Location History:
- Richmond, CA (US) (1985)
- Lafayette, CA (US) (2014)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1985-2014
Title: Inventor Profile: Lawrence Paul Zestar
Introduction
Lawrence Paul Zestar is an accomplished inventor based in Lafayette, California, known for his innovative contributions to the realm of hydrocarbon processing and environmental recovery. With a total of two patents to his name, Zestar has made significant strides in enhancing the efficiency of recovering valuable resources from industrial processes.
Latest Patents
Zestar's latest patents showcase his expertise in the field of petroleum and chemical engineering. One of his prominent inventions is titled **"Recovery of vanadium from petroleum coke slurry containing solubilized base metals."** This patent outlines a method for recovering vanadium from a spent slurry catalyst used in hydrocarbon oil hydroprocessing. The process involves treating the spent catalyst with ammonia and air to form a leach slurry, which is then treated with a flocculant. Following solid-liquid separation, the solid residue containing coke and ammonium metavanadate is further processed to obtain purified ammonium metavanadate.
Another notable patent by Zestar is the **"Process for generating superheated steam using retorted solids."** This invention describes a method for generating superheated steam by passing wet steam through a superheater that contains a bed of hot particulate solids recovered from a retorting process. This innovative approach is particularly useful for recovering hydrocarbon vapors from hydrocarbonaceous solids, such as oil shale.
Career Highlights
Zestar has held significant positions in renowned companies within the energy sector. He has worked with Chevron U.S.A. Inc. and Chevron Research Company, where he contributed to the development of technologies aimed at enhancing hydrocarbon recovery and processing techniques.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Zestar has collaborated with esteemed professionals, including Rahul Shankar Bhaduri and Robert A. Farnham. These partnerships have fostered an environment of innovation and have enabled the development of impactful technologies in the energy industry.
Conclusion
Lawrence Paul Zestar's contributions to the field of petroleum engineering and resource recovery are noteworthy. His patents not only reflect his innovative spirit but also demonstrate his commitment to advancing sustainable practices in hydrocarbon processing. As industries continue to seek efficient methods for resource recovery, Zestar's work stands as a testament to the potential for innovation within the sector.