Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising combusting a feed stream to form combustion products; and reforming the combustion products to produce a gaseous composition comprising hydrogen. Disclosed herein too is a method for producing hydrogen comprising introducing a feed stream comprising natural gas and air or oxygen into a cyclical compression chamber; compressing the feed stream in the cyclical compression chamber; combusting the feed stream in the cyclical compression chamber to produce combustion products; discharging the combustion products from the cyclical compression chamber into a reforming section; and reforming the combustion products with steam in the reforming section to produce a gaseous composition comprising hydrogen.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the preferential oxidation of carbon monoxide in a hydrogen-rich fluid. The apparatus utilizes one or more reactors that are dimensioned to optimize the exothermic oxidation reaction and the transfer of heat to and from the catalyst bed. A reactor of the apparatus has an elongated cylindrical catalyst bed and heat transfer means adjacent the catalyst bed. The heat transfer means is suitable for pre-heating the catalyst bed during start-up operations and for removing the heat from the catalyst bed during the oxidation reaction. One or more reactors of different dimensions may be utilized depending upon the pressure of the hydrogen-rich fluid to be directed into the apparatus and the pressure requirements for the carbon monoxide-depleted fluid exiting the apparatus. For instance, in low pressure operations where it may be desirable to minimize the pressure drop across the apparatus, two or more reactors having relatively smaller dimensions can be utilized.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adsorbent for removing sulfur compounds, which adsorbent can effectively remove a variety of sulfur compounds contained in a hydrocarbon fuel to a low concentration even at room temperature; a process for effectively producing hydrogen that can be used in a fuel cell; and a fuel cell system employing hydrogen produced through the process. The adsorbent for removing a sulfur compound contained in a hydrocarbon fuel contains cerium oxide. The process for producing hydrogen that can be used in a fuel cell includes desulfurizing a hydrocarbon fuel through removal of a sulfur compound contained in the a hydrocarbon fuel by use of the aforementioned adsorbent and, subsequently, bringing the thus-desulfurized fuel into contact with a partial-oxidation reforming catalyst, an authothermal reforming catalyst, or a steam reforming catalyst. The fuel cell system employs hydrogen produced through the process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in producing high-pressure hydrogen from natural gas, methanol, ethanol, or other fossil fuel-derived and renewable hydrocarbon resources. The process can produce hydrogen at pressure ranging from 2000 to 12,000 pounds per square inch (psi) using a hydrogen feedstock (16, 18) high pressure water (12, 18), and an appropriate catalyst. Following making and heating in preheater (14), the catalyst reacts with the hydrogen feedstock (16, 18) and high pressure water (12, 18) in a catalytic reformer (20) maintained under desired temperature and pressure conditions. Reformate products exit reformer (200) and flow into condenser (22), in which water and a portion of the carbon dioxide product are condensed.

Abstract: Process for the preparation hydrogen and a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide containing gas from a carbonaceous feedstock by performing the following steps: (a) preparing a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide having a temperature of above 700° C. (51); (b) catalytic steam reforming a carbonaceous feedstock in a Convective Steam Reformer zone (44), wherein the required heat for the steam reforming reaction is provided by convective heat exchange between the steam reformer reactor zone and the effluent of step (a) to obtain as separate products a steam reforming product having a hydrogen to CO molar ratio of greater than 2 and a cooled effluent of step (a), and (c) separating hydrogen from the steam reforming product.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the preparation of synthesis gas by catalytic steam and/or CO2 reforming of a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising the following steps: (a) heating the reaction mixture of hydrocarbon and steam and/or CO2 in a heated steam reforming unit integrated with the flue gas containing waste heat section from the fired tubular reformer in which reforming of the reaction mixture takes place by contact with a solid reforming catalyst (b) feeding the partially steam reformed mixture to the fired tubular reformer and further reforming the mixture to the desired composition and temperature, wherein the heated steam reforming unit comprises a piping system containing reaction sections with solid reforming catalyst comprising catalyst pellets and/or catalysed structured elements, the piping system being part of the process gas piping system integrated with the flue gas-containing waste heat section.

Abstract: A multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis. Each module includes a shell having an interior space defining a passageway for the flow of gas from a first end of the shell to a second end of the shell opposite the first end, and a processing core being contained within the interior space for effecting a chemical, thermal, or physical change to a gas stream passing axially through the module. The multi-step process includes: providing a fuel processor having a plurality of modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis; and feeding the hydrocarbon fuel successively through each of the modules in an axial direction through the tubular reactor to produce the hydrogen rich gas.

Abstract: The steam reformer has a double-cylinder structure having an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder surrounding the inner cylinder. The inner cylinder contains a high-temperature reaction section and an adjacent section being adjacent to the high-temperature reaction section. The high-temperature reaction section contains a mixed-catalyst bed prepared by mixing a steam reforming catalyst and an oxidation catalyst, and an oxygen-containing gas introduction section. A heat transfer suppresser is structured to suppress heat transfer from the high-temperature reaction section to the adjacent section or to the oxygen-containing gas introduction section. With the heat-transfer suppressor, the thermal diffusion from the high-temperature reaction section to peripheral area is effectively suppressed.

Abstract: The invention provides an optimum method for utilizing a desulfurizing agent for liquid hydrocarbons which can efficiently remove sulfur content from kerosene without performing addition of hydrogen to a low sulfur concentration and which has a prolonged lifetime. The invention provides a desulfurization method which includes removing sulfur content from kerosene by use of a metallic desulfurizing agent without performing addition of hydrogen, characterized in that the method employs desulfurization conditions satisfying the following formula (1): 1.06×Pope0.44<Tope/T50<1.78×Pope0.22??(1) (wherein Tope is operation temperature (° C.); Pope is operation pressure (MPa); and T50 is a temperature per 50 percent recovered as determined by “test method for distillation at atmospheric pressure” stipulated in JIS K2254 “Petroleum products—Determination of distillation characteristics as revised in 1998”).

Abstract: A steam/hydrocarbon reformer employing a conventional radiantly heated first reformer section and a flue-gas heated second reformer section is disclosed. The second reformer section comprises catalyst-containing tubes for partially reforming a hydrocarbon stream. The catalyst-containing tubes in the second reformer section are disposed in a conduit for conveying flue gas from the first reformer section, thereby receiving heat from the flue gases. The flue gases flow either cocurrent or countercurrent to the process gas in the catalyst-containing tubes in the second reformer section. The partially reformed hydrocarbon stream from the second reformer section is fed to the catalyst-containing tubes in the first reformer section thereby producing a hydrogen-rich synthesis gas.

Abstract: Decomposition of methane to produce carbon monoxide-free hydrogen is accomplished using un-supported, nanometer sized, hydrogen reduced, nickel oxide particles made by a precipitation process. A nickel compound, such as NiCl2 or Ni(NO3) is dissolved in water and suitably precipitated as nickel hydroxide. The precipitate is separated, dried and calcined to form the NiO catalyst precursor particles.

Abstract: A process for adiabatically prereforming a feedstock, includes: providing an adiabatic reactor; providing a catalyst containing 1-20 wt. % nickel and 0.4-5 wt. % potassium, wherein the catalyst has an overall catalyst porosity of 25-50% with 20-80% of the overall catalyst porosity contributed by pores having pore diameters of at least 500 ?; providing the feedstock containing natural gas and steam, wherein the natural gas contains an initial concentration of higher hydrocarbons, and a ratio of steam to natural gas in the feedstock is from 1.5:1 to 5:1; preheating the feedstock to a temperature of 300-700° C. to provide a heated feedstock; providing the heated feedstock to the reactor; and producing a product containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, unreacted methane, and steam, wherein said product contains a reduced concentration of higher hydrocarbons less than the initial concentration of higher hydrocarbons, to prereform the feedstock.

Abstract: A method for making fuel cells is disclosed and includes placing catalyst strips on an anode side and a cathode side of a proton exchange membrane disposed between carbon bases. The method includes metalizing at least two collectors, and drilling a plurality of paths through the body portions to form a first and second metalized collectors, which are placed on opposite sides of the proton exchange membrane to form a membrane electrode assembly. The metalized collectors are connected to form an electrical circuit for operating the fuel cell. A flexible fuel plenum and a flexible oxidant plenum are disposed on opposite sides of the membrane electrode assembly, and a fuel manifold and an oxidant manifold of a sealable two-part housing engage the membrane electrode assembly to provide oxidant to the flexible oxidant plenum and fuel to the flexible fuel plenum forming an operational singe unit fuel cell.

