Abstract: A process for producing syngas that uses the syngas product from an oxygen-fired reformer to provide all necessary heating duties, which eliminates the need for a fired heater. Without the flue gas stream leaving a fired heater, all of the carbon dioxide produced by the reforming process is concentrated in the high-pressure syngas stream, allowing essentially complete carbon dioxide capture.

Abstract: A process for producing syngas that uses the syngas product from a partial oxidation reactor to provide all necessary heating duties, which eliminates the need for a fired heater. Soot is removed from the syngas using a dry filter to avoid a wet scrubber quenching the syngas stream and wasting the high-quality heat. Without the flue gas stream leaving a fired heater, all of the carbon dioxide produced by the reforming process is concentrated in the high-pressure syngas stream, allowing essentially complete carbon dioxide capture.

Abstract: A process and system for generating hydrogen gas are described, in which water is electrolyzed to generate hydrogen and oxygen, and a feedstock including oxygenate(s) and/or hydrocarbon(s), is non-autothermally catalytically oxidatively reformed with oxygen to generate hydrogen. The hydrogen generation system in a specific implementation includes an electrolyzer arranged to receive water and to generate hydrogen and oxygen therefrom, and a non-autothermal segmented adiabatic reactor containing non-autothermal oxidative reforming catalyst, arranged to receive the feedstock, water, and electrolyzer-generated oxygen, for non-autothermal catalytic oxidative reforming reaction to produce hydrogen. The hydrogen generation process and system are particularly advantageous for using bioethanol to produce green hydrogen.

Abstract: A process for producing a methane-containing gas mixture includes the steps of: (i) passing a first feed gas mixture including hydrogen and carbon dioxide through a bed of methanation catalyst to react a portion of the hydrogen with at least a portion of the carbon dioxide and form a methane-containing gas mixture containing residual hydrogen, (ii) adding an oxygen-containing gas to the methane-containing gas mixture containing residual hydrogen to form a second feed gas mixture, and (iii) passing the second feed gas mixture through a bed of an oxidation catalyst to react the residual hydrogen and oxygen to form a hydrogen depleted methane-containing gas mixture.

Abstract: A gasification quench chamber is disclosed. The gasification quench chamber includes a reservoir that contains liquid coolant in its lower portion and an exit for the cooled syngas in its upper portion; a dip tube that is configured to introduce a syngas mixture to contact the liquid coolant which produces the cooled syngas; a cooling device configured to further cool the cooled syngas in its upper portion; and a stability device in the lower portion that is configured to mitigate coolant level fluctuation and sloshing. In an embodiment of the quench chamber, the cooling device includes a heat exchanger pipe. A quench chamber and scrubber assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liner for use within a gasifier vessel includes a plurality of elongated channels and a plurality of ceramic sheaths. The elongated channels pass coolant through the gasifier. The ceramic sheaths surround the elongated channels.

Abstract: The inventive stage system for producing hydrogen consists of at least two upstream/downstream stages, respectively, each of which comprises, optionally, a catalytic reactor (C1 to C5) followed by a separator comprising a space (E1 to E4) for circulation of a gaseous mixture contacting at least one oxygen extracting membrane and a hydrogen collecting space, wherein the reactor (C1) of the upstream stage is connected to a reaction gaseous mixture source, the circulation stage (E1) of the upstream stage separator is connected to the reactor (C2) of the downstream stage and the spaces for extracting/collecting oxygen from two separators are connected to a hydrogen collecting circuit (TC, 8) which is common for two stages.

Abstract: A reformer having improved performance and stability and a reformer control method, the reformer including a reforming reaction unit, a first sensor, a heat source unit, a second sensor, and a flow control unit. The reforming reaction unit converts a first fuel into a reformate. The first sensor senses a first temperature of the reformate generated from the reforming reaction unit. The heat source unit heats the reforming reaction unit with a combustion heat of a second fuel. The second sensor senses a second temperature at a fuel inlet of the heat source unit. The flow control unit controls a temperature of the reformate by regulating a flow of an oxidizer supplied to the heat source unit based on the first temperature, and controls a temperature of the heat source unit by regulating a flow of the second fuel supplied to the heat source unit based on the second temperature.

Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a gasification cooling system having an annular seal with a bellows. For example, the gasification cooling system may include a housing with an inlet, an outlet, and an interior between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the interior has a throat adjacent the inlet, and the throat expands in a flow direction from the inlet toward the outlet. The annular seal may be disposed in the throat of the housing, wherein the annular seal includes the bellows.

