US4666457A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method for reducing emissions utilizing pre-atomized fuels
Assignee: Petroleum Fermentations NV
•
Filing: 1985-10-15
•
Granted: 1987-05-19
•
Expires: 2005-10-15
Abstract
Abstract Methods and composition are provided to facilitate the utilization of highly viscous hydrocarbons as clean burning fuels.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael E. Hayes
- 👤 Kevin R. Hrebenar
- 👤 James F. Deal, III
- 👤 Paul L. Bolden, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 21:46
CPC Classifications
C; C10; C10L; C10L1/00; C10L1/10; C10L1/14; C10L1/30; C09; C09K; C09K23/00; C09K23/017; C10L1/32; C10L1/328; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S516/00; Y10S516/01; Y10S516/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 50
Claim 1
Independent Claim
113 words
A method for reducing particulate emissions during combustion of a hydrocarbon with API gravity of about 20° API or less, viscosity of about 40,000 centipoise at 122° F., paraffin content of about 50% by weight or less, aromatic content of about 15% by weight or greater, and asphaltene content of about 50% by weight or greater which comprises: (a) emulsifying such hydrocarbon to form a hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion having a hydrocarbon water ratio from about 60:40 to about 90:10 by volume and in which emulsion the hydrocarbon has a particle size predominantly of about 50 microns in diameter or less; (b) preheating such hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion prior to combustion; and (c) burning such hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
113 words
A method for reducing particulate emissions during combustion of a hydrocarbon with API gravity of about 20° API or less, viscosity of about 40,000 centipoise at 122° F., paraffin content of about 50% by weight or less, aromatic content of about 15% by weight or greater, and asphaltene content of about 50% by weight or greater which comprises: (a) emulsifying such hydrocarbon to form a hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion having a hydrocarbon water ratio from about 60:40 to about 90:10 by volume and in which emulsion the hydrocarbon has a particle size predominantly of about 50 microns in diameter or less; (b) preheating such hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion prior to combustion; and (c) burning such hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 1 in which the hydrocarbon is a residual oil.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method according to claim 1 in which the hydrocarbon is a pitch.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for reducing particulate emissions during combustion of a hydrocarbon characterized by an asphaltene content of about 50% by weight or greater which comprises: (a) emulsifying such hydrocarbon to form a hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion having a hydrocarbon water ratio from about 60:40 to about 90:10 by volume and in which emulsion the hydrocarbon has a particle size predominantly of about 50 microns in diameter or less; (b) preheating such hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion prior to combustion; and (c) burning such hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for reducing particulate emissions during combustion of a hydrocarbon characterized by an asphaltene content of about 50% by weight or greater which comprises: (a) emulsifying such hydrocarbon to form a hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion having a hydrocarbon water ratio from about 60:40 to about 90:10 by volume and in which emulsion the hydrocarbon has a particle size predominantly of about 50 microns in diameter or less; (b) preheating such hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion prior to combustion; and (c) burning such hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
74 words
A method for reducing particulate emissions during combustion of a pyrolysis pitch hydrocarbon which comprises: (a) emulsifying such pyrolysis pitch hydrocarbon to form a hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion having a hydrocarbon water ratio from about 60:40 to about 90:10 by volume and in which emulsion the pyrolysis pitch hydrocarbon has a particle size predominantly of about 50 microns in diameter or less; (b) preheating such hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion prior to combustion; and (c) burning such hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
74 words
A method for reducing particulate emissions during combustion of a pyrolysis pitch hydrocarbon which comprises: (a) emulsifying such pyrolysis pitch hydrocarbon to form a hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion having a hydrocarbon water ratio from about 60:40 to about 90:10 by volume and in which emulsion the pyrolysis pitch hydrocarbon has a particle size predominantly of about 50 microns in diameter or less; (b) preheating such hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion prior to combustion; and (c) burning such hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 1, 4, or 5 in which the hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion has a hydrocarbon: water ratio of about 70:30.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method according to claim 1, 2, 4 or 5 in which the hydrocarbon in the hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion has a particle size predominantly of about 20 microns in diameter or smaller.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 1, 2, 4 or 5 in which the hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion is preheated to at least about 60° C. prior to combustion.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
