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: A method for producing highly pure, hydrogen gas, of high pressure, if desired, by generating, in a reaction zone, hydrogen gas in the presence of one or more other gases and/or supercritical fluids; and the separation of at least some of the hydrogen gas by a separation zone having hydrogen selective permeability, whereby the separated hydrogen gas is substantially pure.

Abstract: Various processes and systems are disclosed for converting carbonaceous materials into a product gas stream. For instance, the product gas stream may be endothermically converted to a gas through a steam reforming process. The present invention is directed to various methods and systems for increasing throughput and efficiency of the system. Further, the present invention is also directed to sulfur removal methods and systems from a gas stream.

Abstract: Low-energy, low-capital hydrogen production is disclosed. A reforming exchanger 14 is placed in parallel with an autothermal reformer (ATR) 10 to which are supplied a preheated steam-hydrocarbon mixture. An air-steam mixture is supplied to the burner/mixer of the ATR 10 to obtain a syngas effluent at 650°-1050° C. The effluent from the ATR is used to heat the reforming exchanger, and combined reformer effluent is shift converted and separated into a mixed gas stream and a hydrogen-rich product stream. High capital cost equipment such as steam-methane reformer and air separation plant are not required.

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: 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: An apparatus for carrying out a multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of reaction zones arranged in an insulated, box-shaped, compact fuel processor. The multi-step process includes preheating the hydrocarbon fuel utilizing integration with the inherent exothermic processes utilized with the fuel processor, reacting the preheated hydrocarbon fuel to form the hydrogen rich gas, and purifying the hydrogen rich gas to produce a gas that is suitable for consumption in a fuel cell.

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

Abstract: A hydrogen-rich reformate gas generator, such as a mini-CPO (catalytic partial oxidizer) (36), provides warm, dry, hydrogen-containing reformate gas to a hydrogen desulfurizer (17) which provides desulfurized reformate 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 mini-CPO to the hydrogen desulfurizer favors hydrogen sulfide adsorption on zinc oxide and helps to reduce sulfur to the parts per billion level.

Abstract: A system for generating hydrogen gas utilizes a volume exchange housing for the storage of a fuel material that reacts to generate hydrogen gas and a hydrogen separation chamber. The system includes a gas permeable membrane or membranes that allow hydrogen gas to pass through the membrane while preventing aqueous solutions from passing therethrough. The system is orientation independent. A throttle valve is also used to self regulate the reaction generating the hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A chemical reaction apparatus includes a solid body which has an outer surface, and in which at least one flow path which allows a chemical medium to flow is formed. This body has a heating element which heats the chemical medium in the flow path to accelerate a chemical reaction of the chemical medium, and a heat radiation preventing film which covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the body, and prevents radiation of heat generated by the heating element from a portion of the outer surface.

Abstract: A chemical reaction apparatus includes a solid body in which a reaction flow path is formed, and a heater having a thin-film heater formed on the body to oppose the reaction flow path and at least partially exposed to the reaction flow path, and which supplies a predetermined heat amount to the reaction flow path by the thin-film heater.

Abstract: A heat exchanger (60) for a fuel processing system (10) that produces a hydrogen reformate gas. The heat exchanger (60) includes a catalyst for converting carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. The heat exchanger (60) can be any suitable heat exchanger, such as a tube and fin type heat exchanger, that is able to cool the reformate gas and includes a suitable surface on which the catalyst can be coated. In one embodiment, the heat exchanger (60) is part of a WGS reactor assembly (48). The WGS reactor assembly (48) includes a first stage WGS adiabatic reactor (52) followed by the catalyzed heat exchanger (60) and a second stage WGS adiabatic reactor (68). Also, in one embodiment, both the first stage and the second stage WGS reactors (52, 68) are medium temperature reactors. By catalyzing the heat exchanger (60) in the WGS reactor assembly (48), the assembly (48) can be smaller than what is currently known in the art.