Abstract: A method for producing synthetic gas from biomass by: a) grinding the biomass, feeding the biomass into a pyrolysis furnace while spraying a first superheated water vapor into the pyrolysis furnace, controlling the temperature of the pyrolysis furnace at 500-800° C., contacting the biomass with the first superheated water vapor for a pyrolysis reaction to yield crude synthetic gas and ash including coke; b) cooling the ash, and separating the coke from the ash; c) transporting the crude synthetic gas and the coke into a gasifier, spraying a second superheated water vapor into the gasifier, controlling the gasifier at an operating temperature of 1200-1600° C., contacting the biomass with the second superheated water vapor for a gasification reaction to yield primary synthetic gas; and d) cooling, removing dust, deacidifying, and desiccating the primary synthetic gas to obtain clean synthetic gas.

Abstract: A method for gasifying biomass. The method includes: a) grinding the biomass, feeding the biomass into a gasifier while spraying superheated water vapor into the gasifier, controlling the gasifier at an operating temperature of 1200-1600° C., contacting the biomass with the superheated water vapor, desiccating, separating volatile matters, pyrolyzing, and gasifying the biomass to produce crude synthetic gas and ash; b) transporting the crude synthetic gas into a spray tower, quenching the crude synthetic gas by spraying water to cool down the crude synthetic gas to a temperature of 650-800° C., condensing a slag and a tar from the crude synthetic gas, dissolving and removing alkali metal oxides and part of acid gas to obtain primary synthetic gas; and c) cooling, dust removing, deacidifying, and desiccating the primary synthetic gas to transform the primary synthetic gas into clean synthetic gas.

Abstract: A method for pyrolysis and gasification of biomass by: a) providing a gasifier and a pyrolysis furnace; heating and introducing a solid particle, or a plurality thereof, into the gasifier and the pyrolysis furnace; b) grinding and feeding the biomass into the pyrolysis furnace while spraying saturated water vapor into the pyrolysis furnace, contacting the biomass with the saturated water vapor at 500-800° C. to yield crude synthetic gas and ash including coke; c) separating the ash, heating the solid particle, and transporting the solid particle into the gasifier; d) cooling the ash, and separating the coke; and e) introducing the crude synthetic gas into the gasifier, transporting the coke into the gasifier while spraying saturated water vapor into the gasifier, contacting the coke and the crude synthetic gas with the saturated water vapor at 1200-1600° C.

Abstract: Proposed are a system and method for wasteless pyrolytic processing and complete utilization of municipal and domestic wastes. The wastes are sequentially passed through units of sorting, grinding, drying, accumulating, and sending to a pyrolysis reactor for pyrolytic treatment. The syngas produced in the pyrolysis is passed through dry cleaning, dust catching, a first wet cleaning with water, a second wet cleaning with alkali, and a floatation unit for separation of water which is purified to an extent sufficient for technical use. The purified syngas is also passed through an absorber and is then used as a working medium for a power generation unit such as a gas turbine co-generator that generates electricity. Solid products of the pyrolysis reaction, such as coke, are returned to the reactor for afterburning, and the heat of the reaction can be utilized in a dryer, or the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing a hydrocarbon are provided. The method can include gasifying a feedstock within a gasifier to provide a raw syngas. The raw syngas can be processed within a purification system to provide a treated syngas. A first portion of the treated syngas can be converted into a first effluent in a first methanator. The first effluent can be mixed with a second portion of the treated syngas to provide a first mixed effluent. The first mixed effluent can be converted into a second effluent in a second methanator. The second effluent can be mixed with a third portion of the treated syngas to provide a second mixed effluent. The second mixed effluent can be converted into a third effluent in a third methanator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing synthetic gas are provided. The method can include gasifying a feedstock within a gasifier to provide a raw syngas. The raw syngas can be processed within a purification system to provide a treated syngas, and the purification system can include a flash gas separator. The treated syngas and a first heat transfer medium can be converted into a synthetic gas, a second heat transfer medium, and a methanation condensate. The methanation condensate can be introduced to the flash gas separator.

