Abstract: Provided herein is a process for generating steam comprising supplying a first stream to a steam reformer to produce a second stream comprising essentially 100% steam such that the molecular composition of the first stream is identical to the molecular composition of second stream, wherein the steam reformer comprises a reformer inlet in fluid communication with a reformer outlet, and at least one tube arranged between, and in fluid communication with the reformer inlet and the reformer outlet; and wherein the at least one tube is in thermal communication with a furnace of the steam reformer. A steam reformer for producing steam is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing a synthesis gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen from a source gas containing light hydrocarbons, includes the steps of: performing low temperature steam reforming by adding steam to the source gas and converting hydrocarbons of carbon numbers of 2 or higher in the source gas to methane; and performing a catalytic partial oxidation by adding oxygen after the low temperature steam reforming.

Abstract: A process and a system are provided for producing and separating hydrogen and carbon dioxide from a hydrocarbon and steam. A hydrocarbon and steam are steam reformed and the reformed gas is shift reacted to produce a shift gas. Hydrogen is removed from the shift gas, and the hydrogen-depleted gas is reformed and shift reacted again to produce more hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The hydrogen and carbon dioxide are then separated.

Abstract: A process for producing hydrogen, comprising the steps of: (a) gasifying a fuel into a raw synthesis gas comprising CO, hydrogen, steam and sulfur and halide contaminants in the form of H2S, COS and HX, where X is a halide; (b) passing the raw synthesis gas through a water gas shift reactor (WGSR) into which CaO and steam are injected, the CaO reacting with the shifted gas to remove CO2, sulfur and halides in a solid-phase calcium-containing product comprising CaCO3, CaS and CaX2; (c) separating the solid-phase calcium-containing product from an enriched gaseous hydrogen product; and (d) regenerating the CaO by calcining the solid-phase calcium-containing product at a condition selected from the group consisting of: in the presence of steam, in the presence of CO2, in the presence of synthesis gas, in the presence of H2 and O2, under partial vacuum, and combinations thereof. The CaO may have a surface area of at least 12.0 m2/g and a pore volume of at least 0.

Abstract: Organic matter, i.e., biomass, fibrous plant matter, organic chemicals or organic waste, or other carbon-based matter is converted to synthesis fuel gas by reactive contact with superheated steam at a temperature of about 200 to 2000 degrees C., typically 500 to 1700 degrees. A reactor has a generally tubular envelope, a rotor within the envelope, and hot reaction spaces disposed annularly within the wall of the tubular envelope. The steam and biomass particles can be heated to the required temperatures by RF induction. The product gases include H2, CO, and CO2 in ratios controlled by a programmable controller. Control of temperature, biomass feed rate and water flow preselects the output synthesis gas mix. The synthesis gas may be processed into portable liquid fuels, or can be used directly in a fuel cell.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating hydrogen and separating carbon dioxide from a feed stream including hydro-carbons and water are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes the following: providing a catalytic chamber including a monolithic structure having surfaces coated with carbon dioxide adsorbing materials and one or more washcoated layers of combined steam reforming, water gas shift, and combustion catalysts; directing the feed stream into said catalytic chamber; controlling the feed stream so that it has a temperature range that allows the reactive generation of carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas but does not cause substantial development of coke between hydrocarbons in the feed stream and said surfaces of said monolithic structure; and adsorbing said carbon dioxide generated by heating the feed stream, wherein said carbon dioxide is adsorbed onto carbon dioxide adsorbing materials on said surfaces of said monolithic structure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating hydrogen from a fuel comprising an endothermically decomposable compound, preferably methanol, and optionally comprising water. A catalyst is preferably used to decompose the methanol into hydrogen and CO. The catalyst preferably has low selectivity for reacting the CO and water to form CO2 and hydrogen. A permselective membrane, preferably cleaned by the water, is used to separate the hydrogen. The retentate has fuel value and is reacted or otherwise burned in order to provide heat for the decomposition reaction.

Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, and fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices. In some embodiments, the fuel processing systems and the hydrogen purification membranes include a metal membrane, which is at least substantially comprised of palladium or a palladium alloy. In some embodiments, the membrane contains trace amounts of carbon, silicon, and/or oxygen. In some embodiments, the membranes form part of a hydrogen purification device that includes an enclosure containing a separation assembly, which is adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. In some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processor, and in some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processing or fuel cell system.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for generating power with a gas turbine which utilizes pressure swing reforming under conditions that facilitate CO2 capture. First a synthesis gas stream at a first pressure is produced in a pressure swing reformer. Next the synthesis gas stream is subjected to a high temperature water gas shift process to produce a CO2 containing hydrogen enriched stream from which hydrogen and CO2 each are separated. The separated hydrogen in turn is combusted with air to produce a gas turbine and the separated CO2 is easily sequestered.

