Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing sulfur species from a gas stream without the use of a sulfur species removal process, such as an amine scrub. The sulfur species are removed by directly subjecting the gas stream to a sulfur recovery process, such as a Claus or sub-dewpoint Claus process at high pressure and moderate temperatures, wherein the sulfur recovery process comprises a catalyst which does not comprise activated carbon.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an absorbent for removing acid gases from fluids. The absorbent contains at least one tertiary amine, an amine which is selected from hydroxyethylpiperazine, bis(hydroxyethylpiperazine) or a mixture of these and piperazine. The absorbent may optionally contain a physical solvent for the acid gases.

Abstract: A system for converting fuel and air into reformate with a reformer which has a reaction space, a nozzle for supplying a fuel/air mixture to the reaction space, and a fuel feed for supplying fuel to the nozzle (14). The nozzle is a Venturi nozzle with an air inlet area and a diffusor area which extends downstream with respect to the air inlet area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for converting fuel and air into reformate with a reformer which has a reaction space, a nozzle for supplying a fuel/air mixture to the reaction space, and a fuel feed for supplying fuel to the nozzle. In the invention, the air inlet area of the nozzle is provided with air guidance means which impart a swirl to the in-flowing air.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a hydrogen-enriched reformate. The apparatus includes a fuel processor for producing a reformate having fluctuations in a pressure and/or flow rate and means for reducing the fluctuations. The reformate comprises impurities that are removed by a purification unit having a plurality of adsorbent beds. A valve assembly controls the flow of reformate to the adsorbent beds based upon sensed product data generated by a product sensor. A compression unit optionally compresses the reformate prior to entering the purification unit. Means for reducing fluctuations in the pressure and/or flow rate include a buffer and/or a conduit for providing a controlled flow of a supplemental fluid to an inlet of the compression unit. A product valve can control the flow of hydrogen-enriched reformate out of the purification unit.

Abstract: A chemically-modified mixed fuel has been produced, wherein at least part of the fuel is a) cost-efficient, b) renewable and/or a consistent resource (e.g. biogenic fuels), c) easy to use, d) easy to transport and e) relatively “clean” with respect to the amount of time/resources it requires to convert the fuel to a “useable” form. Specifically, a chemically-modified mixed fuel has been developed that comprises methane gas from at least two methane-production sources. In addition, this chemically-modified mixed fuel can be utilized in any process that incorporates a Kellogg Primary Reformer. A method for producing the chemically-modified mixed fuel described herein comprises a) providing a first methane-containing gas from a first methane-production source, b) providing a second methane-containing gas from a second methane-production source, c) blending the first methane-containing gas with the second methane-containing gas at a suitable pressure to form a chemically-modified mixed fuel.

Abstract: A system for the conversion of carbonaceous feedstocks into useful sources for energy, chemicals, or other materials includes a reactor chamber for receiving dried carbonaceous feedstock and heat carrier for processing of the feedstock in the generation of useful sources for energy, chemicals, or other materials, a char separation and recovery mechanism linked to the reactor chamber for separating char produced as a result of processing of feedstock within the reactor chamber from heat carrier and a condenser in communication with the reactor chamber for receiving gas and vapor from the reactor chamber. A furnace is linked to the char separation and recovery mechanism providing energy for operation of the system.

Abstract: A system for the conversion of carbonaceous feedstocks into useful sources for energy, chemicals, or other material includes a dryer into which the carbonaceous feedstock is placed and a reactor chamber in communication with the dryer for receiving dried feedstock and heat carrier for further processing of the feedstock in the generation of useful sources for energy, chemicals, or other material. The system also includes a char separation and recovery mechanism linked to the reactor chamber for separating char produced as a result of processing of feedstock within the reactor chamber from heat carrier, a condenser in communication with the reactor chamber for receiving gas and vapor from the reactor chamber to recover a liquid product, and a furnace linked to the char separation and recovery mechanism for burning char as needed for operation of the present system.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for vaporization of liquefied natural gas (LNG) that employ a condensing gas stream to adjust the gross heating value (GHV) of the LNG such that, upon vaporization, a natural gas product is obtained that meets pipeline or other commercial specifications. The condensing gas can be air, nitrogen, or in embodiments, NGLs such as ethane, propane, or butane, or other combustible hydrocarbon such as dimethyl ether (DME) depending on a desired change in GHV. In some embodiments, the methods and systems employ an integrated air separation plant for generation of nitrogen used as a condensing gas, wherein a cool stream of a heat transfer medium, such as water, ethylene glycol, other common heat transfer fluids, or mixtures thereof, obtained by heat transfer during vaporization of the LNG is used to pre-cool an air feed to the air separation plant, or to cool other process streams associated therewith.

