Abstract: A dispenser apparatus that includes a first cascade stage having a first connector configured to connect to and disconnect from a first gas storage vessel, and a first conduit connected to the first connector and having a first valve and a first pressure measuring device, and a second cascade stage having a second connector configured to connect to and disconnect from a second gas storage vessel, and a second conduit connected to the second connector and having a second valve and a second pressure measuring device. A common flow path is fluidly connected to the conduits, and has a dispensing nozzle to connect to a vehicle during refueling. A controller is provided to control the first and/or second valve(s) to perform refueling using gas stored in at least one of the first and second gas storage vessels based on pressure measurements of the first and/or second pressure measuring device(s).

Abstract: A dispenser apparatus that includes a first cascade stage having a first connector configured to connect to and disconnect from a first gas storage vessel, and a first conduit connected to the first connector and having a first valve and a first pressure measuring device, and a second cascade stage having a second connector configured to connect to and disconnect from a second gas storage vessel, and a second conduit connected to the second connector and having a second valve and a second pressure measuring device. A common flow path is fluidly connected to the conduits, and has a dispensing nozzle to connect to a vehicle during refueling. A controller is provided to control the first and/or second valve(s) to perform refueling using gas stored in at least one of the first and second gas storage vessels based on pressure measurements of the first and/or second pressure measuring device(s).

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate generally to distribution of flow into vessels containing packed beds of media. An example application of such beds is to pressure swing or temperature swing adsorption systems. Systems herein may include a vessel and a distributor for distributing flow into a lower portion of the vessel. The system may include: a vessel comprising a top head and a bottom head; and a bottom head feed/effluent nozzle. A lower distributor having at least one flow permitting surface is disposed within the vessel and encompasses an inlet of the bottom head feed/effluent nozzle. A flow gap is formed between a bottom portion of the lower distributor and the bottom head feed/effluent nozzle.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate generally to distribution of flow into vessels containing packed beds of media. An example application of such beds is to pressure swing or temperature swing adsorption systems. Systems herein may include a vessel and a distributor for distributing flow into a lower portion of the vessel. The system may include: a vessel comprising a top head and a bottom head; and a bottom head feed/effluent nozzle. A lower distributor having at least one flow permitting surface is disposed within the vessel and encompasses an inlet of the bottom head feed/effluent nozzle. A flow gap is formed between a bottom portion of the lower distributor and the bottom head feed/effluent nozzle.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system using two or more valves for controlling the flow of gases entering or exiting a bed of adsorbents is disclosed, where the two or more valves are opened sequentially (i.e., in at least two actions separated by a delay in time). The sequential opening of the valves may increase the degree to which adsorbed species are purged from the bed, and also facilitates more rapid execution of certain time steps of the PSA cycle, thus increasing adsorbent productivity The sequential opening of the valves may also allow for verification of valve operation by measuring either the absolute value, the slope (derivative) or the rate of change of derivative of the pressure, either in the adsorbent bed, in the downstream manifold, or in a volume of gas held in a buffer vessel.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption system includes a pressure vessel, a nozzle plate coupled to the vessel and sealed with respect to the pressure vessel, a backing plate that supports the nozzle plate, and a manifold including a plenum cavity and coupled to the nozzle plate via a neck such that the plenum cavity is in fluid communication with an interior of the pressure vessel. The neck is sealed with respect to the nozzle plate via a movable sealing surface. A method is provided in which pressure from the plenum cavity assists in closing valve coupled to the manifold. A removable insert is provided to the manifold to provide a removable sealing surface against which the valve closes.

Abstract: A production process includes combining a first feed stream and a second feed stream to produce, in a pre-reforming reactor, a first product stream comprising CH4 and H2O; wherein the first feed stream contains a mixture of H2 and at least one selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons having two or more carbon atoms and alcohols having two or more carbon atoms, and the mixture has a hydrogen stoichiometric ratio (?) of at least 0.1, and the second feed stream contains steam; feeding the first product stream into a reforming reactor; and reacting the first product stream in the reforming reactor to produce a second product stream containing CO and H2; and a catalyst for use in the process. Conversion of the second product stream to synthetic crude, methanol, higher alcohols, and/or DME may also be undertaken. Yet further conversion of a synthetic crude to lubricants, diesel and the like, and/or the alcohols/DME to gasoline, olefins, and/or other oxygenates may also be included.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system using two or more valves for controlling the flow of gases entering or exiting a bed of adsorbents is disclosed, where the two or more valves are opened sequentially (i.e., in at least two actions separated by a delay in time). The sequential opening of the valves may increase the degree to which adsorbed species are purged from the bed, and also facilitates more rapid execution of certain time steps of the PSA cycle, thus increasing adsorbent productivity The sequential opening of the valves may also allow for verification of valve operation by measuring either the absolute value, the slope (derivative) or the rate of change of derivative of the pressure, either in the adsorbent bed, in the downstream manifold, or in a volume of gas held in a buffer vessel.

Abstract: A method of operating a multistage gas compressor system including providing a plurality of compressor stages connected in series, receiving a gas flow having contaminants within a gas passage, and supplying solvent to the gas passage at or upstream of a compressor in a compressor stage of the plurality of compressor stages to entrap or dissolve the contaminants in the gas flow. The method includes resisting disabling fouling of the compressor in the compressor stage from any contaminants entrapped or dissolved in the solvent, for example, by controlling a discharge temperature of the compressor, and/or using a type of compressor that is not susceptible to being disabled by fouling in at least the first stage. The discharge temperature can be controlled by providing the compressor with a pressure ratio selected to provide a desired discharge temperature.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption system includes a pressure vessel, a nozzle plate coupled to the vessel and sealed with respect to the pressure vessel, a backing plate that supports the nozzle plate, and a manifold including a plenum cavity and coupled to the nozzle plate via a neck such that the plenum cavity is in fluid communication with an interior of the pressure vessel. The neck is sealed with respect to the nozzle plate via a movable sealing surface. A method is provided in which pressure from the plenum cavity assists in closing valve coupled to the manifold. A removable insert is provided to the manifold to provide a removable sealing surface against which the valve closes.

