Organometallic Catalyst Consultant: Propylene and Hydrocarbon Ammoxidation, Acetoxylation Catalysts and Acrylonitrile Production

Technical Consultant #1589

Organometallic chemistry, particularly as applied to catalysts.
Acetoxylation catalysis.
Oxidation and ammoxidation of hydrocarbons.
Acrylonitrile, HCN (hydrogen cyanide) and acetonitrile commercial production.
Acrylic acid, acrolein and methacrylic acid manufacturing technology.
ADN (adiponitrile), caprolactam and organic isocyanates production.
Fluid bed reactor and catalyst technology.
Conversion of methane to liquid hydrocarbons.
Solid state chemistry, fuel cells, inorganic synthesis, MEA's (Membrane Electrode Assembly) and bipolar plates.
Expert in plant support and for twenty years providing assistance to BP and worldwide licenses for the production of acrylonitrile and optimum reactor performance.
Holds key patents in propylene ammoxidation, fluid bed vinyl acetate process and in the emerging area of catalytic conversion of alkanes to chemicals, and acrylonitrile production from propane feedstock.
Vinyl acetate monomer manufacturing technology.

Independent Consultant, 2006 - Present

For clients: Production of acrylonitrile (and its by-products), acrylic acid, adiponitrile, acetonitrile, hydrogen cyanide, caprolactam, organic isocyanates, bipolar plates for fuel cells, and carbon fibers.

BP Chemicals, Research Scientist, (6 different levels), 1977 - 2006

Invented several fluid bed catalysts of commercial significance for propylene ammoxidation to acrylonitrile, resulting in millions of dollars of annual profits.
Discovered, developed and commercialized catalyst for the production of HCN.
Invented catalyst for the production of acetonitrile.
Provided plan to support to BP's acrylonitrile reactors (as well as to all licenses around the world) for the optimum catalyst and reactor performance.
Discovered novel catalyst for converting alkanes to chemicals.
Contributed to the invention of the LEAP process, a most significant breakthrough in vinyl acetate monomer manufacturing technology.
Invented a novel microspheroidal silica support used in the preparation of fluid bed vinyl acetate catalysts. This support has been used commercially.
Developed catalysts for the production of acrylic and methacrylic acid.
Proposed conductive composites for bipolar plates used in fuel cells.
Proposed carbon nanotubes for preparation of MEAs used in fuel cells.
Directed research for converting methane and/or natural gas into more readily transportable material.
Designed, implemented and executed extremely cost effective bench and pilot plant scale experiments with an excellent safety track record.
Supervised and directed research team compromised of chemists, engineers, co-ops and interns.

Credentials

Publications and Patents

53 U.S. patents and numerous foreign patents.
Key patents in propylene ammoxidation; fluid bed vinyl acetate process; and in the emerging area of catalytic conversion of alkanes to chemical feedstocks.