Hydrogen Or Compound Thereof Patents (Class 423/644)
  • Patent number: 8349036
    Abstract: A system for heating and drying a quantity of coal feedstock being channeled to a gasifier includes a first heat exchanger coupled in flow communication with the gasifier for transferring heat from an input stream to an output stream of heat transfer fluid, and a second heat exchanger positioned downstream from the first heat exchanger for receiving the output stream of heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger, said second heat exchanger transfers heat from the output stream of heat transfer fluid to a stream of heating gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Steven Craig Russell, Judeth Brannon Corry
  • Patent number: 8349035
    Abstract: The invention provides a fuel processor comprising a linear flow structure having an upstream portion and a downstream portion; a first catalyst supported at the upstream portion; and a second catalyst supported at the downstream portion, wherein the first catalyst is in fluid communication with the second catalyst. Also provided is a method for reforming fuel, the method comprising contacting the fuel to an oxidation catalyst so as to partially oxidize the fuel and generate heat; warming incoming fuel with the heat while simultaneously warming a reforming catalyst with the heat; and reacting the partially oxidized fuel with steam using the reforming catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: UChicago Argonne, LLC
    Inventors: Shabbir Ahmed, Dionissios D. Papadias, Sheldon H. D. Lee, Rajesh K. Ahluwalia
  • Patent number: 8349289
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for the production of synthesis gas. More particularly, various embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for volatilizing fluid fuel to produce synthesis gas by using a metal catalyst on a solid support matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Lanny D. Schmidt, Paul J. Dauenhauer, Bradon J. Dreyer, James R. Salge
  • Patent number: 8343241
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for the conversion of organic material to methane rich gas. In particular, the process comprises heating vaporized organic material in the presence of an excess amount of hydrogen gas and superheated steam to produce a methane rich fuel gas at pressures greater than 0 atmospheres gauge up to about 2 atmosphere gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Natural Energy Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas John Hallett, Craig Steven McEwen
  • Patent number: 8343242
    Abstract: A method of controlling an apparatus for generating electric power and apparatus for use in said method, the apparatus comprising a gasifier for biomass material, such as waste, wood chips, straw, etc., said gasifier being of the shaft and updraft fixed bed type, which from the top is charged with the raw material for gasification and into the bottom of which gasifying agent is introduced, and a gas engine driving an electrical generator for producing electrical power, said gas engine being driven by the fuel gas from the gasifier. By supplying the produced fuel gas directly from the gasifier to the gas engine and controlling the production of the fuel gas in the gasifier in order to maintain a constant electrical output power, the necessity of using a gas holder between the gasifier and the gas engine is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Vølund A/S
    Inventors: Claus Geest, Bjørn Teislev
  • Patent number: 8328888
    Abstract: Techniques, systems and material are disclosed for thermochemical regeneration of biomass into renewable engineered fuel, storage of the renewable engineered fuel, respeciation of the renewable engineered fuel and transport. In one aspect, a method includes generating low density hydrogen fuel from biomass dissociation at a first location of a low elevation. The low density hydrogen fuel is self-transported in a pipeline to a second location at a higher elevation than the first location by traveling from the first location to the second location without adding energy of pressure. A high density hydrogen carrier is generated at the second location of higher elevation by reacting the low density hydrogen fuel with at least one of a carbon donor, a nitrogen donor and an oxygen donor harvested from industrial waste. The high density hydrogen carrier is delivered to a third location of a lower elevation than the second location while providing pressure or kinetic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Patent number: 8328890
    Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for preparing gaseous products, and in particular, methane via the catalytic gasification of carbonaceous feedstocks in the presence of steam and an oxygen-rich gas stream. The processes comprise using at least one catalytic methanator to convert carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the gaseous products to methane and do not recycle carbon monoxide or hydrogen to the catalytic gasifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: GreatPoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent G. Reiling, Earl T. Robinson, Nicholas Charles Nahas, Jeffery Smith, Charles Mims
  • Patent number: 8329140
    Abstract: A method and system for storing and evolving hydrogen (H2) employ chemical compounds that can be hydrogenated to store hydrogen and dehydrogenated to evolve hydrogen. A catalyst lowers the energy required for storing and evolving hydrogen. The method and system can provide hydrogen for devices that consume hydrogen as fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventors: David L. Thorn, William Tumas, P. Jeffrey Hay, Daniel E. Schwarz, Thomas M. Cameron
  • Patent number: 8328889
    Abstract: Systems and processes for producing syngas and power therefrom are provided. One or more feedstocks and one or more oxidants can be combined in a fluidized reaction zone operated at a temperature from 550° C. to 1,050° C. to provide a syngas. Heat can be indirectly exchanged in a first zone from the syngas to a condensate to provide steam. Heat can also be indirectly exchanged in a second zone from the syngas to the steam to provide superheated steam. Heat can then be indirectly exchanged in a third zone from the syngas to provide a cooled syngas and the condensate for the first zone. At least a portion of the superheated steam can be directly supplied to one or more steam turbines to produce power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLC
    Inventor: Ravindra K. Agrawal
  • Patent number: 8328885
    Abstract: A fuel reformer burner in which fuel gas and anode-off-gas (AOG) may be burned and backfire may be prevented during combustion of AOG includes a fuel supply portion, an anode-off-gas (AOG) supply portion; and a combustion air supply portion. The fuel supply portion and the AOG supply portion are arranged inside the combustion air supply portion, which is formed to extend beyond the discharge sides of the fuel supply portion and the AOG supply portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun-chul Lee, Nobuya Kanamaru, Takami Higashi, Kang-hee Lee, Doo-hwan Lee, Shigeru Hayashi, Noriaki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8323366
    Abstract: A process for producing synthesis gas (S) from biomass, includes drying the biomass and gasifying the biomass. An equipment to carry out the process is also disclosed. The process further includes: subjecting the outgoing gases (CO2, N2 and H2O) from the gasifying step to a first heat exchange, where the outgoing gases (CO2, N2 and H2O) are cooled, purifying the outgoing gases (CO2, N2 and H2O) to achieve a process gas (P), the purification being effected by eliminating nitrogen (N2) from the outgoing gases (CO2, N2 and H2O), subjecting the process gas (P) to heat exchange, where the process gas (P) is heated, reducing the process gas (P) to synthesis gas (S), subjecting the synthesis gas (S) to heat exchange, where the synthesis gas (S) is cooled and supply air to the gasification is heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Cortus AB
    Inventor: Rolf Ljunggren
  • Patent number: 8323364
    Abstract: A self-regulating on-demand gas generator. Generation of gas produced from a reaction is selectively, variably, and spontaneously controlled. A variable volume liquid chamber in communication with the pressure pot allows the volume of liquid reactant in the pressure pot to be varied. The amount of product gas generated in the pressure pot depends on the degree of contact between the solid-like reactant and the liquid reactant. The pressure of the product gas regulates the level of liquid in the pressure pot and thereby regulates the degree of contact between the solid-like reactant and the liquid reactant. A sealed gas chamber sharing a flexible diaphragm with the liquid chamber controls the expandability of the liquid chamber. Manipulating the pressure in the sealed gas chamber or the volume of the liquid reactant affects the pressure at which contact by the reactants will be initiated or terminated and thereby provides the ability to control the reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: George H. Goble, Charles R. Allen
  • Patent number: 8323365
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and processes for producing syngas in steam methane reformer (SMR)-based plants, particularly to the use of a high space velocity, dual mode catalytic reactor to pre-reform plant feedstock. The dual mode reactor has the capability to operate in two modes: either without oxygen addition in a reforming mode or with oxygen addition in a partial oxidation-reforming mode. The dual mode reactor allows the syngas production rate of the plant to be manipulated without the added capital expense of a reheat coil and with reduced impact on export steam production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Francis Drnevich, Vasilis Papavassiliou, Troy Michael Raybold, Ramchandra Mukund Watwe
