Air Injected Patents (Class 48/107)
  • Patent number: 11975968
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for processing ammonia. A heater may heat reformers, where the reformers comprise ammonia (NH3) reforming catalysts in thermal communication with the heater. NH3 may be directed to the reformers from storage tanks, and the NH3 may be decomposed to generate a reformate stream comprising hydrogen (H2) and nitrogen (N2). At least part of the reformate stream can be used to heat reformers. Additionally, the reformate stream can be directed to a hydrogen processing module such as a fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: AMOGY, Inc.
    Inventors: Young Suk Jo, Gregory Robert Johnson, Hyunho Kim
  • Patent number: 11808221
    Abstract: A supplemental fuel system includes a supplemental fuel tank, a first pressure regulator, a second pressure regulator, and a nozzle. The supplemental fuel tank is configured to store a supplemental fuel at a first pressure. The first pressure regulator is configured to reduce the first pressure of the supplemental fuel received from the supplemental fuel tank to a second pressure. The second pressure regulator is configured to reduce the second pressure of the supplemental fuel received from the first pressure regulator to a third pressure. The nozzle is configured to be positioned (i) downstream of the second pressure regulator and (ii) within a conduit of an air supply system for the compression-ignition engine. The nozzle is configured to receive a flow of the supplemental fuel and provide the supplemental fuel to air flowing though the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: American CNG, LLC
    Inventor: Matt Matsukawa
  • Patent number: 11465094
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) separation-purification system and process integrated with a water gas shift reaction process. According to the invention, the adsorption/desorption heat of a PSA separation-purification device is controlled using a reaction effluent and a refrigerant of a water gas shift reaction process without using additional components such as a heat exchanger or a heating means or without changing the structure of a PSA separation-purification device, thus achieving the best separation-purification performance of the PSA separation-purification device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: HANWOUL ENGINEERING INC.
    Inventors: Jong Nam Rah, Jong Il Rah, Yang-Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 11022075
    Abstract: An enhanced fuel delivery system having a fuel storage container for storing a quantity of liquid fuel and a vaporization vessel with an enclosed inner cavity having a central core structure with one or more openings and an inner core passage connected to a fuel line of a reciprocating engine, wherein liquid fuel is directed from the fuel storage container to the vaporization vessel and is drawn through the wicking material and converted into a vapor state where the fuel vapor is directed through the one or more openings to the inner core passage and out through the fuel line to be introduced into the combustion chamber of the reciprocating engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventor: Darrell Scoggins
  • Patent number: 10245529
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for improving ventilation of a fluid system is disclosed herein. An apparatus for improving ventilation of a fluid storage tank includes a hollow member having a sidewall and an opening formed in the sidewall and an air-permeable membrane extending at least partially across the opening. The membrane permits the passage of air across the membrane and restricts the passage of fluid across the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Wing-Fai Ha, Martin Juhas
  • Patent number: 8937390
    Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a mounting substrate, a semiconductor element provided above said mounting substrate, a package substrate provided above said mounting substrate with said semiconductor element therebetween and electrically connected to said semiconductor element via a primary connecting bump, a liquid cooling module cooling said semiconductor element by a liquid refrigerant, in which a heat receiving section of the liquid cooling module is disposed between said semiconductor element and said mounting substrate, and a plurality of secondary connecting bumps provided between said package substrate and said mounting substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: PS4 Luxco S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Nae Hisano, Shigeo Ohashi, Yasuo Osone, Yasuhiro Naka, Hiroyuki Tenmei, Kunihiko Nishi, Hiroaki Ikeda, Masakazu Ishino, Hideharu Miyake, Shiro Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 8690976
    Abstract: A fuel reformer is provided that is capable of improving endurance and performance. The fuel reformer includes a first burner having a first-burner first end, a first-burner second end, and a first opening formed in the first-burner first end; a second burner surrounding the first burner and having a second-burner second end, a second-burner second end, and a second opening in the second-burner first end, wherein the second-burner second end is coupled to the first-burner second end to communicate a fluid. The reforming reactor is configured to generate heat from the first and second burners, and has a fuel supply including a nozzle unit in the first burner and supplies a second oxidation fuel from the outside to the first burner. A first oxidation fuel is introduced into the first opening and flows through the first burner in a first direction and flows through the second burner in a third direction opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: In-Hyuk Son
