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 producing hydrogen gas with a fuel processing system that includes a hydrogen-producing region that produces hydrogen gas from a feed stream and a heating assembly that consumes a fuel stream to produce a heated exhaust stream for heating the hydrogen-producing region. In some embodiments, the heating assembly heats the hydrogen-producing region to at least a minimum hydrogen-producing temperature. In some embodiments, the feed stream and the fuel stream both contain a carbon-containing feedstock and at least 25 wt % water. In some embodiments, at least one of the feed and fuel streams contain at least one additional component. In some embodiments, the feed and fuel streams have the same composition. In some embodiments, the feed and fuel streams are drawn or obtained from a common source or supply, and in some embodiments as a liquid stream that is selectively apportioned to form the feed and fuel streams.

Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, and fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices. In some embodiments, the fuel processing systems and 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 method of recycling a tail gas includes converting sulfur present in an acid gas stream into elemental sulfur to produce a tail gas and recycling the tail gas to at least one of a gasification reactor and a gas removal subsystem.

Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices, and methods for operating the same. In some embodiments, operation of the fuel processing system is initiated by heating at least the reforming region of the fuel processing system to at least a selected hydrogen-producing operating temperature. In some embodiments, an electric heater is utilized to perform this initial heating. In some embodiments, use of the electric heater is discontinued after startup, and a burner or other combustion-based heating assembly combusts a fuel to heat at least the hydrogen producing region, such as due to the reforming region utilizing an endothermic catalytic reaction to produce hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A method and system for supplying fuel are provided. The fuel supply system includes a supply of a flow of fuel wherein the fuel includes an amount of moisture in a first predetermined range, a supply of a flow of gas wherein the gas includes an amount of moisture in a second predetermined range and wherein the second predetermined range is less than the first predetermined range. The fuel supply system further includes a vessel configured to receive the flow of fuel and the flow of gas, mix the flow of fuel and the flow of gas, and separate the flow of fuel from the flow of gas wherein moisture is transferred from the flow of fuel to the flow of gas.

Abstract: In a burner for highly caking coal in which a solid fuel channel that is attached penetrating through a surrounding wall of a gasifier for gasifying a highly caking solid fuel that has been pulverized into particles and that supplies the solid fuel into the gasifier by gas flow transportation, and a gasifying agent channel that supplies a gasifying agent into the gasifier are provided, a blockage detection unit that detects a blockage situation of the solid fuel channel is provided, and a process for reducing the temperature of the solid fuel is performed when the blockage detection unit detects a predetermined blockage situation.

Abstract: A system and apparatus is provided that maximizes mass and energy conversion efficiencies in an integrated thermochemical process for the conversion of fossil fuel or renewable biomass to synthesis gas. The system combines gasification, catalytic conversion of gas to liquid, electricity generation, steam and chilled water generation with a system controller to maximize the conversion efficiency from syngas to merchantable products over the efficiency of syngas alone burned as a fuel. A clean synthesis gas stream is introduced into a catalytic reactor that utilizes specially formulated catalysts to generate liquid fuel from CO and H2 while concentrating CH4 and other combustible, but non-reactive gases in the syngas product stream. The methane rich stream is introduced into an engine for the production of electricity and heat while the unreacted CO and H2 can be recycled to produce additional liquid fuel. Excess heat can be used for other co-located processes and facilities.

Abstract: A combined Gasification, methanation and power island steam turbine system. The system includes a gasification portion, the methanation portion and a steam turbine portion. The Gasification portion includes the new heat recovery design and associated controls for obtaining a desired steam to dry gas ration of 1.1-2.2. The methanation portion includes first, second and third methanation reactors and associated heat recovery integrated with a high-pressure, low-pressure superheater, and HP economizers. The power Island steam turbine includes a High pressure, Intermediate pressure, low-pressure steam turbine having an input coupled to an output of the superheaters in Methanation process.

Abstract: A biomass fast pyrolysis system for conversion of biomass vegetation to synthetic gas and liquid fuels includes: a) a non-circulating riser reactor for pyrolysis of biomass vegetation feedstock utilizing a heat carrier, the non-circulating riser reactor being physically structured and adapted to have a rate of reaction of at least 8,000 biomass vegetation feedstock lbs/hr/ft2, utilizing a ratio of heat carrier to biomass vegetation feedstock of about 7:1 to about 11.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reacting a hydrocarbon containing feed stream by steam methane reforming reactions to form a synthesis gas. The hydrocarbon containing feed is reacted within a reactor having stages in which the final stage from which a synthesis gas is discharged incorporates expensive high temperature materials such as oxide dispersed strengthened metals while upstream stages operate at a lower temperature allowing the use of more conventional high temperature alloys. Each of the reactor stages incorporate reactor elements having one or more separation zones to separate oxygen from an oxygen containing feed to support combustion of a fuel within adjacent combustion zones, thereby to generate heat to support the endothermic steam methane reforming reactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a circulating coal fluidized bed coal gas producer system, including a coal gas producer, a high temperature separator, a heat exchanger, a low temperature separator, and a waste heat boiler, which are connected successively, wherein the coal gas producer is provided with a first air inlet and at least one secondary air inlet for feeding high temperature gasification agent into the producer, and is provided with a circulating coal inlet for feeding circulating coal into the producer, the first air inlet and the secondary air inlet are connected to the heat exchanger, and the circulating coal inlet is connected to the high temperature separator, the low temperature separator and the heat exchanger respectively. In the present invention, with designs of entering air twice, feeding coal at two inlets, two separations and circulations of powder coal, the temperature of gasification agent when fed into the producer could reach 750° C.-850° C.

Abstract: A process for producing synthesis gas (S) from biomass, includes drying the biomass and gasifying the biomass. An equipment to carry out the process is also disclosed. The process further includes: subjecting the outgoing gases (CO2, N2 and H2O) from the gasifying step to a first heat exchange, where the outgoing gases (CO2, N2 and H2O) are cooled, purifying the outgoing gases (CO2, N2 and H2O) to achieve a process gas (P), the purification being effected by eliminating nitrogen (N2) from the outgoing gases (CO2, N2 and H2O), subjecting the process gas (P) to heat exchange, where the process gas (P) is heated, reducing the process gas (P) to synthesis gas (S), subjecting the synthesis gas (S) to heat exchange, where the synthesis gas (S) is cooled and supply air to the gasification is heated.

Abstract: A downdraft gasifier is disclosed. The gasifier includes a biomass section that accepts and stirs raw biomass materials, a pyrolysis and tar cracking section having an inner cylinder for receiving biomass and an outer surrounding cylinder for gases from the biomass, and a char gasification section for receiving biomass and gases from the pyrolysis and tar cracking section. The char gasification section provides a grating and scraper for passing gases and ash and retaining biomass for char gasification on the grate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and process for gasifying feedstock such as carbonaceous materials. The invention includes partial combustion of dry solids and pyrolysis of carbonaceous material slurry in two separate reactor sections and produce mixture products comprising synthesis gas. The invention employs one or more catalytic or sorbent bed for removing tar from the synthesis gas. The inventive system and process allow a gasification to be carried out under higher slurry feeding rate and lower temperature with the provision to manage the tar being produced, therefore to increase the conversion efficiency of the overall gasification.

Abstract: Methods and systems for gasifying process streams are described. In some embodiments, a method for gasifying a process stream includes gasifying the process stream in a first chamber to generate one or more product gases, transporting at least a portion of the one or more product gases to a second chamber, combusting at least a portion of the one or more product gases in the presence of one or more catalysts in the second chamber to generate a heat energy, and indirectly providing the heat energy from the second chamber to the first chamber as a primary heat source to drive gasification of the process stream.

Abstract: A system and process for reducing atmospheric greenhouse gas, particularly carbon dioxide, uses, in some forms, a reactor, such as a plasma gasification reactor (PGR), to chemically reduce sequestered carbon dioxide with high heat in a carbonaceous bed to form gaseous products then used above the bed to convert biomass to lighter hydrocarbons, as well as hydrogen and carbon monoxide. In some arrangements the sequestered carbon dioxide supplied to a reactor is derived from a power plant's exhaust. The gaseous products of a reactor may be supplied to an additional reactor for processing to form liquid fuels or may be supplied as gas fuel to an electric power plant or otherwise combusted. Where the output of the CO2 conversion and the biomass conversion is converted to liquid fuels, such as ethanol, such fuels may be either applied as transportation fuels or used to generate electric power, among other uses.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for subjecting biomass to pyrolysis to extract energy products using a pyrolysis unit comprising generally concentric chambers including a combustion chamber and at least one pyrolysis chamber. Each chamber is in communication with an adjacent chamber such that a directed, generally-deoxygenated heated gas stream passes through the combustion chamber to each of the pyrolysis chambers in turn. Additionally, each pair of adjacent chambers shares a heat-conducting wall, further promoting heat transfer throughout the unit. A heat source, which can be a burn enclosure configured as part of the pyrolysis unit, produces the heated gas stream. Biomass introduced into the pyrolysis unit is pyrolysized by the gas stream, resulting in exhaust containing non-condensing gases, bio-oil vapor, and entrained char. The exhaust is directed from the pyrolysis unit to other parts of the system where the bio-oil and char can be separated from the exhaust and collected.

Abstract: In a gasifier system, the gas thermal conductivity of the producer gas may beneficially be used as a control variable in controlling the combustion parameters of the gasifier process or gasifier system. For example, the control variable may be used to modulate the volume amount of air provided to a gasifier vessel or to modulate an oxidizer delivery rate.

Abstract: A fuel processor for producing a hydrogen-containing product stream from a fuel stream and an oxidant stream is actively-cooled by a gaseous or liquid coolant which is directed to flow in contact with at least a portion of the outer shell of the fuel processor. Active cooling can improve the operating characteristics of the fuel processor as well as allowing for the use of compact fuel processor designs that would otherwise tend to have insufficient heat loss capability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel processor that produces hydrogen from a fuel and includes a low pressure drop burner. The low pressure drop burner permits the use of a low pressure air supply such as a fan to move products and reactants through the burner.

Abstract: The auger gasifier described includes, in its preferred embodiments, a vertically elongated (“oblong”) primary gasifier chamber with an auger that can move up and down, allowing for large amounts of fuel input when necessary. This improvement, in turn, requires and/or is facilitated by provision for simultaneous elevation adjustments of the auger and bed dam to assure that fuel material is processed in degrees from the top downward without sweeping massive amounts of the fluidized bed materials towards the output end of the chamber. Another improvement involves provision for pressurization of the primary gasifier chamber, allowing substantial improvements in the speed of processing materials through the gasifier. Due to issues arising from thermal expansion of the refractory material lining the chamber, provision is made for nozzle and refractory imbedded pipe hole thermal expansion capability.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing hydrogen gas with a fuel processing system that includes a hydrogen-producing region that produces hydrogen gas from a feed stream and a heating assembly that consumes a fuel stream to produce a heated exhaust stream for heating the hydrogen-producing region. In some embodiments, the heating assembly heats the hydrogen-producing region to at least a minimum hydrogen-producing temperature. In some embodiments, the rate at which an air stream is delivered to the heating assembly is controlled to selectively increase or decrease the temperature of the heated exhaust stream. In some embodiments, the feed stream and the fuel stream both contain a carbon-containing feedstock and at least 25 wt % water. In some embodiments, the feed and fuel streams have the same composition.

Abstract: A method of gasifying organic materials (carbonaceous compounds) such as coal and fossil fuel and their mixtures including gasifying wastes into syngas, and an apparatus thereof. The apparatus is suitable to gasify carbonaceous wastes without secondary pollutants formed from oxidation. Further, the apparatus can be used in a system to drive a fuel cell.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing synthetic gas on an industrial site comprising at least one gas turbine wherein the oxygen-containing gas produced by the gas turbine is upgraded in a combustion implemented on the industrial site or in a heat recovery unit of the industrial site. Preferably, the oxygen-containing gas is used as oxidant of the combustion thereby enabling the reaction for forming the syngas. The invention also concerns a method for controlling the introduction of the oxygen-containing required for combustion to enable the syngas to be formed into a syngas reactor and an associated device.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a method of heating a FCC unit having a regenerator and a reactor having overall CO2 reduction is provided. The method comprises compressing syngas to define compressed syngas. Separating a first stream of gas comprising CO2 from the compressed syngas. A second stream of gas comprising O2 is expanded with the first stream of gas to produce a feed gas. The feed gas is introduced to the regenerator at gasification conditions to burn coke from coke heavy spent catalyst advanced from the reactor, producing syngas and heat for operating the reactor at reaction temperatures.