  • Patent number: 8323363
    Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus and process for the reformation of hydrogen containing fluids to hydrogen and other constituents, more particularly, the reformation of hydrocarbons or mixtures of hydrocarbons in a cyclic flow inert porous media reactor for the production of hydrogen and other constituents. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus and process can be used for the reformation of hydrogen sulfide to produce hydrogen and sulfur. The cyclic flow reactor comprises a reaction chamber filled with a porous media matrix containing an unconstrained reaction zone located in any portion of the reactor chamber. This reactor system employs valves to canalize the reactant mixture and product mixture during flow cycling channeling the reactant mixture through the porous media matrix, and reacting the reactant mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Innovative Energy Solution
    Inventors: Jacques Picardy Bingue, Christopher Lee White, Jean Pierre-Victor
  • Publication number: 20120288753
    Abstract: A hydride anode containing aluminium of the formula (M1)m(M2)3-mAlH6, where M1 and M2 are an alkali element selected independently from one another from Li, Na and K; m is a number between 1 and 3; n is a number ?3, and galvanic elements, such as lithium batteries, containing as anodes said hydride anodes containing aluminum. Methods for the production of galvanic elements having hydride anodes containing aluminium is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Ulrich Wietelmann
  • Patent number: 8298306
    Abstract: The invention provides a process that comminutes fuel solids in a steam-driven shear field, with controlled water content and catalyst, with gasification of the particles entrained in the vented steam. Unlike conventional gasification methods the invention requires no dioxygen to be present, and produces dry friable ash that has significant marketable value as a material in its own right.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: David Walker Taylor
  • Patent number: 8287610
    Abstract: Methods for carrying out high temperature reactions such as biomass pyrolysis or gasification using solar energy. The biomass particles are rapidly heated in a solar thermal entrainment reactor. The residence time of the particles in the reactor can be 5 seconds or less. The biomass particles may be directly or indirectly heated depending on the reactor design. Metal oxide particles can be fed into the reactor concurrently with the biomass particles, allowing carbothermic reduction of the metal oxide particles by biomass pyrolysis products. The reduced metal oxide particles can be reacted with steam to produce hydrogen in a subsequent process step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate
    Inventors: Alan W. Weimer, Christopher Perkins, Dragan Mejic, Paul Lichty
  • Patent number: 8277523
    Abstract: A method of operating a gasification facility includes channeling a conveying fluid at a first temperature through at least one first steam heating device to increase the temperature of the conveying fluid to a second predetermined temperature. The method also includes channeling the conveying fluid at the second predetermined temperature through a second steam heating device to increase the temperature of the conveying fluid to a third predetermined temperature. The method further includes channeling the conveying fluid at the third predetermined temperature to a solids conveyance system. Solids become entrained within the conveying fluid. The method also includes transporting at least a portion of the solids to a gasification system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sunil Ramabhilakh Mishra, Pradeep S. Thacker, Anindra Mazumdar, Vignesh Venkatraman
  • Patent number: 8277525
    Abstract: A high energy transport gas and a method to transport the high energy transport gas are used to increase the energy content of a pipeline and other vessels that are designed to carry natural gas under ambient conditions, in a compressed state or in a liquefied state. Methane and other gases are used as the feedstock, with methane from natural gas fields, coal beds or derived from hydrogen reacting with coal being primary energy sources. Also, this gas and method can provide an abundant source for hydrogen production, and the energy from hydrogen can be used for fuel cell applications that generate electricity and power motor vehicles. This gas and method are capable of increasing the energy capacity of current natural gas pipelines and other storage and transport vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Robert C. Dalton
