CPC field-specific training

Transcription

1 CPC field-specific training C10G, C10L1/00-C10L1/08 José Carlos Pardo Torre Examiner, European Patent Office June 2018

2 Table of contents Introduction What and where to classify Neighbouring fields Specific terminology Overall structure Examples European Patent Office 2

3 Introduction C10G and C10L C10G CRACKING HYDROCARBON OILS; PRODUCTION OF LIQUID HYDROCARBON MIXTURES, e.g. BY DESTRUCTIVE HYDROGENATION, OLIGOMERISATION, POLYMERISATION; RECOVERY OF HYDROCARBON OILS FROM OIL-SHALE, OIL- SAND, OR GASES; REFINING MIXTURES MAINLY CONSISTING OF HYDROCARBONS; REFORMING OF NAPHTHA; MINERAL WAXES C10L FUELS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NATURAL GAS; SYNTHETIC NATURAL GAS OBTAINED BY PROCESSES NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C10G, C10K; LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS; ADDING MATERIALS TO FUELS OR FIRES TO REDUCE SMOKE OR UNDESIRABLE DEPOSITS OR TO FACILITATE SOOT REMOVAL; FIRELIGHTERS European Patent Office 3

4 Introduction C10G and C10L1/00-C10L1/08 In short: C10G C10L1/00-C10L1/08 Processes resulting in mixtures of liquid hydrocarbons Liquid carbonaceous fuels: Mixtures of hydrocarbons and/or oxygenates European Patent Office 4

5 Introduction Where to find CPC classification scheme and definitions of C10G and C10L CPC scheme also available in +CLA (EPOQUE Net) Classification rules IPC Guide: CPC Guide: CPC training material: and on (Publications and Training sections) European Patent Office 5

6 Table of contents Introduction What and where to classify Neighbouring fields Specific terminology Overall structure Examples European Patent Office 6

7 What and where to classify The aim of classification Retrieval of technical subject-matter (IPC-Guide VIII.75.) When classifying, keep in mind how a search examiner searches, i.e. what is useful for search and what is not. European Patent Office 7

8 What and where to classify The main kinds of search Figure-feature search, i.e. a search of features shown in figures Text-feature search, i.e. a search for written features In C10G and C10L fields, the search is most often focused on the text rather than the figures. Classify the claims and the most relevant aspects of the description and figures. European Patent Office 8

9 What and where to classify Last place priority rule In general, classification in C10G is made in the last appropriate place. a technical subject of the invention is classified at the deepest appropriate indentation level in the last appropriate place when several particular technical subjects are disclosed, the last place priority rule is separately applied to each of them European Patent Office 9

10 Table of contents Introduction What and where to classify Neighbouring fields Specific terminology Overall structure Examples European Patent Office 10

11 Neighbouring fields C10G: Mixture of liquid hydrocarbons? C10G covers the production or treatment of normally liquid hydrocarbon mixtures. Not a mixture? Individual hydrocarbons (or mixtures of definite constitution) are classified in subclass C07C. Not a liquid? Production or treatment of normally solid or gaseous carbonaceous materials is covered by subclasses C10B, C10C, C10F, C10J, C10K. Not hydrocarbons? Hydrocarbon refers to molecules containing hydrogen and carbon. If the product also contains oxygen (e.g. fatty acids, bio-oils), check the appropriate field: C07C, C11B, C11C, C12P European Patent Office 11

12 Neighbouring fields C10G: Other relevant fields Processes in general and apparatus for distillation B01D Catalytic reactors in general B01J Cracking mainly to hydrogen or synthesis gas C01B Oil extraction E21B European Patent Office 12

13 Neighbouring fields C10L1/00-C10L1/08: Fuel with or without additives? The C10L1/00-C10L1/08 range encompasses fuels without additives, i.e. mixtures of hydrocarbons (C, H) and/or oxygenates (C, H, O). Additives refers to compounds present in very small amounts (usually less than 5% volume or weight). Fuels comprising additives are classified in C10L1/10-C10L1/308 European Patent Office 13

14 Table of contents Introduction What and where to classify Neighbouring fields Specific terminology Overall structure Examples European Patent Office 14

15 Specific terminology "cracking" is the process whereby complex organic molecules such as heavy hydrocarbons are broken down into simpler molecules (e.g. light hydrocarbons) by the breaking of carbon-carbon bonds in the precursors. The rate of cracking and the end products are strongly dependent on the temperature and the presence of any catalysts. "destructive hydrogenation" means splitting of molecules of the raw material with addition of hydrogen to them, also called direct liquefaction; liquefaction of coal by reacting it with hydrogen at high temperature and pressure. "iron group" in the periodic table refers to Fe, Co and Ni. "platinum group" in the periodic table refers to Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, Pt. European Patent Office 15