Abstract: Mesoporous aluminum oxides with high surface areas have been synthesized using inexpensive, small organic templating agents instead of surfactants. Optionally, some of the aluminum can be framework-substituted by one or more other elements. The material has high thermal stability and possesses a three-dimensionally randomly connected mesopore network with continuously tunable pore sizes. This material can be used as catalysts for dehydration, hydrotreating, hydrogenation, catalytic reforming, steam reforming, amination, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and Diels-Alder synthesis, etc.

Abstract: A hydrogen production process includes combining a first feedstream and a second feedstream to produce, in a pre-reforming reactor, a first product stream comprising CH4 and H2O; wherein the first feedstream contains a mixture of H2 and at least one selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons having two or more carbon atoms and alcohols having two or more carbon atoms, and the mixture has a hydrogen stoichiometric ratio (?) of at least 0.1, and the second feedstream contains steam; feeding the first product stream into a reforming reactor; and reacting the first product stream in the reforming reactor to produce a second product stream containing CO and H2; and a catalyst for use in the process.

Abstract: A process for producing hydrogen comprising reacting at least one hydrocarbon and steam in the presence of a complex metal oxide and a steam-hydrocarbon reforming catalyst in a production step under reaction conditions sufficient to form hydrogen and a spent complex metal oxide, wherein the complex metal oxide is represented by the formula (A?xCax?Mgx?)x(B?yMny?Fey?)yOn where A? represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Sr, Ba, a Group 1 element, and an element of the Lanthanide series according to the IUPAC Periodic Table of the Elements; B? represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, and V; 0?x?1, 0?x??1, 0?x??1 wherein x+x?+x?=x; 0?y?1, 0?y??1, 0?y??1 wherein y+y?+y?=y; 1?x?10; 1?y?10; and n represents a value such that the complex metal oxide is rendered electrically neutral.

Abstract: Process for producing hydrogen comprising reacting at least one hydrocarbon and steam in the presence of a complex metal oxide and a steam-hydrocarbon reforming catalyst in a production step under reaction conditions sufficient to form hydrogen gas and a spent complex metal oxide, wherein the complex metal oxide is represented by the formula AxByOn wherein A represents at least one metallic element having an oxidation state ranging from +1 to +3, inclusive, wherein the metallic element is capable of forming a metal carbonate; x is a number from 1 to 10, inclusive; B represents at least one metallic element having an oxidation state ranging from +1 to +7, inclusive; y is a number from 1 to 10, inclusive; and n represents a value such that the complex metal oxide is rendered electrically neutral.

Abstract: A process for prereforming natural gas containing higher hydrocarbons and methane, includes providing a reactor having a nickel catalyst; providing steam, hydrogen, and natural gas containing higher hydrocarbons and methane to the reactor; adding an oxidant to the feedstock, wherein the oxidant provides oxygen in an amount less than the amount required to partially oxidize all higher hydrocarbons to a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen; reacting the oxidant with higher hydrocarbons; and forming a gaseous mixture containing methane, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, steam and hydrogen substantially free of higher hydrocarbons and oxygen. The gaseous mixture can be reformed. An apparatus for performing the process includes a reactor; a feedstock source containing steam, hydrogen, and natural gas comprising higher hydrocarbons and methane; an oxidant source; valves and pipes connecting the natural gas source, the oxidant source and the reactor; and a nickel-containing catalyst within the reactor.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing hydrogen from a gaseous mixture of hydrocarbons and steam are disclosed. The process includes first reacting the hydrocarbon gas and steam in the presence of a precious metal catalyst on a structural support and then reacting the resulting gas mixture in the presence of a non-precious metal catalyst. The apparatus includes a vessel having an inlet and an outlet. The precious metal catalyst is supported on the structural support positioned at the inlet. The non-precious metal catalyst is supported on a support medium positioned between the structural support and the outlet. The support medium may be a granular medium or a structural support.

