Paul Lawrence Tanaka is an accomplished inventor based in Sugar Land, TX, with a remarkable portfolio of five patents. His innovative work primarily focuses on developing advanced methods and systems for separating contaminants from gaseous streams and mine tailings, showcasing his expertise in both petroleum engineering and polymer technology.

Latest Patents

Among his latest contributions to the field, Tanaka has developed a notable patent titled "Method and apparatus for removal of oil from utility gas stream." This invention is directed towards a method and system for preparing gaseous utility streams by efficiently removing oil contamination from these streams. The approach utilizes a kinetic swing adsorption process that incorporates pressure swing adsorption, temperature swing adsorption, calcination, and inert purge processes, ensuring high cleanliness for dry gas seals used in rotating equipment such as compressors, turbines, and pumps. The adsorbent materials employed involve high surface area solid structured microporous and mesoporous materials.

Another significant patent is focused on "Systems and methods for separating mine tailings from water-absorbing polymers and regenerating the separated water-absorbing polymers." This innovation includes a unique separation assembly designed to process an augmented mine tailings slurry, effectively separating swollen water-absorbing polymers from mine tailings. The resulting system produces a dewatered mine tailings slurry and a regenerated water-absorbing polymer, thus enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of mining operations.

Career Highlights

Tanaka is a key player at ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, where he works on developing technologies that enhance operational efficiencies and environmental sustainability. His contributions have played a crucial role in advancing the company's innovative capabilities, positioning it at the forefront of the petroleum and polymer technology sectors.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Tanaka has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including Peter C. Rasmussen and Bruce T. Kelley. These partnerships have facilitated knowledge sharing and fostered a collaborative environment that enhances innovation and problem-solving in their respective fields.

Conclusion

With an impressive collection of patents and a strong commitment to innovation, Paul Lawrence Tanaka continues to make significant strides in the realms of petroleum engineering and polymer separation. His work not only contributes to the operational success of ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company but also offers valuable solutions to pressing challenges in energy and resource management.

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