William O Beard, Jr

Title: The Innovations of William O Beard, Jr.

Introduction

William O Beard, Jr. is a distinguished inventor based in Wichita, Kansas, recognized for his contributions to chemical engineering. With two patents to his name, he has made significant advancements in the field of oxychlorination catalysts, which play a crucial role in the production of important chemical compounds.

Latest Patents

William O Beard, Jr.'s latest patents include innovative compositions and processes for oxychlorination catalysts. His first patent introduces a superior catalyst for the oxychlorination of C₂ hydrocarbon feeds, consisting of a mixture of copper chloride and alkali metal chloride, notably potassium chloride, and further enhanced with magnesium chloride. This mixture is deposited on an alumina support with a surface area exceeding 20 m²/g but less than 100 m²/g. The inclusion of 0.2 to 5 percent silica in the alumina support also furthers the thermal stability of the catalyst. This microspheroidal catalyst is particularly efficient in producing perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene through oxychlorination, showing excellent process efficiencies with high HCl conversion and desirable product selectivity.

His second patent focuses on an improved process for producing perchloroethylene, effectively eliminating the creation of undesirable by-products such as 1,1,2-trichloroethane and unsymmetrical tetrachloroethane during the oxychlorination reaction. By leveraging a copper chloride-alkali metal chloride catalyst mixture on a microspheroidal activated alumina carrier, Beard ensures the reaction results in products free from the undesirable compounds. Key reaction parameters such as time, temperature, and pressure are controlled to optimize productivity.

Career Highlights

William O Beard, Jr. has made impactful strides while working for Vulcan Materials Company. His expertise in catalysis has been instrumental in advancing chemical processes, marking his career as one rooted in innovation and excellence in the field.

Collaborations

In his work, Beard collaborates with notable colleagues, including Robert P Hirschmann and Eric L Mainz. These partnerships have helped bolster research and development efforts, leading to groundbreaking advancements in chemical processes and their applications.

Conclusion

William O Beard, Jr. stands out as a prolific inventor whose work in the field of oxychlorination has greatly influenced chemical production methods. His innovative catalyst compositions and processes not only enhance efficiency but also prioritize the reduction of harmful by-products, setting a standard in the industry. His ongoing contributions ensure that he remains a key figure in chemical engineering and innovation.