  • Patent number: 8268023
    Abstract: The present application thus provides an integrated gasification combined cycle system. The integrated gasification combined cycle system may include a water gas shift reactor system and a heat recovery steam generator. The water gas shift reactor system may include a recirculation system with a recirculation heat exchanger to heat a flow of syngas. The heat recovery steam generator may include a diverted water flow in communication with the recirculation heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ashok Kumar Anand, Mahendhra Muthuramalingam, Jegadeesan Maruthamuthu
  • Patent number: 8268026
    Abstract: A method for controlling the synthesis gas composition obtained from a steam methane reformer (SMR) that obtains its feedstock as product gas directly from a steam hydro-gasification reactor SHR). The method allows control of the H2/CO syngas ratio by adjusting the hydrogen feed and the water content of feedstock into a steam hydro-gasification reactor that supplies the SMR. The steam and methane rich product gas of the SHR is generated by means of hydro-gasification of a slurry of carbonaceous material and water. The mass percentages of the product stream at each stage of the process are calculated using a modeling program, such as the ASPEN PLUS™ equilibrium process. By varying the parameters of solid to water ratio and hydrogen to carbon ratio, a sensitivity analysis can be performed that enables one determine the optimum composition of the slurry feedstock to the SHR to obtain a desired syngas ratio output of the SMR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Joseph M. Norbeck, Chan Seung Park, Arun Sk Raju
  • Patent number: 8268024
    Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method for producing syngas. The apparatus can include a first reformer, which can include a radiant section having a reformer tube disposed therein. The reformer tube can be at least partially filled with a first catalyst. The first reformer can also include a transition section coupled to the radiant section, a convective section coupled to the transition section, and a plurality of pre-reformer tubes disposed in the transition section. The plurality of pre-reformer tubes can be filled with a second catalyst and fluidly coupled to the reformer tube via a line external to the plurality of pre-reformer tubes. At least one of the plurality of pre-reformer tubes can have at least one extended surface disposed thereon. The second reformer can be coupled to the reformer tube and to an oxidant source. The third reformer can be coupled to the second reformer and to the reformer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLC
    Inventor: Arthur Joseph Price
  • Patent number: 8262752
    Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies and methods for delivering feedstock to a hydrogen-producing region of a hydrogen-producing fuel processing assembly. In some embodiments, the fuel processing assemblies include a feedstock delivery system that includes a pump assembly and a stall prevention mechanism that is adapted to reduce pressure in an outlet conduit during periods in which the pump assembly is not emitting a liquid outlet stream within or above a hydrogen-producing pressure range. In some embodiments, pressure in the outlet conduit is isolated from pressure in the hydrogen-producing region of the fuel processing assembly and is reduced during periods in which a liquid stream is not being pumped within or above a hydrogen-producing pressure range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Idatech, LLC
    Inventor: Vernon Wade Popham
  • Patent number: 8257452
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing hydrogen and power from a synthesis gas that contains CO, H2 and H2S. The synthesis gas is separated into two partial streams, vapor is added to the first partial stream of synthesis gas, out a CO conversion is carried out at a temperature of 220° C. to 500° C., pure hydrogen is obtained from the converted synthesis gas in a pressure swing absorption device and a residual PSA gas is produced. The second partial stream of synthesis gas is fed to a power-generating gas turbine for combustion, H2S and optionally other sulfur-containing components are removed in one or more separators that are arranged in any position in the process, however, before entry into the gas turbine, the residual PSA gas is mixed with nitrogen, the gas mixture so obtained is compressed and the compressed gas mixture is admixed to the partial stream of synthesis gas that is fed to the power-generating gas turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: UHDE GmbH
    Inventor: Johannes Menzel
  • Patent number: 8257453