121 words
The method according to claim 1, 2, 4 or 5 in which the hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion is formed using a surfactant package which comprises about 50% by weight of a poly(oxyethylene-co-oxypropylene) block copolymer, about 40% by weight of an ethoxylated alkyl phenol, or a mixture of ethoxylated alkyl phenols, of the general formula R x C 6 H 4 (OC 2 H 4 ) n OH where R represents an alkyl group containing from about 8 to about 12 carbon atoms, x represents the number of alkyl groups and is either 1 or 2 and n represents the number of ethoxy groups which can range from about 1 to about 150, and about 10% by weight of an interfacially active polymeric stabilizer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 9 in which the interfacially active polymeric stabilizer in the surfactant package is a modified lignin.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method according to claim 9 in which the interfacially active polymeric stabilizer in the surfactant package is a sulfonated phenolformaldehyde polymer with a molecular weight of about 500 to about 2000 daltons.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method according to claim 1 2, 4 or 7 in which the hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion is formed using a surfactant package which comprises about 50% by weight of a poly(oxyethylene-co-oxypropylene) block copolymer, about 20% by weight of ethoxylated dinonylphenol with about 150 ethoxy groups, about 20% by weight of ethoxylated monononylphenol with about 40 ethoxy groups, and about 10% by weight of a modified lignin.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
62 words
The method according to claim 1, 2, 4 or 5 in which the hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion is formed using a surfactant package which comprises about 47.24% by weight of a poly(oxyethylene-co-oxypropylene) block copolymer, about 21.38% by weight of ethoxylated dinonylphenol with about 150 ethoxy groups, about 21.38% by weight of ethoxylated monononylphenol with about 40 ethoxy groups and about 10% Kraft process-modified lignin.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 9 in which the surfactant package is used at a treatment rate of about 1/35 to about 1/450 based on hydrocarbon.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 12 in which the surfactant package is used at a treatment rate of about 1/35 to about 1/450 based on hydrocarbon.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 13 in which the surfactant package is used at a treatment rate of about 1/35 to about 1/450 based on hydrocarbon.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method according to claim 13 in which the surfactant package is used at a treatment rate of about 1/250 based on hydrocarbon.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 1, 2, 4 or 5 in which a rheology control agent is added to the water phase of the hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 18 in which the rheology control agent is xanthan.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method according to claim 18 in which the rheology control agent is added to the water phase of the hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion at about 0.15% by weight water phase.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method according to claim 1, 2, 4 or 5 in which the particulate emissions are reduced by a factor of at least about two compared to particulate emissions formed during combustion of the unemulsified hydrocarbon.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method according to claim 7 in which the particulate emissions are reduced by a factor of at least about two compared to particulate emissions formed during combustion of the unemulsified hydrocarbon.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method according to claim 1, 2, 4 or 5 in which the particulate emissions are reduced by a factor of at least about five compared to the particulate emissions formed during combustion of the unemulsified hydrocarbon.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method according to claim 7 in which the particulate emissions are reduced by a factor of at least about five compared to the particulate emissions formed during combustion of the unemulsified hydrocarbon.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
99 words
A method for reducing particulate emissions during combustion of pyrolysis pitch which comprises burning such pyrolysis pitch in the form of a pitch-in-water emulsion, said pitch-in-water emulsion having a pitch-to-water ratio of about 70:30 and being formed with a surfactant package comprising about 50% by weight of a poly(oxyethylene-co-oxypropylene) block copolymer, about 20% by weight of ethoxylated dinonylphenol with about 150 ethoxy groups, about 20% by weight of ethoxylated monononylphenol with about 40 ethoxy groups and about 10% by weight of a modified lignin, such surfactant package being used at a treatment rate of about 1/250 based on pitch.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
99 words