  • Patent number: 8585397
    Abstract: A hot air generator comprising a handle (12), an elongated nozzle (14), flame generating means (6), a venturi (4), a gas conduit (162) intended to bring a combustible gas into the elongated nozzle (14) and at the flame generating means (6), an air conduit (164) intended for bringing compressed air into the elongated nozzle (14) and downstream from the venturi; characterized in that the generator further comprises a servocontrolled pressure regulator (2) controlling a gas pressure (Pd.g) in the gas conduit (162) depending on an air pressure (Pd.a) in the air conduit (164).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Guilbert Express
    Inventors: Yves Guillou, Christophe Le Drappier
  • Patent number: 8480769
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cyclonic gasifier and cyclonic gasification method. The cyclonic gasifier and cyclonic gasification method involve a chamber having a first portion proximal to a first end and a second portion proximal to a second end, introducing a first fuel to the first portion of the chamber, introducing a second fuel to the chamber; and introducing a first oxidant to accelerate the velocity of the first fuel and swirl the first fuel from the first portion toward the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Daniel D'Agostini
  • Patent number: 8404008
    Abstract: A system for reforming diesel fuel into hydrogen including feeds for water and diesel fuel, a supercritical water (SCW) reactor in fluid communication with the water feed and the diesel fuel, at least one pre-heater in thermal communication with the water feed, the diesel fuel feed that is configured to heat water from the water feed and diesel fuel from the diesel fuel feed to a predetermined temperature equal to or greater than the critical temperature of water before the water and the diesel fuel are mixed, a water-gas shift (WGS) reactor, and a hydrogen capturing system, where the SCW reactor reforms the diesel fuel into a synthesis gas comprising a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and outputs the synthesis gas, the synthesis gas output by the SCW reactor is fed into the WGS reactor which converts the carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and hydrogen and outputs an output gas including a higher percentage of hydrogen to carbon monoxide compared to the synthesis gas, and the hydrogen in the output ga
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Wootton, Sunggyu Lee, Asdrubal Garcia-Ortiz
  • Patent number: 8372166
    Abstract: A controlled zone gasification reactor for a plasma assisted gasification reaction system is disclosed for converting fuel, such as, but not limited to, biomass, to syngas to replace petroleum based fuels used in power generation. The system may be a modular system housed within a frame facilitating relatively easy transportation. The system may include a reactor vessel with distinct reaction zones that facilitate greater control and a more efficient system. The system may include a syngas heater channeling syngas collected downstream of the carbon layer support and to the pyrolysis reaction zone. The system may also include a syngas separation chamber configured to produce clean syngas, thereby requiring less filtering. The system may further include an agitator drive assembly that prevents formation of burn channels with in the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: AdaptiveARC, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian H. A. Juvan
  • Patent number: 8372167
    Abstract: A controlled zone gasification reactor with an agitator drive assembly for a plasma assisted gasification reaction system is disclosed for converting fuel, such as, but not limited to, biomass, to syngas to replace petroleum based fuels used in power generation. The agitator drive assembly that prevents formation of burn channels with in the fuel. The agitator drive assembly may include a syngas separation chamber configured to produce clean syngas, thereby requiring less filtering. The syngas separation chamber may feed syngas downstream to a syngas heater in a pyrolysis reaction zone in the reactor vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: AdaptiveARC, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian H. A. Juvan
  • Patent number: 8038743
    Abstract: A supercritical water reformer (SCWR) and methods for using supercritical water to convert hydrocarbons, particularly hydrocarbon fuels such as diesel fuel or gasoline, into carbonaceous gases and hydrogen. The synthesis gas stream generated by the fuel reforming reaction can then be further refined to increase hydrogen content, and the resultant hydrogen can be utilized to power fuel cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Wootton, Sunggyu Lee, Asdrubal Garcia-Ortiz
  • Patent number: 7998226
    Abstract: An appliance is provided having a waste receptor module and an energy generation module for converting household waste into energy. The receptor module has a rotary drum with an opening for receiving the household waste and a steam reforming means for converting the waste into synthesis gas. A swing arm is attached adjacent to the opening in the rotary drum and a sealing door is mounted on the swing arm for sealing the opening when the waste receptor module is in operation. An outer door is used to cover the sealing door. The steam reforming means includes a tube mounted within the rotary drum for receiving the volatilized organic waste and an internal heater for heating the organic waste to temperatures to convert the waste into the synthesis gas. The energy generation module has an inlet in fluid communication with the waste receptor module for receiving the synthesis gas and a fuel cell for converting the synthesis gas into electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Terry R. Galloway
