Abstract: Processes for thermal conversion of biomass are provided. The processes involve upgrading the pyrolysis vapor from a pyrolysis reactor. The steps include thermally converting a biomass feedstock in a pyrolysis reactor, recovering a pyrolysis vapor from the reactor, passing the pyrolysis vapor in contact with a cracking catalyst, a water-gas shift reaction catalyst, a hydrotreating catalyst, and an acid catalyst, and converting the resulting upgraded pyrolysis vapor into a liquid product. The resulting biooil liquid product is more refined, and the overall processes offer economic and energy efficiency.

Abstract: Processes for thermal conversion of biomass are provided. The processes involve upgrading the pyrolysis vapor from a pyrolysis reactor. The steps include thermally converting a biomass feedstock in a pyrolysis reactor, recovering a pyrolysis vapor from the reactor, passing the pyrolysis vapor in contact with a water-gas shift reaction catalyst and a hydrotreating catalyst, and converting the resulting upgraded pyrolysis vapor into a liquid product. The resulting biooil liquid product is more refined, and the overall processes offer economic and energy efficiency.

Abstract: Processes for thermal conversion of biomass are provided. The processes involve upgrading the pyrolysis vapor from a pyrolysis reactor. The steps include thermally converting a biomass feedstock in a pyrolysis reactor, recovering a pyrolysis vapor from the reactor, passing the pyrolysis vapor in contact with a cracking catalyst, a water-gas shift reaction catalyst, and a hydrotreating catalyst, and converting the resulting upgraded pyrolysis vapor into a liquid product. The resulting biooil liquid product is more refined, and the overall processes offer economic and energy efficiency.

Abstract: Processes for thermal conversion of biomass are provided. The processes involve upgrading the pyrolysis vapor from a pyrolysis reactor. The steps include thermally converting a biomass feedstock in a pyrolysis reactor, recovering a pyrolysis vapor from the reactor, passing the pyrolysis vapor in contact with an acid catalyst in the presence of alcohol, and converting the resulting upgraded pyrolysis vapor into a liquid product. The resulting biooil liquid product is more refined, and the overall processes offer economic and energy efficiency.

Abstract: A portable fuel processing apparatus and enclosure including an enclosure having an outer wall that defines an interior space and provides a gas impermeable barrier. Attached to the enclosure is porting means for use in moving the enclosure from one location to another. A fuel reformer capable of providing sufficient hydrogen-rich reformate to a fuel cell stack for use in generating at least about 1 kW per hour is disposed within the enclosure. An optional gas detection system includes a sensor disposed within the enclosure to monitor the interior of the enclosure for presence of combustible gases. The portable apparatus can have a number of connectors for connecting the enclosure and the fuel processing systems to a source of a reformer fuel and water as well as a domestic drain. Preferred sources of fuel and water are common utility lines available in buildings.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fluidized bed system for the single step reforming technology for the production of hydrogen. Single step reforming combines the steam methane reforming, water gas shift, and carbon dioxide removal in a single step process of hydrogen generation. In the present invention, to address the heat transfer and the replenishment issues associated with single step reforming, the sorbent particles are fluidized. This fluidization allows the sorbent particles to be regenerated and consequently allows the optimal operating conditions for single step reforming to be maintained.

Abstract: A combustor for oxidizing a combustion fuel and pre-heating one or more reactants for fuel reforming. The combustor includes an elongated housing having an inlet for receiving a combustion fuel and an outlet for exhausting combustion products. The elongated housing further includes a cylindrical side wall, a bottom wall, and a top wall. Inert particles are disposed within the housing adjacent the inlet. A combustion catalyst bed is disposed within the housing above the inert particles that is a mixture of inert particles and combustion catalyst. The inert particles and the combustion catalyst preferably have a volumetric ratio of inert particles to catalyst between about 2:1 and about 4:1. The combustor has at least one heat exchanger within the combustion catalyst bed for heating a reformer reactant and generating steam. Preferably, the combustor includes at least two heat exchangers within the combustion catalyst bed, the heat exchanging elements have different surface areas.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for biomass treatment which addresses the need to find economical solutions to transport biomass. In the present invention, small, distributed gasifiers convert the biomass into synthesis gas (“syngas”). The syngas is then transported via a pipeline network to a central fuel production facility.

Abstract: Relates to a process and apparatus that improves the hydrogen production efficiency for small scale hydrogen production. According to one aspect, the process provides heat exchangers that are thermally integrated with the reaction steps such that heat generated by exothermic reactions, combustion and water gas shift, are arranged closely to the endothermic reaction, steam reformation, and heat sinks, cool natural gas, water and air, to minimize heat loss and maximize heat recovery. Effectively, this thermally integrated process eliminates excess piping throughout, reducing initial capital cost.

