Technology Development Network

New Patent: Oil Shale to High-Value Products

On December 8, 2020, Ron Stites, of Stites & Associates, LLC (SALLC), was awarded a patent on a process to convert oil shale into high-value products. US Patent 10,858,592 discloses a unique method for retorting oil shale that vaporizes the oil and feeds it directly into a distillation column that can split the oil into various cuts. These cuts can be used as feedstock for producing multiple, high-value products.

This unique approach completely avoids burning the valuable kerogen oil as a fuel. Unlike many other approaches, this method does not consume additional energy making the oil into a fuel, only to burn it and put even more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Instead, the oil is separated into cuts that can be used as the starting materials to make high quality asphalt, synthetic lubricating oils, adhesives, chemicals, and other high-value products. This process provides a unique, low carbon footprint method for turning oil shale into high-value products rather than low-value, commodity fuels.

The multiple benefits of this new process include:

1. Dramatic reduction in the CO₂ footprint of an oil shale industry by creating chemicals and building materials rather than fuels,
2. A closed system allowing capture of all environmentally troublesome compounds,
3. Creating products of higher value than crude oil,
4. Allows small plants and mines to be economically viable rather than huge strip-mining operations,
5. Eliminates the need for huge amounts of water to make the hydrogen needed to turn the kerogen oil into a precursor for fuels and
6. Allows small plants to be sited on only the best, most available oil shale resources.

The process has been studied and proven at large, bench scale at a temporary research facility in Vernal, Utah, using Utah oil shale. The studies were supported by a USTAR TAP grant awarded by the State of Utah. Development and commercialization of this process is still underway at both SALLC and a related Utah company, Kerogenic Products, LLC.

Your view the entire patent by clicking here: US Patent 10,858,592

For more information on this process and on-going efforts feel free to contact Mr. Stites at [email protected].

 

Ron Stites is the Founder and Principal at Stites & Associates, LLC, a group of technical professionals who work with clients to improve decision making in technology driven companies by applying good management judgment based on objective evidence and sound scientific thinking. For more information see: www.tek-dev.net or email us at [email protected] .

SALLC Demonstrates Dragon Shale Separation Process

Ron Stites, Founder of Stites & Associates (SALLC) and co-Founder of Dragon Shale, LLC, along with colleagues O.J. Schneider (also a co-Founder of Dragon Shale) and Kora Stanley (Engineering Technician of Dragon Shale) successfully demonstrated the basic technology used in separating Kerogen Oil into higher-value fractions. This was done at a bench scale but appears to be easily scalable to commercial size. The details of the technique remain proprietary, but the demonstration is a fundamental breakthrough in the oil shale industry. The Kerogen Oil from oil shale is a poor feedstock for fuels, but it is loaded with high-value petrochemicals. Hence, this breakthrough method has the potential to make Kerogen Oil much more valuable than many crude oils.

Mr. Stites continues to spend most of his time in Vernal, Utah, supporting the USTAR TAP Project for Dragon Shale. The Project is designed to validate the oil shale technologies co-developed by SALLC. Called the Dragon Shale Process, the technologies use a unique retorting method directly coupled to separation processes to create high-value petrochemicals from oil shale. This is a big departure from the traditional (and so far, completely unsuccessful) processes to try to make commodity fuels from oil shale.

The benefits of the new technologies include:

1. Dramatic reduction in CO₂ footprint by creating chemicals and building materials rather than fuels,
2. A closed system allowing capture of all environmentally troublesome compounds,
3. Creating product values in excess of crude oil prices instead of being at below typical crude oil prices,
4. Allowing small plants and mines to be economically viable rather than huge strip-mining operations,
5. Eliminates the need for huge amounts of water to make the hydrogen needed to turn the kerogen oil into a useful crude oil for making fuels and
6. Allows small plants to be sited on only the best, most available oil shale resources.

Mr. Stites uses the SALLC R&D Laboratory equipment that has been moved to Vernal, UT, to test and improve the retorting and separation technologies co-developed by SALLC.