  • Patent number: 7976593
    Abstract: A gasifier and gasifier system based on the gasifier, which contains as a major component, a novel feed system for feeding organic materials into the burn pile of the gasifier. The gasifier feed system is a horizontal auger driven feed system that feeds directly through a ceramic elbow into the furnace without having to auger the feed through significant vertical elevations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Heat Transfer International, LLC
    Inventor: Robert G. Graham
  • Patent number: 7361199
    Abstract: An apparatus removes CO from a hydrogen-rich gas stream in a hydrogen fuel cell system. CO fouls costly catalytic particles in the membrane electrode assemblies. Both a catalyst adapted to perform a water gas shift reaction, and a carbon dioxide adsorbent are disposed in a rotating pressure swing adsorber housing. The adsorption of carbon dioxide shifts equilibrium toward carbon monoxide consumption. A second adsorbent may be disposed in the housing for adsorbing carbon monoxide at low temperatures, and is adapted to desorb carbon monoxide at high temperatures. The present invention advantageously eliminates a unit operation from a space-constrained fuel cell vehicle by combining the WGS catalyst and a CO2 adsorbent in a single reactor/housing. The apparatus further eliminates the use of a PROX reactor, by providing an apparatus which incorporates CO2 adsorption and consequent carbon monoxide consumption in the place of the PROX reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Craig S Gittleman, Ramesh Gupta
  • Patent number: 7276095
    Abstract: A stand-alone fuel processor (10) for producing hydrogen from a hydrocarbon fuel for a fuel cell engine in a vehicle. The fuel processor (10) includes a primary reactor (14) that dissociates hydrogen and other by-products from the hydrocarbon fuel as a reformate gas. The reformate gas is applied to a WGS reactor (48) to convert carbon monoxide and water to hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The WGS reactor (14) may include an adsorbent for adsorbing carbon monoxide. The reformate gas from the WGS reactor (48) is then sent to a rapid-cycle PSA device (12) for adsorbing the undesirable by-products in the gas and generates a stream of pure hydrogen. A liquid water separator (70) separates water from the reformate gas before it is applied to the PSA device (12). The PSA device (12) uses a portion of the separated hydrogen as a desorbing gas to purify the adsorbent in the PSA device (12). The by-products of the reformate gas can be used as a fuel in a combustor (30) that generates heat for the primary reactor (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Craig S. Gittleman, John B. Ruhl, Yan Zhang, William H. Pettit
  • Patent number: 7261749
    Abstract: An autothermal reformer is provided for a fuel cell system utilizing one volume and a plurality of inlets for both start-up and normal operation. In start-up mode, thermal combustion is employed for heating the catalyst reformation section of the reformer. Two inlets are used to feed air and fuel into the system, which are mixed and ignited in the common volume. Once the catalyst has reached light-off temperature, a second set of inlets provide air, steam and fuel into the common volume. The mixture then passes into the catalytic reformation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: William H Pettit, Mohammed E. H. Sennoun, Gerald E Voecks
  • Patent number: 7128768
    Abstract: A hydrogen-rich reformate gas generator (36), such as a mini-CPO, POX, ATR or other hydrogen generator provides warm, dry, hydrogen-rich reformate gas to a hydrogen desulfurizer (17) which provides desulfurized feedstock gas to a major reformer (14) (such as a CPO) which, after processing in a water-gas shift reactor (26) and preferential CO oxidizer (27) produces hydrogen-containing reformate in a line (31) for use, for instance, as fuel for a fuel cell power plant. The expensive prior art hydrogen blower (30) is thereby eliminated, thus reducing parasitic power losses in the power plant. The drier reformate provided by the small hydrogen generator to the hydrogen desulfurizer favors hydrogen sulfide adsorption on zinc oxide and helps to reduce sulfur to the parts per billion level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: UTC Fuel Cells, LLC
    Inventors: Ke Liu, Richard J. Bellows, John L. Preston, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7070633
    Abstract: The present invention improves the start-up characteristics of a fuel gas generating apparatus for a fuel cell comprising a reformer. In a fuel gas generating apparatus 1 for a fuel cell comprising a vaporizer 22 that generates a fuel vapor by vaporizing a raw liquid fuel, a reformer 11 that generates a reforming gas that includes hydrogen from the raw fuel gas that has been partially oxidized by adding reforming air to the fuel vapor generated by the vaporizer 22, and a CO eliminator 13 that generates a fuel gas having carbon monoxide eliminated by adding a CO eliminating air to the reforming gas generated by the reformer 11, the supplied amount of the reforming air during the warm-up of the fuel gas generating apparatus for a fuel cell is larger than the supplied amount of reforming air during idle operation after completion of the warm-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hikaru Okada, Yasunori Kotani, Atsushi Sakuma
