Title of Invention

AROMATICS SEPARATION FROM PETROLEUM STREAMS

Abstract A process for separating a feed mixture comprising at least one aromatic hydrocarbon and at least one non-aromatic hydrocarbon by extractive distillation (ED) utilizing a solvent mixture comprising sulfolane and at least one co-solvent. 5 The co-solvent is an alkyl sulfolane having from 4 to 8 carbon atoms per molecule. The solvent mixture is added to the top of the ED column, and the feed mixture is added at a point on the ED column that is lower than the point where the solvent mixture is added. Extractive distillation is performed, and the aromatic and non-aromatic hydrocarbons are separated.
Full Text AROMATICS SEPARATION FROM PETROLEUM STREAMS
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/200,565, filed April 28, 2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Separation of very close boiling components, such as aromatic and
non-aromatic hydrocarbons, is both impractical and uneconomical by
conventional distillation. One alternative method of separating close
boiling components is extractive distillation (ED). In an ED column; a
polar, nonvolatile solvent is introduced into the column near the top to
preferentially associate with the more polar components in the feed
mixture, so that the relative volatility between the close boiling components
can be significantly increased, making the separation possible. A
cosolvent may be added to improve solvency or solubility, and to improve
overall efficiency of the primary solvent The relative volatility (a) is a way
of expressing the solvent selectivity, and Is related to the number of
theoretical stages required for the separation. As a increases, the number
of theoretical stages or trays needed to achieve separation decreases.
This results in a more commercially viable separation and reduces energy
consumption. However, choosing solvent/cosolvent pairs is difficult, and
requires actual testing.
The basic principles, design, and operation of ED processes have been
thoroughly discussed in the literature, including: Atkins, G.J. et al.,
"Application of McCabe-Thiele Method to Extractive Distillation
Calculations," Chem. Eng. Prog., 45(9), 553-562 (1949); Chambers, J.M.,
"Extractive Distillation Design and Application," Chem. Eng. Prog., 47(11),
555-565 (1951); Hackmuth, K.H., "Industrial Viewpoints on Separation
Processes," Chem. Eng. Prog., 48(12), 617-626 (1952); Butler, et al., U.S.
Pat. No. 3,114,783; and Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook, 6th
Edition, Mcgraw-Hill Book Company, 1984. pp. 13-53 to 13-57. These
disclosures are incorporated herein by reference.
Use of extractive distillation to separate aromatics is known, in particular
for separating benzene, toluene, and xylene from non-aromatics, where
the aromatic and non-aromatic compounds have close boiling points. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,591,490 shows a process for separating aromatic
hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon mixtures using N-methyl-pyrrolidone or
dimethylformamide as a solvent. U.S. Pat. No. 3,723,526 shows a method
of recovering aromatic hydrocarbons from a mixture of aromatic and
non-aromatic hydrocarbons by a combination of preliminary fractionation,
extractive distillation of the fractionation overhead, and solvent extraction
of the fractionation, bottoms, using sulfolane or other related solvents. U.S.
Pat. No. 4,053,369 shows an extractive distillation process that operates
with two liquid phases, at an optimized reflux ratio, allowing decreased
amounts of solvent to be used. The solvent is chosen to be highly
selective, and is preferably a sulfolane-type solvent. Finally, U.S. Pat. No.
4,278,505 shows a process of recovering n-hexane free from aromatic
compounds by extractive distillation with a selective solvent such as
N-methyl pyrrolidone.
Fu-Ming Lee. "Extractive Distillation: Close-Boiling-Point" Chemical
Engineering, 112-120 (1998), describes the use of cosolvents to make
difficult separations more economically feasible. This article provides data
for the selectivity and solvency of various solvents, as well as their polarity.
Solvent/cosolvent pairs tested in the article include cyclohexanol and
ethylene glycol, cyclohexanol and tetra ethylene glycol, N-methyl
pyrrolidone and ethylene glycol, tetra ethylene glycol and N-methyl
pyrrolidone, 3-methyl sulfolane and water, di-n-propyl sulfone and water,
and 3-methyl sulfolane and dimethyl sulfone. The article indicates that
choosing solvent/cosolvent pairs is difficult due to current limitations on the
understanding of the behavior of polar components in solution, so
experimentation is necessary to screen cosolvents.
However, none of the above documents teaches the novel solvent and
cosolvent combinations that are the subject of the present invention.
Accordingly, there is a need to develop more suitable solvents and solvent
mixtures than those presently known for use in the ED of mixtures of
aromatic and non-aromatic hydrocarbons.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an effective process for separating
mixtures of close-boiling aromatics and non-aromatics by extractive
distillation using a polar organic solvent or a mixture of polar organic
solvents. High purity aromatics may thus be produced from a mixture
comprising aromatics and non-aromatics by extractive distillation
employing a novel polar organic solvent or a novel mixture of polar organic
