Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for hydromethanating a carbonaceous feedstock to an acid gas-depleted methane-enriched synthesis gas, with improved efficiency of the acid gas removal treatment.

Abstract: Particulate compositions are described comprising an intimate mixture of a coal and a gasification catalyst in the presence of steam to yield a plurality of gases including methane and at least one or more of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia and other higher hydrocarbons are formed. Processes are also provided for the preparation of the particulate compositions and converting the particulate composition into a plurality of gaseous products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for hydromethanating a carbonaceous feedstock to a methane-enriched synthesis gas and a char by-product, with catalyst recovery from the by-product char to generate a spent char, and with treatment of the spent char to generate a carbon rich portion which is ultimately recycled to the hydromethanation reactor to increase overall carbon utilization and increase yields of product gas (per unit of feedstock).

Abstract: Particulate compositions are described comprising an intimate mixture of a coal and a gasification catalyst. The particulate compositions are gasified in the presence of steam to yield a plurality of gases including methane and at least one or more of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia and other higher hydrocarbons. Processes are also provided for the preparation of the particulate compositions and converting the particulate composition into a plurality of gaseous products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for preparing gaseous products, and in particular methane, via the catalytic hydromethanation of a carbonaceous feedstock in the presence of steam, syngas and an oxygen-rich gas stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for hydromethanating a nickel-containing (and optionally vanadium-containing) carbonaceous feedstock while recovering at least a portion of the nickel content (and optionally vanadium content) originally present in the carbonaceous feedstock.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and continuous processes for preparing gaseous products, and in particular, methane via the catalytic gasification of carbonaceous feedstocks in the presence of steam. In one aspect of the invention, the processes comprise at least partially combusting a first carbonaceous feedstock with an oxygen-rich gas stream, a recycle steam stream, and an aqueous make-up stream in an oxygen-blown gasifier, under suitable temperature and pressure, to generate a first gas stream comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide and superheated steam; and reacting a second carbonaceous feedstock and the first gas stream in a catalytic gasifier in the presence of a gasification catalyst under suitable temperature and pressure to form a second gas stream comprising a plurality of gaseous products comprising methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: Processes for the catalytic conversion of a carbonaceous composition into a gas stream comprising methane are provided, where a sour shift reaction is used to remove carbon monoxide gas stream produced by the gasification process. The incorporation of the sour shift reaction provides an efficient and cost-effective means of eliminating carbon monoxide from the gas stream. In addition, the sour shift reaction also generates additional hydrogen, thus increasing the amount of hydrogen produced from the gasification process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for hydromethanating a carbonaceous feedstock to a methane-enriched synthesis gas, where an oxygen-rich gas stream and the carbonaceous feedstock are fed into a fluidized-bed hydromethanation reactor at a specified zone in order to assist in heat management within the hydromethanation reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for hydromethanating a carbonaceous feedstock to a methane-enriched synthesis gas, where an oxygen-rich gas stream and the carbonaceous feedstock are fed into a fluidized-bed hydromethanation reactor, and where the carbonaceous feedstock as fed into the hydromethanation reactor has an elevated moisture content in order, for example, to assist in heat management within the hydromethanation reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catalyst-loaded coal compositions having a moisture content of less than about 6 wt %, a process for the preparation of catalyst-loaded coal compositions, and an integrated process for the gasification of the catalyst-loaded coal compositions. The catalyst-loaded coal compositions can be prepared by a diffusive catalyst loading process that provides for a highly dispersed catalyst that is predominantly associated with the coal matrix, such as by ion-exchange.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for hydromethanating a carbonaceous feedstock to a fines-depleted methane-enriched synthesis gas, with recycle of recovered particulate fines back into a specified portion of a hydromethanation reactor.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for making syngas-derived products. For example, one aspect of the present invention provides a process for making a syngas-derived product, the process comprising (a) providing a carbonaceous feedstock; (b) converting the carbonaceous feedstock in a syngas formation zone at least in part to a synthesis gas stream comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide; (c) conveying the synthesis gas stream to a syngas reaction zone; (d) reacting the synthesis gas stream in the syngas reaction zone to form the syngas-derived product and heat energy, a combustible tail gas mixture, or both; (e) recovering the syngas-derived product; and (f) recovering the heat energy formed from the reaction of the synthesis gas stream, burning the combustible tail gas mixture to form heat energy, or both.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steam-integrated and heat-integrated process for preparing gaseous products, and in particular methane and/or other value added gaseous products such as hydrogen, via the hydromethanation of non-gaseous carbonaceous feedstocks in the presence of steam, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, oxygen and a hydromethanation catalyst.

Abstract: Continuous processes are provided for converting a carbonaceous feedstock comprising biomass containing alkali metal, non-biomass components, and at least one gasification catalyst including an alkali metal recovered from solid char, into a plurality of gaseous products including methane and at least one or more of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other higher hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and apparatuses for generating light olefins, methane and other higher-value gaseous hydrocarbons from “liquid” heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and apparatuses for hydromethanating a vanadium-containing carbonaceous feedstock while recovering at least a portion of the vanadium content originally present in the carbonaceous feedstock.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and apparatuses for generating electrical power from certain non-gaseous carbonaceous feedstocks through the integration of catalytic hydromethanation technology with fuel cell technology.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and apparatuses for generating electrical power from certain non-gaseous carbonaceous feedstocks through the integration of catalytic hydromethanation technology with fuel cell technology.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enhanced oil recovery process that is integrated with a synthesis gas generation process, such as gasification or reforming, and an air separation process for generating (i) an oxygen stream for use, for example, in the syngas process or a combustion process, and (ii) a nitrogen stream for EOR use.