Dr. James Kimble
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Dr. james kimble
Fellow, Biofuels and Long-Range Technology (retired) ConocoPhillips |
Prior to his retirement in early 2008, Dr. James Kimble enjoyed a 30-year career in research development, authoring 51 U.S. patents and several foreign patents.
Dr. Kimble began his career with the company in 1978, studying the production of a variety of specialty chemicals. In 1981, he began developing catalysts for and participating in the development of several processes, including the oxidative conversion of light paraffins; the dehydrogenation of propane to propylene; and the isomerization of low octane, gasoline range materials.
In 1988, Dr. Kimble became supervisor of the Crude Oil Evaluation Laboratory, directing the company’s activities in evaluating and determining the value for most of the crudes available to its refineries. From 1990 to 1992, Dr. Kimble served as director of the Chemical Division Strategy, evaluating the value and potential of the research program for the Chemical Research & Development division.
Dr. Kimble became team leader in 1992, providing direction to the team responsible for the support of the company’s light olefin business activities, including the development and commercial exploitation of a new generation of acetylene removal catalyst.
In 1998, Kimble assumed responsibility for the team tasked with the investigation of technologies for the utilization of natural gas. In addition to this effort, his team focused on studies of the direct conversion of synthesis gas to light olefins as catalyzed by a variety of metal oxides; the one-step conversion of methanol to light olefins over bifunctional catalysts; and novel catalytic materials for the Fischer-Tropsch conversion of synthesis gas to paraffinic materials.
In 2002, Dr. Kimble became manager, Long-Range Downstream Technology Development, and was responsible for the company’s investigation of several long-range issues, including the production of hydrogen by novel and potentially advantageous processes.
After becoming fellow, Biofuels and Long-Range Technology, in 2006, Dr. Kimble helped establish a large program directed at developing advanced technologies for production of biofuels, including a $23.5 million, eight-year research program in biofuels technology at Iowa State University. He also assisted with programs focused on carbon dioxide capture and sequestration; development of materials for advanced battery production; mediation of water and environmental problems; development of technologies for hydrogen production with avoidance of CO2 release; development of advanced fuels of future interests; and other assorted advanced technical areas of interest to ConocoPhillips.
Before joining the company in 1978, Kimble served as a visiting assistant professor at Texas Tech University from 1976 to 1978. Dr. Kimble received a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from the New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology and a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Iowa State University. |
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