Abstract: Apparatus and a process are described for compressing superheated steam into porous coal chunks in a chamber, and, after a time interval, expanding this steam out of the chamber, and repeating this steam cycle of compression followed by expansion. Thusly heated by the steam, volatile matter separates from the solid coke portion of the coal and separate volatile matter and coke products can be produced from coal or biomass fuels. These volatile matter liquids and tars can be used as fuel components in slurry fuels, for internal combustion engines used in our surface transportation industries. These solid coke products can be used as boiler fuel in steam electric plants. In this way our large domestic reserves of coal can be used as a fuel source, not only for electric power generation, but also for our surface transportation needs.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a system includes a first cross-flow filter configured to remove at least a first portion of a liquid from a fuel slurry to increase a concentration of a solid fuel in the fuel slurry. The system also includes a gasifier configured to generate a syngas from the fuel slurry.

Abstract: A solid feed system may comprise a supersonic nozzle, an isolated injection section having a port for injection of solid feedstock positioned downstream from the supersonic nozzle, and a supersonic diffuser positioned downstream from the isolated injection section. Additionally, a gasification system may comprise such a solid feed system and a reaction chamber downstream thereof. Furthermore, a method of reacting a solid feedstock under pressure may include directing a fluid flow through a supersonic nozzle to provide a supersonic flow stream, and directing the supersonic flow stream through an isolated injection section at a static pressure at least fifty percent (50%) lower than an operating pressure within a reaction chamber (e.g., at a static pressure near ambient pressure).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus may permit the generation of consistent output synthesis gas from highly variable input feedstock solids carbonaceous materials. A stoichiometric objectivistic chemic environment may be established to stoichiometrically control carbon content in a solid carbonaceous materials gasifier system. Processing of carbonaceous materials may include dominative pyrolytic decomposition and multiple coil carbonaceous reformation. Dynamically adjustable process determinative parameters may be utilized to refine processing, including process utilization of negatively electrostatically enhanced water species, process utilization of flue gas, and adjustment of process flow rate characteristics. Recycling may be employed for internal reuse of process materials, including recycled negatively electrostatically enhanced water species, recycled flue gas, and recycled contaminants.

Abstract: A biomass thermochemical gasification apparatus is provided that can manufacture high-quality fuel gas out of solid biomass in an industrial manner. This fuel gas can be used as fuel for a gas engine and a gas turbine for example and also can be used as synthesis gas for methanol synthesis. A high-temperature combustion gas generation apparatus (101) for biomass operates entirely by biomass and the heat source thereof does not depend on fossil fuel. A coarsely-ground powder biomass (205) subjected to gasification and gasification agent (303) are introduced to a primary gasification reaction room (202) and generate gasification reaction by, as reaction heat, radiation heat from a wall face of the primary gasification reaction room (202) heated by combustion gas (109a) generated in the high-temperature combustion gas generation apparatus (101) and are dissolved. Consequently, the biomass (205) is converted to clean and high-quality generated gas.

Abstract: There is disclosed a microchannel reactor module for the immediate catalytic release of hydrogen from hydrogenated organic molecules along with the recovery of hydrogen gas and the recovery of dehydrogenated organic molecules as a liquid. More specifically, the disclosure provides a polyimide-based microchannel plate that is particularly useful for a process of immediate catalytic release of hydrogen from a hydrogenated organic molecule or formulation of molecules.

Abstract: A system for producing hydrogen features a reactor including a reaction channel adapted to receive a reaction stream including a mixture of supercritical water and a hydrocarbon fuel. A catalyst is positioned in the reaction channel so that a product stream containing hydrogen is produced by a reaction in the reaction channel when the mixture is exposed to the catalyst; wherein the catalyst contains a catalytically active metal and a promoter in a metal format, selected from the group consisting of potassium, sodium, rubidium, lithium, cesium, beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, and barium.

Abstract: A method for assembling a fuel supply system for use with a power generation system. The method includes coupling a fuel heater to a fuel source for heating a fuel. A first heating assembly is coupled to the fuel heater for heating a first flow of water channeled to the fuel heater. A heat recovery steam generator assembly is coupled to the fuel heater for channeling a second flow of heated water to the fuel heater. A valve assembly is coupled between the first heating assembly, the heat recovery steam generator assembly, and the fuel heater to enable a flow of heated water from the first heating assembly and the heat recovery steam generator assembly to be selectively channeled to the fuel heater.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for biomass treatment which addresses the need to find economical solutions to transport biomass. In the present invention, small, distributed gasifiers convert the biomass into synthesis gas (“syngas”). The syngas is then transported via a pipeline network to a central fuel production facility.