16 Specific terminology "refining" is the process of purification of a substance. The term is usually used of a natural resource that is almost in a usable form, but which is more useful in a purer form. For instance, most types of natural petroleum will burn straight from the ground, but they will burn poorly and quickly clog an engine with residues and byproducts. The term "refining" is broad and may include more drastic transformations. The refining of liquids is often accomplished by distillation or fractionation. "reforming", thermally or catalytically, is a chemical process used to convert naphtha boiling range feedstocks, typically having low octane ratings, into high-octane liquid products called reformates which are components of high-octane gasoline (also known as petrol). The process represents the total effect of numerous simultaneous reactions, such as dehydrogenation, isomerisation, cracking and polymerisation. European Patent Office 16

17 Specific terminology "stationary bed" indicates a fixed bed reactor or a trickle bed reactor. "moving solid catalysts" indicates an ebullated bed reactor, a slurry bed reactor, or a loop reactor. "voltolising": subjecting oils to treatment with an electric discharge. European Patent Office 17

18 Table of contents Introduction What and where to classify Neighbouring fields Specific terminology Overall structure Examples European Patent Office 18

19 The overall structure Main subdivisions C10G1-C10G5: Not a liquid hydrocarbon Liquid HC C10G7: Distillation of liquid HC C10G9-C10G15: Cracking in the absence of hydrogen C10G17-C10G32: Refining in the absence of hydrogen C10G33: Dewatering/demulsification C10G35: Reforming of naphtha One-step processes C10G45-C10G49: Hydrotreatment processes C10G50: Smaller HC Liquid HC C10G51-C10G69: Multi-step processes C10G70-C10G99: Other: gas products (70), lubricants (71), waxes (73), corrosion (75) European Patent Office 19

20 The overall structure Main subdivisions C10L1/02 C10L1/04 Liquid fuel compositions comprising compounds based on carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Liquid fuel compositions comprising hydrocarbons (hydrogen and carbon) European Patent Office 20

21 The overall structure Indexing groups C10G2300 C10G2400 Includes 70 subgroups defining aspects of hydrocarbon processing Feedstock type Characteristics of the feedstock or product Characteristics of the process deviating from typical ways of processing Catalyst aspects Additives Includes 15 groups defining the product obtained. European Patent Office 21

22 The overall structure Content overview: Group # docs Group # docs Group # docs C10G C10G C10G C10G C10G C10G61 62 C10G C10G C10G C10G5 241 C10G C10G C10G7 760 C10G C10G C10G C10G C10G C10G C10G C10G C10G C10G C10G71 30 C10G C10G C10G C10G C10G C10G C10G C10G C10G99 12 C10G C10G C10L1/ C10G C10G C10L1/ Number of documents published since 2015 and having a CPC classification confirmed by the EPO (database EPODOC ) European Patent Office 22

23 Table of contents Introduction What and where to classify Neighbouring fields Specific terminology Overall structure Examples European Patent Office 23

24 Examples 1. Last place priority rule A process for producing a hydrocarbon oil, comprising contacting a raw oil with a fluidised bed of a hydrocracking catalyst comprising a catalyst support comprising a zeolite and an amorphous composite metal oxide having solid acidity, and at least one active metal supported by the catalyst support and selected from noble metals of Group 8 to Group 10 in the periodic table. European Patent Office 24

25 Examples 1. Last place priority rule A process for producing a hydrocarbon oil, comprising contacting a raw oil with a fluidised bed of a hydrocracking catalyst comprising a catalyst support comprising a zeolite and an amorphous composite metal oxide having solid acidity, and at least one active metal supported by the catalyst support and selected from noble metals of Group 8 to Group 10 in the periodic table. European Patent Office 25

26 Examples 2. Multi-step vs One-step symbols: Claim 1 A process for heavy base oil production, comprising: a. performing an aromatic extraction C10G21 of a first hydrocarbon feed to produce an aromatic extract, and a waxy raffinate; C10G21? C10G45? C10G67? b. mixing the aromatic extract with a second hydrocarbon feed to make a mixed feed having greater than 2,000 wt ppm sulfur; C10G45 c. feeding the mixed feed to a hydroprocessing unit C10G67/0445 configured to produce a heavy API Group II base oil having a kinematic viscosity at 70 C. from 22.6 to 100 mm 2 /s European Patent Office 26

27 Examples 2. Multi-step vs One-step symbols: Claim 1 A process for heavy base oil production, comprising: a. performing an aromatic extraction of a first hydrocarbon feed to produce an aromatic extract, and a waxy raffinate; C10G21 C10G45 C10G67/0445 b. mixing the aromatic extract with a second hydrocarbon feed to make a mixed feed having greater than 2,000 wt ppm sulfur; c. feeding the mixed feed to a hydroprocessing unit configured to produce a heavy API Group II base oil having a kinematic viscosity at 70 C. from 22.6 to 100 mm 2 /s European Patent Office 27

28 Examples 2. Multi-step vs One-step symbol: Claim 2 A process according to claim 1 wherein the aromatic extraction is performed by contacting the first hydrocarbon with a phosphonium ionic liquid. C10G21? C10G45? C10G67? European Patent Office 28

