Cooling Down Global Warming | UConn Today
As a change of pace from our relentless barrage of impeccable and precise United States Patents, although we have mined a few and will get to them shortly, documenting the true facts concerning how Carbon Dioxide, a valuable raw material resource, can be harvested on a practical basis and then be efficiently converted into an array of needed organic chemical products, including hydrocarbon fuels, we open herein with an off-the-top-lightly bit of reportage.
The University of Connecticut's campus newspaper, UConn Today, introduces us to technology being developed at and by the University of Connecticut, and one of their business incubator spin-offs; technology that enables, as many others we have already documented for you do, the profitable utilization of Carbon Dioxide - - as is co-produced in only a very small way, relative to natural sources of emission, such as volcanoes and geothermal vents, from our essential use of Coal in the generation of truly economical electric power - - as a raw material in the synthesis of hydrocarbons.
Comment, and a few additional links to more detailed information, follow excerpts from the above link to:
"Cooling Down Global Warming
August 15, 2011
By: Cindy Weiss; CLAS (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences) Today; UConn Today
Carbon capture has long been identified as a critical technology needed to prevent global warming, but efficient and economical ways to do it have been hard to find.
A new process to capture and convert carbon dioxide, discovered by a UConn chemist in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, has just been awarded a patent. It uses cheap catalysts, electricity, and heat to convert CO2 and water into useful chemicals or fuels.
Steve Suib, Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and the 2011 Connecticut Medal of Science winner, found a way to use metal oxides, such as manganese and zinc oxides, as catalysts in a conversion process that also uses heat and electricity.
The newly patented method can be run as a continuous, rather than a batch, process, to yield large amounts of a product. What is made depends on the catalyst used. Potential products include paraformaldehyde, used in disinfectants and in chemical processes in industry, or ethylene, the largest bulk chemical in the world, used in products such as milk bottles.
The process could also be used to generate hydrogen and a variety of hydrocarbons.
'You can make a significant amount of material at high conversions over a long period of time,' Suib says.
CO2 and H2O are abundant but hard to activate in a chemical process, Suib points out: 'It is difficult because both of those molecules are relatively stable.'
The process was developed in Suib’s lab, and Ph.D. candidate Boxun Hu, soon to graduate, was heavily involved in the work ...
The patent was granted in late June. It improves on an earlier process that Suib patented in 2009 ... .
Both patents are jointly held by UConn, through the Office of Technology Commercialization, and Catelectric Advanced Electrocatalysis, a company that began as part of UConn’s Technology Incubation Program.
The costs of heat and electricity used in the process would ... be considerations. Electricity costs are high in Connecticut compared with other states, Suib notes. The technology of capturing heat, and even excess CO2, from existing manufacturing plants might be considered, allowing factories to use their excess heat in a process that would result in making new chemicals."
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Please note the immediately-above statement.
As we have previously documented for you, as, for one example, in:
West Virginia Coal Association | CO2 Capture Could Improve Coal Power Plant Energy Efficiency | Research & Development; concerning: "United States Patent 8,163,066 - Carbon Dioxide Capture/Regeneration Structures and Techniques; 2012; Abstract: New and useful system and method concepts are provided, for removing carbon dioxide from a flow of carbon dioxide laden air. More specifically, a sorbent structure is used in new and useful structures and techniques to bind carbon dioxide in a carbon dioxide laden air stream, and process heat is used to separate carbon dioxide from the sorbent structure and regenerate the sorbent structure" ;
wherein the full Disclosure of United States Patent 8,163,066 - Carbon Dioxide Capture" explains it at some length, "waste", or residual, heat energy in the water exiting electrical power generators at a Coal-fired power station can be utilized to help drive the process of capturing CO2.
In any case, the Carbon Dioxide recycling work of UConn Professor Steve Suib and his colleagues, as noted, has led to the issuance of multiple United States Patents, and United States Patent Applications.
We're including only two of those documents herein as examples of their work. There are more, but, our now sadly-limited capacities prevent us from doing an adequate job of explaining and differentiating them for you; and, in point of fact, the United States Patent and Trademark Office might be a little behind on their housekeeping. It appears to us that some of the Patent Applications made by the UConn scientists have transitioned into US Patents, but records of the applications are still accessible. So, to avoid unwarranted and confusing duplication, we limit our selections to only two.
The first might not initially seem pertinent to the issue of Carbon Dioxide recycling; but, we assure you, it is.
Although it discusses the resolution of Carbon deposition on catalyst surfaces with specific reference to such problems as might be encountered in Diesel exhaust, the same issues are encountered in Carbon Dioxide "reforming" reactions, many of which we've documented for you, where the reactions don't consume all of the Carbon available; and, some of that extra Carbon, reduced from CO2 in the form of very fine "soot" is deposited on catalyst surfaces, rendering the catalyst inactive.
Prior art teaches that hot Oxygen can be blown over the deactivated catalyst, to convert the deposited Carbon back into CO2, which can be recycled back into the process.
Herein, it is taught that application of some relatively small amount of electric current applied to the catalyst can help to prevent such Carbon deposition in the first place.