Abstract: A hydrogen manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing hydrogen by utilizing heat generated in a nuclear plant. The apparatus has a heat exchanger or steam reformer to be brought into contact with cooling water containing tritium produced from the nuclear plant and a tritium permeation suppressing ceramic coating at least either the outer surface or the inner surface of the heat exchanger or steam reformer for suppressing permeation of tritium. Instead of coating with a tritium permeation suppressing ceramic, a structure prepared by combining at least two types of materials having different crystal structures may be used.

Abstract: A staged steam hydrocarbon reformer is disclosed having a chamber within which convectively heated reformer stages are enclosed. The reformer stages are tubes containing steam reforming catalyst. The stages are in serial fluid communication with one another through mixing vessels positioned between each stage. The first reforming stage is fed a mixture of steam and a gaseous hydrocarbon. Partially reformed gases having increased hydrogen concentration are produced at each stage and are mixed with additional gaseous hydrocarbon and optionally steam in the mixing vessels. Collection and distribution manifolds provide fluid communication between the reformer stages and the mixing vessels. A method is also disclosed in which partially reformed gases from a preceding stage are mixed with gaseous hydrocarbon and steam having a lower steam to carbon ratio than the fresh feed to the previous stage.

Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices, and methods for operating the same. In some embodiments, operation of the fuel processing system is initiated by heating at least the reforming region of the fuel processing system to at least a selected hydrogen-producing operating temperature. In some embodiments, an electric heater is utilized to perform this initial heating. In some embodiments, use of the electric heater is discontinued after startup, and a burner or other combustion-based heating assembly combusts a fuel to heat at least the hydrogen producing region, such as due to the reforming region utilizing an endothermic catalytic reaction to produce hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A power generation system and a fuel processor for use therein. The system produces steam from a water supply. A highly heated reaction chamber is provided. A common hydrocarbon fuel is mixed with water and introduced into the heated reaction chamber. The hydrocarbon fuel and water react at pressure and temperature, producing less complex gases. The resultant gases are passed into a hydrogen separator that is directly swept with steam. The hydrogen separator separates hydrogen from the resultant gases. The separated hydrogen is carried away from the hydrogen separator by the steam, thereby making the hydrogen separator more efficient. The hydrogen is separated from the steam is used to power a fuel cell. The fuel cell produces electricity and water is recycled back into the system.

Abstract: A hydrogen iodide manufacturing method which includes a step of producing aqueous solution of hydrogen iodide and sulfuric acid by causing iodine-containing aqueous solution and sulfur dioxide to react with each other in a pressurized condition. The pressurized condition may be of not lower than 0.1 MPa in gauge pressure. The method may further include: a separation step of adding iodine to the aqueous solution of hydrogen iodide and separating an upper phase containing sulfuric acid relatively to a large extent and a lower phase containing hydrogen iodide relatively to a large extent; and a step of producing hydrogen iodide by adding sulfur dioxide to the upper phase in a pressurized condition and extracting the produced hydrogen iodide to the lower phase.

Abstract: Process for carrying out heat exchange reactions comprising introducing a reactant stream into a bed of catalytic material placed outside at least one double walled heat transfer tube in a heat exchange reactor contacting the reactant stream with the catalytic material in indirect heat exchange with a heat transfer medium present in the annular volume of the at least one double walled heat transfer tube, the annular volume comprising one or more spacer elements creating a helical flow path of the heat transfer medium around the inner heat transfer tube of the at least one double walled heat transfer tube. The invention also includes a heat exchange reactor for carrying out the above reaction.

Abstract: Methods, processes, and apparatuses for the production of hydrogen gases are provided. A catalytic amount of iodine is dissolved in a hydrocarbon fuel source, such as cyclopropane and/or benzene, and the mixture is heated to a temperature greater than about 80° C. A reaction vessel capable of maintaining pressures greater than 1 atmosphere is used. The hydrogen gas thus produced is recovered, and optionally purified. The hydrogen gas product can be delivered to a fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack receives hydrogen gas from the reaction chamber and produces an electric current therefrom as the hydrogen gas is reacted with oxygen to form water.