Abstract: A preferential oxidation reactor (PrOx) is provided including a plurality of substrates defining a plurality of channels, through which a reformate stream flows. A CO-sorption layer and a CO-catalyst layer coat a surface of each substrate support member. The PrOx operates in a first mode, generally at a temperature below 100° C., whereby the CO-sorption material adsorbs CO from the reformate stream. After operation in the first mode, the PrOx operates in a second mode, generally at a temperature above 100° C., whereby the CO-catalyst material enables a preferential oxidation reaction of CO in the reformate stream with a supply of oxygen and desorption of the CO previously absorbed by the CO-sorption layer for an overall reduction in the CO content of the reformate stream.

Abstract: A cylindrical steam reforming unit comprising a plurality of cylindrical bodies consisting of a first cylindrical body, a second cylindrical body and a third cylindrical body of successively increasing diameters disposed in a concentric spaced relation, a radiation cylinder disposed within and concentrically with the first cylindrical body, a burner disposed in the radial central portion of the radiation cylinder, and a reforming catalyst layer with a reforming catalyst filled in a gap between the first and second cylindrical bodies, wherein a CO shift catalyst layer and a CO removal catalyst layer are disposed in a gap between the second and third cylindrical bodies, the CO shift catalyst layer being formed in a gap with the direction of flow reversed at one axial end of the reforming catalyst layer and through a heat recovery layer of predetermined length.

Abstract: A synthetic gas manufacturing plant includes a reformer having a reaction tube, a combustion radiation unit arranged around the reaction tube to heat the reaction tube, and a convection unit communicating with the combustion radiation unit, a source gas supply passageway to supply a natural gas to the reformer, a steam supply passageway to supply steam to the source gas supply passageway, a carbon dioxide recovery apparatus to which a total amount of combustion exhaust gas flowing through the convection unit of the reformer is supplied, and which recovers carbon dioxide from the combustion exhaust gas, a compressor to compress the recovered carbon dioxide, and a return passageway to supply part or the whole of the compressed carbon dioxide from the compressor to the source gas supply passageway.

Abstract: A process for producing a high temperature COx-lean product gas from a high temperature COx-containing feed gas, includes: providing a sorption enhanced reactor containing a first adsorbent, a shift catalyst and a second adsorbent; feeding into the reactor a feed gas containing H2, H2O, CO and CO2; contacting the feed gas with the first adsorbent to provide a CO2 depleted feed gas; contacting the CO2 depleted feed gas with the shift catalyst to form a product mixture comprising CO2 and H2; and contacting the product mixture with a mixture of second adsorbent and shift catalyst to produce the product gas, which contains at least 50 vol. % H2, and less than 5 combined vol. % of CO2 and CO. The adsorbent is a high temperature adsorbent for a Sorption Enhanced Reaction process, such as K2CO3 promoted hydrotalcites, modified double-layered hydroxides, spinels, modified spinels, and magnesium oxides.

Abstract: A micro component steam reformer system for producing hydrogen-enriched gas to power a fuel cell adapted for scalable power requirements. The steam reformer system uses a cycle in which, in laminar flow modules, a vaporized hydrocarbon is mixed with fuel cell off gas having a hydrogen component and combusted to heat vaporizers and a steam reformer. Vaporized hydrocarbons and water vapor are introduced as a feed stock into the steam reformer to produce a syn-gas, which is cooled and purified. The resulting principally hydrogen gas may be introduced into a hydrogen fuel cell. Off gas from the fuel cell is recycled to provide hydrogen and water for use in the system cycle.

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

Abstract: There is provided a reforming apparatus which shows high efficiency and excellent operation-starting performance, in spite of its compact body and simple structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to create a substantially pure hydrogen product stream before any subsequent purification steps. The apparatus provides a generally enclosed reaction vessel so as to reduce any extraneous exhaust materials from escaping. In addition, the apparatus includes a primary and a secondary reaction chamber which are generally held at equivalent or equal pressures while at substantially different temperatures. In addition, a reaction aid or cooperator is used to increase the production of the hydrogen product stream and to also increase the purity of the hydrogen product stream. The method includes using a two chamber apparatus along with the reaction cooperator to increase the hydrogen production and purity and recycling the reaction cooperator.