  • Patent number: 6986797
    Abstract: An auxiliary reactor for use with a reformer reactor having at least one reaction zone, and including a burner for burning fuel and creating a heated auxiliary reactor gas stream, and heat exchanger for transferring heat from auxiliary reactor gas stream and heat transfer medium, preferably two-phase water, to reformer reaction zone. Auxiliary reactor may include first cylindrical wall defining a chamber for burning fuel and creating a heated auxiliary reactor gas stream, the chamber having an inlet end, an outlet end, a second cylindrical wall surrounding first wall and a second annular chamber there between. The reactor being configured so heated auxiliary reactor gas flows out the outlet end and into and through second annular chamber and conduit which is disposed in second annular chamber, the conduit adapted to carry heat transfer medium and being connectable to reformer reaction zone for additional heat exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Nuvera Fuel Cells Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence G. Clawson, Matthew H. Dorson, William L. Mitchell, Brian J. Nowicki, Jeffrey M. Bentley, Robert Davis, Jennifer W. Rumsey
  • Patent number: 6964692
    Abstract: An apparatus removes carbon monoxide (CO) from a hydrogen-rich gas stream in a hydrogen fuel cell system. CO fouls costly catalytic particles in the membrane electrode assemblies of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. A vessel houses a carbon monoxide adsorbent. The vessel may be a rotating pressure swing adsorber. A water gas shift reactor is upstream of the rotating pressure swing adsorber. The water gas shift reactor may include a second adsorbent adapted to adsorb carbon monoxide at low temperatures and to desorb carbon monoxide at high temperatures. The apparatus advantageously eliminates the use of a preferential oxidation (PROX) reactor, by providing an apparatus which incorporates CO adsorption in the place of the PROX reactor. This cleans up carbon monoxide without hydrogen consumption and the concomitant, undesirable excess low grade heat generation. The present invention reduces start-up duration, and improves overall fuel processor efficiency during normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Craig S. Gittleman, William H. Pettit, Gerald E. Voecks
  • Patent number: 6843814
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for utilizing fuels, residues and waste by gasification in a free-flowing stream under normal or increased pressure at temperatures higher than 900° C., preferably between 1100 and 1600° C., with a gasifying medium containing free oxygen, in which the fuels, residues and waste are completely vaporized by the direct or indirect supply of heat and then fed in vapor form to a gasification reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Noell-KRC Energie-und Umwelttechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Schingnitz, Dietmar Adler, Manfred Windmüller
  • Publication number: 20040172877
    Abstract: A reformer (2) which enables rapid load changes of up to 100% within a few seconds, and which is intended to produce hydrogen from hydrocarbons by steam reformation, has an evaporator cooler for cooling the reformate and for generating steam. The evaporator cooler (34) is disposed in the reformer (2), on the end of its reaction vessel. It keeps the applicable end of the tube cool and uses the waste heat of the reformate for generating steam. This makes fast load changes possible, because an increase in the introduction of water immediately causes an increase in the reformate produced and thus an increase in the heat output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Joachim A. Wunning
  • Publication number: 20040163313
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation apparatus includes controls for delivering a feedstock to a reactor and a water gas step membrane reactor operating at a lower temperature than the reactor so as to efficiently produce purified hydrogen and manage heat within the apparatus. Catalytic combustion of feedstock in the presence of a combustible gas based on a computer controller facilitates operation. Flat plate heat exchangers in various configurations are contemplated as a reactor, water gas step membrane reactor, and purifier. Catalytic burning of feedstock in the presence of a combustible gas enhances apparatus efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Robert E. Buxbaum
  • Publication number: 20040144030
    Abstract: A partial oxidation fuel reformer in includes a torch assembly for generating a near-stoichiometric flame through which a relatively rich “primary” air/fuel mixture is advanced. The torch assembly includes a low-energy ignition source such as a conventional sparkplug. The flame has sufficient energy to ignite the primary mixture to facilitate a partial oxidation reaction. A method of operating a partial oxidation fuel reformer is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Rudolf M. Smaling
  • Publication number: 20040134126
    Abstract: The invention relates to the method and device for plasmacatalytic conversion of liquid hydrocarbons, such as engine fuels, into a synthesis gas by employing a pulse-periodic pseudocorona streamer microwave discharge (or semi-continuous microwave discharge) in the presence of air, and in certain cases, water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Ricardo Blach Vizoso, Boris-Vasilievich Potapkin, Victor-Konstantinovi Zhivotov, Vladimir-Dmitrievich Rusanov, Aleksandr-Ivanovich Babaristky, Marsim-Alksandrovic Deminsky, Michael-Fedorovich Krotov, Vladimir Nikolaeevic Fateev