Additional links, and excerpts, illuminating how all of this ties in with Carbon Dioxide recycling, follow excerpts from the link to:
"United States Patent: 7950221 - Methods and apparatus for controlling catalytic processes, including catalyst regeneration and soot elimination
Date: May 31, 2011
Inventor: Victor Stancovski
Assignee: Catalectric Corporation, CT
(Again, Catalectric is the technology incubator spin-off from the University of Connecticut.)
Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for controlling catalytic processes, including catalyst regeneration and soot elimination. An alternating current is applied to a catalyst layer and a polarization impedance of the catalyst layer is monitored. The polarization impedance may be controlled by varying the asymmetrical alternating current. At least one of water, oxygen, steam and heat may be provided to the catalyst layer to enhance an oxidation reaction for soot elimination and/or to regenerate the catalyst.
Claims: A method for controlling a polarization impedance of a catalyst layer, comprising: providing an asymmetrical alternating current to a catalyst layer; monitoring a polarization impedance of the catalyst layer; and controlling the polarization impedance by varying the asymmetrical alternating current.
A method ... further comprising: providing oxygen to the catalyst layer to generate an oxidation reaction for eliminating carbon particles from the catalyst layer.
A method ... further comprising: providing one of water and steam to the catalyst layer to enhance the oxidation reaction.
A method ... wherein: the catalyst layer is applied to a catalytic reactor; and the catalytic reactor comprises a filter which retains the carbon particles.
A method ... further comprising: monitoring deposition of the carbon particles on the catalyst layer.
A method ... further comprising: providing one of water and steam to the catalyst layer to generate an oxidation reaction for eliminating carbon particles from the catalyst layer.
A method ... further comprising: varying at least one of an amplitude and a phase of the asymmetrical alternating current in order to regenerate the catalyst layer.
Background and Description: The present invention relates generally to catalytic processes. More particularly, the present invention provides methods and apparatus for controlling catalytic processes, including catalyst regeneration and soot elimination.
Catalyst systems are employed extensively to reform light hydrocarbon streams, i.e. reduce methane and other light hydrocarbons to hydrogen, and to remediate exhaust streams, including reducing and/or oxidizing internal combustion engine exhaust to innocuous compounds.
A problem encountered with prior art catalyst systems is poisoning of the catalyst. One source of such poisoning is the adsorption/infiltration of oxygen-containing species such as carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide interferes with the catalysis mechanism. Another source of poisoning is the deposition of carbon.
Thus, in accordance with ... the present invention, oxygen may be provided the catalyst layer to generate an oxidation reaction for eliminating carbon particles from the catalyst layer. Alternatively or additionally thereto, one of water and steam may be provided to the catalyst layer to enhance the oxidation reaction."
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Note that the addition of "water and steam" to the "oxidation reaction for eliminating carbon particles" will result in the production of additional Hydrogen for an ultimate synthesis gas product.
And, the purpose of it all becomes a little more clear in another United States Patent issued subsequently to the named inventor of the above "United States Patent 7,950,221", and a team of his Catelectric and University of Connecticut colleagues:
"United States Patent: 7964084 - Methods and Apparatus for the Synthesis of Useful Compounds
Date: June 21, 2011
Inventors: Victor Stancovski, Steven Suib, et. al., CT
Assignees: Catelectric Corporation and the University of Connecticut, CT
Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for activation of a low reactivity, non-polar chemical compound. In one example embodiment, the method comprises introducing the low reactivity chemical compound to a catalyst. At least one of (a) an oxidizing agent or a reducing agent and (b) a polar compound is provided to the catalyst and the chemical compound. An alternating current is applied to the catalyst to produce an activation reaction in the chemical compound. This activation reaction produces a useful product.
(We note, that, although not reflected in our excerpts, Stancovski, Suib, et. al., directly reference as prior art some Carbon Dioxide recycling technologies we have previously made report of, including, for one example:
California Converts Power Plant CO2 to Methanol | Research & Development | News; concerning: "United States Patent Application 20060235091 - Efficient and Selective Conversion of Carbon Dioxide to Methanol; 2006; George Olah and Surya Prakash, CA; Abstract: An environmentally beneficial method of producing methanol from varied sources of carbon dioxide including flue gases of fossil fuel burning powerplants, industrial exhaust gases or the atmosphere itself".
Also, be patient. It take them a while to get around to specifying that "the low reactivity chemical compound" is, indeed, Carbon Dioxide.)
Claims: A method for activation of a low reactivity, non-polar chemical compound, comprising: introducing the low reactivity chemical compound to a catalyst; providing at least one of (a) an oxidizing agent or a reducing agent, and (b) a polar compound to the catalyst and the chemical compound; applying an alternating current to said catalyst to produce an activation reaction in the chemical compound; wherein the activation reaction produces a useful product.
A method ... wherein: the activation reaction comprises one of a reduction or an oxidation reaction.
(And) wherein: the polar compound comprises one of water or steam.
(And) wherein: one of ammonia, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and methane are added to said water or steam.