Abstract: A reformer including a reforming section generating reformed gas from reforming fuel supplied thereto, a combustion section burning combustion fuel supplied thereto with combustion oxidizer gas supplied thereto to heat the reforming section with the combustion gas, a combustion gas flow passage allowing the combustion gas discharged from the combustion section to flow, an oxygen density detecting device provided on the combustion gas flow passage detecting oxygen density in the combustion gas flow passage, and a controller judging the ignition of the combustion section based on the oxygen density detected by the oxygen density detecting device.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation system includes a fuel container, a spent fuel container, a catalyst system and a control system for generating hydrogen in a manner which provides for a compact and efficient construction while producing hydrogen from a reaction involving a hydride solution such as sodium borohydride.

Abstract: A combustor preheater (94) is provided for use in a fuel processor (20) to preheat a combustor feed (40) by transferring heat from a post water-gas shift reformate flow (32) to the combustor feed (40). The combustor preheater (94) includes a housing (92) defining first and second axially extending, concentric annular passages in heat transfer relation to each other; a first convoluted fin (96) located in the first passage to direct the post water-gas shift reformate flow (32) therethrough and a second convoluted fin (98) located in the second passage to direct the combustor feed therethrough.

Abstract: An integrated steam reformer/combustor assembly (42) is provided for use in a fuel processor (20) that supplies a steam/fuel feed mix (34) to be reformed in the assembly and a combustor feed (40) to be combusted in the assembly (42). The assembly (42) includes a housing (44,58) defining first and second axially extending, concentric annular passages in heat transfer relation to each other; a first convoluted fin (46) located in the first passage to direct the feed mix therethrough, the first convoluted fin coated with a catalyst that induces a desired reaction in the feed mix; and a second convoluted fin (50) located in the second passage to direct the combustor feed therethrough, the second convoluted fin coated with a catalyst that induces a desired reaction in the combustor feed.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the process of gasification and the production of synthesis gas. More particularly, the various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the process of biomass gasification and the reduction or elimination of tars from the hydrocarbon-rich product gas derived from biomass gasification. The present invention comprises systems and methods for the reduction of tar from a synthesis gas derived from biomass gasification.

Abstract: A down-draft fixed bed gasifier is disclosed that produced clean producer or synthesis gas. The gasifier can be installed at a stationary location or can be scaled down to enable placing the gasifier on a trailer that can be moved to the site of biomass generation. The gasifier is vertically oriented and generally cylindrical, and the design allows for a continual input of feedstock into the gasifier with less clogging and without lowering the gas pressure inside the gasifier. The design incorporates an internal catalyst to clean tars from the produced gas, and uses heat from the combustion chamber of the gasifier to heat the catalyst. The flow of air may be either positive flow or negative flow.

Abstract: In a heat exchange reformer unit, a reforming passage supporting reform catalyst for inducing reforming reactions and a combustion passage supporting oxidizing catalyst for combustion are disposed adjacent to each other with a plate portion interposed therebetween. Heat-exchanging passages of the reforming passage that produce reformate gas that contains hydrogen from supplied reformation material, and heat-exchanging passages of the combustion passage that supply heat, which is generated by catalytically burning supplied fuel, to the reforming passage constitute a parallel-flow heat exchanger. Reformation material guide passages for introducing reformation material into the heat-exchanging passages in a predetermined direction, and mixed gas guide passages for introducing fuel into the heat-exchanging passages in a direction intersecting the gas flow direction in the reformation material guide passages, are provided upstream of the heat-exchanging passages in a gas flow direction.

Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus includes a reaction chamber having a first reactant, a reservoir having an optional second reactant, and a self-regulated flow control device. The self-regulated flow control device stops the flow of reactant from the reservoir to the reaction chamber when the pressure of the reaction chamber reaches a predetermined level. Methods of operating the gas-generated apparatus and the self-regulated flow control device, including the cycling of a shut-off valve of the gas-generated apparatus and the cycling of the self-regulated flow control device are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a corresponding apparatus for converting a biomass reactant into synthesis gas. The method includes the steps of (1) heating biomass in a first molten liquid bath at a first temperature, wherein the first temperature is at least about 100° C., but less than the decomposition temperature of the biomass, wherein gas comprising water is evaporated and air is pressed from the biomass, thereby yielding dried biomass with minimal air content. (2) Recapturing the moisture evaporated from the biomass in step 1 for use in the process gas. (3) Heating the dried biomass in a second molten liquid bath at a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is sufficiently high to cause flash pyrolysis of the dried biomass, thereby yielding product gases, tar, and char. (4) Inserting recaptured steam into the process gas, which may optionally include external natural gas or hydrogen gas or recycled syngas for mixing and reforming with tar and non-condensable gases.

