Abstract: A process and apparatus for converting an alkane to an olefin. In one embodiment, the process involves oxidative coupling of an alkane, e.g., methane, with an oxidant, such as air, to produce an olefin having twice the number of carbon atoms as the alkane, e.g., ethylene. In another embodiment, the process involves oxidative dehydrogenation of an alkane, e.g., ethane, with an oxidant to form an olefin having the same number of carbon atoms as the alkane, e.g., ethylene. The process involves passing a flow of the oxidant from a first flow passage through a porous medium; diffusing a flow of the alkane from a second flow passage into the porous medium; and contacting the reactant alkane and the oxidant in the presence of a catalyst within the porous medium to produce the olefin.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for converting an alkane to an olefin. In one embodiment, the process involves oxidative coupling of an alkane, e.g., methane, with an oxidant, such as air, to produce an olefin having twice the number of carbon atoms as the alkane, e.g., ethylene. In another embodiment, the process involves oxidative dehydrogenation of an alkane, e.g., ethane, with an oxidant to form an olefin having the same number of carbon atoms as the alkane, e.g., ethylene. The process involves passing a flow of the oxidant from a first flow passage through a porous medium; diffusing a flow of the alkane from a second flow passage into the porous medium; and contacting the reactant alkane and the oxidant in the presence of a catalyst within the porous medium to produce the olefin.

Abstract: A bimetallic catalyst composition containing a mesh substrate having supported thereon an alumina washcoat on which are impregnated bimetallic particles of rhodium and ruthenium in specified amounts. A process for the catalytic partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon, such as methane or natural gas, involving contacting the hydrocarbon with an oxidant in the presence of the aforementioned bimetallic catalyst under reaction conditions sufficient to produce synthesis gas, that is, to a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A bimetallic catalyst composition containing a mesh substrate having supported thereon an alumina washcoat on which are impregnated bimetallic particles of rhodium and ruthenium in specified amounts. A process for the catalytic partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon, such as methane or natural gas, involving contacting the hydrocarbon with an oxidant in the presence of the aforementioned bimetallic catalyst under reaction conditions sufficient to produce synthesis gas, that is, to a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for converting an alkane to an olefin. In one embodiment, the process involves oxidative coupling of an alkane, e.g., methane, with an oxidant, such as air, to produce an olefin having twice the number of carbon atoms as the alkane, e.g., ethylene. In another embodiment, the process involves oxidative dehydrogenation of an alkane, e.g., ethane, with an oxidant to form an olefin having the same number of carbon atoms as the alkane, e.g., ethylene. The process involves passing a flow of the oxidant from a first flow passage through a porous medium; diffusing a flow of the alkane from a second flow passage into the porous medium; and contacting the reactant alkane and the oxidant in the presence of a catalyst within the porous medium to produce the olefin.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for converting an alkane to an olefin. In one embodiment, the process involves oxidative coupling of an alkane, e.g., methane, with an oxidant, such as air, to produce an olefin having twice the number of carbon atoms as the alkane, e.g., ethylene. In another embodiment, the process involves oxidative dehydrogenation of an alkane, e.g., ethane, with an oxidant to form an olefin having the same number of carbon atoms as the alkane, e.g., ethylene. The process involves passing a flow of the oxidant from a first flow passage through a porous medium; diffusing a flow of the alkane from a second flow passage into the porous medium; and contacting the reactant alkane and the oxidant in the presence of a catalyst within the porous medium to produce the olefin.

Abstract: A process of removing at least one metal contaminant, such as copper, from a fluid hydrocarbon, for example, crude oil or a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, such as an aviation fuel. The process involves contacting the metal-contaminated fluid hydrocarbon with a sorbent selected from graphene oxide or a functionalized graphene oxide. The process removes greater than 99 percent of the metal contaminant without reducing concentrations of advantageous additives, such as, antioxidants, icing inhibitors and corrosion inhibitors. Also disclosed are a purified fluid hydrocarbon composition and a metal contaminant filter system.

Abstract: A solid sorbent composition including as chemical components: calcium oxide, calcium aluminate, and a mixed metal oxide characterized by a perovskite crystalline structure. The solid sorbent finds utility in capturing carbon dioxide from any gaseous stream containing carbon dioxide, such as emissions streams produced in combustion processes or streams derived from closed environments including airplanes, spaceships, and submarines. A reversible carbon dioxide looping process is disclosed involving (a) contacting a carbon dioxide-containing gaseous stream with the solid sorbent composition in a carbonator to produce a solid mixture containing calcium carbonate and a gaseous stream reduced in carbon dioxide concentration; and (b) heating the solid mixture containing calcium carbonate in a calcinator (decarbonator) to regenerate the solid sorbent composition and to produce a gaseous stream enriched in carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A chemical reactor for use in a chemical process wherein a reactant and/or a target product is prone to produce undesirable byproducts through secondary reactions. The reactor is configured with a first flow passage for passing a flow of an overly reactive reactant; a permeable first wall for controlled flow of the overly reactive reactant into a second flow passage providing a flow of a second reactant; a permeable second wall having a catalyst supported on an inner surface thereof for catalyzing reaction of the reactants flowing in the second flow passage; the permeable second wall passing through a flow containing the target product; and a non-permeable third wall defining a third flow passage for exiting the product mixture. The reactor can be employed in selective oxidation, oxidative dehydrogenation, and alkylation processes to reduce the formation of byproducts.