A method for reducing particulate emissions during combustion of pyrolysis pitch which comprises burning such pyrolysis pitch in the form of a pitch-in-water emulsion, said pitch-in-water emulsion having a pitch-to-water ratio of about 70:30 and being formed with a surfactant package comprising about 50% by weight of a poly(oxyethylene-co-oxypropylene) block copolymer, about 20% by weight of ethoxylated dinonylphenol with about 150 ethoxy groups, about 20% by weight of ethoxylated monononylphenol with about 40 ethoxy groups and about 10% by weight of a modified lignin, such surfactant package being used at a treatment rate of about 1/250 based on pitch.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 25 in which the water phase of the pitch-in-water emulsion comprises about 0.15% by weight xanthan.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 25 in which the pitch-in-water emulsion is preheated to at least about 60° C. prior to burning.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 25 in which the pitch in the pitch-in-water emulsion has a particle size predominantly of about 20 microns in diameter or smaller.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method according to claim 25 in which the particulate emissions are reduced by a factor of at least about two compared to the particulate emissions formed during combustion of the unemulsified pitch.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method according to claim 25 in which the particulate emissions are reduced by a factor of at least about five compared to the particulate emissions formed during combustion of the unemulsified pitch.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
103 words
A surfactant package which comprises about 50% by weight of a poly(oxyethylene-co-oxypropylene) block copolymer, about 40% by weight of an ethoxylated alkyl phenol, or a mixture of ethoxylated alkyl phenols, of the general formula R x C 6 H 4 (OC 2 H 4 ) n OH where R represents an alkyl group containing from about 8 to about 12 carbon atoms, x represents the number of alkyl groups and is either 1 or 2 and n represents the number of ethoxy groups which can range from about 1 to about 150, and about 10% by weight of an interfacially active polymeric stabilizer.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
103 words
A surfactant package which comprises about 50% by weight of a poly(oxyethylene-co-oxypropylene) block copolymer, about 40% by weight of an ethoxylated alkyl phenol, or a mixture of ethoxylated alkyl phenols, of the general formula R x C 6 H 4 (OC 2 H 4 ) n OH where R represents an alkyl group containing from about 8 to about 12 carbon atoms, x represents the number of alkyl groups and is either 1 or 2 and n represents the number of ethoxy groups which can range from about 1 to about 150, and about 10% by weight of an interfacially active polymeric stabilizer.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
18 words
The surfactant package according to claim 31 in which the interfacially active polymeric stabilizer is a modified lignin.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
30 words
The surfactant package according to claim 31 in which the interfacially active polymeric stabilizer is a sulfonated phenolformaldehyde polymer with a molecular weight of about 500 to about 2000 daltons.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
46 words
A surfactant package which comprises about 50% by weight of a poly(oxyethylene-co-oxypropylene) block copolymer, about 20% by weight of ethoxylated dinonylphenol with about 150 ethoxy groups, about 20% by weight of ethoxylated monononylphenol with about 40 ethoxy groups, and 10% by weight of a modified lignin.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
46 words
A surfactant package which comprises about 50% by weight of a poly(oxyethylene-co-oxypropylene) block copolymer, about 20% by weight of ethoxylated dinonylphenol with about 150 ethoxy groups, about 20% by weight of ethoxylated monononylphenol with about 40 ethoxy groups, and 10% by weight of a modified lignin.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
44 words
A surfactant package which comprises about 47.24% by weight of a poly(oxyethylene-co-oxypropylene) block copolymer, about 21.38% by weight of ethoxylated dinonylphenol with about 150 ethoxy groups, about 21.38% by weight of ethoxylated mononylphenol with about 40 ethoxy groups and about 10% Kraft process-modified lignin.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
44 words
A surfactant package which comprises about 47.24% by weight of a poly(oxyethylene-co-oxypropylene) block copolymer, about 21.38% by weight of ethoxylated dinonylphenol with about 150 ethoxy groups, about 21.38% by weight of ethoxylated mononylphenol with about 40 ethoxy groups and about 10% Kraft process-modified lignin.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
130 words
A pre-atomized fuel comprising a hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion formed by emulsifying a hydrocarbon with API gravity of about 20° API or less, viscosity of about 40,000 centipoise or greater at 122° F., paraffin content of about 50% by weight or less, and aromatic content of about 15% by weight or greater into an aqueous phase using a surfactant package which comprises about 50% by weight of a poly(oxyethylene-co-oxypropylene) block copolymer, about 20% by weight of ethoxylated dinonylphenol with about 150 ethoxy groups, about 20% by weight of ethoxylated monononylphenol with about 40 ethoxy groups, and 10% by weight of a modified lignin in a proportion from about 1:35 to about 1:450 by weight based on hydrocarbon, said hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion having a hydrocarbon:water ratio from about 60:40 to about 90:10 by volume.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
130 words
