Abstract: A process for integration of an autothermal reforming unit and a cogeneration power plant in which the reforming unit has two communicating fluid beds. The first fluid bed is a reformer reactor containing inorganic metal oxide and which is used to react oxygen and light hydrocarbons at conditions sufficient to produce a mixture of synthesis gas, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. The second fluid bed is a combustor-regenerator which receives spent inorganic metal oxide from the first fluid bed and which provides heat to heat the inorganic metal and balance the reaction endotherm, by combusting fuel gas in direct contact with the inorganic metal oxide producing hot flue gas. In preferred embodiments, steam is also fed to the reformer reactor and a catalyst may be used with the inorganic metal oxide.

Abstract: A process for integration of an autothermal reforming unit and a cogeneration power plant in which the reforming unit has two communicating fluid beds. The first fluid bed is a reformer reactor containing inorganic metal oxide and supplemental oxidant gas and which is used to oxidize light hydrocarbons, primarily by oxidant supplied from the inorganic metal oxide and secondarily supplied by supplemental oxidant gas, at conditions sufficient to produce a mixture of synthesis gas, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. The second fluid bed is a combustor-regenerator which receives reduced inorganic metal oxide from the first fluid bed and which provides heat to heat the inorganic metal by combusting fuel gas in direct contact with the inorganic metal oxide producing hot flue gas. In preferred embodiments, steam is also fed to the reformer reactor and a catalyst may be used with the inorganic metal oxide and supplemental oxidant gas. The supplemental oxidant gas can be oxygen, enriched air or air.