Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1987-1994
Title: Innovations of Wilfred K Lam in Ethylene Recovery Processes
Introduction
Wilfred K Lam is a notable inventor based in Arcadia, CA, who has made significant contributions to the field of chemical engineering, particularly in the recovery of ethylene and hydrogen. With a total of three patents to his name, Lam's work focuses on innovative processes that enhance the efficiency of gas separation and recovery.
Latest Patents
Lam's latest patents include an "Absorption process for hydrogen and ethylene recovery" and a "Front-end hydrogenation and absorption process for ethylene recovery." The first patent describes a continuous process for contacting an olefins-containing feed gas stream, which has been freed of CO₂ and sulfur compounds. This process involves compressing, cooling, and drying the gas before using a solvent in a demethanizing absorber to produce a rich solvent bottom stream containing ethylene and heavier hydrocarbons. The process efficiently recovers hydrogen and produces an ethylene product stream through a series of separation and recycling steps.
The second patent outlines a continuous process that begins with a front-end heat-pumped depropanizer to remove C₄+ compounds from the feed gas. This process selectively hydrogenates the overhead stream to reduce acetylene and diolefins content, followed by dehydration and further separation in a demethanizing absorber. The resulting streams are processed to yield ethylene as a product while recycling ethane back to the cracker.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Wilfred K Lam has worked with several companies, including Advanced Extraction Technologies, Inc. and C. F. Braun & Co. His expertise in chemical processes has allowed him to develop innovative solutions that address industry challenges in gas recovery and separation.
Collaborations
Lam has collaborated with notable professionals in his field, including Yuv R Mehra and Don W Mullins. These collaborations have contributed to the advancement of technologies in ethylene recovery processes.
Conclusion
Wilfred K Lam's contributions to the field of chemical engineering, particularly through his innovative patents, have significantly impacted the efficiency of ethylene and hydrogen recovery processes. His work continues to influence advancements in the industry.