Abstract: This invention is a reactor and a process for the conversion of organic waste material such as municipal trash, sewage, post-consumer refuse, and biomass to commercially salable materials. The invention produces the following: 1. Maximum energy conversion from the organic material 2. High volume consumption of the organic feed material 3. Less pollution of gaseous products than prior art systems 4. Solid residuals for disposal are minimal and non-hazardous. The conversion is accomplished by combining anaerobic gasification and pyrolysis of the feed organic material and making it into synthetic gas. The synthetic gas is a mixture of hydrocarbons (CxHy), hydrogen, and carbon monoxide with small amounts of carbon dioxide and nitrogen. An essential feature of the invention is a hot driver gas, devoid of free oxygen and rich in water, which supplies the entire thermal and chemical energy needed for the reactions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel gasification furnace including a gasification chamber (1) for fluidizing a high-temperature fluidizing medium therein to form a gasification chamber fluidized bed having an interface, and for gasifying a fuel in the gasification chamber fluidized bed, a char combustion chamber (2) for fluidizing a high-temperature fluidizing medium therein to form a char combustion chamber fluidized bed having an interface, and for combusting char generated by gasification in the gasification chamber (1) in the char combustion chamber fluidized bed to heat the fluidizing medium, and a first energy recovery device (109) for using gases generated by the gasification chamber (1) as a fuel. The gasification chamber (1) and the char combustion chamber (2) are integrated with each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for producing substitute natural gas and electricity, while mitigating production of any greenhouse gasses. The system includes a hydrogasification reactor, to form a gas stream including natural gas and a char stream, and an oxygen burner to combust the char material to form carbon oxides. The system also includes an algae farm to convert the carbon oxides to hydrocarbon material and oxygen.

Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, and fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices. In some embodiments, the fuel processing systems and 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 system and process for maximizing the generation of electrical power from a variety of hydrocarbon feedstocks. The hydrocarbon feedstocks are first gasified and then oxidized in a two-chamber system and process using oxygen gas rather than ambient air. Intermediate gases generated in the system and process are recirculated and recycled to the gasification and oxidation chambers in order to maximize energy production. The energy produced through the system and process is used to generate steam and produce power through conventional steam turbine technology. In addition to the release of heat energy, the hydrocarbon feedstocks are oxidized to the pure product compounds of water and carbon dioxide, which are subsequently purified and marketed. The system and process minimizes environmental emissions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing hydrogen. The apparatus includes a fuel processor, a purification unit and a system controller. The controller determines a calculated flow of reformate from the fuel processor and operates the purification unit based on the calculated flow. The calculated flow is derived from a process model of the fuel processor and known feed(s) to the fuel processor. The calculated flow of reformate is used to control the flow of reformate to adsorbent beds within the purification unit and can be used to control other materials flows within the apparatus. Means for reducing fluctuations in the pressure and/or flow rate of reformate flowing from the fuel processor to the purification unit are also disclosed. The purity of the hydrogen produced can be maintained by adjusting the operation of the purification unit in response to changes in reformate composition, pressure and/or flow rate.

Abstract: A method of recovering an organic decomposition product from an organic source may include: a) causing an inert gas to flow through the reduction zone from a reduction inlet to a reduction outlet in such a way that pressure in the reduction zone is maintained above ambient pressure of a local environment for the material recovery system and b) applying electromagnetic wave energy to the organic source in the reduction zone via a bifurcated waveguide assembly in the substantial absence of oxygen to produce at least one gaseous organic decomposition product in the reduction zone that is exhausted from the reduction zone along with the inert gas through the reduction outlet. A material recovery system may include a housing with an inert gas inlet, a reduction zone, and a reduction outlet, an inert gas supply, an electromagnetic wave generator, a bifurcated waveguide assembly, and a controller.