Abstract: The invention provides a controlled hypergolic approach to using concentrated hydrogen peroxide in combination with certain hydrocarbons such as ethanol, methanol, methane as well as more common fuels such as gasoline, diesel, DME, JP5, JP8 and the like to generate a gas mixture primarily composed of hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Because air is not used as the oxygen source, this novel process does not allow the formation of nitrous oxide (NOx) compounds, thereby avoiding the primary source of nitrogen contamination as well. The process is executed in a constraining system on a micro scale such that the resulting hydrogen supply is self-pressurizing. This enables the incorporation of an “on-demand” hydrogen fuel source for a variable output fuel cell power plant such as those proposed for use in automobiles, marine vessels and stationary power sources. In another embodiment of the present invention hydrogen peroxide is catalytically, or thermally reacted to provide H2O vapor and O2.

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 is an apparatus arranged to maximize heat utilization for a hydrocarbon steam reforming process to produce synthesis gas. The apparatus comprises a refractory lined vessel with partition walls that divide the inside of the vessel into (1) a combustion chamber(s) containing one or more burners, and (2) convection chambers used as a means to remove combustion products from the combustion chamber through one or more openings at the opposite end of the burner end. The combustion chamber contains one or more reformer tubes in which a mixed-feed of hydrocarbon and steam flow co-current with combustion products and receive direct radiant heat from the combustion flame through the tube wall. The convection chambers contain a tube-in-tube device filled with catalyst in the annuli.

Abstract: A method of producing hydrogen for a fuel cell from a hydrocarbon fuel composition, by providing a hydrocarbon fuel composition, which is obtained by contacting a liquid hydrocarbon feed comprising an alkylating agent with an acidic catalyst, under conditions effective to alkylate at least a portion of the hydrocarbon feed; converting the hydrocarbon fuel composition into hydrogen; and optionally, introducing the hydrogen produced into a fuel cell. In a preferred embodiment the liquid hydrocarbon feed further comprises sulphur-containing impurities, at least a portion of which are alkylated during the alkylation step.

Abstract: Materials that are useful for absorption enhanced reforming (AER) of a fuel, including absorbent materials and catalyst materials, and methods for using such materials for the conversion of carbon-based fuels to a H2-rich product gas. The materials can be fabricated by spray processing. The use of the materials in AER can produce a H2 product gas having a high H2 content and a low level of carbon oxides. The method for converting carbon-based fuels to a H2-rich product gas includes forming an intermediate gas product from the carbon-based fuel using a catalyst and contacting the intermediate gas product with an absorbent to absorb CO2. The absorbent can be regenerated while retaining a high absorption capacity.

Abstract: A desulfurizing agent comprising a silica-alumina carrier having an Si/Al mole ratio of 10 or less and nickel carried thereon; a desulfurizing agent for hydrocarbons derived from petroleum which comprises a carrier and a metal component carried thereon and has a specific surface area of pores having a pore diameter of 3 nm or less of 100 m2/g or more; an Ni-Cu based desulfurizing agent comprising a carrier and, carried thereon, (A) nickel, (B) copper, and (C) an alkali metal or another metal; a desulfurizing agent for hydrocarbons derived from petroleum which comprises a carrier and a metal component carried thereon and has a hydrogen adsorption capacity of 0.4 mmol/g or more; and methods for producing these nickel-based and nickel-copper-based desulfurizing agents. The above desulfurizing agents are capable of adsorbing and removing with good efficiency the sulfur contained in hydrocarbons derived from petroleum to a content of 0.2 wt. ppm or less and have a long service life.

Abstract: Materials that are useful for absorption enhanced reforming (AER) of a fuel, including absorbent materials and catalyst materials and methods for using the materials. The materials can be fabricated by spray processing. The use of the materials in AER can produce a H2 product gas having a high H2 content and a low level of carbon oxides.

Abstract: A shell and tube reactor module for hydrogen production is provided.

