James E Siebarth

Title: Innovations by James E. Siebarth in Natural Gas Conversion

Introduction

James E. Siebarth, an accomplished inventor based in Denver, Colorado, has made significant contributions in the field of energy conversion, primarily focusing on the manufacturing processes for clean fuels. With a remarkable portfolio of ten patents, Siebarth is recognized for his innovative approaches that leverage natural gas and flare gas to produce cleaner alternatives to conventional fuels.

Latest Patents

Among his most recent patents are groundbreaking systems and methods for the manufacture of dimethyl ether (DME) and methanol from natural gas and flare gas feedstock. The patent for DME details a method that reforms flare gas or other raw natural gas sources using air, without the need for steam, to produce DME directly. This innovative approach entails reforming an air-natural gas mixture at ambient atmospheric pressures, then compressing the resulting gas mixture to 100-2,000 psi before reacting it in a combined reactor to convert it into DME. This method not only offers a more efficient fuel alternative compared to traditional diesel but also addresses the environmental issue of flaring. For instance, it has the potential to convert around 120 billion cubic feet of flared gas in North Dakota into over three million tons of DME annually.

Similarly, his patent concerning methanol presents a mobile system that reformulates flare gas, methane, or natural gas using air, resulting in methanol production—a clean-burning gasoline substitute. The method reformulates the air-methane mixture at ambient atmospheric pressure and compresses it to about 600 psi for conversion in a methanol reactor. This innovation also aims to mitigate the flaring problem, offering a solution that could convert the same volume of flared gas into over six million tons of methanol each year.

Career Highlights

Siebarth's career has seen him work with esteemed companies such as Rentech, Inc. and Pioneer Energy Inc., where he has honed his skills in energy conversion technologies. His inventions are a testament to his dedication to producing cleaner fuels while addressing critical environmental challenges.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, James has collaborated with notable peers, including Mark S. Bohn and Belma Demirel. Their joint efforts have facilitated advancements in clean energy technologies, further enhancing the impact of Siebarth's innovative solutions.

Conclusion

James E. Siebarth stands out as a pioneering inventor in the realm of natural gas conversion. With his substantial portfolio of patents and a clear focus on creating cleaner fuel alternatives, his work is setting new standards in energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. The implications of his innovations promise not only to displace costlier petroleum-based fuels but also to address significant ecological concerns associated with flaring and wasted natural gas.