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus includes first and second sections, and further includes a first cross-flow fluid passageway disposed at least partially within the first section, defined by an internal surface of the first section, and including an inlet and outlet. The apparatus also includes a second cross-flow fluid passageway disposed at least partially within the second section and including an inlet and an outlet. The apparatus includes an interior fluid passageway with at least one tube disposed at least partially within the first section and at least partially within the second section, extending at least partially through the first passageway and at least partially through the second passageway, and including at least an inlet and an outlet. A sealing zone is disposed between the first section and the second section. The sealing zone isolates the first section from the second section either or both mechanically and in fluid communication.

Abstract: A ductwork system including a duct having a plurality of ducting panels joined together to define a flow passage extending therethrough, and the duct having structure for resisting damage thereto caused by a detonation within the duct. The structure for resisting damage can include an internal bracing within and extending across the flow passage of the duct to tie at least two sides of the duct together. For example, the internal bracing can be a reinforcement panel including a mounting frame with one or more elongated members extending from one side of the frame attached to a ducting panel to another side of the frame attached to an opposite ducting panel. Alternatively or in addition to the above structure, the duct can have structure for resisting damage that includes providing the duct with at least one curved or faceted side along an axial length of the duct.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for treating a waste gas stream containing on or more hydrocarbon contaminants such polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). The system, method and apparatus may include a heat treatment chamber having a recycling apparatus that includes a supply of a food oil solvent; a mixing device to mix the solvent with the waste gas stream. The system, method and apparatus dissolve the hydrocarbon contaminants from the gas stream into a solvent containing the food oil.

Abstract: A reactor vessel system includes a reactor vessel including a first port in fluid communication with an interior of the reactor vessel and an outlet port connected in fluid communication with the interior of the reactor vessel. A base supports the reactor vessel. A first coil of tubing is connected in fluid communication with the first port and disposed around a perimeter of the reactor vessel. A method of operating a reactor vessel system includes providing a reactor vessel including a first port in fluid communication with an interior of the reactor vessel and an outlet port connected in fluid communication with the interior of the reactor vessel, providing a first coil of tubing connected in fluid communication with the first port and disposed around a perimeter of the reactor vessel, and flowing steam through the first coil and into the reactor vessel.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption process including the step of separating a gas mixture by absorbing at least one gas component in an adsorbent mass provided within each vessel of a plurality of vessels. The separating step has a single pressure equalization cycle. The separating step is preferably performed with only four valves per vessel of the plurality of vessels. Additionally, a pressure swing adsorption system of the invention includes a plurality of vessels each containing therein an adsorbent mass configured to separate a gas mixture by absorbing at least one gas component in said adsorbent mass, where the system is configured to separate the gas mixture using a single pressure equalization cycle and includes only four valves per vessel of the plurality of vessels.

Abstract: A recycling apparatus for spent protective atmosphere gas contaminated with fouling organic decomposition byproduct materials. The recycling apparatus includes a compressor having an inlet connected to a spent protective atmosphere gas supply line, and a solvent supply configured to supply solvent to a gas passage at or upstream of the compressor. The recycling apparatus also includes a first chamber connected to an outlet of the compressor, where the first chamber is configured to receive compressed gas from the compressor and to collect a mixture including the solvent and any contaminants entrapped or dissolved in the solvent.

Abstract: A mobile system for providing start-up electrical power to a micro scale liquid hydrocarbon and/or oxygenate synthesis plant is provided including a portable gas or liquid fueled electrical generator, a steam turbine, a plant generator mechanically coupled to the steam turbine, a plant power load; and means for synchronizing electrical power generated by the portable electrical generator with electrical power generated by the plant generator is provided. Also provided is a process for synchronizing electrical power generated by the portable electrical generator with electrical power generated by the plant generator.

Abstract: A catalyst that can be used for the production of hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels in steam reforming processes contains an active metal of, e.g., at least one of Ir, Pt and Pd, on a catalyst support of, e.g., at least one of monoclinic zirconia and an alkaline-earth metal hexaaluminate. The catalyst exhibits improved activity, stability in both air and reducing atmospheres, and sulfur tolerance.

Abstract: A recycling apparatus for spent protective atmosphere gas contaminated with fouling organic decomposition byproduct materials. The recycling apparatus includes a compressor having an inlet connected to a spent protective atmosphere gas supply line, and a solvent supply configured to supply solvent to a gas passage at or upstream of the compressor. The recycling apparatus also includes a first chamber connected to an outlet of the compressor, where the first chamber is configured to receive compressed gas from the compressor and to collect a mixture including the solvent and any contaminants entrapped or dissolved in the solvent.

Abstract: A recycling apparatus for spent protective atmosphere gas contaminated with fouling organic decomposition byproduct materials. The recycling apparatus includes a compressor having an inlet connected to a spent protective atmosphere gas supply line, and a solvent supply configured to supply solvent to a gas passage at or upstream of the compressor. The recycling apparatus also includes a first chamber connected to an outlet of the compressor, where the first chamber is configured to receive compressed gas from the compressor and to collect a mixture including the solvent and any contaminants entrapped or dissolved in the solvent.