Abstract: A gasification furnace and a combustion furnace are integrated with each other to form a single fluidized-bed gasification and combustion furnace in which unburned char generated in the gasification furnace is combusted in the combustion furnace, and the thus generated heat of combustion is utilized as a heat source for gasification. The fluidized-bed gasification and combustion furnace (1) comprises a gasification furnace (3) and a combustion furnace (4) which are divided by a first partition wall (2). In the gasification furnace (3), a revolving flow of the fluidized medium is formed by diffusion devices (32, 33) provided on furnace bottoms, and an upward flow of the fluidized medium partly flows in the combustion furnace (4). The combustion furnace (4) is divided into a main partition wall (5).

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: In an integrated process for the production of synthesis gas, a partial oxidation unit and a steam methane reformer are used to convert natural gas or another fuel to first and second mixtures of at least carbon monoxide and hydrogen, only the first process consuming oxygen. Carbon dioxide derived from the second mixture is sent to the inlet of the first process to reduce the oxygen consumption. The first and optionally second mixtures may be used as synthesis gas for a process such as a Fischer Tropsch process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of coal to form a product gas such as methane (CH4), and a high purity carbon product. The method includes contacting a coal-containing feedstock with a treatment gas that includes hydrogen. The coal feedstock can advantageously be a low-grade coal that contains high levels of impurities. The methane product gas can be augmented with hydrogen (H2) gas. Reactants and by-products are advantageously recycled within the process system to enhance the economics of the process.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of charcoal, fuel gas, and potassium from a biomass gassifier.

Abstract: The gaseous feed flowing in through line 1 is contacted in contacting zone ZA with a liquid solvent flowing in through line 2. The solvent comprises between 0.001% and 100% by weight of a liquid olefin. Contacting in zone ZA is carried out in the presence of an acid catalyst. The purified gaseous feed is discharged from zone ZA through line 3. The sulfide-laden solvent is discharged through line 4, then regenerated in unit RE. The regenerated solvent is recycled through lines 7 and 2 to zone ZA.

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: Low-energy hydrogen production is disclosed. A reforming exchanger is placed in parallel with a partial oxidation reactor in a new hydrogen plant with improved efficiency and reduced steam export, or in an existing hydrogen plant where the hydrogen capacity can be increased by as much as 20–30 percent with reduced export of steam from the hydrogen plant.

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

Abstract: A system is shown for injecting a chemical, such as an odorant, from a chemical supply into a fluid containing system such as a natural gas pipeline. A tank of odorant is maintained under a positive pressure which exceeds that of the pipeline. An injection conduit communicates the odorant tank with the pipeline. A precise control flow valve, located within the injection conduit, meters odorant to be injected into the pipeline. The odorant is metered on a dropwise basis with individual drops of chemical being counted as they pass through the flow valve into the injection conduit and into the natural gas pipeline.

Abstract: A process for producing methane and/or high purity hydrogen from anaerobically decomposed organic materials as well as a methane and/or high purity hydrogen generation system that operates in accordance with this process, are provided. The inventive system, which is capable of delivering at least 40 slpm of the desired product gas or gases, is completely self-contained, requiring no outside sources of energy, and is made up of fewer components, thereby allowing for a reduced plant footprint, and a more cost-effective source of renewable methane and hydrogen.

Abstract: A biomass gasifier apparatus (10) produces low BTU gas from biomass, while removing the char and ash in an efficient manner. A fluidized bed gasifier cell (20) receives biomass fuel from a fuel input system (280). A preferred fluidized bed gasifier cell includes a vertically oriented cylindrical enclosure. A layer of bed material (40), typically having a consistency similar to sand, is carried at the base of the enclosure. A plenum (60) supplies hot compressed gas to a plurality of parallel manifolds (80), each of which support a number of nozzles (100). Gas released by the nozzles fluidizes the bed, catalyzing the process of gasification of the biomass, while a low oxygen environment prevents excessive combustion. A bed change-out system (120) removes waste introduced into the fluidized bed gasifier with the biomass. Gas discharged from an upper portion of the fluidized bed gasifier includes low BTU gas that is the desired output of the system.

Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. A portion of a formation may be heated from a plurality of heat sources to a temperature sufficient to allow generation of a first synthesis gas having a low H2 to CO ratio. A second portion of a formation may generate synthesis gas having a H2 to CO ratio greater than the first synthesis gas. A portion of the first synthesis gas may be blended with a portion of the second synthesis gas to produce a blend synthesis gas having a desired H2 to CO ratio.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of fueling gas turbines from natural gas reserves with relatively low methane concentrations. The invention permits the use of such reserves to be used to fuel gas turbines to generate electric power. The method of the invention includes providing a natural gas comprising not more than about 40 percent methane on a volume basis and mixing the methane of the natural gas with hydrogen gas to provide a hydrogen enhanced methane/hydrogen gas blend which has sufficient hydrogen to provide flame stability during burning. Thereafter, if required, the hydrogen enhanced methane/hydrogen gas blend is dehydrated to remove a sufficient amount of water to provide a flame stable hydrogen enhanced dehydrated methane/hydrogen gas blend. The hydrogen enhanced natural gas blend is used to fuel gas turbine generators.

Abstract: A three-stage method used for producing biogas having a high methane content from organic substances includes aerobic fermentation, a charring and thermophilic methane fermentation.

Abstract: The method according to the invention concerns an anaerobic conversion of biomass into biogas in separated processes of hydrolysis and methane fermentation of biomass by means of methane mesophile, thermophile and psychrophile bacteria, contained in returned reflux. Cleaned biogas undergoes decomposition into methane and carbon dioxide. From part of methane and biogas standard gas fuel is produced, used for the engine of a current generating unit and a thermoregenerative cell generating electrical energy and heat. The system according to the invention consists of a system of preparation of biomass (1) connected to a hydrolyser (2) and then to a series system of fermentation tanks and a composter (1), which co-operates with a system of returning and enriching reflux (4). A tank for raw biogas (5) is connected to a system for cleaning biogas (6) and then to a tank for cleaned biogas (7) connected to a system of biogas decomposition (8) and a gas mixer (11).

Abstract: A method of operating a combustion apparatus such as an internal combustion engine is described, in which the apparatus includes at least one combustion chamber with an inlet port for primary combustion air, an apparatus to introduce into the combustion chamber primary fuel for combustion with the primary air, an exhaust port for combustion products, and an exhaust system for exhausting the combustion products to atmosphere, the method including introducing into the exhaust system secondary air, mechanically acting upon the secondary air and products of combustion in the exhaust system in the presence of a catalyst, to produce a reformed fuel, introducing the reformed fuel into the combustion chamber for combustion with primary fuel and primary air.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. A portion of a formation may be heated from a plurality of heat sources to a temperature sufficient to allow generation of a first synthesis gas having a low H2 to CO ratio. A second portion of a formation may generate synthesis gas having a H2 to CO ratio greater than the first synthesis gas. A portion of the first synthesis gas may be blended with a portion of the second synthesis gas to produce a blend synthesis gas having a desired H2 to CO ratio.

Abstract: A process for heating fuel gas under high pressure before it is expanded. The gas is directly heated by burning part of the gas in the gas pipeline.

Abstract: It is required to provide a gas hydrate dewatering device which performs dewatering and produces a gas hydrate with a low proportion of included water continuously at high efficiency, under conditions in which the gas hydrate is not decomposed and the water is not frozen into ice. This is achieved by providing a dewatering device (12) for gas hydrate slurry which eliminates the water from a slurry in which gas hydrate is dispersed in water, including a dewatering mechanism of a screw press type within an environment which is maintained at temperature and pressure conditions at which the gas hydrate does not decompose and the water does not freeze.

Abstract: A small apparatus for the production of mixtures of LPG vapor and air, also called synthetic natural gas, with properties that allow these mixtures to be used in place of natural gas in mostly temporary installations for residential and industrial or commercial installations. The entire apparatus is designed to produce synthetic natural gas without permanent presence of operating personnel. Noise, typically associated with the operation of venturi-type vapor/air mixing devices, is suppressed by a combination of an air-intake filter and a noise-reducing device to a level that make the apparatus suitable for installations close to residential developments. A second vapor/air mixing apparatus, identical to the main system, is installed on the same support frame, acting as a backup device for the main system in situations of equipment malfunctions or temporary system overload. Equipment malfunctions are reported to centralized monitoring stations by means of a telephone-based signaling device.

Abstract: This invention discloses improvements on previous inventions for catalytic conversion of coal and steam to methane. The disclosed improvements permit conversion of petroleum residua or heavy crude petroleum to methane and carbon dioxide such that nearly all of the heating value of the converted hydrocarbons is recovered as heating value of the product methane. The liquid feed is distributed over a fluidized solid particulate catalyst containing alkali metal and carbon as petroleum coke at elevated temperature and pressure from the lower stage and transported to the upper stage of a two-stage reactor. Particulate solids containing carbon and alkali metal are circulated between the two stages. Superheated steam and recycled hydrogen and carbon monoxide are fed to the lower stage, fluidizing the particulate solids and gasifying some of the carbon. The gas phase from the lower stage passes through the upper stage, completing the reaction of the gas phase.