Ron can be reached at his usual email, [email protected] or a his Dragon Shale email, [email protected] .

Dragon Shale/SALLC Successfully Complete Phase I of USTAR Contract

Adapted from an article by Paul Owen of Dragon Shale, October 2, 2018

 VERNAL, Utah, October 02, 2018: Dragon Shale LLC (Dragon), having been awarded a grant by USTAR (the Utah Science Technology And Research initiative) has now successfully completed its first milestone, production of Kerogen Oil from its novel retorting process. This validates the first step in the Dragon Shale Process that was co-developed by Stites & Associates (SALLC). Ron Stites of SALLC is the Principle Investigator in the USTAR TAP Project. Mr. Stites worked with Petroleum Engineering Interns, Sami Kahn and Cameron Giometti and a number of Vernal, Utah, contractors to design, build, commission and test the prototype device. The prototype met all of the operational requirements set by the USTAR TAP contract. The prototype successfully extracted the Kerogen Oil from the oil shale at good yields while preserving the high-value petrochemical feedstocks.

Kerogen Oil is rich in chemicals that have high value in the petrochemical and related industries. Instead of destroying these chemicals to make fuels Dragon intends to extract and separate them. The operating performance of the prototype device validates this plan.

Completion of this first milestone demonstrates the benefits of the ex-situ Dragon Shale cross-flow process technology.  This technology will enable construction of small, modular, environmentally friendly commercial plants.  These smaller plants with their minimal process water requirements can be sited where the oil shale richness, infrastructure constraints and environmental sensitivities align.

Dragon Shale is now adding continuous feed and product separation capabilities to the prototype system.  This will enable us to complete the second milestone by providing samples of kerogen oil for analysis by manufacturers seeking new sources of petrochemical feedstocks.

Mr. Stites of SALLC continues to spend most of his time in Vernal, Utah, working on this exciting and challenging project.

Ron Stites is the Founder and Principal at Stites & Associates, LLC, a group of technical professionals who work with clients to improve decision making in technology driven companies by applying good management judgment based on objective evidence and sound scientific thinking. For more information see: www.tek-dev.net or email us at [email protected] .

Dragon Shale Moves Forward Cautiously – Joins NOSA

Dragon Shale has been carefully developing its partners, plans and investors. In yet another step forward, we are today announcing that we have become a Sustaining Member of the National Oil Shale Association (NOSA). To learn more about NOSA and view an excellent video on oil shale visit: http://oilshaleassoc.org/ .

Dragon Shale is a Utah based LLC that it working on responsible development of oil shale resources. These are vast resources of kerogen that can be turned into oil by heating. The US could have 3.7 trillion barrels of kerogen-based oil available. For a good overview of the oil shale (kerogen) industry, consider getting the eBook: Oil Shale: Treasure Trove of Pandora’s Box, by Ron Stites, Lee Yuan Ming and Matthew James.

These resources have remained untapped for several reasons. Among these are:

• The vast size of proposed projects (billions of dollars) have given regulators and investors pause
• Potential environmental issues with many of the proposed technologies
• Infrastructure constraints (electricity, water, pipelines, refineries and roads)
• Environmental, land use and esthetic issues – especially for extremely large projects

Dragon is a unique approach. It was one of the first oil shale companies to propose smaller projects, challenging the conventional wisdom. Beginning around 2013, Ron Stites of SALLC and O.J. Schneider of Ettanet began taking a new look at the oil shale industry. They puzzled over the lack of progress on this resource and began looking for new approaches. They discovered that it would be practical to launch small projects where logistics, markets and infrastructure matched with existing technologies. Instead of a “one size fits all” mega-project approach making a low-grade synthetic crude oil, SALLC and Ettanet showed that the right match of resource, technology and differentiated products could make a smaller project work. After many years of study and seeking partners, SALLC and Ettanet launched Dragon Shale, LLC, in 2016.