Abstract: The invention provides active, affordable, durable, and sulfur-tolerant catalysts and related precursors and processes useful in hydrogen production. The catalysts have a wide applicability. For example, in one embodiment, the invention provides sulfur-tolerant catalysts which, when used in a catalytic fuel processor, will facilitate sufficient hydrogen generation within 30 seconds or so of automobile start-up to generate around 50 kW of fuel cell power. Catalysts of the instant invention are made by reducing a catalyst precursor comprising a support phase impregnated with one or more elemental transition metals, wherein: (a) the support phase is formed by dispersion of a monolayer on the surface of a high surface area alumina support; and (b) the monolayer comprises XOnYO2, where (1) XOn is a redox active metal oxide and n is either 1.5, 2, or 2.5 depending on the oxidation number of X, and (2) YO2 is a redox inactive metal oxide. Ni—V2O5—ZrO2/Al2O3 catalysts of the instant invention are preferred.

Abstract: In a reaction where a lower hydrocarbon is subjected to direct decomposition by using a catalyst to produce a functional nanocarbon and hydrogen, the lower hydrocarbon is subjected to the reaction in an coexistent gas comprising low concentration of oxidizing gas, reducing gas or a mixture thereof. The precursor of functional nanocarbon produced on the catalyst and amorphous carbon secondarily produced on the catalyst react with the coexistent gas so that being removed from the catalyst, making it possible to prevent the drop of conversion with time on stream due to the inhibition of the reaction by the precursor and by-product. In the case where the raw material of lower hydrocarbon is biogas, the coexistent gas can be easily contained in methane by lowering purification degree of methane.

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.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation system is disclosed that has a vaporization section receiving and vaporizing fuel along with water and passing the vapor to a reformer catalyst section heated by a combustor section which generates reformate gas and is fueled by off-gas from a H2 purification unit along with a combustion air source. The off-gas outlet feeds the combustor section in the reformer assembly to heat the catalyst section and the vaporization section. An H2 storage unit connected to the H2 purification unit pure H2 outlet receives the pure H2. The storage unit has an outlet selectively connectable to the reformer assembly process inlet during startup without the need for a spark igniter.

Abstract: A reformer module (10) comprises a hollow support member (12) having at least one passage (14) extending longitudinally therethrough. The hollow support member (14) has an external surface (20), a barrier layer (22) arranged on at least a portion of the external surface (20) of the hollow support member (12), a catalyst layer (24) arranged on the barrier layer (22) and a sealing layer (26) arranged on the catalyst layer (24) and the external surface (20) of the hollow support member (12) other than the at least a portion of the external surface of the hollow support member (12). By providing the barrier layer (22) and the catalyst layer (24) on the exterior surface (20) of the hollow support member (12), the distribution of the barrier layer (22) and/or the catalyst layer (24) may be more precisely controlled and thus a non-uniform distribution of barrier layer (22) and/or catalyst layer (24) may be achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing hydrogen by microwave includes a microwave heater, a reaction tube comprising a catalyst bed, a cap, an output unit and a microwave control box. A method of producing hydrogen using microwaves has steps of feeding gas and liquid, vaporizing the liquid to from a mixed gas and heating the mixed gas. A liquid and a gas are selected at predetermined ratios to form the mixed gas that reacts on the catalyst bed to from hydrogen. Microwaves allow the apparatus to be ready for production quicker and reduce space required by the apparatus. Heating the liquid and gas using microwaves is fast so has a good energy efficiency.

Abstract: Synthesis gas is produced according to this invention using a combination of steam reforming and oxidation chemistry. The process incorporates the use of solids to heat the hydrocarbon feed, and to cool the gas product. According to the invention, heat can be conserved by directionally reversing the flow of feed and product gases at intermittent intervals.