  • Publication number: 20040093797
    Abstract: A reactor vessel for the catalytic reforming of air and steam-fuel mix into a hydrogen rich output gas is designed to relevant pressure code requirements. The steam-fuel mix and/or air provided to the vessel may be internally pre-heated prior to contacting the catalyst. Reformate is selectively directed into a recuperator to accomplish such heating. A bypass valve to divert reformate around the recuperator is also provided to allow control of the reaction conditions. Notably, this control may be performed manually or by way of an automated system. The resulting vessel enhances the safety and performance of the vessel, and it is more easily integrated into a complete fuel processor system. A method for achieving these goals is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Billy E. Bingham, Ray L. Sullivan, Stephen W. Scoles, Mark A. Perna, Andrew F. Kisik
  • Patent number: 6648931
    Abstract: A turbine produces in an improved gasification process a stream of pressurized air, which is cooled and further compressed by a cooler and booster/compressor. The cooled and compressed air is humidified in a humidifier, heated by a low temperature heat source and subsequently fed into a gasification vessel in which a feedstock is gasified or partially oxidized. The humidifier may advantageously utilize wastewater to humidify the cooled and compressed air, wherein the wastewater may or may not be produced by a component in a gasification plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Fluor Corporation
    Inventor: Ashok Rao
  • Publication number: 20030188486
    Abstract: A reformer (5) which generates hydrogen-rich reformate gas by causing a catalytic reaction of fuel and air comprises a premixing chamber (12) for premixing the fuel with the air. High temperature air is supplied to the premixing chamber (12) from an air intake tube (13) via an orifice (14). A fuel injector (16) injects the fuel into the flow of the high temperature air in the premixing chamber (12) to generate fuel-air mixture. A homogenizing filter (17) homogenizes the composition of the fuel-air mixture in the premixing chamber (12) and supplies a uniform fuel-air mixture to a reforming catalyst (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shiro Tanaka, Mikiya Shinohara, Akihiro Sakakida, Tadashi Shoji
  • Patent number: 6089859
    Abstract: A burner apparatus for reducing carbon production, comprises a burner having a combustion chamber and a heat exchanger located within the combustion chamber. The heat exchanger has an inlet end where a mixture comprising air and fuel enters, a heat transfer section, and an outlet end from which a process mixture of air and fuel discharges into the combustion chamber and is ignited to produce a product mixture. The inlet end and outlet end are located such that the general flow direction of the air and fuel within at least a portion of the heat transfer section is substantially parallel with flow direction of the product mixture in the combustion chamber. The heat transfer section is located within the combustion chamber so as to receive thermal input from the combusted product mixture therein to heat the process mixture to a temperature sufficiently high to substantially reduce the production of solid carbon therein. The invention is also for a method for reducing carbon production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Hydrogen Burner Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard Greiner, Richard Woods
  • Patent number: 5728183
    Abstract: A shift reactor is disclosed that is mounted on the exhaust end of an underoxidized burner so that the exhaust product is introduced to a cooler water bath in a compartment of the reactor. The exhaust product is passed through the water bath via submerged gas diffusers. The reactor compartment includes a collection chamber for receiving the bathed exhaust product containing hydrogen gas which is then exited to a shift catalyst chamber. The latter includes eductor for recirculation. A conduit may be coupled to the water bath for distributing heated water from the bath for exterior heating purposes or for purification means. A drain is operably connected to the conduit for permitting removal of excess water and a fill inlet is provided for adding water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Hydrogen Burner Tech., Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard Greiner, David M. Moard, Bharat Bhatt
  • Patent number: 5725615
    Abstract: According to the apparatus and method, combustible gas having a stable composition can be formed even if the load is charged. Burners are provided in the upper and the lower regions of an entrained bed coal gasification reactor. The temperature of the product gas is kept low in the upper region and high in the lower region. The volumes of the upper and lower regions are changed to meet the load so that the rate of heat loss becomes constant even if the load changes. Since the rate of heat loss can be kept constant and consequently variation of the composition of the product gas can be suppressed small, the efficiency of the coal gasification electric power generating system can be kept constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Babcock-Hitachi Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Morihara, Takanori Kudo, Sinji Tanaka, Shuntaro Koyama, Eiji Kida