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to enhance gasification efficiency of flammable solid content when high fuel ratio fuel having fixed carbon content in large quantity is to be gasified. A material downcomer 11 for introduction of bed material 10 separated in a material separator 9 and a fuel supply port 21 for introduction of gasification fuel 12 are arranged at one side of a gasification furnace 2; a solid content supply port 19 for supply of flammable solid content 18 and the bed material 10 in the gasification furnace 2 to the combustion furnace 1 is arranged at the other side of the gasification furnace 2. In the gasification furnace 2 and between the one and the other sides of the furnace 2, vertical partition plates 22 are arranged to provide a zigzag curved flow passage 23 with upper and lower turns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Murakami, Koubun Kyo, Toshiyuki Suda
  • Patent number: 8252072
    Abstract: A downdraft-updraft gasifier (1) and method for the gasification of biomass and waste to produce combustible effluent, the gasifier comprising: a fuel valve (22) for loading solid fuel (11) into a first oxidation zone (8); a first throat (2) defining the lower edge of the first oxidation zone (8); a second throat (4) defining the lower edge of a second oxidation zone (14); a reduction zone (5) linking the first oxidation zone (8) to the second oxidation zone (14) and a vortex discharge pipe (18) for the combustible effluent. The method includes steps of: partially oxidising a biomass fuel in the first oxidation zone (8) to produce char; reducing the char in the reduction zone (5) to form ash; further oxidising any char residue in the ash in the second oxidation zone (14); and extracting the combustible effluent produced in the above steps, by the discharge pipe (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: ITI Energy Limited
    Inventors: Murat Dogru, Galip Akay
  • Patent number: 8246700
    Abstract: An improved process to reduce emissions converts carbon dioxide from the flue gas exhaust from heat or power generators, into synthetic gas which is in-turn reintroduced back into the generator as fuel, is herein disclosed. Hot flue and exhaust gases from power generators, which contain carbon dioxide, would be blown into a gasification reactor, which contains coal, wood chips or other carbon based fuels substances. The process utilizes gasification technology to create a thermochemical reaction between the carbon dioxide and the fuel via a high temperature and no-oxygen atmosphere to produce synthetic gas. The synthetic gas includes carbon monoxide and hydrogen which is then fed back into a heat or power generator as fuel. The process may include two (2) or more reactors, thereby allowing one (1) reactor to be loaded or unloaded while synthetic gas continues to be produced by the other reactor. The synthetic gas may also be further converted into vehicle fuels and other useful chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Leonid Kutsin
  • Patent number: 8236260
    Abstract: A fuel processor that extracts, from a fuel source, hydrogen gas used for an electricity generation reaction. The fuel processor includes a reformer that generates hydrogen gas by reacting a fuel source with water, a burner that heats the reformer to an appropriate temperature for a hydrogen generation reaction, a CO remover that removes CO generated during the hydrogen generation reaction in the reformer, and a heat exchanger for cooling the CO remover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kang-hee Lee, Doo-hwan Lee, Hyun-chul Lee
  • Patent number: 8231697
    Abstract: An on-board fuel processor includes a microchannel steam reforming reactor (30) and a water vaporizer (40) heated in series with a combustion gas. The reformer (30) and the vaporizer (40) are both of a cross-flow panel configuration that allows for low combustion side pressure drop. Fuel is directly injected into the steam, and during a rapid cold start, both the combustion gas flow rate and the steam to carbon ratio are substantially increased relative to their steady state operating values. A rapid cold start can be achieved in under 30 seconds with a manageable amount of electric power consumption, removing impediments to use in automotive fuel cell applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Greg A. Whyatt, Christopher M. Fischer, James M. Davis
  • Patent number: 8221511
    Abstract: A hydrogen generating device including a temperature adjustment section 8 for controlling a temperature of a hydrogen-containing gas to be introduced from a reforming section 1 into carbon monoxide reducing sections 2 and 3, the temperature adjustment section 8 including: a heat exchange section 26 having an air path 11 for allowing a cooling air to pass therethrough; an air intake portion 10 having an opening for taking the cooling air into the air path 11; and an air discharging portion 12 having an opening for discharging the cooling air out of the air path 11, wherein the opening of the air intake portion 10 and that of the air discharging portion 12 are facing in a same direction, and the same direction is a vertically upward direction or a vertically downward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Yoshida, Kunihiro Ukai, Tomonori Aso, Akira Maenishi, Yoichi Kimura
  • Patent number: 8221513
    Abstract: Systems and processes for producing synthesis gas. A carbonaceous feedstock can be combined with one or more low-oxygen carrier fluids having a high heating value. The feedstock and carrier fluid, in the presence of one or more oxidants, can be gasified to provide a synthesis gas. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the synthesis gas can be recycled for use as the carrier fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLC
    Inventors: Siva Ariyapadi, John Abughazaleh, Ravindra K. Agrawal
  • Patent number: 8216324
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of thermally-integrated hydrogen from a liquid hydrocarbon feedstock that contains sulfur-containing compounds that comprise at least one stage for heating the liquid hydrocarbon feedstock by indirect heat exchange with a hot stream, a stage for desulfurizing the heated hydrocarbon feedstock, a stage for evaporating the desulfurized hydrocarbon feedstock by indirect heat exchange with the hot stream that exits from the autothermal reformer, a stage for autothermal reforming of the hydrocarbon feedstock, and a stage wherein the carbon monoxide content in the hydrogen-rich gas that is produced is reduced in a reactor for converting carbon monoxide with water. The invention also relates to the hydrogen production installation that corresponds to this process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: IFP Energies nouvelles
    Inventors: Alexandre Nicolaos, Michel Thomas, Fabrice Giroudiere, Jijun Xu, Kishore Doshi
  • Patent number: 8216545
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a doped hydrogen storage material according to the general formula: MgxByMzHn wherein: (i) the ratio of x/y is in the range of from 0.15 to 1.5; (ii) z is in the range of from 0.005 to 0.35; (iii) x+y+z equals 1; (iv) M=is one or more metals selected from the group of selected Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn; (v) n is no more than 4y; and wherein x/y does not equal 0.5 and at least part of the doped hydrogen storage material is amorphous. The present invention further relates to the use of doped hydrogen storage materials according to the invention for storing hydrogen and a method for reversibly desorbing and/or absorbing hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ilika Technologies Ltd
    Inventors: Alexandra Teodora Anghel, Brian Elliott Hayden, Duncan Clifford Smith, Jean-Philippe Soulie
  • Patent number: 8211191
    Abstract: A generally upright reactor system for gasifying a feedstock. The reactor system generally includes a main body, at least two inlet projections extending outwardly from the main body, and at least one inlet positioned on each of the inlet projections. Each of the inlets is operable to discharge the feedstock into the reaction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Phillips 66 Company
    Inventors: Steven L. Douglas, Ronald W. Herbanek, David L. Breton, Steven E. Chichester
  • Patent number: 8211192
    Abstract: An energy contained waste to energy process and system includes a waste treatment unit having a treatment chamber and including a pressurizing presser movably supported in the treatment chamber for pressing the energy contained waste in the treatment chamber until the air within the energy contained waste is squeezed out. A waste to energy conversion unit includes a conversion housing having a reaction chamber for receiving the energy contained waste from the treatment chamber, and a pyrolysis processor for pyrolysis processing the energy contained waste in the reaction chamber to decompose the energy contained waste into a fuel gas and powdered residue. An energy collection unit is communicated with the waste to energy conversion unit to collect the fuel gas and the powdered residue as an energy source for recycling use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Ernest Lee
  • Patent number: 8206471
    Abstract: Efficient biomass conversion systems, methods and apparatus utilize a fast pyrolysis unit installed at a sawmill or similar location where substantial quantities of biomass are generated, with the biomass generated at the sawmill fed into the fast pyrolysis unit under pyrolytic reaction conditions, and with exhaust gases containing entrained matter resulting from the pyrolytic reactions being separated into constituent char and bio-fuel constituents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: American Bio Energy Converting Corp.