The key features of Dragon Shale are:

• Small Scale – first project 960 acres of private land ~ 7,500 barrels of total product per day
• Differentiated High Value Products – Sell ultra-low sulfur diesel feed and asphalt fractions with more differentiation into chemical products in the queue
• Develop in “Best” Places – only in the most accessible, highest yield areas
• Cooperate with other kerogen oil producers on infrastructure and technology

To learn more about Dragon Shale, LLC, visit http://www.dragonshale.com/ .

 

Ron Stites is the Founder and Principal at Stites & Associates, LLC, a group of technical professionals who work with clients to improve decision making in technology driven companies by applying good management judgment based on objective evidence and sound scientific thinking. For more information see: www.tek-dev.net or email us at [email protected] .

Wine-Tek Heads Toward Production of Wine Aging Device

After several months of testing various prototypes, Wine-Tek, LLC, has finalized its form factor and finish for its initial launch of its patent pending Wine Aging Device.  The device uses a patent pending electrochemical process to reduce the strongest tasting phenolic compounds in red wines.  According to nearly all of the over 200 consumers who have tested the process, it improves the taste of a wide variety of red wines and a few white wines. 

The final form chosen was a simple metal cylinder to house the electronic controls and the battery.  For simplicity, utility and cleanliness we maintained the high purity graphite electrodes housed in glass with FDA approved shrink wrap sealing and a natural rubber stopper.  Hence, only the highest purity, non-metallic materials can come into contact with the wine.

We worked hard to get just the right kind of finish on the metal cylinder.  We developed our own special finish that can come in almost any color conceivable.  We illustrate this with the pictures above.  We are especially partial to the dark red finish that looks almost like rose wood, but is virtually impervious to staining or scratching.

We are entering into a final development stages for both the wine aging device and the computer application that will allow users to share experiences and “recipes.”  We expect delivery of devices to start later this year.

The whole development process has been undertaken by Stites & Associates.  This includes the electrochemical process, basic electronic design, form design and development of the special finish on the device.  The basic prototype will now go into a “design for production” program to be handled by engineering firms specializing in that area.

 

Stites & Associates, LLC, is a group of technical professionals founded by Ron Stites.  This group works with clients to evaluate and improve technology by applying good management judgment based on objective evidence and sound scientific thinking.  For more information see: www.tek-dev.net.

Wine Ager Demo Success

On August 16 Ron Stites demonstrated the Electrochemical Wine Aging Device (see Published Patent Application by clicking here) at the Cedar City, Utah, Wine Club.  Ron used three of the 5-position demo units to demonstrate the device (pictured below) to 25 wine aficionados living in southern Utah.  It was a great time. 

This particular group is especially dedicated to promoting the cultural appreciation of wine.  As you might imagine, this can be a challenge in a venue such as a small city Utah.  The group is hysterically fun while, at the same time, maintaining serious connections to the art and culture of Cedar City.  You should visit the club’s website at:  http://www.cedarcitywineclub.com/ .  You should also visit the Cedar City, Utah, website at:  http://www.cedarcity.org/ .  You may be surprised to see how a small city in southern Utah manages to support the arts, education and cultural diversity.

The demonstration was performed on a locally purchased Chianti.  The results were very similar to results from many other demonstrations.  The consensus was that the Aging Device improved the taste dramatically.  The likely cause for this improvement is the reduction of astringency coming from tannins (see the “Background Information” in the Patent Application).  As in previous tests, the opinions on how much treatment was ideal varied among users.  Optimal results varied from 10 to 20 minutes.  In general, the female users favored longer treatment times than their male colleagues with at least one favoring 30 minutes of treatment. 

There will be additional follow up with several of the club members as we move toward commercialization of the ageing device.   Several expressed interest in having a commercial device and even in hosting additional demonstrations using their own 5-position demo device. 

Business plans for commercializing the device are being developed.  The approach will likely include efforts by “SuperUsers” who will demonstrate the device and provide follow-up assistance on using the commercial device to obtain optimal results.  We envision the creation of a community of users who share their “recipes” and experiences for using the commercial device through a mobile friendly, web-database. 

