Abstract: Systems and methods for processing a methane rich producer gas are provided in which the producer gas is preferably produced via steam-hydrogasification. The product stream from the steam-hydrogasification is then subjected to autothermal reforming, steam is removed after the reforming step via condensation, and sulfur impurities are subsequently eliminated. In most preferred aspects, the process pressure is substantially maintained throughout all steps, typically in a range of 150 psi to 500 psi.

Abstract: A method for controlling the synthesis gas composition obtained from a steam methane reformer (SMR) that obtains its feedstock as product gas directly from a steam hydro-gasification reactor SHR). The method allows control of the H2/CO syngas ratio by adjusting the hydrogen feed and the water content of feedstock into a steam hydro-gasification reactor that supplies the SMR. The steam and methane rich product gas of the SHR is generated by means of hydro-gasification of a slurry of carbonaceous material and water. The mass percentages of the product stream at each stage of the process are calculated using a modeling program, such as the ASPEN PLUS™ equilibrium process. By varying the parameters of solid to water ratio and hydrogen to carbon ratio, a sensitivity analysis can be performed that enables one determine the optimum composition of the slurry feedstock to the SHR to obtain a desired syngas ratio output of the SMR.

Abstract: A method for producing high levels of methane based on a combination of steam hydrogasification and a shift reactor is provided using carbonaceous material. Hydrogen produced by the shift reactor can be recycled back into the steam hydrogasifier.

Abstract: A method for producing high levels of methane based on a combination of steam hydrogasification and a shift reactor is provided. Hydrogen produced by the shift reactor can be recycled back into the steam hydrogasifier.

Abstract: This invention involves the conversion of coal-algae or resid-algae commingled slurry feedstock into a high methane content product gas using a steam hydrogasification process. This gas is then reformed into synthesis gas (H2 and CO). Excess H2 from the synthesis gas is separated and recycled back to the gasifier. The synthesis gas is converted into a liquid fuel such as Fischer-Tropsch diesel. The CO2 emissions from the steam hydrogasification process can be captured and used to grow the algae, which can subsequently be commingled with coal or reside to form slurry feedstocks for the hydrogasifier. Thus, this process eliminates CO2 emissions from the conversion plant.

Abstract: An improved, economical alternative method to supply steam and methane to a steam methane reformer (SMR) is accomplished by a combination of procedures, wherein product gas from a steam hydro-gasification reactor (SHR) is used as the feedstock for the SMR by removing impurities from the product stream from the SHR with a combination of autothermal reforming, condensation removal and gas cleanup procedures that operates substantially at process pressures and at a temperature above the boiling point of water at the process pressure, is located between the SHR and SMR. In another embodiment, a method is provided for controlling the H2/CO syngas ratio obtained from a steam methane reformer (SMR) by adjusting the hydrogen feed and the water content of feedstock into a steam hydro-gasification reactor that supplies the SMR.