    Inventor: Johnny M. Tharpe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8202333
    Abstract: In a shutdown method for a reforming apparatus, shutdown is carried out without exhausting untreated carbon monoxide as it is, the durability of catalyzer is inhibited from being lowered despite the repetition of start-up and shutdown, the shutdown is carried out without lowering the durability of a reforming section, and the shutdown is carried out with a little loss in energy. A control device for the reforming apparatus commences purge of residual gas in the reforming apparatus by stopping the supply of reforming fuel to the reforming section, by stopping the supply of reforming water to an evaporator section, and by supplying the reforming water remaining in the evaporator section to the reforming section while evaporating the reforming water by the utilization of the remaining heat of the reforming apparatus and flows oxidizing air for a predetermined period of time only from the time point of the commencement of the purge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koichi Kuwaba
  • Patent number: 8202330
    Abstract: A method for gasifying solid fuel in a co-current gasifier having a fuel silo and a combustion chamber. The method includes a pyrolysis phase in which the fuel decomposes into pyrolysis products, and a gasification phase in which the pyrolysis products are gasified into product gas. Heat transfer from the combustion chamber to the fuel silo is restricted to ensure that the fuel does not dry and pyrolysis does not take place in the fuel silo. The beginning of the pyrolysis is intentionally transferred as close to the gasification phase as possible, and an attempt is made to make the duration of the pyrolysis phase as short as possible. The rise of the fuel temperature is slowed down by transferring heat generated in the gasification phase to a medium, such as gasification air. In the co-current gasifier between the fuel silo and the combustion chamber, there is a cooling channel, which restricts heat transfer and also functions as a preheater for the gasification air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Gasek Oy
    Inventor: Eero Kangasoja
  • Patent number: 8197563
    Abstract: A fuel reformer, includes: a reformer burner, which generates a flame in a reforming pipe disposed to surround at least the flame of the reformer burner, the reforming pipe being filled with a reforming catalyst and having corrugated portions on a surface facing the reformer burner and a bottom surface of the reforming pipe disposed adjacent to the flame in which a flame blocking member is disposed between the flame of the reformer burner and the reforming pipe to isolate the flame of the reformer burner from the reforming pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Doo-hwan Lee, Hyun-chul Lee, Kang-hao Lee
  • Patent number: 8197565
    Abstract: A system of the interrelated chemical engineering processes that continuously and simultaneously gasify and utilize of an organic-inorganic raw material or municipal solid waste (MSW) and completely or entirely decompose and transform said raw material, synthesize synthetic gas (syngas) and water steam gas mixture, and melt inorganic materials that are made further treatment and correspondingly processed into following consumable and fully marketable materials or products: syngas fuel, electricity, methanol or gasoline, chemical materials, glassy slag and concrete/road filling materials, multi-metal alloy and cast metal goods, greenhouse made green mass, and hot water; said system of chemical engineering processes does not need or use fossil fuel and electric power supplied from external sources; and said system of processes excludes an emission of nitrogen oxide, carcinogenic, and hazardous gases, and air pollutant particles, excludes production of ash or secondhand waste, and makes unsubstantial a carbon di
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventors: Anatoliy Rokhvarger, Vladimir Boyko
  • Patent number: 8193113
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a complex hydride and a borohydride catalyst wherein the borohydride catalyst comprises a BH4 group, and a group IV metal, a group V metal, or a combination of a group IV and a group V metal. Also disclosed herein are methods of making the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Grigorii Lev Soloveichik, Matthew John Andrus
  • Patent number: 8187348
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator includes a container with multiple concentric hollow cylinders of chemical hydride fuel disposed within the container. A water vapor source is disposed within the container and operable to deliver water vapor to the cylinders of chemical hydride fuel. Generated hydrogen is provided via a hydrogen output port formed in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Eickhoff, Chunbo Zhang
  • Patent number: 8182558
    Abstract: A device generating hydrogen from a hydrocarbon, oxygen and water. The reaction is carried out at high temperature. The device includes a first substantially cylindrical zone surrounding the reaction chamber circulates water vapor and hydrocarbon, excluding the reaction products, the zone being separated from the reaction chamber to recover heat lost by the reaction chamber, to preheat the mixture circulating in the first zone. The reagent(s) are in contact with the walls of said first zone to exchange produce heat. A substantially cylindrical second zone surrounds the first zone and circulates water to be vaporized, the water is in contact with the walls of said second zone. The first and second zones are separated such that water circulating in the second zone is preheated by heat of the first zone where the water of the second zone is mixed with the hydrocarbon and introduced into the first zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignees: N-GHY, DCNS