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

Abstract: A reforming and hydrogen purification system operating with minimal pressure drop for producing free hydrogen from different hydrogen rich fuels includes a hydrogen reforming catalyst bed in a vessel in communication with a core unit containing a hydrogen permeable selective membrane. The vessel is located within an insulated enclosure which forms an air inlet passageway and an exhaust passageway on opposite sides of the vessel. Air and raffinate pass through a burner within the air inlet passageway, providing a heated flue gas to heat the catalyst to the reaction temperature needed to generate free hydrogen from the feedstock. The burner flue gas flows laterally over and along the length of the bed between the input and output ends of the bed. Hydrogen is recovered from the core for use by a hydrogen-consuming device such as a fuel cell. The remaining unrecovered hydrogen in the reformed gases is contained in raffinate and is used to supply process heat via the burner.

Abstract: A compact steam reformer produces hydrogen to power a fuel cell, such as can be used in a vehicle. The steam reformer includes a first channel, at least partly coated with a steam reforming catalyst, and a second channel, at least partly coated with a combustion catalyst, the channels being in thermal contact with each other. Heat from the combustion is used in the steam reforming reaction. The steam reformer may be provided as a stack of strips defining steam reforming channels which alternate with combustion channels. The reformer may also include a set of modules, connected in series, each module including a stack of strips as described above. The steam reformer preferably also includes a channel wherein a water-gas shift reaction occurs, to convert carbon monoxide, produced by the reformer, into carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A fuel cell power plant (110) has a fuel cell stack assembly (CSA) (16) including an anode (18), and a fuel processing system (FPS) (120) providing a hydrogen-rich reformate/fuel stream (34, 134, 62) for the anode (18) of the CSA (16). A relatively active metal catalyst is associated with one or both of the anode (18) and the FPS (120), and is subject to degradation by the presence of even low levels, e.g. 100 ppb to 5 ppb-wt. reformate, of sulfur in the fuel stream. A guard bed (70) containing a guard material (72) is provided in the FPS (120) for protecting the relatively active metal catalysts by adsorbing, and further reducing the level of, sulfur in the fuel stream. The guard material (72) is a metal or metal oxide capable of forming a stable sulfide in the presence of low levels of H2S in the fuel stream (34), and is preferably selected from the group consisting of: ZnO, CuO on CeO2-based support, NiO on CeO2-based support, and Cu/ZnO.

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: A method is provided for maintaining low concentration of carbon monoxide in a fuel processor product hydrogen stream during transient operation with a residential fuel cell, particularly during increases in load demand (turn-up). Algorithms have been developed for controlling the air flow to a preferential oxidation reactor and for controlling the rate of direct water injection for rapid steam generation in a water gas shift reactor.

Abstract: A compact steam reformer produces hydrogen to power a fuel cell, such as can be used in a vehicle. The steam reformer includes a first channel, at least partly coated with a steam reforming catalyst, and a second channel, at least partly coated with a combustion catalyst, the channels being in thermal contact with each other. Heat from the combustion is used in the steam reforming reaction. In another embodiment, the gas streams feeding the reforming and combustion channels pass through a valve which reverses the gas streams periodically. The combustion channel becomes the reforming channel, and vice versa, so that carbon deposits in the former reforming channel are burned off. This arrangement enables the reforming reaction to continue indefinitely at peak efficiency.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for producing hydrogen from an input gas stream containing carbon monoxide and steam that includes contacting the input gas stream with a catalyst. The catalyst contains an inorganic oxide support; a platinum group metal dispersed on the inorganic oxide support; and a methane suppressing dispersed on the inorganic oxide support. The methane suppressing component is selected from the group consisting of oxides of tin, oxides of gallium and combinations thereof. Also provided are preferred catalyst preparations.

Abstract: Process and reaction unit for isothermal shift conversion of a carbon monoxide containing feed gas, the process comprising the steps of

Abstract: A hydrocarbon reformer system including a first reactor configured to generate hydrogen-rich reformate by carrying out at least one of a non-catalytic thermal partial oxidation, a catalytic partial oxidation, a steam reforming, and any combinations thereof, a second reactor in fluid communication with the first reactor to receive the hydrogen-rich reformate, and having a catalyst for promoting a water gas shift reaction in the hydrogen-rich reformate, and a heat exchanger having a first mass of two-phase water therein and configured to exchange heat between the two-phase water and the hydrogen-rich reformate in the second reactor, the heat exchanger being in fluid communication with the first reactor so as to supply steam to the first reactor as a reactant is disclosed. The disclosed reformer includes an auxiliary reactor configured to generate heated water/steam and being in fluid communication with the heat exchanger of the second reactor to supply the heated water/steam to the heat exchanger.

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

Abstract: A fuel cell system is proposed which is provided with a CO oxidizer having a compact agitator executing uniform mixing. The fuel cell system is provided with a reformer (2) performing reformate reactions to produce a hydrogen-rich reformate gas containing CO, a CO oxidizer (1) reducing the CO concentration in the reformate gas produced in the reformer (2), and a fuel cell performing power generation using reformate gas with a reduced CO concentration from the CO oxidizer. The CO oxidizer is provided with a CO removal catalyst (6) promoting oxidizing of CO. An oxidizing agent inlet (5) and an agitator (4) are provided upstream of the CO removal catalyst (6). The oxidizing agent inlet (5) supplies oxidizing agent to the reformate gas and the agitator (4) has a plurality of curved passages (8) having at least two curves.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing and cooling a hot gaseous stream exiting a gasification reactor vessel at temperatures in excess of 1300° C. where the gas will come into contact with a corrosive aqueous liquid, including methods and apparatus for cooling the gaseous stream prior to quenching the gaseous stream as well as methods and apparatus for providing vessel construction able to provide for the contact of a hot gaseous stream at temperatures in excess of 1100° C. with a corrosive aqueous liquid.

Abstract: A fuel processing system is disclosed. The system includes a steam reformer adapted to produce hydrogen from a feedstock consisting of water and at least one of an alcohol and a hydrocarbon feedstock. The feedstock is exposed to one or more reformation regions including a reformation catalyst and to a membrane region including at least one hydrogen-selective membrane.

Abstract: A process for converting carbon monoxide and water in a reformate stream into carbon dioxide and hydrogen comprising: generating a reformate by reacting a hydrocarbon via partial oxidation, steam reforming, or both, including autothermal reforming; and promoting a water gas shift in the reformate in the presence of a platinum group metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, iridium, osmium, rhodium and mixtures thereof, supported on zirconium oxide. The platinum group metal advantageously may be supported directly on a monolithic substrate composed of zirconium oxide.

Abstract: An improved process and process train for hydrogen separation and production from gas streams containing hydrogen and light hydrocarbons. The process includes both recovery of hydrogen already in the stream by membrane separation and PSA, and production of additional hydrogen by steam reforming of the hydrocarbons.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated gasification and hydroprocessing process. A hydrocarbonaceous fuel is first gasified to produce syngas, and then a portion of the hydrogen is removed from the syngas. The hydrogen is compressed and used as an excess reactant in a hydroprocessing unit. Hydrogen gas is recovered from the hydroprocessing unit product, purified, compressed and recycled to the hydroprocessing unit. The hydrogen-poor syngas is expanded in an expander that drives the compressor that compresses the recycled hydrogen gas. The expanded syngas is then combined with light hydrocarbons removed from the recycle hydrogen gas stream, combusted in a gas turbine and used for power generation.

