Richard Lee Wappelhorst

Title: Richard Lee Wappelhorst: Innovator in Acetonitrile Purification

Introduction

Richard Lee Wappelhorst, based in Port Lavaca, Texas, is a notable inventor with expertise in the field of chemical purification processes. With a total of 2 patents to his name, Wappelhorst has made significant contributions to the production of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) grade acetonitrile, a crucial solvent in various scientific and industrial applications.

Latest Patents

Wappelhorst's latest patents focus on innovative methods for purifying acetonitrile, emphasizing efficiency and impurity removal. One key invention is the "Purification of acetonitrile by a distillative recovery/ion exchange resin treatment process." This process involves multistep distillation under reflux conditions followed by acidic ion exchange resin treatment to effectively eliminate impurities from acetonitrile, ensuring its suitability for high-precision applications.

Another significant patent is the "Purification and recovery of acetonitrile." This method delineates a process where crude acetonitrile, containing acrylonitrile as an impurity along with water, is distilled. The technique allows for the vaporization of nearly all acrylonitrile impurities, resulting in crude acetonitrile that is substantially free from unwanted substances, thereby contributing to the overall quality of HPLC-grade acetonitrile (with a UV cutoff of less than 190).

Career Highlights

Richard Lee Wappelhorst has held positions at notable companies, including the Standard Oil Company and Ineos USA LLC, where he contributed to advancements in chemical engineering and purification processes. His experience in these reputable organizations has allowed him to refine his skills and develop innovative solutions for chemical purification challenges.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Wappelhorst has collaborated with esteemed professionals in the field, including Paul A. Jacobson and Sanjay Purushottam Godbole. These collaborations have fostered knowledge exchange and have been instrumental in driving the development of his patented technologies.

Conclusion

Richard Lee Wappelhorst stands out as a prominent inventor, whose work on acetonitrile purification processes has made a lasting impact on the industry. His dedication to innovation and collaboration with other professionals continues to advance the field, ensuring the availability of high-purity solvents essential for various applications in science and technology.