Shigeru Miwa

Title: Shigeru Miwa: Innovator in Hydrocarbon Processing

Introduction

Shigeru Miwa is a notable inventor based in Ichihara, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of hydrocarbon processing, holding two patents that showcase his innovative approaches to producing and refining carbonaceous materials.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is a process for producing oil-containing, microspherical carbonaceous materials. In this process, molten pitch is mixed and atomized in an inert gas stream at a temperature lower than that of the molten pitch. The mixture is then cooled to ordinary temperature and separated from the gas stream. To enhance the fluidity of the resulting fine solid pitch spheres, fine powders such as carbon and silica alumina are added at various stages of the process. This innovation allows the pitch spheres to be easily stored, handled, and transported, as they behave like a fluid.

Another significant patent by Miwa is the process of thermally cracking heavy hydrocarbon oils. In this method, a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock is heat-treated in a first cracking zone before being introduced into a second thermal cracking zone. This zone contains multiple cracking reactors connected in series, through which the treated feedstock is passed. A gaseous heat transfer medium is supplied to maintain the liquid phase at a temperature sufficient for thermal cracking. The process is designed to control the thermal cracking temperature in each reactor, allowing for the efficient separation of distillable cracked components into heavy and light fractions.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Shigeru Miwa has worked with prominent companies such as Fuji Oil Company Limited and Fuji Standard Research, Inc. His work has significantly impacted the field of hydrocarbon processing, leading to advancements in the production and refinement of carbonaceous materials.

Collaborations

Miwa has collaborated with notable individuals in his field, including Shimpei Gomi and Tomomitsu Takeuchi. These collaborations have contributed to the development of innovative processes and technologies in hydrocarbon processing.

Conclusion

Shigeru Miwa's contributions to hydrocarbon processing through his patents and career achievements highlight his role as an influential inventor. His innovative approaches continue to shape the industry and pave the way for future advancements.