New Patent Granted

Mostly off-topic (but energy-related), I just got a notice that one of my patents that has been working it’s way through the system was finally granted:

Reactor and process for making synthesis gas

United States Patent 7,381,230
Rapier, et al. June 3, 2008

Abstract

The invention relates to reactor systems and processes for producing synthesis gas. In one embodiment, a reactor comprises a first reaction zone comprising a combustion catalyst, wherein the first reaction zone is operated at conditions sufficient to produce a combustion zone product comprising heat generated by the combustion of a fuel. The reactor further comprises a second reaction zone comprising a partial oxidation catalyst, wherein the second reaction zone is adapted to receive the combustion zone product and a reaction feed comprising a hydrocarbon gas. The second reaction zone is operated at conditions sufficient for partially oxidizing the hydrocarbon gas to a product stream comprising synthesis gas. The heat of combustion is transferred directly to the reaction feed by mixing it in a feed mix region located in the reactor between the first and second reaction zones, in such a manner that the reaction feed does not need preheating prior to entering the partial oxidation zone.

This patent is a gas to liquids (GTL) application, but has implications for CTL and BTL as well. From the time of application, it took 3.5 years for this one to be granted.

Author: Robert Rapier

Robert Rapier is a seasoned chemical engineer with three decades of international experience in the energy sector. He holds undergraduate degrees in chemistry and mathematics, and a master’s in chemical engineering. Robert has worked extensively in oil refining, production, synthetic fuels, biomass energy, and alcohol production, earning several patents along the way. As Editor-in-Chief of Shale Magazine and a prolific author for Investing Daily, he shares his expertise through various newsletters and his latest book, American Energy: A History of Power, Progress, and Change. Robert's insights have been featured on 60 Minutes, The History Channel, CNBC, and PBS, among others. His articles have appeared in top publications like the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and The Economist. For nearly a decade, he has covered the energy sector for Forbes.

2 thoughts on “New Patent Granted”

  1. Congratulations, Robert. 3.5 years is not slow turnaround for the PTO these days. I received a patent in January for an application that I first drafted in January 2003 – exactly five years from draft to patent. It seems from your blog that you are still interested in the BtL area?

  2. It seems from your blog that you are still interested in the BtL area?

    Absolutely. Short-term, capital costs are too high. Long-term, I think it beats most other liquid fuel options.

    RR

Comments are closed.