We would especially like to thank Larry Chandler, Director & Sommelier, of the Cedar City Wine Club for his assistance in making this event a great success.  Larry’s extensive knowledge of wines and the wine industry, along with his enthusiasm were indispensable in making this a fun and educational experience.  Larry can be reached at:  

Email:  [email protected]  Twitter:  @larrythewineguy

You can keep up with what Larry and the Cedar City Wine Club are up to by following them on Facebook at:

www.facebook.com/cedarcitywineclub

And, of course, we would also like to thank Dan and Page Stites for hosting the event at their home in Cedar City. 

If you are interested in hosting a similar event or otherwise participate in the development and commercialization of this product please contact: [email protected]. 

This technology was developed at Stites & Associates, LLC.  The story of how this came about is fascinating and entertaining.  More will be shared later as we proceed toward commercialization.  Stites & Associates, LLC, is a group of technical professionals who work with clients to improve laboratory performance and evaluate and improve technology by applying good management judgment based on objective evidence and sound scientific thinking.  For more information on SALLC see: www.tek-dev.net.

Wine Aging Device Patent Applications Publish

 

 

 

 

 

The US and International Patent Applications for the Wine Aging Device invented by Ron Stites, Erik Stites, David Gill, Andrew Benwell and Stephen Stites has recently published in the US, Africa, Europe and Eurasia. 

 

 

To view these publications see:

US20150184117   or  WO2015103168

We are pursuing commercialization through two different organizations.  One will be focused on the in-home market while the other will be more focused on higher volume, flow-through applications.  

If you would like more information please contact Ron Stites at:  [email protected].

 Stites & Associates, LLC, is a group of technical professionals who work with clients to improve laboratory performance and evaluate and improve technology by applying good management judgment based on objective evidence and sound scientific thinking.  For more information see: www.tek-dev.net.

Update on Accelerated Wine Aging Device:

As reported last month, Stites & Associates, LLC, (SALLC) has patented an electrochemical device for accelerated aging of wine.  Since our last report there have been several developments.  These are reported here:

New Prototypes Built:

Five new prototypes have been constructed and tested.  These were all of the bottle variety.  One of them has already been extensively taste tested in home settings, including dinner parties.  In all cases, users agreed that the flavor of inexpensive red wine was improved with 10 to 15 minutes of treatment.  Well over a dozen bottles of wine have been treated with this single device with no signs of needing to change the 9 volt battery or do any repairs.

New Test Rig Built and Used for Taste Testing:

A five position test rig was constructed to more quickly develop optimal recipes for treating wine.  This is pictured below (with wine consultant Holly Wells).  This rig has proven to be invaluable in demonstrating to potential investors the effects that the wine aging device has on various wines.  Many of the tests were performed with very astringent wines for the purpose of demonstrating the process.  Multiple samples were set up and allowed to treat from a few minutes up to an hour to show the complete spectrum of tastes that could be generated.  In some cases the persons tasting the wine had definite biases against accelerating the aging of wine using a device.  In all cases tasters, even those with negative bias, agreed that the wine was vastly improved in a matter of minutes.  They did not all agree on their preferred treatment time.  The results ranged from a low of 10 minutes to a high of 25 minutes.  This confirmed our belief that it will be important to capture results in a reasonably consistent way and share the information with the user community.  Methods for accomplishing this are under development.

 

Scientific Basis for the Success of the Wine Aging Device Investigated:

In addition to extensive taste testing, the wine aging device has been subjected to electrochemical experiments to determine the mechanism for improving taste.  This mechanism has been shown quite conclusively by cyclic voltammetry.  These data can be shared with those serious about participating in these exciting developments.

This technology has been shown to be amenable to the consumer market.  The prototypes are very portable, weighing only a few ounces and powered by a 9 volt battery.   At least a dozen bottles of wine have been treated with no signs of needing to replace electrodes or even change the battery.  Based on our data, we expect a typical 9 volt alkaline battery to treat approximately 80 bottles of wine before requiring replacement.  This can actually be extended by some simple circuit redesign.  Most of the energy used is in the very simple control circuitry.  Theoretically battery life could be extended to several hundred bottles of wine.  Users universally report that treating wine in this way not only improves the taste of many wines, but that it is a lot of fun to do at a dinner party.  SALLC is working on a dinner party prototype.

Electrochemical data has also been collected that can be helpful in scaling up the process for use in large, winery-sized batches. 

SALLC is continuing development work.  A new prototype for multiple, individual glasses in being constructed.  We expect to have more on that in about a month.  If you are interested in working with SALLC on this exciting development please contact Ron Stites at: [email protected].

Partners Wanted – Accelerated Wine Aging Device:

Stites & Associates, LLC, (SALLC) has patented an electrochemical device for accelerated aging of wine.  It mimics the natural aging process, but accomplishes in minutes what can take years in a bottle.  Because it mimics the natural process, it is applicable to the wines that are normally amenable to aging – essentially “young” red wines.  SALLC has constructed a bottle-sized prototype and tested it.  The results were very positive.  The device softened the taste of the red wine tested, much like what would have been expected with several years of aging.

The technology is clearly amenable to the consumer market.  The prototype was very portable, weighing only a few ounces and powered by a 9 volt battery.   The bottle-sized prototype is pictured below:

 

The technology can be easily scaled up for use in large, winery-sized batches. 

In 2014, SALLC will be working on additional characterization of the device and its effect on various wines under various conditions.  If you are interested in working with SALLC on this exciting development please contact Ron Stites at: [email protected].

 

 

Partners Wanted – Electrochemical Reduction of Captured CO2

Stites & Associates, LLC, (SALLC) has patented an improved process for the electrochemical reduction of CO₂ in a water solution.  It is based on an existing technology that suffered from passivation due to the buildup of metal oxides on the electrode.  We believe we have found a method to keep the electrodes active.  We also have numerous ideas on how to construct the electrodes to yield high surface area and good activity. 

SALLC is embarking on a research program to work out details and head toward commercialization of the process.  Essentially the process would allow CO₂ that has been captured from many sources (but especially coal fired power plants) to be reduced to methanol using locally generated low voltage electricity.  The basic scheme is shown below:

 
 

By firing the plant with oxygen instead of air, the flue gas will have high CO₂ content making carbon capture much more efficient.  The SALLC electrochemical cell uses low voltage from local solar panels to reduce the CO₂ to methanol and to produce oxygen to be used in the plant.  The methanol could be used as fuel, but if used to make plastics, the CO₂would be permanently sequestered in useful products.  This would dramatically reduce the CO₂ footprint of the coal fired power plant.

The advantages are enormous.  This would allow electricity generated by solar panels to be used locally and avoid the energy loses from conversion to high voltage AC.  It would also have the ability to respond to the inevitable interruptions encountered with solar energy due to nightfall and weather.  Because the oxygen from the electrochemical process is “supplemental’ it can be replaced by additional oxygen from the oxygen plant.  Hence, when electrochemical oxygen is not available (at night, cloudy days, maintenance, etc.), the power plant can still operate on oxygen from the oxygen plant.  It may even be practical to switch to air instead of oxygen when the solar generated oxygen is not available for extended periods.  This kind of flexibility is crucial for making solar energy useful for industrial applications.  Furthermore, this is one of the few carbon capture schemes that can actually upgrade the value of the captured CO₂.

There are three main thrusts of the research work being pursued by SALLC:

1. Develop detailed engineering data to validate commercial potential,
2. Develop improved electrodes that have high surface area, long life and are cost effective to produce and
3. Develop process designs.

We are still quite early in this exciting project and are looking for long-term investment partners.  We have much of the equipment and expertise needed to develop this technology, but it will take money to bring this to fruition.

If you are interested in learning more about this exciting opportunity call or write Ron Stites at (912) 247-6120 or [email protected].