Yiru Li

Title: Yiru Li: Innovator in Natural Gas Liquids Upgrading

Introduction

Yiru Li is a prominent inventor based in West Lafayette, Indiana, known for her significant contributions to the field of natural gas liquids upgrading. With a total of four patents to her name, she has developed innovative processes that enhance the efficiency of transforming natural gas liquids into higher molecular weight hydrocarbons.

Latest Patents

Yiru Li's latest patents include a groundbreaking two-step catalytic process for alkane dehydrogenation and oligomerization. This process catalytically transforms natural gas liquids (NGL) into higher molecular weight hydrocarbons. It involves providing an NGL stream, catalytically dehydrogenating a portion of the NGL stream components to their corresponding alkene derivatives, and then catalytically oligomerizing these alkenes to produce higher molecular weight hydrocarbons. The NGL stream can be sourced from gas streams, such as those originating from shale formations. The resulting hydrocarbons are liquid at ambient temperature and pressure.

Another notable patent focuses on upgrading natural gas liquids from shale gas without the need for a front-end demethanizer. This process allows for the dehydrogenation of natural gas liquid components in a shale gas stream to their corresponding olefin derivatives before any methane separation occurs. Subsequent processing steps can include various separations and oligomerization of the olefins produced, allowing for flexibility in the order of operations.

Career Highlights

Yiru Li is affiliated with the Purdue Research Foundation, where she continues to advance her research and innovation in the field of natural gas liquids. Her work has garnered attention for its potential to improve the efficiency and sustainability of hydrocarbon production.

Collaborations

Yiru Li collaborates with esteemed colleagues, including Rakesh Agrawal and Jeffrey J. Siirola, who contribute to her research endeavors and help drive innovation in the field.

Conclusion

Yiru Li's contributions to the field of natural gas liquids upgrading exemplify her role as a leading inventor. Her innovative processes not only enhance the efficiency of hydrocarbon production but also pave the way for more sustainable practices in the industry.