A pre-atomized fuel comprising a hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion formed by emulsifying a hydrocarbon with API gravity of about 20° API or less, viscosity of about 40,000 centipoise or greater at 122° F., paraffin content of about 50% by weight or less, and aromatic content of about 15% by weight or greater into an aqueous phase using a surfactant package which comprises about 50% by weight of a poly(oxyethylene-co-oxypropylene) block copolymer, about 20% by weight of ethoxylated dinonylphenol with about 150 ethoxy groups, about 20% by weight of ethoxylated monononylphenol with about 40 ethoxy groups, and 10% by weight of a modified lignin in a proportion from about 1:35 to about 1:450 by weight based on hydrocarbon, said hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion having a hydrocarbon:water ratio from about 60:40 to about 90:10 by volume.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
101 words
A pre-atomized fuel comprising a hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion formed by emulsifying a hydrocarbon with asphaltene content of 50% by weight or greater into an aqueous phase using a surfactant package which comprises about 50% by weight of a poly(oxyethylene-co-oxypropylene) block copolymer, about 20% by weight of ethoxylated dinonylphenol with about 150 ethoxy groups, about 20% by weight of ethoxylated monononylphenol with about 40 ethoxy groups, and 10% by weight of a modified lignin in a proportion from about 1:35 to about 1:450 by weight based on hydrocarbon, said hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion having a hydrocarbon:water ratio from about 60:40 to about 90:10 by volume.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
101 words
A pre-atomized fuel comprising a hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion formed by emulsifying a hydrocarbon with asphaltene content of 50% by weight or greater into an aqueous phase using a surfactant package which comprises about 50% by weight of a poly(oxyethylene-co-oxypropylene) block copolymer, about 20% by weight of ethoxylated dinonylphenol with about 150 ethoxy groups, about 20% by weight of ethoxylated monononylphenol with about 40 ethoxy groups, and 10% by weight of a modified lignin in a proportion from about 1:35 to about 1:450 by weight based on hydrocarbon, said hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion having a hydrocarbon:water ratio from about 60:40 to about 90:10 by volume.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
91 words
A pre-atomized fuel comprising a hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion formed by emulsifying pitch into an aqueous phase using a surfactant package which comprises about 50% by weight of a poly(oxyethylene-co-oxypropylene) block copolymer, about 20% by weight of ethoxylated dinonylphenol with about 150 ethoxy groups, about 20% by weight of ethoxylated monononylphenol with about 40 ethoxy groups, and 10% by weight of a modified lignin in a proportion from about 1:35 to about 1:450 by weight based on hydrocarbon, said hydrocarbon-to-water emulsion having a hydrocarbon:water ratio from about 60:40 to about 90:10 by volume.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
91 words
A pre-atomized fuel comprising a hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion formed by emulsifying pitch into an aqueous phase using a surfactant package which comprises about 50% by weight of a poly(oxyethylene-co-oxypropylene) block copolymer, about 20% by weight of ethoxylated dinonylphenol with about 150 ethoxy groups, about 20% by weight of ethoxylated monononylphenol with about 40 ethoxy groups, and 10% by weight of a modified lignin in a proportion from about 1:35 to about 1:450 by weight based on hydrocarbon, said hydrocarbon-to-water emulsion having a hydrocarbon:water ratio from about 60:40 to about 90:10 by volume.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
90 words
A pre-atomized fuel comprising a pitch-in-water emulsion formed by emulsifying pyrolysis pitch into an aqueous phase using a surfactant package which comprises about 47.24% by weight of a poly(oxyethylene-co-oxypropylene) block copolymer, about 21.38% by weight of ethoxylated dinonylphenol with about 150 ethoxy groups, about 21.38% by weight of ethoxylated monononylphenol with about 40 ethoxy groups and about 10% Kraft process-modified lignin in a proportion from about 1:35 to about 1:450 by weight based on hydrocarbon, said hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion having a hydrocarbon:water ratio from about 60:40 to about 90:10 by volume.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
90 words
A pre-atomized fuel comprising a pitch-in-water emulsion formed by emulsifying pyrolysis pitch into an aqueous phase using a surfactant package which comprises about 47.24% by weight of a poly(oxyethylene-co-oxypropylene) block copolymer, about 21.38% by weight of ethoxylated dinonylphenol with about 150 ethoxy groups, about 21.38% by weight of ethoxylated monononylphenol with about 40 ethoxy groups and about 10% Kraft process-modified lignin in a proportion from about 1:35 to about 1:450 by weight based on hydrocarbon, said hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion having a hydrocarbon:water ratio from about 60:40 to about 90:10 by volume.
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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) | 1990-05-18 | 1990-11-17 | 1991-05-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-05-18 | 1994-11-17 | 1995-05-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-05-18 | 1998-11-17 | 1999-05-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |