Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a hydrocarbon and oxygen containing gas feed stream to a product stream, such as syngas, including catalytically partially oxidizing the hydrocarbon feed stream over a catalyst bed. The catalyst bed has a downstream section which is less resistant to flow than the upstream section.

Abstract: Gibbsite type aluminium hydroxides are obtained by seeding a Bayer liquor with bayerite crystals. The gibbsite type aluminium hydroxide show excellent properties as fire retardant fillers in synthetic resins.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention generate a synthesis gas with a molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide of approximately 2:1 required for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Additional hydrogen produced in the steam reforming of methane beyond the requirements for the Fischer-Tropsch reaction is separated from the product gases of the reformer by the use of a hydrogen permeable membrane. Air is passed over the outside of the tube. As the hydrogen contacts the air, it is combusted with oxygen in the air to form water and release the heat necessary to drive the steam reforming reaction.

Abstract: In a fuel processor based on autothermal cyclic reforming process, the fuel processor having a reformer, the reformer having two reactors with integrated heat exchangers, the two reactors cycling between a reforming step and a regeneration step, a method of generating hydrogen gas includes receiving a mixture of fuel and steam in the reformer reactor operating in a reforming step to produce hydrogen-rich reformate gas. The fuel is delivered from a fuel supply and the steam is generated by a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG). The reformate gas is fed to a shift reactor to reduce the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) gas present in the reformate gas. Product gas generated by the shift reactor is received in a condenser to recover heat from the product gas. In one embodiment output gas stream from the condenser is supplied to a CO oxidizer to further reduce the CO concentration.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel catalysts for accomplishing catalytic decomposition of undiluted light hydrocarbons to a hydrogen product, and methods for preparing such catalysts. In one aspect, a method is provided for preparing a catalyst by admixing an aqueous solution of an iron salt, at least one additional catalyst metal salt, and a suitable oxide substrate support, and precipitating metal oxyhydroxides onto the substrate support. An incipient wetness method, comprising addition of aqueous solutions of metal salts to a dry oxide substrate support, extruding the resulting paste to pellet form, and calcining the pellets in air is also discloses. In yet another aspect, a process is provided for producing hydrogen from an undiluted light hydrocarbon reactant, comprising contacting the hydrocarbon reactant with a catalyst as described above in a reactor, and recovering a substantially carbon monoxide-free hydrogen product stream.

Abstract: The method for the reformation of fuels, in particular of heating oil (20?) and of another liquid fuel is carried out using an oxygen containing gas (5a, 5b, 21?, 22?). The method includes the following steps: formation of a fuel/gas mixture by dispersing of the fuel in a jet of the oxygen containing gas (21?); additionally an admixture of gas of a return flow (3b) and vaporization of the dispersed fuel; generation of synthesized gas from the gas mixture by means of partial oxidation and also reformation processes by heterogeneous catalysis; branching off of the produced synthesized gas into a product flow (3a) and the return flow (3b) for a recirculation; and a regulated extraction of heat from the return flow for the setting of a predetermined temperature of a catalyst support (10) on which the heterogeneous catalysis takes place.

Abstract: The present invention provides an environmentally beneficial process using concentrated sunlight to heat radiation absorbing particles to carry out highly endothermic gas phase chemical reactions ultimately resulting in the production of hydrogen or hydrogen synthesis gases.

Abstract: The invention provides an effective and efficient method of making a hexammine cobaltic salt, such as hexammine cobaltic nitrate, in a consistent fashion through the control of one or more selected parameters of manufacture. Specific parameters considered and evaluated as a part of the invention included: order of addition of reactants, reaction temperature, oxidation, air or oxidant flow, catalyst content, and amount of ammonia.

Abstract: Provided is a method of and an apparatus for decomposing hydrogen. The method includes the steps of introducing hydrocarbons into a reaction vessel in a closed-loop system, at least partially decomposing the hydrocarbons into hydrogen by heating the hydrocarbons in the reaction vessel in the presence of a catalyst, introducing the hydrogen into a cassette with metal oxide contained therein, reducing the metal oxide in the cassette to metal or metal oxide having a lower valence by at least partially reacting the metal oxide with the hydrogen to form water, and returning unreacted hydrogen to the reaction vessel. Also provided is a method for producing hydrogen for an apparatus in need thereof.

Abstract: A method is provided that generates hydrogen to power a hydrogen consuming device. Hydrogen is stored on-board a vehicle in dry lithium and/or sodium borohydride particles. Upon demand from the hydrogen consuming device, such as a fuel cell, a portion of the borohydride is conveyed to an axial flow reactor. Water is then injected into the reactor in controlled amounts to hydrolyze the borohydride particles thus, producing hydrogen gas and solid-phase by-products. The reactor includes parallel, closely spanned, counter rotating augers to mix and convey the borohydride particles and solid by-products through the reactor. A separate grinding mechanism can be used to further crush and grind large by-product particles to increase packing efficiencies in a by-products storage vessel, where reaction products will later be stored. Hydrogen gas produced in the reaction is delivered to either a hydrogen buffer container for temporary storage or to the hydrogen consuming device.

Abstract: A method for vaporizing and/or superheating a combustible/water mixture, wherein the combustible is especially methanol, for supplying a gas generation system (2) belonging to a fuel cell installation (3). The waste-gas from the fuel cell and/or gas generation system is catalytically combusted together with a gas containing oxygen in order to produce the thermal energy required therefore. The combustible is added in a dosed manner to the volume flow from the gas containing oxygen and the waste gases of the fuel cell and/or gas generator system in the direction of flow prior to catalytic combustion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system having an inorganic chemical system defined by an electronegative half cell reaction producing hydrogen, a first electropositive half cell having a sufficient potential to drive the electronegative half cell reaction; and a second electropositive half cell reaction. The electropositive half cell reactions are selected to increase the amount or rate of hydrogen and/or energy production. The invention also relates to a method of working the cell and the use of the cell for energy storage and distribution.

Abstract: Installation for the production of synthesis gas from a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising at least one reactor for steam reforming, at least one reactor for converting CO2 that is equipped with at least one feed means by the effluent that is obtained from the steam reforming and at least one other feed means by a gas comprising carbon dioxide, characterized in that at least one reactor for steam reforming or for converting CO2 is heated by a hot gas.

Abstract: A method of producing syn gas from biomass or other carbonaceous material utilizes a controlled devolatilization reaction in which the temperature of the feed material is maintained at less than 450° F. until most available oxygen is consumed. This minimizes pyrolysis of the feed material. The method and apparatus utilizes the formed synthesis gas to provide the energy for the necessary gasification. This provides for a high purity syn gas and avoids production of slag.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic oxidation of a hydrocarbonaceous fuel into a conversion product, wherein a feed mixture comprising the fuel and an oxygen-containing gas is contacted with a catalyst bed, comprising the steps of: (a) setting the flow rate of the fuel and flow rate of the oxygen-containing gas, (b) determining the actual temperature of the upstream surface of the catalyst bed by mans of a quick response device; and (c) generating an output signal that is a function of the difference between the actual temperature and a set point for the temperature; and using the output signal to adjust the flow rate of the fuel and/or of the oxygen-containing gas.

Abstract: An apparatus of removing carbon monoxide, has: a hydrogen gas supply unit of supplying a hydrogen gas, a catalytic reaction unit provided with a catalyst body carrying a platinum group metal catalyst, a hydrogen gas introducing unit which introduces a hydrogen gas containing carbon monoxide from the hydrogen gas supply unit to the catalytic reaction unit, and an oxidizing gas supply unit of supplying an oxidizing gas containing oxygen to the catalytic reaction unit, wherein the catalyst body is brought into an oxidizing atmosphere for a period of time during operation according to a predetermined condition or when the apparatus is stopped. Thus, carbon monoxide can be eliminated sufficiently.

Abstract: A gas generating process, which is for the continuous production of energy and hydrogen for rocket and other propulsion and is also for the continuous production of hydrogen, utilizes the reaction of metallic materials, particularly aluminum, with organic materials, particularly hydrocarbons provided as jet fuel, and with water or an oxidizer which is predominantly water. In comparison with related reactions, the reaction produces hot gases containing more hydrogen and the products have a lower temperature for the same specific impulse. The process incorporates organic liquids with metallic powders to produce desirable, lower molecular weight exhaust gas products; and the increased hydrogen is desirable for use with a fuel cell and in connection with propulsion of a super-cavitating underwater device. The process is advantageous in that a metal, in powdered form, and a hydrocarbon liquid may be provided together as a slurry or gel for effective metering.

Abstract: A layered catalyst member useful for catalytically generating a hydrogen-rich gas from a hydrocarbon feed. The layered catalyst member comprises a monolith substrate containing at least one layer of a steam reforming catalyst in contact with at least one layer of a catalytic partial oxidation catalyst. The steam reforming catalyst comprises one or more platinum group metal components and the catalytic partial oxidation catalyst comprises palladium components.

Abstract: Integrated waste treatment and fertilizer and feed supplement production methods to be implemented at organic waste source sites, at remote treatment sites, or partially at the organic waste source site and at a remote location, whether in small or large scale operations. The methods are suitable for retrofitting existing organic waste sources and for treating the organic waste generated by a single source or by a plurality of sources.

Abstract: Highly uniform 1 nm silicon nanoparticles are provided by the invention. The nanoparticles exhibit beneficial properties. They are a source of stimulated emissions. They may be suspended in liquids, and solids. They can be formed into crystals, colloids and films. The nanoparticles of the invention are about 1 nm having about only one part in one thousand greater than 1 nm. A method for producing the silicon nanoparticle of the invention is a gradual advancing electrochemical etch of bulk silicon. Separation of nanoparticles from the surface of the silicon may also be conducted. Once separated, various methods may be employed to form plural nanoparticles into colloids, crystals, films and other desirable forms. The particles may also be coated or doped.