Abstract: Systems for recycling waste plastic can include cartridges that are selectively sealable. Some cartridges can have elongated receptacles that improve heat transfer to plastic feedstock within the cartridges.

Abstract: This invention involves pyrolysis of feedstock by introducing carbonaceous feedstock, into a hopper and moving it into a reactor tube enclosed in an oven, generating heat within the oven that is in part transferred to the feedstock, heating it to sufficient temperature to pyrolyze the feedstock into useful volatiles and char. A Venturi system produces a negative pressure directing volatiles into a pyro-gas oven producing heat necessary for pyrolysis and generating useful excess heat. The extruded pyrolysis char has uses including charcoal fuel, soil amendments, and activated charcoal while liquids can be produced for processing into fuels. Excess heat may be used to heat water, steam, and air, may be used in air heating and cooling systems, perform mechanical work with a Stirling engine or generate electricity on the order of 100 kW and higher. The system may be operated in a carbon neutral or even carbon negative manner, allowing sequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The inventive stage system for producing hydrogen consists of at least two upstream/downstream stages, respectively, each of which comprises, optionally, a catalytic reactor (C1 to C5) followed by a separator comprising a space (E1 to E4) for circulation of a gaseous mixture contacting at least one oxygen extracting membrane and a hydrogen collecting space, wherein the reactor (C1) of the upstream stage is connected to a reaction gaseous mixture source, the circulation stage (E1) of the upstream stage separator is connected to the reactor (C2) of the downstream stage and the spaces for extracting/collecting oxygen from two separators are connected to a hydrogen collecting circuit (TC, 8) which is common for two stages.

Abstract: A first process step comprises creating a hot gas, containing some molecular oxygen, by burning gas fuel with air and subsequently adding air to the burned gases. A second process step passes these hot oxygen containing gases through a bed of coal chunks, to remove volatile matter from the coal, and partially oxidize some of the volatile matter, as well as to transform the coal chunks into coke chunks. These hot coke chunks are transferred into a coke reaction chamber, where air is passed upward through the coke bed and oxidizes the coke largely to carbon monoxide, a fuel gas. This carbon monoxide fuel gas is combined with the volatile matter gases, and this fuel gas combination can be cleanly burned with addition thereto of overfire air. These process steps create a clean hot gas suitable for use in various apparatus, such as, steam boilers, gas turbines, and cement kilns.

Abstract: A reformer includes a first body, a second body which is disposed in an inner portion of the first body, a heat source unit which is disposed in an inner portion of the second body to generate heat, a reforming reaction unit which includes a reforming catalyst placed in a space between first and second bodies to generate a hydrogen-rich gas from the fuel through a reforming reaction using the reforming catalyst, and a nozzle member which is disposed in the second body to distribute the fuel and the oxygen to the heat source unit.

Abstract: A dump-cooled gasifier includes a vessel, a liner, and coolant. The liner has a head end, an aft end, and a plurality of channels extending along a length of the vessel. The aft end of the liner is axially and radially expandable with respect to the head end of the liner. The coolant enters at the head end of the liner, flows through the liner, and is expelled from the aft end of the liner directly into the vessel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fuel processor for use in a fuel cell system, may have a bottom plate, having a regenerator having a first inlet to receive an air flow, a burner flow chamber within the regenerator, the burner flow chamber having a second inlet to receive the air flow from the regenerator, and a reformer flow chamber positioned between the regenerator and the burner flow chamber, the reformer flow chamber having a third inlet to receive the air flow from the burner chamber, wherein the burner flow chamber and the reformer flow chamber is formed of a monolithic structure having an elongated, rounded baffle in the center of the monolithic structure. The fuel processor may also have a top plate coupled to the bottom plate to enclose the fuel processor, the top plate having a top surface and a bottom surface.

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.

Abstract: Devices for cooling and humidifying a reformate stream from a reforming reactor as well as related methods, modules and systems includes a heat exchanger and a sprayer. The heat exchanger has an inlet, an outlet, and a conduit between the inlet and the outlet. The heat exchanger is adapted to allow a flow of a first fluid (e.g. water) inside the conduit and to establish a heat exchange relationship between the first fluid and a second fluid (e.g. reformate from a reforming reactor) flowing outside the conduit. The sprayer is coupled to the outlet of the heat exchanger for spraying the first fluid exiting the heat exchanger into the second fluid.

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).