  • Patent number: 5529484
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed herein for reducing engine nitrogen oxide emissions by mixing hydrogen prepared from a portion or all of engine fuel within a simple burner. The apparatus includes an insulated burner having an internal combustion chamber for receiving either a portion of or all the gaseous fuel or liquid fuel for mixture with air and subsequent ignition by a spark plug. The chamber is within a feed preheater assembly. A mixing chamber is included having a series of baffles against which injected air and fuel vapor impinge causing thorough and complete air/fuel blending into a mixture subsequently ignited and burned, and then discharged into the combustion chamber of the engine itself. The pre-heating assembly raises the temperature of the incoming air/fuel mixture via a heat exchanging process with post combusted gases from the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventors: David M. Moard, Leonard Greiner
  • Patent number: 5486269
    Abstract: A method and reactor for thermally decomposing a carbonaceous raw material (6) to recover gas and, if applicable, solid or liquid chemicals, the raw material being fed into a chamber (2) for gasification under under-stoichiometric conditions, the gasification is carried out in a gasification zone (15) at a pressure from atmospheric pressure up to about 150 bar and at a temperature within the range 500.degree.-1600.degree. C. According to the invention a part of the thermal energy required to maintain the endothermic reactions in the gasification zone (15) is produced by combustion of a fuel (8) in a combustion zone (16) located close to and in gaseous contact with the gasification zone, the raw material and fuel being supplied through different nozzle channels (12 and 13, respectively). An oxygen-containing gas (17) is supplied in an amount sufficient to oxidize substantially all the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Chemrec Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Bengt Nilsson
  • Patent number: 5441546
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed herein for reducing engine nitrogen oxide emissions by mixing hydrogen prepared from a portion or all of engine fuel within a simple burner. The apparatus includes an insulated burner having an internal combustion chamber for receiving either a portion of or all the gaseous fuel or liquid fuel for mixture with air and subsequent ignition by a spark plug. The chamber is within a feed preheater assembly. A mixing chamber is included having a series of baffles against which injected air and fuel vapor impinge causing thorough and complete air/fuel blending into a mixture subsequently ignited and burned, and then discharged into the combustion chamber of the engine itself. The pre-heating assembly raises the temperature of the incoming air/fuel mixture via a heat exchanging process with post combusted gases from the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Inventors: David Moard, Leonard Greiner
  • Patent number: 5437123
    Abstract: Injectors are disclosed for use in an underoxidized burner having a single or double stage internal combustion chamber for receiving gaseous or liquid fuel such as diesel for mixture with air or oxygen and subsequent ignition by a spark plug. The injector includes feed conduits or tubes for simultaneously conducting air and fuel to a mixing device having a baffle arrangement against which separately injected air and fuel impinge causing a complete air/fuel blending which is ignited, burned and exhausted. The injector may accept effluent gases for mixing with water to produce maximum hydrogen H.sub.2 from fuels. A lamina flow is produced which is folded over and reversed in direction within the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Inventors: Leonard Greiner, David M. Moard, Bharat Bhatt
  • Patent number: 5407455
    Abstract: A reactor for gasification of cellulose-waste liquors, especially black liquor. The reactor includes a reactor cladding a supply for liquor and combustion air in the upper part of the reactor, an outlet opening for gases and other material in the lower part, and a heat-insulating lining at the cladding and bottom part. The lining is arranged at a distance from the surrounding wall, thereby forming a gap for gas or air having a pressure exceeding that in the hearth of the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Chemrec AB
    Inventor: Bengt Nilsson
  • Patent number: 4604104
    Abstract: In a gasifying oil burner with an oil atomizing device, with combustion air upply means surrounding the atomizing device, with a shield having a shield opening, said shield being disposed downstream of the outlet of the atomizer, with a mixing tube disposed downstream of the outlet of the atomizer, with a mixing tube disposed downsteam of an co-axial with the shield opening, with a radial passage at an upstream portion of the mixing tube, with a generally cylindric flame tube whose upstream end is sealingly connected to the end wall of the combustion air supply means carrying the shield, and wherein it is proposed that the mixing tube be provided with a solid wall at a section thereof adjoining the shield, that the radial passage adjoin a part of the mixing tube provided with the solid wall, and that the axial length of the mixing tube portion with the solid wall extending between the shield and the radial passage be between the 0.1-multiple and the 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Assignee: Deutsche Forschungs- und Versuchsanstalt fur Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.