Abstract: An apparatus for steam reforming of hydrocarbons comprises a heat exchange reformer having disposed within a plurality of vertical catalyst-filled tubes, through which a gas mixture comprising hydrocarbon and steam may be passed, and to which heat may be transferred by means of a heat exchange medium flowing around the external tube surfaces, wherein heat exchange adapting means are provided within the reformer so that the tubes have a zone of lower heat exchange extending from the bottom of the catalyst up to 25% of the catalyst depth with no heat exchange enhancement means provided in that zone. A process for steam reforming of hydrocarbons employs this apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for catalytic reforming of a hydrocarbon fuel to produce hydrogen, which may be used as a power source for a fuel cell. In some embodiments, hydrogen is produced by partial oxidation or autothermal reforming of fuel in an oxygen containing gas stream that is rich the majority of the time, with periodic conversion to a lean gas stream for short periods of time to maintain catalytic activity. In one embodiment, hydrogen peroxide is used as the oxidant in an autothermal reforming process. In some embodiments, hydrogen is produced by steam reforming at a low steam to carbon ratio, with a periodic increase in the steam to carbon ratio for short periods of time to maintain catalytic activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides catalysts, reactors, and methods of steam reforming over a catalyst. Surprisingly superior results and properties obtained in methods and catalysts of the present invention are also described. For example, a coated catalyst was demonstrated to be highly stable under steam reforming conditions (high temperature and high pressure of steam). Methods of making steam reforming catalysts are also described.

Abstract: A micro component steam reformer system for producing hydrogen-enriched gas to power a fuel cell adapted for scalable power requirements wherein fluid flow is configured in a circuit whereby, in serially interconnected fluid flow modules, a vaporized hydrocarbon is mixed with fuel cell off gas having a hydrogen component and combusted to heat vaporizers and a steam reformer, vaporized hydrocarbons and water vapor are introduced as a feed stock into the steam reformer to produce a syn-gas, which is cooled and purified, and the resulting principally hydrogen gas is introduced into a hydrogen fuel cell having an interconnection within the circuit in which off gas from the fuel cell is processed to provide hydrogen and water for use in the system cycle.

Abstract: A carbon fiber having a total content of Li, Na, Ti, Mn, Fe, Ni and Co metal elements of no more than 50 ppm and a fiber diameter of 0.001 to 2 ?m and not branched and a assembly of a plurality of the carbon fibers.

Abstract: A reforming device includes a reforming portion generating reformed gas from a mixed gas, in which fuel and steam are mixed and including a reforming portion loop-back channel provided at the reforming portion so as to extend along an axis line thereof, a combusting portion provided at an inner circumference of the reforming portion in order to generate combustion gas, a combustion gas channel including a loop-back channel within which the combustion gas flows, an evaporating portion generating steam by heating water and supply steam to the reforming portion; and a carbon monoxide reducing portion provided at an outer circumferential wall of the evaporating portion in order to reduce a level of carbon monoxide in the reformed gas that has been exhaled by the reforming portion, and in order to supply such reformed gas to a fuel cell.

Abstract: A method is provided for the thermo-neutral reforming of liquid hydrocarbon fuels which employs a Ni, Ce2O3, La2O3, Pt?ZrO2, Rh and Re catalyst having dual functionalities to achieve both combustion and steam reforming.

Abstract: A method for generating hydrogen in a production facility having a catalytic steam reformer, a boiler downstream of the catalytic steam reformer, optionally having a prereformer, and optionally having a shift reactor, wherein the reformer feed gas mixture is formed using a steam-containing recycle gas mixture which was formed from boiler effluent. The boiler generates steam which may be used to form the reformer feed gas mixture, used elsewhere in the production facility, and/or used for export steam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reacting a hydrocarbon containing feed stream by steam methane reforming reactions to form a synthesis gas. The hydrocarbon containing feed is reacted within a reactor having stages in which the final stage from which a synthesis gas is discharged incorporates expensive high temperature materials such as oxide dispersed strengthened metals while upstream stages operate at a lower temperature allowing the use of more conventional high temperature alloys. Each of the reactor stages incorporate reactor elements having one or more separation zones to separate oxygen from an oxygen containing feed to support combustion of a fuel within adjacent combustion zones, thereby to generate heat to support the endothermic steam methane reforming reactions.