(Note the potential for the addition of Methane, and the fact, that, this process can in one aspect also be seen as a variant of tri-reforming processes, such as, for one example, seen in our report of:
West Virginia Coal Association | 1940 CO2 + H2O + CH4 = Hydrocarbon Syngas | Research & Development; concerning: "United States Patent 2,198,553 - Making a Synthesis Gas Mixture of Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen; 1940; The M.W. Kellogg Company, NY; Abstract: Our invention relates to a method of making synthesis gas and more particularly to a method of making a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide having a controllable ratio of hydrogen with respect to carbon monoxide from 1:1 to 3:1 by volume. Synthesis gas may be made from methane, steam and carbon dioxide ... .Any ratio of carbon monoxide and hydrogen may be obtained (within the defined) limits by varying the relative proportions of carbon dioxide and steam that are reacted with methane".)
(The) method ... wherein: the low reactivity chemical compound comprise CO2; and the useful product comprises formaldehyde ... .
(The "product ... formaldehyde" made from "CO2" might not sound too exciting; but, it is used as the starting material in the manufacture of a number of valuable plastics and plastic resins, wherein the consumed CO2 would be forever, and productively, "sequestered".)
(The) method ... wherein: the low reactivity chemical compound comprises CO2; and the useful product comprises at least one of an aldehyde, trioxane, ethane, ethylene, formaldehyde, and paraformaldehyde.
(The) method ... wherein: the useful product comprises at least one of an alcohol compound and an olefin.
(The) method ... wherein: the catalyst comprises one of platinum, platinum black, rhodium, rhodium black, palladium, palladium black, silver, manganese oxide, a manganese oxide derivative, molybdenum oxide, a molybdenum oxide derivative, iron oxide, an iron oxide derivative, cerium oxide, a cerium oxide derivative, titanium oxide, doped titanium oxide, cobalt oxide, rhodium oxide, and zinc oxide.
(Expensive stuff like "platinum" and "rhodium" aren't the only catalyst materials that'll get the job done, apparently. Although, the catalyst isn't consumed so it shouldn't be that much of an issue.
There is a lot more to the "Claims", specifying a very sophisticated and highly-developed reaction monitoring and control system, which enables both control of the reactant mix and prevention of Carbon deposition problems.)
(The) method ... further comprising: applying heat to the catalyst.
Background: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for the activation of a low reactivity, non-polar chemical compound. More specifically, the present invention relates to process for the synthesis of useful compounds from non-polar compounds such as carbon dioxide ... .
Summary: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for activation of a low reactivity, non-polar chemical compound. In one example embodiment, the method comprises introducing the low reactivity chemical compound to a catalyst. At least one of (a) an oxidizing agent or a reducing agent, and (b) a polar compound is provided to the catalyst and the chemical compound. An alternating current is applied to the catalyst to produce an activation reaction in the chemical compound. This activation reaction produces a useful product.
The activation reaction may comprise one of a reduction or an oxidation reaction. The polar compound may comprise one of water or steam. One of ammonia, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, methane, or the like may be added to the water or steam.
In another example embodiment, the polar compound may comprise one of water, ammonia, nitric oxide, and carbon monoxide. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other polar compounds may be used with the present invention.
In a further example embodiment, the chemical compound and the at least one of the oxidizing agent or the reducing agent and the polar compound may be introduced into a chamber containing the catalyst.
In one example embodiment, the low reactivity chemical compound may comprise CO2.
In such an embodiment, the useful product may comprise formaldehyde in at least one of a monomeric and a polymeric form. In other example embodiments, the useful product may comprise at least one of an aldehyde, trioxane, ethane, ethylene, formaldehyde, and paraformaldehyde. The useful products may contain at least one of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Still further, the useful products may comprise at least one of an alcohol compound and an olefin.
In a further example embodiment, the chemical compound may comprise an aromatic compound. The aromatic compound may comprise benzene or a benzene derivative."
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In brief sum, the above invention discloses in detail how we can convert Carbon Dioxide and Water into hydrocarbons, like "ethane"; raw materials for the manufacture of plastics, like "formaldehyde"; "ethylene, the largest bulk chemical in the world"; and, compounds which can be used in the synthesis of Gasoline, like "benzene".
There is, as we noted, quite a lot more to the suite of published Carbon Dioxide recycling technologies that has been developed by the University of Connecticut and their Catelectric Corporation incubator spin-off.
And, again, our limited capacities make it impractical for us to accurately sort them all out and explain them.
It appears to us that some of their patent applications might still remain published by our United States Patent and Trademark Office, even though those applications have evolved into issued patents.
Someone competent and caring enough to do so, we doubt seriously now that such might actually exist in United States Coal Country, should take the time to study the published works of Steven Suib, Victor Stancovski, and their University of Connecticut and Catelectric colleagues, and bring cogent report of it all to the Coal Country public.
The upshot will be this:
Carbon Dioxide is a valuable raw material resource.
We can reclaim Carbon Dioxide efficiently from whatever source we choose, whether industrial exhaust or the environment itself, and then convert that CO2 into the raw materials from which we can make valuable plastics and hydrocarbon fuels.
All the rest of it - Cap & Trade taxes, mandated geologic sequestration, and ongoing economic slavery to OPEC - must now be seen for what it is:
Needless, and hugely expensive, counterproductive nonsense.