Abstract: A chemical reaction is performed with separation of the product(s) and reactant(s) by pressure swing adsorption (PSA), using an apparatus having a plurality of adsorbers cooperating with first and second valve assemblies in a PSA module. The PSA cycle is characterized by multiple intermediate pressure levels between higher and lower pressure of the PSA cycle. Gas flows enter or exit the PSA module at the intermediate pressure levels as well as the higher and lower pressure levels, entering from compressor stage(s) or exiting into exhauster or expander stages, under substantially steady conditions of flow and pressure. The PSA module comprises a rotor containing the adsorbers and rotating within a stator, with ported valve faces between the rotor and stator to control the timing of the flows entering or exiting the adsorbers in the rotor. The reaction may be performed within a portion of the rotor containing a catalyst.

Abstract: Integrated Combustion Reactors (ICRS) and methods of making ICRs are described in which combustion chambers (or channels) are in direct thermal contact to reaction chambers for an endothermic reaction. Particular reactor designs are also described. Processes of conducting reactions in integrated combustion reactors are described and results presented. Some of these processes are characterized by unexpected and superior results, and/or results that can not be achieved with any prior art devices.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting a hydrocarbon reactant to a product comprising CO and H2. The process comprises: (A) flowing a reactant composition comprising the hydrocarbon reactant and oxygen or a source of oxygen through a microchannel reactor in contact with a catalyst under reaction conditions to form the product, the microchannel reactor comprising at least one process microchannel with the catalyst positioned within the process microchannel, the hydrocarbon reactant comprising methane, the contact time for the reactant composition within the process microchannel being up to about 500 milliseconds, the temperature of the reactant composition and product within the process microchannel being up to about 1150° C., the conversion of the hydrocarbon reactant to carbon oxide being at least about 50%. The product formed in step (A) may be converted to a product comprising CO2 and H2O in a microchannel reactor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement in the process of producing hydrogen from hydrocarbon-containing streams. A cyclic reforming process, referred to as pressure swing reforming, provides an efficient means for producing a hydrogen containing synthesis gas for fuel cell applications. Pressure swing reforming may be integrated with shift reactions, preferential oxidation, and membrane separation, achieving thermal and material efficiencies relative to conventional hydrogen production. In one embodiment, at least some synthesis gas which is first produced in the pressure swing reforming process is combusted with air to provide the heat for the regeneration step of the pressure swing reforming process.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating hydrogen gas from methane are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes heating a vessel containing a catalyst to a temperature above approximately 600° centigrade and pressurizing the vessel to about ten atmospheres. A pressure swing absorbent, a methane stream, and a stream of steam are introduced into the vessel. In a particular aspect, the temperature may be maintained within a range of approximately 600 C. to approximately 700 C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalytic process for the continuous production of carbon monoxide-free hydrogen from methane or methane-rich hydrocarbons using a solid catalyst comprising at least one group VIII metal in two parallel catalytic reactors.

Abstract: Carbonaceous material is removed from a catalyst within an autothermal reformer by introducing an isolated oxidant stream into the autothermal reformer prior to introduction of hydrocarbon fuel into the reformer. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into the autothermal reformer following removal of the carbonaceous material. A concurrent supply of the hydrocarbon stream and the oxidant stream to the autothermal reformer is maintained such that an exothermic reaction driven by the oxidant stream provides heat to an endothermic reaction driven by water vapor in the hydrocarbon stream. In accordance with 37 CFR 1.72(b), the purpose of this abstract is to enable the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract will not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.

Abstract: The subject invention is a catalyst consisting of an oxide or mixed oxide support and bimetallic catalytically active compounds. The supporting oxide can be a single oxide, such as Al2O3; it also can be a mixture of oxides, such as Y2O3 stabilized ZrO2 (YSZ), Al2O3 with CeO2, Al2O3 with YSZ and others. The bimetallic compounds, acting as active components, are selected from platinum, and ruthenium, prepared in an appropriate ratio. The catalyst is used in the steam reforming of hydrocarbons to produce hydrogen for applications such as polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.