Abstract: This invention provides a waste-processing system capable of processing high-solids wastes such as manure. This invention provides a compact U-shaped digester that allows for recycling of activated sludge to improve the efficiency of the process. Efficiency is also improved through a sludge heating design that creates a current in the digester and efficiently heats the sludge. A composter is provided to further process the sludge through aerobic digestion to create usable fertilizer. Finally, one embodiment provides a turbine that is fueled by biological gases from the digester to generate heat and electricity to be used by the system.

Abstract: In a method of utilizing a methane-containing biogas by feeding the methane-containing biogas to a gas engine of a gas engine/generator assembly generating electricity, the steps of passing the biogas through a membrane separating installation to divide the biogas into a first gas stream having a higher methane content than the biogas fed thereto and a second gas stream enriched in CO2, feeding the first gas stream to the gas engine as fuel, and returning the second gas stream to the source of the biogas.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of fueling gas turbines from natural gas reserves with relatively low methane concentrations. The invention permits the use of such reserves to be used to fuel gas turbines to generate electric power. The method of the invention includes providing a natural gas comprising not more than about 40 percent methane on a volume basis and mixing the methane of the natural gas with hydrogen gas to provide a hydrogen enhanced methane/hydrogen gas blend which has sufficient hydrogen to provide flame stability during burning. Thereafter, if required, the hydrogen enhanced methane/hydrogen gas blend is dehydrated to remove a sufficient amount of water to provide a flame stable hydrogen enhanced dehydrated methane/hydrogen gas blend. The hydrogen enhanced natural gas blend is used to fuel gas turbine generators.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for removing sulfur compounds including sulfur in the (−2) oxidation state such as mercaptans, dialkyl sulfides, carbonyl sulfide, hydrogen sulfide, thiophenes and benzothiophenes, from liquid or gas feed streams, particularly hydrocarbon feed streams such as, for example, natural gas and refinery process streams. According to the process, such a feed stream including these sulfur impurities is contacted with an absorbent which includes a metal ion-containing organic composition such as, for example, iron, copper, lead, nickel, tin, zinc or mercury cation-containing phthalocyanine or porphyrin to thereby form sulfur-metal cation coordination complexes in which the oxidation state of the sulfur and the metal cation remains essentially unchanged. The complexes are separated from the feed stream, and the absorbent is regenerated by disassociating the sulfur compound from the complexes.

Abstract: A combustion fuel mixture is provided for heating a fiberizer spinner for the production of glass fiber. In a first embodiment, oxygen enriched air is added to natural gas to form the combustion fuel mixture. In a second embodiment, pure oxygen is mixed with natural gas to form the combustion fuel mixture. Combustion of the combustion fuel mixture reduces emissions, increases efficiency of glass fiber production and reduces the amount of natural gas required to heat the fiberizer.

Abstract: Composition and method of making a combustible organic mixture used to generate a colorful flame that is environmentally safe and non toxic. In accordance with the invention there is provided a fuel blend mixture of hydrocarbons, alcohols, glycols or glycol ethers with a color flame generator in the form of an organometallic complex such as acetyl acetonate complexes of alkaline, alkaline earth or transition metals such as lithium, cesium, sodium, and copper acetyl acetonate complexes. The homogenous material can be used as a fuel in various types of candles and lantern devices to generate flames of red, yellow, blue, green or purple color and variations thereof depending on the organometallic complex that is used.

Abstract: Oxygen is removed from natural gas by contacting oxygen-containing natural gas with nitric oxide under conditions sufficient to produce nitrogen dioxide.

Abstract: A method of regulating the calorific power of a stream of gaseous fuel of the fossil-gas type, comprising a predominant fuel gas, denoted “A” and flowing in a pipe. This regulation is performed, at least partly, by controlled addition of at least one fuel gas called having a calorific power greater than that of “A” into the stream. The subject of the invention is also its apparatus for implementation and its applications.

Abstract: The invention concerns, as can be seen from FIG. 2, a device and a process for heating fuel gas under high pressure before it is expanded. The gas is directly heated by burning part of the gas in the gas-containing container.

