Ralph Charles Norton

Title: Innovator Ralph Charles Norton: Engineering Advances in Isomerization Processes

Introduction

Ralph Charles Norton is a distinguished inventor based in Mission Viejo, California, known for his impactful contributions to the field of chemical engineering. With a total of three patents to his name, Norton has significantly advanced the processes related to isomerization units, enhancing efficiency and increasing yield in industrial applications.

Latest Patents

Norton’s latest patents showcase innovative approaches in the decomposition and treatment processes within isomerization units. One of his notable inventions is the "Perchloroethylene decomposition reactor design for isomerization unit hydrogen feed." This design enables a lower temperature process while increasing the C5+ yield. The invention describes an improved isomerization process where the inlet temperature to the isomerization reaction zone is kept below 105° C. This allows for the decomposition of organic chlorides in a separate reactor, which is then sent to the isomerization reactor along with a hydrocarbon feed containing paraffins, making the overall operation more efficient.

Another significant patent by Norton outlines a "Treatment process for an isomerization unit." This exemplary embodiment focuses on treating the interior of equipment for an isomerization unit, which includes various zones for receiving a feed stream of C4-C8 hydrocarbons. The process involves combining an anhydrous hydrogen stream and organic chloride stream to form a hydrogen chloride feedstock, passing it to a reaction zone with a specific catalyst, ultimately improving the hydrogen chloride stream’s effectiveness upstream of the isomerization reaction zone.

Career Highlights

Norton has established himself as a valuable asset at UOP LLC, where his expertise in chemical processes is leveraged to innovate and optimize isomerization technologies. His work not only enhances the company's product offerings but also makes a significant impact on the industry by setting new standards for efficiency and yield in chemical processing.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Norton has collaborated with talented individuals such as Jocelyn Daguio and Andrea G Bozzano. These partnerships have fostered an environment of creativity and technical excellence, leading to the development of groundbreaking innovations in chemical engineering.

Conclusion

Ralph Charles Norton’s contributions to the field of isomerization processes exemplify the spirit of innovation that drives advancements in chemical engineering. His patented technologies not only streamline operations but also contribute to more sustainable practices in the industry. As he continues to work at UOP LLC, Norton's commitment to improving chemical processes will undoubtedly lead to further advancements and discoveries in the future.