Tsunenori Sakai

Title: Tsunenori Sakai: Innovator in Mercury Removal Technologies

Introduction

Tsunenori Sakai is a notable inventor based in Yamaguchi, Japan. He has made significant contributions to the field of environmental technology, particularly in the removal of mercury from liquid hydrocarbons. With a total of 4 patents to his name, Sakai's work is crucial for improving safety and efficiency in petrochemical processes.

Latest Patents

Sakai's latest patents focus on innovative processes for removing mercury from liquid hydrocarbons. One of his key inventions is a continuous process that involves feeding a mercury-containing liquid hydrocarbon to an ionization zone, where the elemental mercury is ionized. This is followed by a treatment step where the ionized mercury is converted into a solid mercury compound. Additionally, he has developed a semi-continuous process that operates similarly but allows for batch treatment in a sulfur compound-treatment tank. These methods enable the efficient removal of mercury at ordinary temperature and pressure, making them practical for industrial applications.

Another significant patent outlines a method for efficiently removing mercury by contacting the liquid hydrocarbon with water and sludge that have been pre-treated with crude oil. This innovative approach helps prevent an increase in mercury concentration in the treated liquid hydrocarbon, ensuring safer handling and processing.

Career Highlights

Sakai is currently associated with Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd., where he continues to advance his research and development efforts. His work has garnered attention for its potential to enhance environmental safety in the petrochemical industry.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Sakai has collaborated with esteemed colleagues such as Jun Mase and Hidetoshi Ono. These partnerships have contributed to the successful development of his innovative technologies.

Conclusion

Tsunenori Sakai's contributions to mercury removal technologies are vital for the petrochemical industry. His innovative approaches not only enhance efficiency but also promote environmental safety. His ongoing work at Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd. continues to pave the way for advancements in this critical field.