Abstract: The invention is a method for producing hydrogen using a generator, heating the vessel that is part of the generator, loading waste comprising steel into the heated vessel, melting the loaded waste to a molten state using a non-transferred torch to cut and melt the waste and then using a transferred torch to maintain a molten metal pool, adding additional steel to raise the molten metal pool to a minimum depth, raising the temperature to 2000 degrees Centigrade, acquiring EPA approval, loading waste into the vessel at a defined rate, maintaining the molten metal pool further melting any non-melted waste into a molten status with the transferred torch, determining BTU content and gas flow, injecting steam into the vessel, flowing gas from the vessel through scrubbers into storage containers and collecting the hydrogen in a collection vessel.

Abstract: The refractory protected, replaceable insert for a gasifier includes a replaceable floor edge insert that is formed with a predetermined mating profile that is complementary to a finished mating profile of the gasifier floor. The geometry of the mating profiles of the replaceable floor edge insert and the gasifier floor permit removable engagement between the floor edge insert and the mating profile of the gasifier floor. The replaceable floor edge insert is protected by a ring-like arrangement of hanging refractory bricks that each include an appendage. Each brick appendage covers a portion of the inner radial edge of the replaceable floor edge insert and also covers an upper surface portion of an underlying quench ring, thus prolonging the life of the floor and the quench ring. A refractory ceramic fiber paper can be provided between the hanging brick and the floor edge and quench ring.

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.

Abstract: A fuel processor for producing a hydrogen-rich product gas suitable for direct use in fuel cell applications includes a housing, an annular shift/methanator reactor vessel at least one reactor vessel wall disposed within the housing and forming an outer annular space between the at least one reactor vessel wall and the housing. A combustion chamber having at least one combustion chamber wall and forming a first inner annular space between the at least one combustion chamber wall and the at least one reactor vessel wall is disposed in the interior space formed by the annular shift/methanator reactor vessel, and a reformer reactor vessel having at least one reformer vessel wall and forming a second inner annular space between the at least one reformer vessel wall and the at least one combustion chamber wall is disposed within the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus which is capable of supporting a process for gasifying a variety of hydrocarbon-containing materials. The resulting hydrogen-containing gas is suitable for use in various combustion processes and for petrochemical processes. A hydrocarbon-containing material is mixed with natural gas (or other suitable hydrocarbon gas) under pressure. The suspended material and gas are then injected under pressure into an acceleration/gasification tube. Intense heat (provided by an external energy source) is applied to the mixture as it travels through this tube, resulting in the cracking of the hydrocarbon chains and the release of additional energy. The released bond energy, along with the addition of the external energy, rapidly expands the gas and causes the velocity of the moving mixture to rise sharply as it proceeds down the tube. The acceleration/gasification tube is connected to a diffuser, which is essentially an expansion nozzle with a series of heat exchangers to cool the rapidly expanding gas.

Abstract: A fuel processor having a dynamically controlled thermal integration mechanism and a method for dynamically controlling temperatures in a fuel processor. Such dynamic control accomplished by the use of an autothermal reformer, a steam/air superheater, water/air injectors, water gas shift reactors, heat exchangers, preferential oxidation reactors, wherein the feed/reactant streams are used as the coolant to remove heat from the reformate gas stream.

Abstract: A fuel reforming apparatus includes a premixed fuel tank. In the premixed fuel tank, premixed fuel which is formed by emulsifying gasoline and water that are mixed with each other at a predetermined ratio, using a emulsifier. The premixed fuel is sprayed into a vaporizing portion through a nozzle. Heat can be supplied to the vaporizing portion by the reformer in which oxidation reaction proceeds, a first heating portion, and air supplied to the vaporizing portion through a heat exchanger. The premixed fuel sprayed into the vaporizing portion is vaporized immediately by the thus supplied heat, and is supplied to the reformer. In addition, air which has been humidified in a humidifying module cam be supplied to the vaporizing portion.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process and an apparatus for thermal conversion of biomass and organic wastes. According to the invention, the feedstock is fed into a fluidized-bed reactor, wherein the feed is converted at an elevated temperature under the influence of particulate matter kept in a fluidized state by a fluidizing gas, the particulate matter is transferred from the reactor to a regenerator for regeneration and then recirculated to the reactor after the regeneration, and the converted hydrocarbon products are recovered from the reactor. Both the reactor and the regenerator comprise risers having an axially annular cross section and being equipped with multi-inlet cyclones for the separation of particulate matter. By means of the invention, it is possible to producer pyrolysis oil, the quality of which is higher than that of oil produced with the processes of the prior art.