    Inventors: Erich Adis, Manfred Bader, Winfried Buschulte
  • Patent number: 4444158
    Abstract: A method of methyl alcohol treatment and distribution for an automobile internal combustion engine including the sequence of steps as follows:(a) heating a catalyst bed reactor to a start-up temperature using exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine being operated on atomized methyl alcohol; the catalyst bed reactor including a partial combustion catalyst and a methanol dissociation catalyst;(b) isolating the catalyst bed reactor from the exhaust;(c) vaporizing liquid methyl alcohol to form alcohol vapor;(d) mixing the alcohol vapor with air in a constant ratio of oxygen to alcohol at variable alcohol flow rates, to form a partial combustion mixture;(e) contacting the partial combustion mixture and the partial combustion catalyst to exothermically form dissociation mixtures the dissociation mixture including methanol vapor, water vapor, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen each in substantial proportion;(f) contacting the dissociation mixture and the dissociation catalyst to endothermically form hydrogen-rich
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventor: Heeyoung Yoon
  • Patent number: 4259088
    Abstract: A distributor for distributing a fluid into the volume of a fluidized bed contained in a vessel comprises a base member in which are mounted upstanding nozzles having outlets for directing the fluid horizontally away from the nozzles into the volume of the bed, the outlets of some nozzles being arranged at a lower level than the outlets from other nozzles so that fluidizable bed material will be fluidized above a contour substantially defined between the outlets of the nozzles. Thus, there will be a "well" or depression in the countour around each nozzle, and the countour will extend to just below the outlet of each nozzle. The contour may be formed by the upper surface of unfluidized fluidizable material (e.g., from the bed) or by the upper surface of non-fluidizable material (e.g. blocks of refractory cement or metal sheeting) which may constitute at least part of the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1981
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventor: Gerald Moss
  • Patent number: 4236899
    Abstract: A gas generator which comprises a heat resistant housing and a reaction chamber which is centrally arranged therein and contains a catalytic charge, with an inlet opening for the reactants and an outlet opening for the fuel gas is used for catalytically reacting liquid, hydrocarbon containing fuel to be evaporated with an oxygen containing gas at elevated temperature to form a fuel gas. The housing consists of a lower part and a removable cover and the reaction chamber including the catalytic charge is replaceable. The fuel and/or the oxygen containing gas is fed to the reaction chamber for preheating and evaporating, respectively, via a system of tubes which is arranged between the reaction chamber and the lower part of the housing and is run around the reaction chamber in helical fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1980
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Gulden, Friedrich Kozdon, Eugen S. de Bucs, Walter Kusebauch, Helmut Forster, Mathias Schnicke, Heinz Christoph, Berthold Pfadenhauer, Gerald Edinger
  • Patent number: 4155720
    Abstract: Apparatus for the production of gaseous mixtures is disclosed wherein said apparatus includes a combustion chamber, and burner means for blending a mixture of oxidizing gas and a primary fuel causing the mixture to assume a highly turbulent compact and self-contained configuration within the combustion chamber while totally combusting the mixture. The apparaus also includes fuel means for introducing a secondary fuel into the chamber to form a sheath around the self-contained configuration for mixing and reacting with the products of combustion therein to produce the gaseous mixture. Gaseous mixtures are suitable for use as agents for synthesis process raw materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1979
    Assignee: The Broken Hill Proprietary Company, Limited
    Inventors: Thomas G. Callcott, Terrence K. Deague
  • Patent number: 4150954
    Abstract: A split gas generator, especially for an air-compressing internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, in which a catalyst supporting the split gas reaction is arranged in a container; the components of the split gas production flow through the catalyst in the longitudinal direction, while air-guide channels embedded in the catalyst are traversed by the exhaust gases and by the fresh air in a direction opposite to the direction of the split gas flow in the catalyst; the air-guide channels are in heat-transferring connection with the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1979