solvents. Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the detailed
description of the invention and the appended claims.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a process for
separating one or more aromatic hydrocarbons from one or more non-
aromatic hydrocarbons, in which a feed mixture thereof is subjected to
extractive distillation in an extractive distillation column, using sulfolane as
extraction solvent, includes the improvement wherein the extraction
solvent also includes at least one cosolvent selected trom the group
consisting of 3-methyl sulfolane, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, acetophenone,
isophorone, and morpholine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
Figure 1 graphically illustrates a preferred embodiment of the extractive
distillation process according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Figure 1 illustrates a preferred process and apparatus according to the
present invention. The feed mixture comprising aromatic hydrocarbon(s)
and non-aromatic hydrocarbon(s) is introduced through conduit 1 to the
middle portion of a multi-stage ED column 3. The temperature of the feed
mixture flowing through conduit 1 can be adjusted by controlling heat
exchanger 2 so as to add heat to or remove heat from the feed mixture.
Solvent from solvent storage unit 20 is introduced to ED column 3 through
conduit 22, and an overhead stream enriched in non-aromatic
hydrocarbon (s) is withdrawn from the upper portion of ED column 3
through conduit 4. This overhead stream can be completely passed to
storage or to other processing units or, as is often the case, the overhead
stream can be partially or total condensed, with a portion thereof being
returned to ED column 3 as reflux. The overhead stream passing through
conduit 4 is condensed in condenser 5 to yield a condensed overhead
stream. A portion of the condensed overhead stream can be returned to
ED column 3 as reflux through conduit 6, while the remainder of the
condensed overhead stream yields product, or Is passed to other
processing units through conduit 7.
A bottoms stream is withdrawn from a lower portion of ED column 3
through conduit.11. A portion of the stream withdrawn from the bottom of
ED column 3 may be heated and returned to ED column 3, For example,
according to a preferred embodiment, a portion of the bottoms product
stream can be withdrawn through conduit 8, heated in reboiler 9 and then
passed back to the lower portion of ED column 3 through conduit 10.
Operating conditions in heat exchanger 2, condenser 5 and reboiler 9 can
be controlled and interfaced with solvent flow through conduit 22, feed
mixture flow through conduit 1, reflux flow through conduit 6 and bottoms
stream flow through conduit 11 such that the feed mixture introduced into
ED column 3 will be fractionated to yield an overhead stream which is
enriched in non-aromatic hydrocarbon(s) and a bottoms stream
predominantly comprising aromatic hydrocarbon(s) and the solvent.
The bottoms stream passing through conduit 11 can be transferred to
storage, used in other processes or, preferably, passed to another
distillation column 13 (usually referred as solvent stripper). Any
adjustments to the temperature of the bottoms stream passing through
conduit 11 necessary for efficient fractionation (stripping) in column 13 can
be made by appropriately adjusting heat exchanger 12. An overhead
stream predominantly comprising aromatic hydrocarbon(s) is withdrawn
from the upper portion of column 13 through conduit 14. This overhead
stream can be at least partially condensed in condenser 15. A portion of
the overhead stream withdrawn from condenser 15 can be returned
through conduit 16 as reflux for column 13, with the remainder of the
overhead stream being withdrawn as product, i.e., aromatic hydrocarbon(s)
of high purity, through conduit 17.
A bottoms stream predominantly comprising the solvent (usually referred to
as lean solvent) is withdrawn from the lower portion of column (stripper) 13
through conduit 18. A portion of this bottoms stream is preferably routed
back to solvent storage unit 20 and then recycled to ED column 3, while
another portion of the bottoms stream is heated in a reboiler (not shown)
and returned to the lower portion of column 13. From time to time
impurities that may build up in the solvent can be removed from the system
by removing a small purge stream through conduit 19. Solvent lost
through the purge stream or through other processing losses may be made
up by a makeup stream passing through conduit 21 and into solvent
storage unit 20.
In an extractive distillation (ED) process, the extractive agent (or solvent) Is
added to a feed mixture of components to be separated so that the
volatility difference between the components of the mixture is enhanced
and an effective separation by distillation becomes possible. The
extractive agent and less volatile components flow to the bottoms of the
distillation column, where the extracted component is recovered by a
second subsequent distillation.
The extractive agent is usually chosen based on its selectivity for
enhancing the relative volatility of the components to be separated and its
solvency (solubility) for the feed mixture. Selectivity is a term related to the
change in relative volatility of the feed components to be separated. The
relative volatility (a) is defined as