Abstract: A steam methane reforming method in which a feed stream is treated in a reactor containing a catalyst that is capable of promoting both hydrogenation and partial oxidation reactions. The reactor is either operated in a catalytic hydrogenation mode to convert olefins into saturated hydrocarbons and/or to chemically reduce sulfur species to hydrogen sulfide or a catalytic oxidative mode utilizing oxygen and steam to prereform the feed and thus, increase the hydrogen content of a synthesis gas produced by a steam methane reformer. The method is applicable to the treatment of feed streams containing at least 15% by volume of hydrocarbons with two or more carbon atoms and/or 3% by volume of olefins, such as a refinery off-gas. In such case, the catalytic oxidative mode is conducted with a steam to carbon ratio of less than 0.5, an oxygen to carbon ratio of less than 0.25 and a reaction temperature of between about 500° C. and about 860° C.

Abstract: A process for removing contaminants from a reformer comprises removal of particulate matter under operating, or stand-by conditions, or at the start of a shutdown procedure, by introducing a gas mixture to the reformer system having an oxidant-to-fuel ratio concentration leaner than a normal oxidant-to-fuel ratio concentration and at a gas flow rate less than a peak flow rate. The process produces elevated temperatures at the reformer inlet and elevated levels of carbon dioxide and water that combine to remove the contaminants. Another embodiment includes removal of particulate matter during a shutdown procedure by cycling the flow of fuel and air on and off; monitoring an exit temperature of a catalyst substrate and alternatively, cycling the oxidant flow on and off when the exit temperature is less than or greater than a threshold temperature such that the exit temperature of the catalyst substrate is maintained below the temperature at which aging of the catalyst and/or a washcoat material may occur.

Abstract: Supported reactive catalysts having a controlled coordination structure and methods for their production are disclosed. The supported catalysts of the present invention are useful for the preparation of hydrogen peroxide with high selectivity in addition to other chemical conversion reactions. The supported catalyst comprises catalyst particles having top or outer layer of atoms in which at least a portion of the atoms exhibit a controlled coordination number of 2. The catalyst and methods may be used for the concurrent in situ and ex situ conversion of organic compounds. In addition, a process is provided for catalytically producing hydrogen peroxide from hydrogen and oxygen feeds by contacting them with the catalysts of the invention and a suitable organic liquid solvent having a Solvent Selection Parameter (SSP) between 0.14×10?4 and 5.0×10?4.

Abstract: A hydrogen producing apparatus comprising: a reforming section having a reforming catalyst which causes a reaction between a carbon-containing organic compound as a feedstock and water; a feedstock supply section for supplying the feedstock to the reforming section; a water supply section for supplying water to the reforming section; a heating section for heating the reforming catalyst; a shifting section having a shift catalyst which causes a shift reaction between carbon monoxide and water contained in a reformed gas supplied from the reforming section; and a purifying section having a purifying catalyst which causes oxidation or methanation of carbon monoxide contained in a gas supplied from the shifting section, wherein the shift catalyst comprises a platinum group metal and a metal oxide.

Abstract: A method for reforming a sulfur-containing carbonaceous fuel in which the sulfur-containing carbonaceous fuel is mixed with H2O and an oxidant, forming a fuel/H2O/oxidant mixture. The fuel H2O/oxidant mixture is brought into contact with a catalyst composition comprising a dehydrogenation portion, an oxidation portion and a hydrodesulfurization portion, resulting in formation of a hydrogen-containing gas stream.

Abstract: A Nickel (Ni) catalyst for facilitating a hydrocarbon reforming process, and an improved process based on the catalyst. The catalyst comprising discrete Ni crystallites having a size in the range of between 150 and 250 ? and a distribution on said support element of no more than 0.14 square meters of exposed nickel/square meter of support.

Abstract: A new cost effective and thermally efficient process for converting nearly valueless resources, such as “static,” lower quality sour natural gas containing hydrogen sulfide, to useable fuels and chemicals, such as hydrogen, methanol and high cetane diesel fuel. The preferred method and apparatus can be used to treat conventional sour gas, i.e., gas having a ratio of H2S to CH4 of at least 0.1 moles and preferably of at least 0.33 moles/mole, using a reforming catalyst and a sulfur capture agent. The process nominally can be carried out using two reactors that repeatedly cycle reactants between two basic process steps—reforming, and air regeneration.