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joerg Abthoff, Hans-Dieter Schuster, Rolf Gabler
  • Patent number: 4134739
    Abstract: A starting device for reformed gas generators of the type in which atomized or evaporated liquid, hydrocarbon containing fuel is catalytically reacted with a gas containing oxygen at elevated temperatures to form a fuel gas, includes a conically shaped housing having an outlet for coupling to the inlet of the reformed gas generator, a gas permeable burner plate within said housing, a fuel injection nozzle arranged so that nearly the entire surface of the burner plate is supplied with fuel, a heat-resistant, gas permeable terminating plate filling, the outlet of the starting device and defining, with the burner plate, a combustion chamber, an ignition device disposed in said combustion chamber and means for introducing the air and atomized fuel into the combustion chamber through the burner plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1979
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Gulden, Friedrich Kozdon, Eugen Szabo de Bucs, Walter Kusebauch, Helmut Forster, Mathias Schnicke, Heinz Christoph, Berthold Pfadenhauer, Gerald Edinger
  • Patent number: 4115074
    Abstract: A gasification process for forming a gas mixture containing hydrogen wherein a hydrocarbon including a heavy residual oil is atomized with a mixture of an oxygen-containing gas and steam in an atomizing zone, the formed jet streams containing the atomized hydrocarbon drops are introduced to the catalyst bed while adjusting the residence time in the atomizing zone to 0.05 to 5 seconds, substantially without forming eddy currents and the reaction is carried out at a temperature of at least 850.degree. C. to form said gas mixture while avoiding deposition of solid carbon on said catalyst bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1978
    Assignees: Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc., Toyo Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Yoshida, Kazuyoshi Isogaya, Tadayoshi Tomita, Katsutoshi Kikuchi, Hisaharu Kuboyama
  • Patent number: 4106914
    Abstract: Liquid fuel comprising hydrocarbon as its main component, which is in liquid state at normal temperature and pressure, is held in a container of an apparatus for vaporization of the liquid fuel to enable the fuel to be readily converted into a gaseous state for example for cooking purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1978
    Inventor: Liu Kun-Ming
  • Patent number: 4090485
    Abstract: A fuel vaporization system for hydrocarbon users, such as internal combustion engines, gas turbines and the like wherein the prior art gas generating and carburetor functions are accomplished in a novel chamber or fuel generator with additional benefits afforded through the use of controlled amounts of hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1978
    Assignee: Antonio LaCreta
    Inventor: Mario V. LaCreta
  • Patent number: 4070993
    Abstract: In pre-engine converters, a low octane fuel is contacted with a catalyst bed at high temperature cracking conditions to produce a gaseous product of substantially higher octane which is then fed, together with air, directly to an internal combustion engine. This improvement mixes oxygen with the fed fuel and uses a ZSM-5 zeolite alone or mixed with an oxidation catalyst for the conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1978
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Nai Yuen Chen
  • Patent number: 4067299
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously producing a charge gas mixture for the operation of an internal combustion engine in which liquid hydrocarbons are partially oxidized into a combustible gas mixture within a reactor under insufficiency of air, whereby the liquid hydrocarbons are admixed at a predetermined ratio below the stoichiometric ratio to a first partial air quantity flow which is preheated prior to entry into the reactor, in which additionally the hot gas mixture formed in the reactor is cooled off while giving off at least a considerable part of its heat to the first partial air quantity flow, is mixed with a second partial air quantity flow at least at a stoichiometric approximately constant mixture ratio and is fed to the internal combustion engine; the second partial air quantity flow itself or a quantity flow containing the second partial air quantity flow as a predominant component is continuously measured as regards quantity and the supply of the liquid hydrocarbons is metered as a functio
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1978
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Klaus Lindenmaier