Classification:

518705, 518700, 518703

Abstract:

A process and a system are disclosed for producing methanol from synthesis gas. The synthesis gas is a stream containing H, CO, and COthat is created using a nitrogen containing oxidant stream, such as air. The synthesis gas is then reacted through a conventional reactor system to create methanol. Unreacted synthesis gas is recycled back through the reactor system. The disclosed methanol production process can be mounted and operated on a seagoing vessel.

US Patent:

51771144, Jan 5, 1993

Filed:

Mar 30, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/861351

Inventors:

Christiaan P. Van Dijk - Houston TX
Lowell D. Fraley - Sugar Land TX

Assignee:

Starchem Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

C07C 706
C07C 104

US Classification:

518703

Abstract:

This invention comprises a method for converting natural gas to a normally liquid carbon containing compound, such as methanol and/or dimethyl ether and/or to gasoline grade liquid hydrocarbons and/or olefins. The method of this invention eliminates the need for steam reforming and/or adiabatic reforming with essentially pure oxygen of the natural gas to a synthesis gas. In accordance with the process of this invention, a synthesis gas may be produced at an operating pressure suitable for conversion thereof to methanol and/or dimethyl ether without the need for synthesis gas recompression. Further, the vent or bleed gas from the overheads after conversion to the crude product methanol/DME and/or its conversion to gasoline grade liquid hydrocarbons, generally has a BTU capacity required to serve as a fuel gas for supplying the energy needed for operation of a gas turbine which powers the gas compression equipment requirements by which the process of this invention may be practiced. Accordingly, the capital and operating cost associated with the production of methanol, DME and gasoline from natural gas is significantly reduced by the method of this invention and renders it economically feasible for natural gas recovery processing at remote locations.

US Patent:

59422033, Aug 24, 1999

Filed:

May 24, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/065438

Inventors:

Christiaan P. Van Dijk - Houston TX
Lowell David Fraley - Sugar Land TX

International Classification:

C01C 104
C01B 2120
B01D 5322
B01D 5302

US Classification:

423359

Abstract:

This invention comprises a method and apparatus for obtaining from air an oxygen enriched gas mixture containing at least 40 mole % nitrogen. The apparatus comprises a gas turbine, an oxygen separation unit which is in fluid communication with the turbine air compressor and means for maintaining a proper mass balance tolerance between the turbine compressor/unit and the turbine energy production unit. This invention comprises a method and apparatus for recovering large quantities of an oxygen enriched gas from the volume of a compressed air stream produced by a gas turbine by compensation of the mass loss to the energy production unit section thereof by providing means for maintaining the turbine in proper mass and thermal balance as the turbine is utilized to provide the duty/power requirements of a process which utilizes the oxygen enriched gas stream as a reactant.

US Patent:

52451100, Sep 14, 1993

Filed:

Sep 19, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/762505

Inventors:

Christiaan P. Van Dijk - Houston TX
Lowell D. Fraley - Sugar Land TX

Assignee:

Starchem, Inc. - Houston TX

International Classification:

C07C 104

US Classification:

585946

Abstract:

This invention comprises a method and apparatus for obtaining from air an oxygen enriched gas mixture containing at least 40 mole % nitrogen. The apparatus comprises a gas turbine, an oxygen separation unit which is in fluid communication with the turbine air compressor and means for maintaining a proper mass balance tolerance between the turbine compressor/unit and the turbine energy production unit. This invention comprises a method and apparatus for recovering large quantities of an oxygen enriched gas from the volume of a compressed air stream produced by a gas turbine by compensation of the mass loss to the energy production unit section thereof by providing means for maintaining the turbine in proper mass and thermal balance as the turbine is utilized to provide the duty/power requirements of a process which utilizes the oxygen enriched gas stream as a reactant.