Abstract: This invention relates to a compact apparatus for generating hydrogen. More particularly, this invention relates to a compact hydrogen generating apparatus suitable for use in conjunction with a fuel cell. The compact hydrogen generating apparatus comprises a fuel processor reactor having an integrated pre-reforming zone embedded within a secondary reforming zone.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for reforming an alcohol. The process comprises contacting an alcohol with a reforming catalyst comprising copper at the surface of a metal supporting structure, preferably a metal sponge supporting structure comprising nickel. In a certain preferred embodiment, hydrogen produced by the reforming process is used as a fuel source for a hydrogen fuel cell to generate electric power, particularly for driving a vehicle.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of hydrogen and carbon monoxide rich gas by catalytic steam reforming of a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising steps of: (a) optionally passing a process gas of hydrocarbon feedstock through a first reactor with a steam reforming catalyst heated by a hot gas stream; (b) passing the effluent from the first reactor to a subsequent tubular reactor containing a steam reforming catalyst and being heated by burning of fuel, thereby obtaining a hot gas stream of steam reformed product gas and a hot gas stream of flue gas; and wherein a reforming catalyst is placed on a metallic support having substantially the same shape as a wall of the reactor and being arranged in heat conduction relationship with the reactor wall.

Abstract: A method of producing a H2 rich gas stream includes supplying an O2 rich gas, steam, and fuel to an inner reforming zone of a fuel processor that includes a partial oxidation catalyst and a steam reforming catalyst or a combined partial oxidation and stream reforming catalyst. The method also includes contacting the O2 rich gas, steam, and fuel with the partial oxidation catalyst and the steam reforming catalyst or the combined partial oxidation and stream reforming catalyst in the inner reforming zone to generate a hot reformate stream. The method still further includes cooling the hot reformate stream in a cooling zone to produce a cooled reformate stream. Additionally, the method includes removing sulfur-containing compounds from the cooled reformate stream by contacting the cooled reformate stream with a sulfur removal agent.

Abstract: A process for the production of hydrogen and electrical energy, with zero emission of pollutants, from ethanol which is produced from biomass, which is characterized by the partial oxidation/reforming of ethanol with water for hydrogen production which is subsequently fed to a fuel cell for production of electrical energy, more specifically where an aqueous solution of ethanol originating from fermentation of biomass is separated by distillation or any other technique so as to obtain approximately 40-70% by weight of ethanol, preferably 50-60%, this mixture, mixed with a suitable quantity of air in such a way so as the ratio of moles oxygen per mole ethanol to be between zero and 0.

Abstract: A Nickel (Ni) catalyst for facilitating a hydrocarbon reforming process, and an improved process based on the catalyst. The catalyst comprising discrete Ni crystallites having a size in the range of between 150 and 250 □ and a distribution on said support element of no more than 0.

Abstract: A process for catalytically generating a hydrogen-rich gas from a hydrocarbon feed. A stream comprising the hydrocarbon feed, water and air is preheated to a temperature sufficiently high to initiate catalytic partial oxidation of the hydrocarbon feed. The preheated stream is then introduced into an autothermal reactor containing a layered catalyst member at a temperature sufficient to initiate and sustain both catalytic partial oxidation and catalytic steam reforming. At least part of the hydrocarbon feed is catalytically partially oxidized to produce a hydrogen-rich gas comprising hydrogen and carbon oxides and hydrocarbons remaining in the feed are steam reformed to produce further quantities of the hydrogen-rich gas. The layered catalyst member comprises a monolith substrate containing at least one layer of a steam reforming catalyst in contact with at least one layer of a catalytic partial oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of hydrogen from methane and/or natural gas and/or methane-rich hydrocarbons and steam at low temperature, using a solid catalyst comprising group VIII metal oxide(s) in two parallel reactors, comprising reducing the solid catalyst in both the reactors by contacting the catalyst with a gaseous feed comprising a reducing agent, contacting a first gaseous feed comprising methane and/or natural gas and/or methane rich hydrocarbons, simultaneously contacting a second gaseous feed comprising steam called Feed-B with the solid catalyst reduced in step-i in a second reactor. while regularly switching over the two feeds, Feed-A arid Feed-B, between the two parallel reactors to obtain a mixed product stream comprising hydrogen from the two reactors.