Abstract: A chemical reactor for use in a chemical process wherein a reactant and/or a target product is prone to produce undesirable byproducts through secondary reactions. The reactor is configured with a first flow passage for passing a flow of an overly reactive reactant; a permeable first wall for controlled flow of the overly reactive reactant into a second flow passage providing a flow of a second reactant; a permeable second wall having a catalyst supported on an inner surface thereof for catalyzing reaction of the reactants flowing in the second flow passage; the permeable second wall passing through a flow containing the target product; and a non-permeable third wall defining a third flow passage for exiting the product mixture. The reactor can be employed in selective oxidation, oxidative dehydrogenation, and alkylation processes to reduce the formation of byproducts.

Abstract: A stabilized composition comprising a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, such as JP-8, and a fuel additive, wherein the fuel additive comprises a graphitic carbon compound functionalized with a plurality of alkyl groups, wherein at least one alkyl group at each site of alkyl functionalization on the graphitic carbon compound has 8 or more carbon atoms, for example, poly(octadecyl)-graphene oxide. A method of increasing the energy density of a liquid hydrocarbon fuel involving adding to the fuel one or more alkyl-functionalized graphitic carbon compounds. The stabilized composition is useful for enhancing the properties of combustion processes, including energy density, thrust, flame speed, or a combination thereof, without introducing undesirable combustion effects, emissions, or combustion signature.

Abstract: A device comprises a first processor and a second processor. The first processor is connected to a display, a data input arrangement, and a data acquisition device in a first mode of operation. The first mode of operation relates to performing non-secure operations. The second processor is connected to the display, the data input arrangement, and the data acquisition device in a second mode of operation. The second mode of operation relates to performing a secure operation. The secure operation relates to a sales transaction. When the device is in the second mode of operation, the data acquisition device receives secure data from a remote source. The secure data is forwarded to the second processor to determine a success of the sales transaction.

Abstract: A fuel reformer catalyst includes a substrate, and disposed thereon a carrier and combination of at least two metals selected from the group consisting of Rh, Ni, Ir, Pd, Pt, Au, and combinations thereof. Rh is present in the catalyst in an amount not exceeding about 0.5 wt. %, based on the total combined weight of the metals and carrier.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the catalyst can comprise: a catalyst support and a rhodium catalyst disposed at the catalyst support. The catalyst support comprises a hexaluminate and alumina. The catalyst support was formed from a mixture comprising a greater than stoichiometric concentration of alumina and a material selected from the group consisting of a divalent cation component, a trivalent cation component, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing. In one embodiment, a method of making a fuel reforming catalyst can comprise: forming a mixture of a divalent cation component, a trivalent cation component, and a greater than stoichiometric concentration of alumina; heating the mixture to a temperature of greater than or equal to about 1,200° C. to form a catalyst support comprising a hexaluminate; and disposing a rhodium catalyst at the catalyst support.

Abstract: A system for removing sulfur from a continuous reformate stream feeding a fuel cell stack. First and second sulfur traps are disposed in parallel between a hydrocarbon reformer and the fuel cell stack. The ends of the sulfur traps are connected to conventional four-way valves such that either trap may be selected for trapping sulfur from the reformate stream, while the other trap is undergoing regeneration by backflushing the accumulated adsorbed sulfur deposits. Thus, the sulfur traps may be used and stripped alternately, permitting continuous supply of desulfurized reformate to the fuel cell assembly. In a currently preferred embodiment, the hot cathode air exhaust is used to assist in stripping the out-of-service trap. In an alternative embodiment, two reformers are provided and the reformers are alternately regenerated along with their respective traps.

Abstract: A trap for an energy conversion device comprises a trapping system comprising a filter element and a trap element, and fluidly coupled to a reforming system. The trapping system is monitored by a combination of devices including an on-board diagnostic system, a temperature sensor, and a pressure differential sensor, which can individually or in combination determine when to regenerate the trapping system. The method for trapping sulfur and particulate matter using the trapping system comprises dispensing fuel into the energy conversion device. The fuel is processed in a reformer system to produce a reformate. The reformate is introduced into the trapping system and filtered to remove particulate matter and sulfur.

Abstract: A catalyst can comprise rhodium and zirconia. The zirconia can have a morphology parameter of greater than or equal to about 800. The method for making the catalyst can comprise: combining rhodium and a zirconium compound, wherein the zirconium compound has a morphology parameter of greater than or equal to about 800, to form a mixture, and disposing the mixture onto a substrate.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a catalyst member can comprise a substrate configured for gas flow therethrough, a base metal catalytic component disposed in a base metal catalytic layer on the substrate, and a rhodium catalytic material disposed in a rhodium layer. The base metal catalytic component can comprises a base metal selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt, and a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing base metals. In one embodiment, the catalyst member can be made by depositing a base metal catalytic component on a substrate configured for gas flow therethrough, and depositing a rhodium catalytic material over the base metal catalytic component.

Abstract: A system and method for cooling oxygen sensitive components in a fuel cell system comprising supplying air to an air purification device during cool down of a fuel cell system comprising at least one fuel cell comprising an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte disposed between the anode and cathode; treating the air within the air purification device to produce a flow of nitrogen gas and a waste stream comprising oxygen enriched air; directing a flow of the nitrogen gas through the anode; the anode being in fluid communication with the air purification device and isolated from the fuel reformer and anode exhaust during cool down; the flow of nitrogen gas being directed through the anode in an amount sufficient to balance pressure within the fuel cell cathode and anode during cool down.

Abstract: A reformer system comprises a reformer catalyst capable of reforming a fuel to hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and a water gas shift catalyst in fluid communication with the reformer catalyst and in fluid communication with an exhaust gas source comprising water, wherein the water gas shift catalyst is capable of reacting carbon monoxide with the water to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide.