Location History:
- Chiba, JP (1998 - 2003)
- Ichihara, JP (2000 - 2012)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1998-2012
Title: Noriaki Oku: Innovator in Propylene Oxide Purification
Introduction
Noriaki Oku, based in Ichihara, Japan, is a distinguished inventor with an impressive portfolio of 13 patents. His work primarily focuses on the purification processes of propylene oxide, which is a crucial chemical used in various industrial applications. Oku’s innovative approaches have led to significant advancements in chemical engineering and production efficiency.
Latest Patents
Among his latest patents is a revolutionary method of purifying propylene oxide. This process involves subjecting propylene oxide that contains methyl formate as an impurity to extractive distillation using a hydrocarbon with 7 to 10 carbon atoms as an extractant. The method details how to add water to the distillate from the overhead of the extraction distillation column to conduct oil-water separation, recycle the oil layer back into the column, and remove the aqueous layer, thus yielding propylene oxide with a significantly reduced concentration of methyl formate. Another critical patent involves a similar purification process characterized by the extraction of a liquid reaction mixture containing propylene oxide and various impurities obtained from the reaction of cumene hydroperoxide with propylene. This process also utilizes hydrocarbons with 7 to 20 carbon atoms as an extractant while carefully controlling the concentration of propylene glycol.
Career Highlights
Noriaki Oku’s career is marked by his affiliation with Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited, where he has contributed to numerous innovative processes and solutions in chemical manufacturing. His expertise in extractive distillation has placed him at the forefront of propylene oxide purification techniques, making lasting impacts in the field.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Oku has collaborated with talented professionals, including Masaru Ishino and Junpei Tsuji. Together, they have worked on refining purification methods that not only enhance product quality but also promote sustainability in chemical production.
Conclusion
Noriaki Oku’s contributions to the field of chemical engineering, particularly in the purification of propylene oxide, demonstrate his innovative spirit and dedication to advancing industrial practices. His patents reflect a commitment to improving efficiency and reducing impurities in chemical processes, marking him as a significant figure in the world of inventions.
Inventor’s Patent Attorneys refers to legal professionals with specialized expertise in representing inventors throughout the patent process. These attorneys assist inventors in navigating the complexities of patent law, including filing patent applications, conducting patent searches, and protecting intellectual property rights. They play a crucial role in helping inventors secure patents for their innovative creations.