Abstract: Contaiminated hydrogen gas from a catalytic steam reformer is purified by passing it through a membrane assembly having a metallic membrane sealed between two tubular stainless steel members having perforations (or being formed as screen or mesh) and having an encapsulating chamber around it. Pressure regulating valve means in recycle path of residual gas flowing out of the membrane assembly maintains a constant pressure of contaminated hydrogen gas in the membrane assembly. The purified hydrogen gas may be further purified, if needed, by directing the purified hydrogen gas out of a side tube of the chamber through a second encapsulated membrane assembly that is a replica of the first encapsulated membrane assembly. A directional valve may be selectively set to recycle residual gas out of the first membrane assembly until it is virtually free of hydrogen. Residual gas out of the second membrane assembly approaches being 100% free of hydrogen and may always be exhausted to a burner.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing a gas mixture containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and optionally nitrogen, from at least a hydrocarbon such as methane, propane, butane or LPG or natural gas, which consists in performing a partial catalytic oxidation (1) of one or several hydrocarbons, at a temperature of 500° C., at a pressure of 3 to 20 bars, in the pre of oxygen or a gas containing oxygen, such as air, to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide; then in recuperating the gas mixture which can subsequently be purified or separated, by pressure swing adsorption, temperature swing adsorption of by permeation (3), to produce hydrogen having a purity of at least 80% and a residue gas capable of supplying a cogeneration unit In another embodiment, the gas mixture can subsequently be purified of its water vapour impurities and carbon dioxide to obtain a thermal treatment atmosphere containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide and nitrogen.

Abstract: Heterocyclic compounds containing furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural are derived from acidic hydrolysis of biomass. Heterocyclic compounds are vaporized and subjected to reforming and steam shifting to produce a gas containing hydrogen, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. The gas containing hydrogen, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide is scrubbed by a solvent, capable of dissolving carbon monoxide, to produce a gas containing hydrogen, carbon dioxide and substantially devoid of carbon monoxide. The solvent containing dissolved carbon monoxide is heated to provide a solvent for scrubbing and a vapor containing carbon monoxide recycled for additional steam shifting. The gas containing hydrogen, carbon dioxide substantially devoid of carbon monoxide, is further scrubbed of carbon dioxide to produce a gas substantially devoid of carbon monoxide and substantially devoid of carbon dioxide containing hydrogen suitable for use in a fuel cell.

Abstract: A method to produce hydrogen, substantially devoid of carbon monoxide, by way of reforming is disclosed. Vaporized solvent, containing carbon monoxide and water vapor, is conveyed to a reformer. Steam shifting of carbon monoxide, formed in addition to hydrogen formed by reforming, is employed to shift some of the carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and hydrogen to produce a gaseous hydrogen mixture. Remaining carbon monoxide within the gaseous hydrogen is scrubbed with a solvent capable of dissolving carbon monoxide to dissolve carbon monoxide contained within the gaseous hydrogen mixture. Following separation of the solvent containing dissolved carbon monoxide from a gas containing hydrogen substantially devoid of carbon monoxide is produced. The solvent containing dissolved carbon monoxide is subjected to vaporization to form vaporized solvent containing carbon monoxide for utilization in the reformer.

Abstract: The ammonia content of fuel gas in an IGCC power generation system is reduced through ammonia decomposition, thereby reducing the NOx emissions from the plant. The power generation system includes a gasifier, a gas turbine and at least one catalytic reactor arranged between the gasifier and the gas turbine. The catalytic reactor may be either a three stage or two stage device. The three stage reactor includes a first catalyst which promotes water-gas-shift, a second catalyst which promotes CO methanation, and a third catalyst which promotes ammonia decomposition. The two stage reactor includes a first catalyst which promotes water-gas-shift and CO methanation and a second catalyst which promotes ammonia decomposition. The plural catalytic stages may be disposed in a single vessel or successively disposed in individual vessels, and the catalysts may be in a pelletized form or coated on honeycomb structures.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a hydrogen rich gas including a first heat exchanger for heating the hydrocarbon fuel to produce a heated hydrocarbon fuel, a first desulfurization reactor for reacting the heated hydrocarbon fuel to produce a substantially desulfurized hydrocarbon fuel, a manifold for mixing the substantially desulfurized hydrocarbon fuel with an oxygen containing gas to produce a fuel mixture, a second heat exchanger for heating the fuel mixture to produce a heated fuel mixture, an autothermal reactor including a catalyst for reacting the heated fuel mixture to produce a first hydrogen containing gaseous mixture, a second desulfurization reactor for reacting the first hydrogen containing gaseous mixture to produce a second hydrogen containing gaseous mixture that is substantially desulfurized, a water gas shift reactor for reacting the second hydrogen containing gaseous mixture to produce a third hydrogen containing gaseous mixture with a substantiall