Abstract: An apparatus for a hydrocarbon reforming process includes a combustion chamber, a convection chamber in fluid communication with the combustion chamber, at least one burner disposed in the combustion chamber, a reaction chamber, a means for flowing a first mixed-feed through a first part of the reaction chamber, and a means for flowing a second mixed-feed through an annular portion of a second part of the reaction chamber, the second part being a tube-in-tube in fluid communication with the first part. The burner(s) generates a flow of a flue gas having a sensible heat from the combustion chamber to the convection chamber. The flow of the flue gas in the convection chamber is counter-currently with the flow of the second mixed-feed.

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: An apparatus and method for starved air gasification of solid organic materials, including biomass and other wastes, to convert the chemical energy stored in such materials to thermal energy or gaseous products that may be used in biochemical and/or chemical synthesis. Specifically, the system utilizes a gasifier having a “moving bed of ash” hearth wherein the feedstock is partially oxidized at a low temperature (less than 1500 degrees F.) in a square or rectangular chamber having a vaulted, tapered or flat roof. Combustion gases from the gasifier are held at temperature using a recovery and regeneration chamber, and then undergo secondary oxidation in an oxidizer. The high temperature gases produced by the system can be utilized to advantage, for example, as the thermal energy source for a conventional heat recovery device such as a heat exchanger, steam generator, hot oil or air heater, or steam boiler.

Abstract: A waste is dry-distilled in a gasification furnace and generated combustible gas is combusted in a combustion furnace. A temperature in the combustion furnace is set to be substantially constant at a first preset temperature or more. When the temperature in the combustion furnace is greater than the first preset temperature by combustion of other fuels, the combustible gas is introduced. When the temperature in the combustion furnace reaches a second preset temperature or more by the combustion of only the combustible gas, the combustion of the other fuels is finished. When the temperature in the combustion furnace falls below a third preset temperature the combustion of the other fuels is resumed. When the temperature in the gasification furnace falls below a fourth preset temperature, the combustion of the other fuels is finished.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator, especially for generating treatment gas containing CO and H2, for heat treating metallic material at high temperatures. Said gas generator comprises at least one catalytic retort and has means for heating at least partial areas of the catalytic retort(s). According to the invention, the catalytic retort is divided into at least two retort areas (1, 2a, 2b, 2e) and at least one of the retort areas (1), preferably the retort area (1) located first in the direction of flow-through, is configured so that it can be removed from the gas generator.

Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus having a fuel feeding part, a water feeding part for fuel reforming, an oxidant gas feeding part, a reforming catalyst body, a heating part for the reforming catalyst, a CO shifting catalyst body and a CO purification catalyst body is provided wherein the reforming catalyst body, the CO shifting catalyst body and the CO purification catalyst body are sequentially ordered from the fuel feeding part toward the downstream side, and wherein a shifting catalyst of the shifting catalyst body contains as one component at least a platinum group-type catalyst.

Abstract: Monolith catalyst 42 is disposed in the reaction layer 40 of reformer 20, the monolith catalyst 42 carrying a copper-zinc catalyst which accelerates a water vapor reforming reaction and an oxidation reaction of methanol on a monolith carrier with a ratio of the length to the diameter between 5 and 18, more preferably 8 and 15, 600 to 3400 cells per square inch, more preferably 900 to 3000 cells per square inch, and formed from ceramics of low thermal conductivity at the region within 15 mm from the flow-in end of the mixture gas and from a metal of high thermal conductivity at the other portions. As a result, the degree of freedom of design and the efficiency of the water vapor reforming reaction can both be improved.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a gas generator system includes a combustion chamber having an insulation coupled to an inside surface thereof, a retort having a catalyst therein disposed within the combustion chamber, and an access door coupled to a side of the combustion chamber. The access door allows removal of the retort from the side of the combustion chamber. According to another embodiment of the invention, a gas generator system includes a combustion chamber having an insulation coupled to an inside surface thereof, a retort having a catalyst therein disposed within the combustion chamber, and a recuperator disposed proximate an open bottom of the combustion chamber. The recuperator prevents secondary combustion air from traveling in a direct path into the combustion chamber from outside the open bottom of the combustion chamber and raises the temperature of the secondary combustion air.