Abstract: A downdraft gasifier is disclosed. The gasifier has a biomass feeding unit, a combustion chamber, and a separator unit. The biomass feeding unit accepts raw biomass materials and selectively feeds the materials into the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber provides means to induce pyrolysis, tar cracking, and char gasification of the raw biomass materials to produce gases and ash. The separator unit accepts the gases and ash from the combustion chamber and separates the gases from the ash.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a hydrogen-enriched reformate. The apparatus includes a fuel processor for converting a fuel to a reformate having fluctuations in pressure and or flow rate, means for reducing the fluctuations, a compression unit for compressing the reformate and one or more of a purification unit and a storage unit downstream of a compression unit. Means for reducing the fluctuations in the reformate can include one or more of a buffer and a conduit for providing a controlled flow of a supplemental fluid to an inlet of the compression unit. The supplemental fluid can include the compressed reformate, a hydrogen-enriched reformate, and mixtures thereof. The apparatus can include means for regulating power to the compression unit that can incrementally increase power to the compression unit particularly during start up. The purification unit can include one or more of a hydrogen selective membrane and a pressure swing adsorption unit. Methods for producing hydrogen are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydrogen separation filter includes a plurality of hydrogen extraction layers, a plurality of separation layers with hydrogen separation films, and a plurality of reformed gas layers, which are laid one upon another in the sequence of the extraction layer, the separation layer, the reformed gas layer, and the separation layer to form a laminate structure. The respective layers are composed of porous ceramic material to ensure the required strength. The direction of the gas flow in the reformed gas layers and that in the extraction layers are respectively fixed to simplify the gas intake and discharge structure. The hydrogen separation filter is covered with a casing via a cushioning member to ensure the sufficient strength and the required sealing properties. A methanation catalyst that accelerates methanation of carbon monoxide is carried on either the separation layer or the extraction layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for reacting a hydrocarbon, molecular oxygen, and optionally water and/or carbon dioxide, to form synthesis gas. The preferred embodiments are characterized by delivering a substochiometric amount of oxygen to each of a multitude of reaction zones, which allows for optimum design of the catalytic packed bed and the gas distribution system, and for the optimization and control of the temperature profile of the reaction zones. The multitude of reaction zones may include a series of successive fixed beds, or a continuous zone housed within an internal structure having porous, or perforated, walls, through which an oxygen-containing stream can permeate. By controlling the oxygen supply, the temperatures, conversion, and product selectivity of the reaction can be in turn controlled and optimized. Furthermore the potential risks of explosion associated with mixing hydrocarbon and molecular oxygen is minimized with increased feed carbon-to-oxygen molar ratios.

Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, and fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices. In some embodiments, the fuel processing systems and 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: Hydrogen-rich reformate gas is produced by a fuel reformer (2) from fuel vapor containing hydrocarbon, which is produced by a fuel vaporizer (6), by means of a partial oxidation reaction and a steam reforming reaction. A fuel injector (8, 9) supplies fuel to the fuel vaporizer (6), and an air injector (8a) supplies air to the fuel vaporizer (6). A glow plug (13) partially oxidizes the air-fuel mixture inside the fuel vaporizer (6). By controlling the air supply amount in relation to the fuel supply amount to obtain an excess air factor corresponding to a predetermined rich air-fuel ratio, a part of the air-fuel mixture in the fuel vaporizer (6) is partially oxidized, and the remaining fuel vapor is heated by the oxidation heat. As a result, the partial oxidation reaction and steam reforming reaction in the fuel reformer (2) are performed with a favorable balance.

Abstract: A fuel reformer for reforming hydrocarbon base fuel into hydrogen rich gas, with one embodiment comprised of material containing at least 15 to 25% by mass Cr, 8 to 35% by mass Ni, 2 to 4% by mass Si and the remainder Fe and inevitable impurities (C, Mn, P, S or others). The material provides sigma brittleness resistance and cementation resistance, and provides a reformer that is lightweight, low-cost, highly reliable and durable. A second embodiment adds to the composition 0.05 to 1% by mass Nb, providing improved oxidation resistance, cementation resistance, intergranular corrosion resistance, with further improved reliability and durability.

Abstract: In a hydrogen generator comprising a reforming unit having a material supply unit and a water supply unit, and a burner for heating the reforming unit, having a fuel supply unit and an air supply unit, a control unit is arranged for controlling the amount of air to be supplied from the air supply unit to the burner, based on the temperature of the reforming unit and the amount of a raw material supplied to the reforming unit, in order to make the combustion state of the burner stable so as to improves the operation and convenience thereof.