29 Examples 2. Multi-step vs One-step symbol: Claim 2 A process according to claim 1 wherein the aromatic extraction is performed by contacting the first hydrocarbon with a phosphonium ionic liquid. Solvent comprising phosphorus C10G21/24 C10G45 C10G67/0445 European Patent Office 29

30 Examples 3. Biomass to liquid hydrocarbons A process for producing a bio-gasoline fraction, said process comprising: C10G1? C10G3? a. converting biomass in a conversion reactor containing a catalyst to thereby produce a conversion reactor effluent comprising vapor conversion products; b. condensing at least a portion of said vapor conversion products to thereby provide a bio-oil having a total oxygen content of 2 to 15 weight percent; and c. separating said bio-oil by distillation into at least a bio-gasoline fraction and a heavy fraction. European Patent Office 30

31 Examples 3. Biomass to liquid hydrocarbons A process for producing a bio-gasoline fraction, said process comprising: a. converting biomass in a conversion reactor containing a catalyst to thereby produce a conversion reactor effluent comprising vapor conversion products; b. condensing at least a portion of said vapor conversion products to thereby provide a bio-oil having a total oxygen content of 2 to 15 weight percent; and C10G1 C10G3 C10G groups relate to the production of hydrocarbons, i.e. hydrogen and carbon only. Consider C11C groups. c. separating said bio-oil by distillation into at least a bio-gasoline fraction and a heavy fraction. European Patent Office 31

32 Examples 3. Biomass to liquid hydrocarbons A method of manufacturing aromatic hydrocarbons from a tall oil-based raw material, the method comprising: C10G1? C10G3? a. feeding, into a fixed catalyst bed, hydrogen gas and a bio oil, which consists of 2-90% of tall oil fatty acids, 2-98% of tall oil resin acids and, optionally, other vegetable oils; b. catalytically deoxygenating the bio oil in the bed with hydrogen; c. cooling the flow exiting the bed, and dividing the flow into a hydrocarbon-bearing liquid phase and a gas phase; and d. recovering aromatic hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon-bearing liquid phase. European Patent Office 32

33 Examples 3. Biomass to liquid hydrocarbons A method of manufacturing aromatic hydrocarbons from a tall oil-based raw material, the method comprising: a. feeding, into a fixed catalyst bed, hydrogen gas and a bio oil, which consists of 2-90% of tall oil fatty acids, 2-98% of tall oil resin acids and, optionally, other vegetable oils; C10G1? C10G3/42 C10G3/50 b. catalytically deoxygenating the bio oil in the bed with hydrogen; c. cooling the flow exiting the bed, and dividing the flow into a hydrocarbon-bearing liquid phase and a gas phase; and d. recovering aromatic hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon-bearing liquid phase. European Patent Office 33

34 Examples 4. Product: C10G2400 or C10L1? A process for producing a gasoline component, comprising the steps of: C10G2400/02? C10L1/06? a. combining a vacuum gas oil (VGO) and a tall oil pitch (TOP) to provide a feedstock; b. subjecting the feedstock to a catalytic cracking unit to provide a cracking product; c. fractionating the cracking product to provide at least gas stream, gasoline product, light oil and distillation bottom; and d. recovering the gasoline product. European Patent Office 34

35 Examples 4. Product: C10G2400 or C10L1? A process for producing a gasoline component, comprising the steps of: a. combining a vacuum gas oil (VGO) and a tall oil pitch (TOP) to provide a feedstock; Products obtained by processes covered by groups C10G9/00 C10G69/14 C10G2400/02 C10L1/06 Catalytic cracking: C10G11 b. subjecting the feedstock to a catalytic cracking unit to provide a cracking product; c. fractionating the cracking product to provide at least gas stream, gasoline product, light oil and distillation bottom; and d. recovering the gasoline product. European Patent Office 35

36 Examples 4. Product: C10G2400 or C10L1? An unleaded formulated gasoline comprising a base blend composition having a Motor Octane Number (MON) of at least 80 comprising C10G2400/02? C10L1/06? component (a) at least 5% vol of at least one hydrocarbon having the following formula (I) R-CH2-CH(CH3)-C(CH3)2-CH3 wherein R is hydrogen or methyl; and component (b) at least one saturated liquid aliphatic hydrocarbon having 4 to 12 carbon atoms, and at least one gasoline additive. European Patent Office 36

37 Examples 4. Product: C10G2400 or C10L1? An unleaded formulated gasoline comprising a base blend composition having a Motor Octane Number (MON) of at least 80 comprising component (a) at least 5% vol of at least one hydrocarbon having the following formula (I) Liquid carbonaceous fuels/ essentially based on blends of hydrocarbons/ for spark ignition C10G2400/02 C10L1/06 Product as such R-CH2-CH(CH3)-C(CH3)2-CH3 wherein R is hydrogen or methyl; and component (b) at least one saturated liquid aliphatic hydrocarbon having 4 to 12 carbon atoms, and at least one gasoline additive. European Patent Office 37