Abstract: A carbon monoxide reducing device supplies oxygen to a reformate gas obtained through a reforming reaction so as to oxidize carbon monoxide contained in the reformate gas by means of the oxygen and thereby reduces a concentration of carbon monoxide contained in the reformate gas. This carbon monoxide reducing device is equipped with an oxygen supply amount controller designed to oxidize CO. The oxygen supply amount controller controls an amount of oxygen supplied to oxidize carbon monoxide contained in the reformate gas based on an amount of supply of fuel contributing to the reforming reaction. Thereby, the amount of oxygen for oxidizing carbon monoxide contained in the reformate gas is adjusted appropriately, and a high-quality reformate gas can be obtained.

Abstract: A process for generating a high-hydrogen, low-carbon monoxide gas comprises generating a product gas in a gas generating device. The product gas contains hydrogen and carbon monoxide that are generated from catalytic water vapor reforming of a water/fuel mixture and/or from partial oxidation of an oxygen/fuel mixture. In a gas purification stage, the carbon monoxide fraction in the product gas is reduced by selective CO oxidation on an oxidation catalyst. During a starting phase, oxygen is admixed to the supplied fuel and the flow direction is reversed such that the flow first takes place through the gas purification stage and only then through the gas generating device.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a gas containing hydrogen sulphide and sulphur dioxide, comprising a liquid-gas reactor-contactor (2), means (3) for supplying gas to be treated and means (1) for supplying an organic solvent containing a catalyst, means (25) for recovering sulphur an doutlet means (20) for a gaseous effluent containing sulphur in vapour form, the apparatus being characterized in that it comprises at least one means (7) for contacting and cooling the gaseous effluent, delivering a three-phase effluent, having an inlet connected to the effluent outlet means (20) and to means (6, 13) for recycling a cooling solvent, means (30) for separating said three-phase effluent connected to the cooling means, adapted to separate purified gas from sulphur and comprising means (17) for evacuating purified gas, means (15) for extracting sulphur and means (14) for recovering solvent connected to the means (6, 13) for recycling the cooling solvent.

Abstract: The chemical reaction apparatus of the present invention can increase the producing rate of the main product gas by effectively removing carbon dioxide from the reaction site, the carbon dioxide generated together with the main product as the raw material gas is made to react at a high temperature of 400.degree. C. The reaction apparatus comprises a reactor for generating a main product gas and a byproduct gas which is carbon dioxide, by making a raw material gas to react, and lithium zirconate granular material placed in the reactor, to react with the byproduct carbon dioxide gas, thereby preparing a carbonate salt.

Abstract: A synthesis gas generator with a combustion chamber and quench chamber for generating, cooling and cleaning gases, which are generated by partial oxidation in the combustion chamber of the synthesis gas generator. The combustion chamber (3) and the quench chamber (7) are separate chambers connected by a flow channel (6). Nozzle assemblies (10, 11) with nozzle heads (9, 34), which spray in a quenching medium (8), are arranged in the gas inlet area of the quench chamber (7). The quench zone within the quench chamber (7) is joined by a useful gas-quenching medium-mixing zone. A cone (20) is located at the outlet of the quench chamber. This cone is followed by a water bath (21). The useful gas leaves the synthesis gas generator after deflection by 180.degree. in the rear-side area of the cone (20) via gas outlet openings (23).