Abstract: A process for removing mercury from a gaseous process stream. The process involves contacting a mercury-containing gaseous process stream with a regenerable mercury scavenger solution to form a treated stream having a reduced mercury content as compared to the mercury-containing gaseous process stream and a used scavenger solution having an increased mercury content. The regenerable mercury scavenger solution contains an oxidizing agent such as nitric acid, a complexing agent such as oxygen-containing agents and/or thiol and a solvent, for example, a mixture of methanol and water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the conversion of a hydrocarbon-bearing feedstock to a valuable product gas such as methane (CH4). The feedstock can advantageously be a low-cost or negative net cost feedstock such as municipal waste or low-grade coal. The method advantageously includes the step of forming large volumes of hydrogen gas and contacting the hydrogen gas with the feedstock to produce methane. The methane can be combusted to produce electricity, such as in a combined cycle generator.

Abstract: Process for pyrolyzing a light feed in a pyrolysis furnace designed for pyrolyzing heavy feed, in which process part of the light feed is introduced at the feed inlet of the convection zone of the pyrolysis furnace and further light feed is introduced into the convection zone together with the dilution gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of coal to form a valuable product gas such as methane (CH4), that may be augmented with hydrogen gas, and a high purity carbon product. The coal feedstock can advantageously be a low-grade coal that contains high levels of impurities. Reactants and by-products are advantageously recycled within the process system to enhance the economics of the process.

Abstract: A biomass gasifier apparatus (10) produces low BTU gas from biomass, while removing the char and ash in an efficient manner. A fluidized bed gasifier cell (20) receives biomass fuel from a fuel input system (280). A preferred fluidized bed gasifier cell includes a vertically oriented cylindrical enclosure. A layer of bed material (40), typically having a consistency similar to sand, is carried at the base of the enclosure. A plenum (60) supplies hot compressed gas to a plurality of parallel manifolds (80), each of which support a number of nozzles (100). Gas released by the nozzles fluidizes the bed, catalyzing the process of gasification of the biomass, while a low oxygen environment prevents excessive combustion. A bed change-out system (120) removes waste introduced into the fluidized bed gasifier with the biomass. Gas discharged from an upper portion of the fluidized bed gasifier includes low BTU gas that is the desired output of the system.

Abstract: A system and method of generating methane gas from organic material, e.g., animal waste. A mixture known to produce methane gas which may include animal waste and vegetation as desired, is treated, also as desired, with an inoculant and inserted into a plastic bag. The plastic bag is extended at one end beyond the portion filled with organic material to produce a collection space for collecting the gas. As the gas is generated, the gas migrates to the provided space and is released for collection and use as an energy source. An upper passage provided in the material enhances migration of the gas to the provided space. As desired, aeration conduits are provided in the material and upon depletion of the methane gas, the mixture may be treated for composting and used as fertilizer.

Abstract: A process is provided for the in-situ removal of carbon dioxide out of natural gas by diverting a stream of the natural gas to a hydrocarbon reformation unit, which converts this diverted stream of the natural gas into a hydrogen-containing gas, and feeding this hydrogen-containing gas and the (undiverted) natural gas into a methanation unit, where the hydrogen reacts with carbon dioxide to form methane, thereby decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the natural gas. A second steam of the natural gas may be diverted from the natural gas and combusted, thereby generating heat which may be used for catalyst regeneration and/or for providing any heat necessary for the reactions occurring in the methanation unit or the hydrocarbon reformation unit.

Abstract: Initially, a ship containing LNG sails to an existing offshore natural gas pipeline. Such pipelines are often found on offshore natural gas platforms. The ship containing LNG then connects to a gasification device, which may be located on the ship, the platform, or on another ship (e.g., a barge). This gasification device, in turn, connects to the pipeline and supplies the pipeline with natural gas. In this manner, natural gas can be supplied to an existing pipeline without involving a land-based gasification device.

Abstract: A system and method for odorizing natural gas in a pipeline uses an odorant injection pump operated by a programmable controller. In response to measured gas flow in the gas pipeline, and a preset setpoint, the injection pump injects liquid odorant directly into the pipeline. A flowmeter in the odorant line measures the amount of odorant actually injected to confirm that the required amount enters the pipeline. If the amount of odorant actually injected differs from that which is required by the setpoint, the controller compensates for the difference. The controller preferably logs pertinent data about operation of the system. The controller can be reprogrammed remotely to simplify the task of changing system operation.

Abstract: A method for treating at least one liquid fluid comprising a high water content, and including a volatile fraction and a heavy fraction, in order to separate said two fractions. Said method consists in burning at least one gas fluid, recuperating the heat released by said combustion for subsequently heating the liquid fluid. The heated liquid fluid is pressurised and then expanded so as to separate the volatile fraction from the heavy fraction. The volatile fraction is then burnt with the gas fluid. The heavy fraction is extracted from the process to be subsequently treated. The invention also concerns an installation for implementing the treatment method.