As available via: ConocoPhillips CO2 to Methanol | Research & Development | News, which includes information concerning: "United States Patent Application 20030060355 - Converting Carbon Dioxide to Oxygenates; 2003; A catalyst composition for converting carbon dioxide to methanol and dimethyl ether", we reported late last year that Conoco had developed a CO2 recycling technology, that enabled the conversion of reclaimed Carbon Dioxide into liquid hydrocarbon fuels, and were seeking a US patent for that technology.
Herein, as accessible via the initial link in this dispatch, we learn that "Application 20030060355" was successful.
Comment follows excerpts from:
"United States Patent 7,273,893 - Process for Converting Carbon Dioxide to Oxygenates
Date: September, 2007
Inventors: Jianhua Yao and James Kimble, Oklahoma
Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company, Texas
Abstract: A catalyst and process for converting carbon dioxide into oxygenates.
Claims: A process for converting a carbon dioxide-containing feed into oxygenates ... (with a) feed comprising at least 90 volume percent carbon dioxide ... (and) recovering at least a portion of said oxygenates from said reaction zone.
A process (wherein) said product stream (comprises) less than about 50 carbon mole percent methanol (and/or) at least 60 carbon mole percent dimethyl ether.
Catalysts include zinc copper and aluminum and the ZSM-5.
Oxygenates can be used for a variety of purposes such as, for example, enhancing of motor fuel octane and improving the emissions quality of motor fuel. Methanol and dimethyl ether are two oxygenates which can be of particularly high value. Methanol can be used for a variety of purposes including, for example, as an alternative motor fuel, as an intermediate in the production of high octane ethers, and as a fuel for fuel cell driven vehicles. Dimethyl ether is also useful for a variety of purposes including, for example, as an alternative motor fuel (and) as a starting material towards the synthesis of various hydrocarbons ... ."
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Actually, note: Via the process of this invention, it is actually Carbon Dioxide which serves "as a starting material towards the synthesis of various hydrocarbons".
We also point out employment of the "ZSM-5" zeolite mineral catalyst, which we believe to be the same one specified by ExxonMobil in their "MTG"(r), methanol-to-gasoline, process - wherein the Methanol is posited to be made from Coal.
Note, as well, that the other needed catalysts, "zinc copper and aluminum", are neither exotic nor precious.
And, aside from the fact that Methanol, as herein made from Carbon Dioxide, can be converted into Gasoline, it can also serve as the raw material for the production of a variety of plastics, wherein the CO2 consumed in it's original synthesis would be forever, and productively, "sequestered".
Further, as we have previously documented, and as confirmed herein by Conoco and our own US Government, the Dimethyl Ether co-produced from Carbon Dioxide, is a useful hydrocarbon liquid fuel that can as well be employed, like Methanol, in "the synthesis of various hydrocarbons".
So, we have herein even further proof of the fact, that:
Carbon Dioxide, as arises in a very small way, relative to natural sources of emission, such as volcanoes, from our varied and productive uses of Coal, is a valuable raw material resource.
We can, as herein confirmed by our United States Government experts, productively convert Carbon Dioxide, collected from whatever source, into useful, valuable and needed hydrocarbons.
We need exposure of the fact, that:
Various CO2-inspired initiatives, like the Cap & Trade taxation of our vital Coal industries and their customers; and, the mandated Geologic Sequestration economic enslavement of those Coal industries and their customers into the service of Big Oil, by pumping CO2 down into the oil industry's leaky, depleted reservoirs to promote and enable the scrounging of last drops of natural petroleum, which would then be processed and, at great profit to the oil industry, sold back to us, must be seen as what they truly are:
Unwarranted and deceptive economic exploitations of our vital Coal industries, and the consumers of products, like electricity, that are made from, or based on, Coal.
Moreover, the oil industry, as it is herein represented by the ConocoPhillips Company, knows full well that Carbon Dioxide is a valuable raw material resource which can be converted into commercially-valuable hydrocarbon fuels like Methanol and Dimethyl Ether.
What, do you suppose, the oil industry plans to do with all of the Carbon Dioxide that might be, all at the expense of Coal and Coal customers, pumped down into their old oil wells, after that CO2 has subsidized their profits by helping to recover more natural petroleum?