Heavy fossil hydrocarbon conversion and upgrading using radio-frequency or microwave energy
US9862892B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 11, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05H1/4622
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.