where X, and X2 are the mole fractions of components 1 and 2,
respectively, in the liquid phase, and Y1 and Y2 are the mole fractions of
components 1 and 2, respectively, in the vapor phase. All components are
measured in the absence of solvent. The larger the difference in a of the
feed components to be separated, the easier the separation of the
components by fractional distillation becomes. Therefore, a solvent with
high selectivity is a solvent that causes great differences in a among the
components to be separated, and thereby allows for the separation of
components in a feed mixture with fewer distillation stages, a lower amount
of reflux, and a higher product purity.
According to a preferred embodiment, any hydrocarbon feed which
contains at least one aromatic hydrocarbon containing 6-10 carbon atoms
per molecule and at least one close-boiling nonaromatic hydrocarbon
(preferably containing 5-10 carbon atoms per molecule) can be used in the
extractive distillation process. Preferably, the boiling points (at
atmospheric pressure conditions, i.e., at about 1 atm.) of the aromatic
hydrocarbon(s) and of the non-aromatic hydrocarbon(s) to be separated by
extractive distillation process of this invention, are in the range of from
about 25 to about 175°C, more preferably about 40 to about 150°C.
Generally, the boiling points of the aromatic hydrocarbon(s) and of the
nonaromatic hydrocarbon(s) are close, and differ by about 0.1-5°C
(preferably 0.3-3°C) at about 1 atm.
Preferably, the aromatics content in the feed is about 10-95 weight %
(more preferably about 20-80 weight %), and the non-aromatics content is
about 5-90 weight % (more preferably about 20-80 weight %).
Non-limiting examples of preferred feed non-aromatic hydrocarbons are n-
pentane, n-hexane, 2-methylpentane, 3-methylpentane, n-heptane,
2,2-dimethylpentane, 2,4-dimethylpentane, 3,3-dimethyipentane, 2,3-
dimethylpentane, 2-methylhexane, 3-methylhexane, 2,2,3-trimethylbutane,
n-octane, 2-methyloctane, n-nonane, and the like, and mixtures thereof, in
particular mixtures containing n-heptane.
Non-limiting examples of preferred feed aromatic hydrocarbons are
benzene, toluene, meta-, ortho-, and para-xylenes, ethylbenzene,
trimethylbenzene, methylethylbenzene, and the like, and mixtures of the
above. Particularly preferred aromatic hydrocarbons are benzene, toluene,
and xylene.
Preferably, the co-solvent used contains_4-8 carbon atoms per molecule.
Nonlimiting examples of the co-solvent for this invention are 3-methyl
sulfolane, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, acetophenone, isophorone, morpholine,
and mixtures thereof. The presently preferred co-solvents are
3-methylsulfolane and N-methyl-2-pyrro!idone.
According to a preferred embodiment, any suitable weight ratio of
component (b) (the co-solvent) to component (a) (sulfolane) in the solvent,
that shows a synergistic effect in performance, can be employed in the
extractive distillation process. Preferably, the weight ratio of component
(a) to component (b) is in the range of from about 0.1:1 to about 20:1,
more preferably from about 0.1:1 to about 10:1.
Any suitable weight ratio of the solvent to any of the above-described
hydrocarbon-containing feed mixtures can be employed. Preferably, the
solvent to feed weight ratio is in the range of from about 0.5:1 to about
40:1, and is more preferably in the range of from about 0.5:1 to about 20:1.
Any suitable feed entry location can be selected. In general, the feed entry
location is in the range of from about 2 to about 70 percent of the total
height of the packed or trayed column, measured upward from the bottom
of the column, preferably in the range of from about 5 to about 60 percent,
and more preferably in the range of from about 7 to about 50 percent.
Any suitable solvent entry location can be selected. Generally, the solvent
entry location is in the range of from about 50 to about 99 percent of the
total height of the packed or trayed column, preferably in the range of from
about 70 to about 99 percent, and more preferably in the range of from
about 80 to about 99 percent.
Any suitable reflux ratio (i.e., the weight ratio of the portion of condensed
vapor that is returned to the distillation column to the portion of condensed
vapor that is withdrawn as distillate) can be employed. In general, the
reflux ratio is in the range of from about 0:1 to about 100:1, preferably in
the range of from about 0.1:1 to about 50:1, more preferably in the range
of from about 0.1:1 to about 5:1.
Any suitable temperature in the distillation kettle (reboiler) can be
employed. The temperature is generally in the range of from about 40° to
about 210°C, preferably in the range of from about 65° to about 160°C.
The ED column is generally heated more near the bottom, and less near
the top. In general, the temperature at the top of the column where the
vapor exits into the condenser is in the range of from about 40° to about
150°C, preferably in the range of from about 65° to about 120°C. Solvent
and feed are usually preheated (generally to a temperature close to the
column temperature of the corresponding entry point) before they are
introduced into the packed or trayed column.
Any suitable pressure can be employed during the extractive distillation.
The pressure can be from about 5 to about 100 psig, preferably from about
8 to about 20 psig.
The overhead product (withdrawn from the top of the column) contains a
smaller volume percentage of aromatic hydrocarbon(s) than the feed, and
a larger volume percentage of non-aromatic hydrocarbon(s) than the feed.
Generally, the bottoms product (withdrawn from the bottom of the column)
contains more aromatic hydrocarbon(s) than the feed, and less
non-aromatic hydrocarbon(s) than the feed. Also, the bottoms product
contains substantially all of the added solvent, which can be separated
from the other bottoms components by simple distillation, since generally
the solvent has much higher boiling point than the other bottoms
components. The recovered lean solvent is preferably recycled to the ED
column.
Any suitable packed length or number of trays in an ED column having
suitable column diameter can be employed in the process of this invention.
The exact column dimensions and design depend on the scale of the
operation, the feed composition, the solvent composition, the desired
recovery, and degree of purity of the various hydrocarbon products, and
the like, and can be readily determined by one of ordinary skill in the art.
The following examples are presented to further illustrate the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the
scope of the invention.
EXAMPLE 1
This example demonstrates the synergistic effect of mixing sulfolane
(SULF) and 3-methyl sulfolane (3MSULF) versus each component alone in
the extractive distillation of an aromatic / non-aromatic feed mixture.
A hydrocarbon mixture of approximately 50 weight % benzene and 50
weight % n-heptane was added to an ED solvent (either SULF or 3MSULF
or a mixture of SULF and 3MSULF at various proportions) at a
solvent-to-feed weight ratio of 3.0. The total mixture was heated to its
boiling point under total reflux conditions for about 20 to 30 minutes in an
equilibrium cell equipped with a reflux condenser. Then a small sample
was withdrawn by means of a septum from the cell containing the liquid
phase of the equilibrium system, and a sample of the condensed vapor
was also withdrawn by means of a septum located just below the reflux
condenser. Both samples were analyzed, and the weight fractions of
n-heptane and benzene in the liquid phase and in the condensed vapor
phase were determined by a gas chromatographic method. The relative
volatility (a) was calculated by Equation (1), where n-heptane is
component 1 and benzene is component 2. The results are summarized in
The data in Table I show that, without adding solvent, the relative volatility (a) of
n-heptane over benzene is 0.57 (less than one) since the boiling point of
n-heptane (98.4°C) is much higher than that of benzene (80.1 °C). At an S/F
ratio of 3.0, SULF and 3MSULF can, respectively, increase a from 0.57 to about
1.97 and 2.34, making the separation in the ED process possible. In an ED
process, the less polar n-heptane will be removed as the overhead product and
the more polar benzene will be removed as the bottoms product with the solvent,
so a has to increase to a value larger than 1.0 under solvent. Larger a values
indicate easier separation. Table I also shows the synergistic effect of mixing
SULF and 3MSULF, showing that the mixtures give better a than either solvent
alone, for separating n-heptane and benzene. It would be unexpected to one
skilled in the art that the solvent/co-solvent combination of SULF and 3MSULF
would produce this synergistic effect.
EXAMPLE 2
This example demonstrates the synergistic effect of mixing sulfolane (SULF) and
N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) versus each component alone in the extractive
distillation of an aromatic / non-aromatic feed mixture.
Again, a hydrocarbon mixture of 50 weight % benzene and 50 weight % n-
heptane was added to an ED solvent (either SULF or NMP or a mixture of SULF
and NMP at various portions) at a solvent-to-feed weight ratio of 3.0. The
experimental procedure in an equilibrium cell was repeated as in Example 1.
The relative volatility (a) was calculated by Equation (1), where n-heptane is
component 1 and benzene is component 2. The results are summarized in
Table II.
The data in Table II show that, at an S/F of 3.0, both SULF and NMP can
individually increase a from 0.57 to about 2.00, making the separation in the ED
process possible. However, the synergistic effect of mixing SULF and NMP
shows that the mixtures give significantly better results than either solvent alone.
In fact, solvent mixtures show a maximum performance at 50% SULF and 50%
NMP in the ED process for separating n-heptane and benzene. It would be
unexpected to one skilled in the art that the solvent/co-solvent combination of
SULF and NMP would produce this synergistic effect.
EXAMPLE 3
This example illustrates the effectiveness of SULF and acetophenone (ACTN) in
separating aromatic and non-aromatic compounds by extractive distillation. The
apparatus and feed described in Example 1 were used for the test series of this
example, which was carried out at an S / F of 3.0. Test results are summarized
in Table III.
Based on the test results in Table III, it is concluded that the SULF and ACTN
mixtures containing lower percents of ACTN, such as approximately 25%, can
be more effective than either SULF or ACTN alone. It would be unexpected to
one skilled in the art that the solvent/co-solvent combination of SULF and ACTN
would produce this synergistic effect.
EXAMPLE 4
This example illustrates the effectiveness of mixing still another co-solvent,
isophorone (ISOP) with SULF in separating aromatic and non-aromatic
compounds by extractive distillation. The apparatus and feed described in
Example 1 were again used for the test series of this example, which was
carried out at an S / F of 3.0. Test results are summarized in Table IV.
Table IV shows that the mixture of 75% SULF and 25% ISOP is more effective
in separating benzene and n-heptane than either SULF or ISOP alone. It would
be unexpected to one skilled in the art that the solvent/co-solvent combination of
SULF and ISOP would produce this synergistic effect.
EXAMPLE 5
This example illustrates the effectiveness of SULF and morpholine (MORP) in
separating aromatic and non-aromatic compounds by extractive distillation. The
apparatus and feed described in Example 1 were used for the test series of this
example, which was carried out at an S / F of 3.0. Test results are summarized
in Table V.

Based on the test results in Table V, it is concluded again that the SULF and
MORP mixtures containing lower percents of MORP, such as 25 to 50 %, can
indeed be more effective than either SULF or MORP alone. It would be
unexpected to one skilled in the art that the solvent/co-solvent combination of
SULF and MORP would produce this synergistic effect.
While the present invention has been described for what are at present
considered the preferred embodiments, the invention is not so limited. To the
contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent
arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The
scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as
to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.
CLAIMS:
1. A process for separating at least one aromatic hydro-
carbon having 6-12 carbon atoms per molecule from at least
one close-boiling non-aromatic hydrocarbon comprising
extractively distilling a feed mixture comprising at least one
aromatic hydrocarbon and at least one non-aromatic hydro-
carbon in the presence of a solvent rnixture, .wherein the
extractive distillation process takes place in an extractive
distillation column and the solvent mixture is introduced
into the extractive distillation column in a weight ratio of
about 3 parts solvent mixture per part of feed mixture, said
feed mixture comprising n-heptane and benzene,
wherein the solvent mixture comprises between about
10-25% sulfolane by weight with the remainder being
3-methvl sulfolane.
2. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein about 20-80 weight %
of said feed mixture is aromatic- hydrocarbon' and about
20-80 weight % of said- feed nurture is non-aromatic
hydrocarbon.
3. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein said feedniixture
contains, at least one aromatic hydrocarbon containing 6 to
10 carbon atoms per molecule. .
4. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein said feed mixture
contains at least one non-aromatic hydrocarbon containing 5
to 10 carbon atoms per molecule.
5. The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein said solvent mixture
and said feed' mixture are introduced to the distillation
column in a weight ratio of about 0.5 to 20 parts of solvent
mixture per pan of feed rrnxture.
6. The process as claimed in claim .1, wherein the.extractive distil-
lation process talces place in an extractive distillation
column, and there are vapors at the top of the column that
are condensed and returned to the column as reflux, and
there are vapors that exit the top. of the column and are
collected as overhead product, and the weight ratio of said
reflux to said overhead product is about 0.1:1 to about 5:1.
7. A process for separating at least one aromatic hydro-
carbon having 6-12 carbon atoms per molecule from at least
one close-boiling non-aromatic hydrocarbon comprising
extractively distilling a feed mixture comprising at least one
aromatic hydrocarbon and at least one non-aromatic hydro-
carbon in the presence of a solvent mixtore,
wherein the extractive distillation process takes place in
an extractive distfllation column and the solvent mix-
hire is introduced into the extractive distillation column
in a weight ratio of about 3 parts solvent mixture per
part of feed mixture, said feed mixture comprising
n-heptane and benzene,
wherein the solvent mixture comprises between about
25—75% sulfblane by weight with the remainder being
N-methyl-2-pyirolidone.
8. The process as claimed in claim 7, wherein about 20-80 weight %..
of. said feed mixture is aromatic hydrocarbon and about
20-80 weight % of said feed mixture is non-aromatic
hydrocarbon.
9. The process as claimed in claim 7, wherein said feed mixture
contains at least one aromatic hydrocarbon containing 6 to
10 carbon atoms per molecule.
10. The process as claimed in claim 7, wherein said feed mixture
contains at least one non-aromatic hydrocarbon containing 5
to 10 carbon atoms per molecule.
11. The process as claimed in claim 7, wherein said solvent mixture
and said feed mixture are introduced to the distillation
column in a weight ratio of about 0.5 to 20 parts of solvent
mixture per part of feed mixture:
12. The process as olaimed in claim 7, wherein the extractive distil-
lation process takes place in an extractive distillarion
column, and .there are vapors at the top of the column that
are condensed and returned to the column as reflux, and
there are vapors that exit the top of the column and are
collected as overhead product, and the weight ratio of said
reflux to said overhead product is about 0.1:1 to about 5:1.

