US4279722A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Use of microwaves in petroleum refinery operations
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1980-03-17
•
Granted: 1981-07-21
•
Expires: 2000-03-17
Abstract
Abstract Petroleum refinery operations involving catalytic reactions are improved by subjecting hydrocarbon reactants in contact with catalytic material to the influence of wave energy in the microwave range.
Inventors
- 👤 Chalmer G. Kirkbride
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 20:12
CPC Classifications
C; C10; C10G; C10G32/00; C10G32/02; B; B01; B01J; B01J8/00; B01J8/18; B01J8/24; B01J8/42; C10G15/00; C10G15/08; C10G35/00; C10G35/16; C10G47/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
59 words
A method of operating a catalytic petroleum refinery process comprising performing a catalytic operation for conversion of liquid hydrocarbons derived from petroleum by exposing said liquid hydrocarbons mixed with catalyst to sufficient microwave energy in the frequency range of about 2.5×10 9 to 10 12 hertz in the absence of coal particles to enhance conversion of said liquid hydrocarbons.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
59 words
A method of operating a catalytic petroleum refinery process comprising performing a catalytic operation for conversion of liquid hydrocarbons derived from petroleum by exposing said liquid hydrocarbons mixed with catalyst to sufficient microwave energy in the frequency range of about 2.5×10 9 to 10 12 hertz in the absence of coal particles to enhance conversion of said liquid hydrocarbons.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the catalytic operation is performed under relatively mild conditions of temperature and pressure and relatively low catalytic contact times.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 2, wherein the catalytic operation is performed in the presence of hydrogen.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 3, wherein the catalytic refinery operation is catalytic reforming.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 2, wherein at least two microwave sources are employed in the same operation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 5, wherein each microwave source is operated at a different frequency.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 6, wherein the microwave sources are operated simultaneously.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 6, wherein the microwave sources are operated consecutively.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
48 words
A method of operating a catalytic petroleum refinery process comprising performing a catalytic cracking operation for conversion of liquid hydrocarbons derived from petroleum by exposing said liquid hydrocarbons mixed with catalyst in the absence of coal particles to sufficient microwave energy to enhance conversion of said liquid hydrocarbons.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
48 words
A method of operating a catalytic petroleum refinery process comprising performing a catalytic cracking operation for conversion of liquid hydrocarbons derived from petroleum by exposing said liquid hydrocarbons mixed with catalyst in the absence of coal particles to sufficient microwave energy to enhance conversion of said liquid hydrocarbons.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 9, wherein the catalytic operation is performed under relatively mild conditions of temperature and pressure and relatively low catalytic contact times.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 10, wherein the catalytic operation is performed in the presence of hydrogen.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-07-20 | 1985-01-19 | 1985-07-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-07-20 | 1989-01-19 | 1989-07-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-07-20 | 1993-01-19 | 1993-07-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |