Hitoshi Maekawa

Title: Hitoshi Maekawa: Innovator in Petroleum Processing

Introduction

Hitoshi Maekawa is a notable inventor based in Chiba, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of petroleum processing, particularly through his innovative approaches to thermally cracking heavy petroleum oil. His work has implications for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of oil processing techniques.

Latest Patents

Hitoshi Maekawa holds a patent for a process of thermally cracking heavy petroleum oil. This process involves treating heavy petroleum oil successively in a cracking furnace and a perfect mixing type tank reactor. The thermal cracking in the furnace is performed at temperatures ranging from 450 to 520 degrees Celsius, achieving a conversion rate of at least 60-75%. In the tank reactor, the thermal cracking occurs at temperatures between 400 and 450 degrees Celsius, under pressures from ambient to 1 kg/cm², for a duration of 10 to 30 minutes. Steam is introduced into the tank reactor at temperatures between 435 and 700 degrees Celsius, constituting 8-20% by weight of the heavy petroleum oil fed to the cracking furnace. This innovative process enhances the efficiency of petroleum oil conversion.

Career Highlights

Hitoshi Maekawa is affiliated with the Research Association for Residual Oil Processing, where he continues to develop and refine his innovative techniques. His work has garnered attention for its potential to revolutionize the petroleum industry by improving the thermal cracking process.

Collaborations

Hitoshi has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Itaru Matsuo and Yuzo Takahashi. Their combined expertise contributes to the advancement of research in petroleum processing.

Conclusion

Hitoshi Maekawa's contributions to the field of petroleum processing through his innovative patent demonstrate his commitment to enhancing oil conversion techniques. His work is a testament to the importance of innovation in the energy sector.