    Inventors: Didier Grouset, Jean-Christophe Hoguet, Samuel Lecoq, Jean Calvez, Marc Quemeneur, Lionel Jodet
  • Patent number: 8182560
    Abstract: A process for gasifying hydrocarbon-containing materials and separating the resultant stream into hydrogen gas and other useful products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas W. Kaufman, Verner Christensen
  • Patent number: 8177868
    Abstract: A multiple adiabatic bed reforming apparatus and process are disclosed in which stage-wise combustion, in combination with multiple reforming chambers with catalyst, utilize co-flow and cross-flow under laminar flow conditions, to provide a reformer suitable for smaller production situations as well as large scale production. A passive stage by stage fuel distribution network suitable for low pressure fuel is incorporated and the resistances in successive fuel distribution lines control the amount of fuel delivered to each combustion stage. The fuel distribution system allows relatively constant fuel and air flow during turn up or turn down conditions. High efficiency is achieved by capturing heat from reforming syngas product to preheat gases before entering the reformer. Conditions that would produce unwanted coking or metal dusting are also eliminated or localized to locations within the apparatus outside the heat exchangers, but which locations can be cost effectively protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Meggitt (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Anthony M. Johnston
  • Patent number: 8177869
    Abstract: Disclosed is a reaction device that includes a reaction device main body that includes a first reaction unit and a second reaction unit, a container to house the reaction device main body and a first region that corresponds to at least the first reaction unit and a second region that corresponds to the second reaction unit, the first and second regions being provided to the container or internal side of the container. The first reaction unit is set to a temperature higher than that of the second reaction unit, and the first region has a higher reflectivity than that of the second region, with respect to a heat ray that is radiated from the reaction device main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Nakamura, Masatoshi Nomura
  • Patent number: 8172912
    Abstract: A self-regulating gas generator that, in response to gas demand, supplies and automatically adjusts the amount of gas (e.g., hydrogen or oxygen) catalytically generated in a chemical supply chamber from an appropriate chemical supply, such as a chemical solution, gas dissolved in liquid, or mixture. The gas generator may employ a piston, rotating rod, or other element(s) to expose the chemical supply to the catalyst in controlled amounts. The gas generator may be used to provide gas for various gas consuming devices, such as a fuel cell, torch, or oxygen respiratory devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Encite, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen A. Marsh, Donald M. Parker, Peter N. Pintauro
  • Patent number: 8163046
    Abstract: The invention relates to a start-up process for a unit for producing highly thermally-integrated hydrogen by reforming a hydrocarbon feedstock that comprises a stage a wherein a burner whose purpose is to ensure start-up is supplied with a mixture of hydrocarbon feedstock and air, a stage b wherein a water stream is evaporated by indirect heat exchange with at least one of the hot streams of the process, a stage c wherein the hydrocarbon feedstock to be reformed is evaporated and heated and then introduced in gaseous form in a reforming reactor, and a stage d wherein the start-up burner is shut down, and a burner that is in permanent operation is lit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: IFP Energies Nouvelles
    Inventors: Christophe Boyer, Fabrice Giroudiere, Stéphane Bertholin, Aziz Sattar
  • Patent number: 8163267
    Abstract: In a method of synthesizing magnesium-cobalt pentahydride, a MgCo2 alloy is synthesized by completely reacting cobalt (Co) metal and excess magnesium (Mg) metal, followed by an isothermal evaporation casting process (IECP) for removing the residual magnesium metal. Then, the magnesium-cobalt alloy and another magnesium metal are ball-milled and hydrogenated to synthesize the magnesium-cobalt pentahydride (Mg2CoH5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: National Central University
    Inventors: Sheng-Long Lee, Rong-Ruey Jeng, Che-Wei Hsu, Yu-Chou Tsai
  • Patent number: 8153554
    Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a process for synthesis of a complex hydride material for hydrogen storage is provided. The process includes mixing a borohydride with at least one additive agent and at least one catalyst and heating the mixture at a temperature of less than about 600° C. and a pressure of H2 gas to form a complex hydride material. The complex hydride material comprises MAlxByHz, wherein M is an alkali metal or group IIA metal, Al is the element aluminum, x is any number from 0 to 1, B is the element boron, y is a number from 0 to 13, and z is a number from 4 to 57 with the additive agent and catalyst still being present. The complex hydride material is capable of cyclic dehydrogenation and rehydrogenation and has a hydrogen capacity of at least about 4 weight percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: University of South Carolina
    Inventors: James A. Ritter, Tao Wang, Armin D. Ebner, Charles E. Holland