Abstract: For producing synthesis gas, SG, from a hydrocarbon feed and optionally from recycled compounds, F, a first feed F1 supplemented with steam undergoes steam reforming in a multi-tube reactor-exchanger R comprising a plurality of reaction tubes (38) containing a steam reforming catalyst and a shell containing said tubes, to produce a first synthesis gas SG1; reaction tubes (38) are heated principally by convection by circulating a fluid HF in the shell external to said tubes, in which HF is a staged partial oxidation stream with oxygen of a second feed F2 at a pressure in the range 0.5 to 12 MPa, to produce a second synthesis gas SG2; and the synthesis gas SG is produced by mixing SG1 and SG2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extracting hydrogen from a gas containing methane, especially natural gas. Hydrocarbons contained in the gas are catalytically broken down in a reformer (4) by steam in order to form hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Catalytic conversion of the obtained carbon monoxide with steam occurs in a downstream conversion step in order to form carbon monoxide and water. Carbon dioxide is removed from the converted gas flow (8) by gas washing (7), and the washed hydrogen-rich gas flow (10) is subsequently divided in a pressure-swing adsorption system (11) into a product gas flow (12) made of hydrogen and a waste gas flow (13). The waste gas flow (13) is introduced with hydrogen (14), which is separated from the gas flow (10) after gas washing, into a reformer (4) which is essentially a carbon-free combustible gas, and is combusted there. The invention also relates to a system for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A process for the hydrotreating of fuels with co-production of hydrogen during operation of the process, which enables i.e. reduced need of make-up hydrogen in the hydrotreating stage. The hydrocarbon fuel introduced to the hydrotreatment stage is a fuel containing renewable organic material which generates carbon monoxide during operation of the process. The carbon monoxide is then converted to hydrogen in the recycle loop by a water gas shift stage.

Abstract: Reactive diluent fluid (22) is introduced into a stream of synthesis gas (or “syngas”) produced in a heat-generating unit such as a partial oxidation (“POX”) reactor (12) to cool the syngas and form a mixture of cooled syngas and reactive diluent fluid. Carbon dioxide and/or carbon components and/or hydrogen in the mixture of cooled syngas and reactive diluent fluid is reacted (26) with at least a portion of the reactive diluent fluid in the mixture to produce carbon monoxide-enriched and/or solid carbon depleted syngas which is fed into a secondary reformer unit (30) such as an enhanced heat transfer reformer in a heat exchange reformer process. An advantage of the invention is that problems with the mechanical integrity of the secondary unit arising from the high temperature of the syngas from the heat-generating unit are avoided.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation system is disclosed that has a vaporization section receiving and vaporizing fuel along with water and passing the vapor to a reformer catalyst section heated by a combustor section which generates reformate gas and is fueled by off-gas from a H2 purification unit along with a combustion air source. The off-gas outlet feeds the combustor section in the reformer assembly to heat the catalyst section and the vaporization section. An H2 storage unit connected to the H2 purification unit pure H2 outlet receives the pure H2. The storage unit has an outlet selectively connectable to the reformer assembly process inlet during startup without the need for a spark igniter.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon reforming catalyst which maintains carrier strength even after a long-term thermal history and which exhibits high catalytic activity is prepared by causing at least one noble metal component selected from among a ruthenium component, a platinum component, a rhodium component, a palladium component, and an iridium component to be supported on a carrier containing manganese oxide, alumina, and at least one compound selected from among lanthanum oxide, cerium oxide, and zirconium oxide, or a carrier containing silicon oxide, manganese oxide, and alumina. By use of the reforming catalyst, hydrogen is produced through steam reforming (1), autothermal reforming (2), partial-oxidation reforming (3), or carbon dioxide reforming (4). A fuel cell system is constituted from a reformer employing the reforming catalyst, and a fuel cell employing, as a fuel, hydrogen produced by the reformer.

Abstract: A device for generating hydrogen gas is provided. The device (101) comprises a first hydrogen-containing composition (107) that reacts with a second composition to evolve hydrogen gas; a dispenser (105) adapted to apply the first composition to a first porous member (109); and a conduit (111) adapted to supply the second composition to the first porous member. In a preferred embodiment, the first composition is selected from the group consisting of hydrides, borohydrides and boranes, the second composition is water, and the dispenser is spring-loaded and is charged with the first composition. As the first composition reacts with water at the interface to evolve hydrogen gas, the dispenser forces the reaction product across the interface and out of the dispenser, where it will not interfere with the progress of the hydrogen evolution reaction.

Abstract: Methanol steam reforming catalysts, and steam reformers and fuel cell systems incorporating the same. In some embodiments, the methanol steam reforming catalyst includes zinc oxide as an active component. In some embodiments, the methanol steam reforming catalyst further includes at least one of chromium oxide and calcium aluminate. In some embodiments, the methanol steam reforming catalyst is not pyrophoric. Similarly, in some embodiments, steam reformers including a reforming catalyst according to the present disclosure may include an air-permeable or air-accessible reforming catalyst bed. In some embodiments, the methanol steam reforming catalyst is not reduced during use. In some embodiments, the methanol reforming catalysts are not active at temperatures below 275° C. In some embodiments, the methanol steam reforming catalyst includes a sulfur-absorbent material. Steam reformers, reforming systems, fuel cell systems and methods of using the reforming catalysts are also disclosed.