Abstract: A method for start-up and shut down of a fuel processor including an autothermal reformer employing a non-pyrophoric shift catalyst is disclosed. Also disclosed are a computer programmed to start-up or shut down a fuel processor including an autothermal reformer employing a non-pyrophoric shift catalyst or a program storage medium encoded with instruction that, when executed by a computer, start-up or shut down a fuel processor including an autothermal reformer employing a non-pyrophoric shift catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for biomass treatment which addresses the need to find economical solutions to transport biomass. In the present invention, small, distributed gasifiers convert the biomass into synthesis gas (“syngas”). The syngas is then transported via a pipeline network to a central fuel production facility.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in regenerating a reactor shift bed catalyst are disclosed. The method comprises monitoring the saturation level of a reactor shift bed catalyst in a reformer; automatically detecting that the reactor shift bed catalyst has entered a saturated state; and automatically regenerating the reactor shift bed catalyst in response to automatically detecting the saturated state. The apparatus may be, in various aspects, a program storage method encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computing device, performs such a method; a computing apparatus programmed to perform such a method, or a control system performing such a method.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hybrid combustor, such as an anode tailgas oxidizer (ATO), for fuel processing applications which combines both flame and catalytic type burners. The hybrid combustor of the present invention combines the advantages of both flame and catalytic type burners. The flame burner component of the hybrid combustor is used during start-up for the preheating of the catalytic burner component. As soon as the catalytic burner bed is preheated or lit off, the flame burner will be shut off. Optionally, the hybrid combustor may also include an integrated heat recovery unit located downstream of the catalytic burner for steam generation and for the preheating of the feed for a reformer, such as an autothermal reformer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the preferential oxidation of carbon monoxide in a hydrogen-rich fluid. The apparatus utilizes one or more reactors that are dimensioned to optimize the exothermic oxidation reaction and the transfer of heat to and from the catalyst bed. A reactor of the apparatus has an elongated cylindrical catalyst bed and heat transfer means adjacent the catalyst bed. The heat transfer means is suitable for pre-heating the catalyst bed during start-up operations and for removing the heat from the catalyst bed during the oxidation reaction. One or more reactors of different dimensions may be utilized depending upon the pressure of the hydrogen-rich fluid to be directed into the apparatus and the pressure requirements for the carbon monoxide-depleted fluid exiting the apparatus. For instance, in low pressure operations where it may be desirable to minimize the pressure drop across the apparatus, two or more reactors having relatively smaller dimensions can be utilized.

Abstract: A process for transitioning from gaseous fuel reformation to liquid fuel reformation has been invented. The process comprises a series of control steps wherein an autothermal reforming reactor's temperature can substantially be stable and satisfactory hydrogen concentration and selectivity can be achieved for producer gas during the transition process. The temperature is controlled by, for example, adjusting the air and water feed. Formulas and algorithms for writing control programs have also been developed.

Abstract: A multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis. Each module includes a shell having an interior space defining a passageway for the flow of gas from a first end of the shell to a second end of the shell opposite the first end, and a processing core being contained within the interior space for effecting a chemical, thermal, or physical change to a gas stream passing axially through the module. The multi-step process includes: providing a fuel processor having a plurality of modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis; and feeding the hydrocarbon fuel successively through each of the modules in an axial direction through the tubular reactor to produce the hydrogen rich gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis. Each module includes a shell having an interior space defining a passageway for the flow of gas from a first end of the shell to a second end of the shell opposite the first end, and a processing core being contained within the interior space for effecting a chemical, thermal, or physical change to a gas stream passing axially through the module. the multi-step process includes: providing a fuel processor having a plurality of modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis; and feeding the hydrocarbon fuel successively through each of the modules in an axial direction through the tubular reactor to produce the hydrogen rich gas.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fluidized bed system for the single step reforming technology for the production of hydrogen. Single step reforming combines the steam methane reforming, water gas shift, and carbon dioxide removal in a single step process of hydrogen generation. In the present invention, to address the heat transfer and the replenishment issues associated with single step reforming, the sorbent particles are fluidized. This fluidization allows the sorbent particles to be regenerated and consequently allows the optimal operating conditions for single step reforming to be maintained.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hybrid combustor, such as an anode tailgas oxidizer (ATO), for fuel processing applications which combines both flame and catalytic type burners. The hybrid combustor of the present invention combines the advantages of both flame and catalytic type burners. The flame burner component of the hybrid combustor is used during start-up for the preheating of the catalytic burner component. As soon as the catalytic burner bed is preheated or lit off, the flame burner will be shut off. Optionally, the hybrid combustor may also include an integrated heat recovery unit located downstream of the catalytic burner for steam generation and for the preheating of the feed for a reformer, such as an autothermal reformer.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of reaction zones arranged in a common reaction chamber. The multi-step process includes: providing a fuel to the fuel processor so that as the fuel reacts and forms the hydrogen rich gas, the intermediate gas products pass through each reaction zone as arranged in the reactor to produce the hydrogen rich gas.