A process for separating a feed mixture comprising at least one aromatic
hydrocarbon and at least one non-aromatic hydrocarbon by extractive distillation
(ED) utilizing a solvent mixture comprising sulfolane and at least one co-solvent.
5 The co-solvent is an alkyl sulfolane having from 4 to 8 carbon atoms per
molecule. The solvent mixture is added to the top of the ED column, and the
feed mixture is added at a point on the ED column that is lower than the point
where the solvent mixture is added. Extractive distillation is performed, and the
aromatic and non-aromatic hydrocarbons are separated.

Documents:

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-abstract.pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-assignment 1.1.pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-assignment.pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-claims.pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-correspondence 1.2.pdf

IN-PCT-2002-1355-KOL-CORRESPONDENCE-1.1.pdf

IN-PCT-2002-1355-KOL-CORRESPONDENCE-1.2.pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-correspondence.pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-description (complete).pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-drawings.pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-examination report 1.1.pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-examination report.pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-form 1.pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-form 18 1.1.pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-form 18.pdf

IN-PCT-2002-1355-KOL-FORM 27.pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-form 3 1.1.pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-form 3.pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-form 5 1.1.pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-form 5.pdf

IN-PCT-2002-1355-KOL-FORM-27.pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-gpa 1.1.pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-gpa.pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-granted-abstract.pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-granted-claims.pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-granted-description (complete).pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-granted-drawings.pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-granted-form 1.pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-granted-specification.pdf

IN-PCT-2002-1355-KOL-OTHERS-1.1.pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-reply to examination report.pdf

in-pct-2002-1355-kol-specification.pdf


Patent Number 243356
Indian Patent Application Number IN/PCT/2002/1355/KOL
PG Journal Number 41/2010
Publication Date 08-Oct-2010
Grant Date 07-Oct-2010
Date of Filing 30-Oct-2002
Name of Patentee GTC TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
Applicant Address 1001 S. DAIRY ASHFORD ROAD, HOUSTON, TX
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 LEE FU-MING 2102 CHERRINGTON DRIVE, KATY, TX 77450
PCT International Classification Number C10G 7/08
PCT International Application Number PCT/US2001/13411
PCT International Filing date 2001-04-27
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 09/842,125 2001-04-26 U.S.A.
2 60/200,565 2000-04-28 U.S.A.