Abstract: Partial oxidation/steam reformers (222) which use heat integrated steam cycles and steam to carbon ratios of at least about 4:1 to enable efficient operation at high pressures suitable for hydrogen purification unit operations such as membrane separation (234) and pressure swing adsorption.

Abstract: A dosing mechanism for fuels, particularly for the input into a chemical reformer to obtain hydrogen, has a metering-in device for metering fuel into a supply line, which opens out at at least one dosing aperture into a transporting line transporting a tempered material flow. A holding device for accommodating the metering-in device has an insulating body which thermally insulates the metering-in device from the transporting line that transports the tempered material flow.

Abstract: A catalyst that can be used for the production of hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels in steam reforming processes contains an active metal of, e.g., at least one of Ir, Pt and Pd, on a catalyst support of, e.g., at least one of monoclinic zirconia and an alkaline-earth metal hexaaluminate. The catalyst exhibits improved activity, stability in both air and reducing atmospheres, and sulfur tolerance.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, apparatus and method of manufacturing an apparatus; all to produce hydrogen gas, particularly synthesis gas. Preferred embodiments of the invention include an alpha alumina membrane which has been treated with a TiO2 wash coat on one side and has an active gamma alumina layer on an opposite side. A metal catalyst, preferably rhodium, is deposited within the pores of the alumina. Oxygen travels through the membrane and is activated before contacting methane on the other side of the membrane and forming synthesis gas through partial oxidation of the methane. Embodiments of the invention have a number of benefits including the high conversion rate of oxygen (100%), the separate feed streams of methane and oxygen which allow for optimal ratios to be used without danger of explosion, and the opportunity to vary the feed rates without changing the products formed. Normally gaseous hydrocarbons recovered from remote oil wells (e.g.

Abstract: The invention describes combustors and steam reformers and methods of combustion and steam reforming. For example, integrated combustion reactors are described in which heat from combustion is transferred to an endothermic reaction. Thermally efficient reactors and methods of alcohol steam reforming are also described. Also described is an integrated combustor/reformer containing a methanation catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing hydrogen from oxygenated hydrocarbon reactants, such as methanol, glycerol, sugars (e.g. glucose and xylose), or sugar alcohols (e.g. sorbitol). The method takes place in the condensed liquid phase. The method includes the steps of reacting water and a water-soluble oxygenated hydrocarbon in the presence of a metal-containing catalyst. The catalyst contains a metal selected from the group consisting of Group VIIIB transitional metals, alloys thereof, and mixtures thereof. The disclosed method can be run at lower temperatures than those used in the conventional steam reforming of alkanes.

Abstract: Processes for the catalytic conversion of a carbonaceous composition into a gas stream comprising methane are provided, where a sour shift reaction is used to remove carbon monoxide gas stream produced by the gasification process. The incorporation of the sour shift reaction provides an efficient and cost-effective means of eliminating carbon monoxide from the gas stream. In addition, the sour shift reaction also generates additional hydrogen, thus increasing the amount of hydrogen produced from the gasification process.

Abstract: A method for providing fuel for vehicle or power plant engines, including disassociating water into hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis and catalysing the reformation of water vapor by spark catalysis is disclosed. The apparatus according to the invention incorporates utilization of a steam turbine and solar panels to provide additional electrical energy for electrolysis of the water fuel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a hydrogen-containing gas. The process comprises introducing a regeneration gas into a hydrogen reaction vessel containing solid packing material thereby at least partially regenerating the solid packing material and forming an effluent gas from the regeneration gas. At least a portion of the effluent gas is introduced into another hydrogen reaction vessel containing solid packing material. The effluent gas may be used, for example, to purge the other hydrogen reaction vessel and/or regenerate the solid packing material in the other hydrogen reaction vessel. Solid packing materials may include at least one of a complex metal oxide, a steam hydrocarbon reforming catalyst, an oxygen ion conducting ceramic, a hydrocarbon partial oxidation catalyst, and a hydrocarbon cracking catalyst.

Abstract: A method for generating hydrogen and/or syngas in a production facility where little or no export steam is produced. Most or all of the steam produced from the waste heat from the process is used in the steam-hydrocarbon reformer. Reformed gas is passed to a pressure swing adsorption system for H2 purification. In the method, CO2 is removed from the pressure swing adsorber residual gas prior to recycling the residual gas to the reformer for use as feed and as fuel. Plant efficiencies using the method and prior art-type methods are compared.