Abstract: Reactive diluent fluid (22) is introduced into a stream of synthesis gas (or “syngas”) produced in a heat-generating unit such as a partial oxidation (“POX”) reactor (12) to cool the syngas and form a mixture of cooled syngas and reactive diluent fluid. Carbon dioxide and/or carbon components and/or hydrogen in the mixture of cooled syngas and reactive diluent fluid is reacted (26) with at least a portion of the reactive diluent fluid in the mixture to produce carbon monoxide-enriched and/or solid carbon depleted syngas which is fed into a secondary reformer unit (30) such as an enhanced heat transfer reformer in a heat exchange reformer process. An advantage of the invention is that problems with the mechanical integrity of the secondary unit arising from the high temperature of the syngas from the heat-generating unit are avoided.

Abstract: A process for prereforming natural gas containing higher hydrocarbons and methane, includes providing a reactor having a nickel catalyst; providing steam, hydrogen, and natural gas containing higher hydrocarbons and methane to the reactor; adding an oxidant to the feedstock, wherein the oxidant provides oxygen in an amount less than the amount required to partially oxidize all higher hydrocarbons to a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen; reacting the oxidant with higher hydrocarbons; and forming a gaseous mixture containing methane, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, steam and hydrogen substantially free of higher hydrocarbons and oxygen. The gaseous mixture can be reformed. An apparatus for performing the process includes a reactor; a feedstock source containing steam, hydrogen, and natural gas comprising higher hydrocarbons and methane; an oxidant source; valves and pipes connecting the natural gas source, the oxidant source and the reactor; and a nickel-containing catalyst within the reactor.

Abstract: A system is set forth for the exothermic generation of soot depleted syngas comprising (i) reacting a hydrocarbon-containing fuel with an oxygen containing gas in a first reactor to produce the syngas and byproducts comprising CO2, H2O and soot; and (ii) introducing the syngas and byproducts into a second reactor containing a non-carbonaceous material that traps the soot for a sufficient time such that the majority of the byproduct soot is gasified via reaction with the byproduct CO2 and/or H2O to produce a syngas stream that is depleted in the soot. The system is particularly suitable for the practice of heat exchange reforming wherein a portion of the heat is recovered from the soot depleted syngas stream and used as at least a portion of the heat to facilitate the additional production of syngas via the (endothermic) catalytic reforming of natural gas and steam.

Abstract: A ballast block deck system includes a plurality of ballast blocks (12) laterally positioned to form an elevated deck (14) on an existing roof structure. Each block (12) has a predetermined thickness and multiple corner portions (22). A pedestal assembly (30) is located directly beneath the corner portions (22) of adjacent ballast blocks (12) to space and support the blocks (12) a spaced distance above the existing roof surface. The pedestal assembly (30) includes a support plate (34) having a support surface (40) for supporting the corner portions (22) thereon, a cornercap (42) which overlies the corner portions (22), and a fastener (44) which removably attaches the cornercap (42) to the support plate (34). When installed, the corner portions (22) of adjacent ballast blocks (12) are captured between the support plate (34) and cornercap (42) of the pedestal (30).

Abstract: A ballast block deck system includes a plurality of ballast blocks (12) laterally positioned to form an elevated deck (14) on an existing roof structure. Each block (12) has a predetermined thickness and multiple corner portions (22). A pedestal assembly (30) is located directly beneath the corner portions (22) of adjacent ballast blocks (12) to space and support the blocks (12) a spaced distance above the existing roof surface. The pedestal assembly (30) includes a support plate (34) having a support surface (40) for supporting the corner portions (22) thereon, a cornercap (42) which overlies the corner portions (22), and a fastener (44) which removably attaches the cornercap (42) to the support plate (34). When installed, the corner portions (22) of adjacent ballast blocks (12) are captured between the support plate (34) and cornercap (42) of the pedestal (30).

Abstract: A protected-membrane roof paving system (10) and blocks (12) for use therein. Rectangular ballast blocks (12) are laid in rows. The blocks (12) have channels providing for drainage and equalization of air pressure above and below the blocks (12) under adverse wind conditions.

Abstract: A universal slope compensator for use in installing a substantially horizontal surface comprising ballast blocks on a pre-existing surface having a slope, the slope compensator assembly being capable of achieving a wide range of slope compensation.

Abstract: A protected-membrane roof paving system and method of constructing same. Rectangular ballast blocks are laid in rows and interlocked by tongue and groove edge faces. The adjacent blocks in each row form labyrinthine channels between their edge faces for drainage and equalization of air pressure above and below the blocks.

Abstract: A paving block assembly and first and second paving blocks therefor. The first and second paving blocks are combined to form a continuous paving surface. Spacers are provided on the blocks for assuring, among other things, correct positioning of the blocks in a continuous paving surface. The paving blocks have concave and convex curved side surfaces, which increase the durability of the paving blocks. The paving blocks in the paving block assembly form an arch shaped pattern, which increases the stability of the paving block assembly.

Abstract: A method and mold are provided for making interlocking paving block and the like in which an aqueous concrete slurry is placed in a mold and subjected to instantaneous pressure of at least 1000 pounds per square inch over its entire surface to expel a large portion of water from the slurry, removing the formed article and curing. The mold is made up of a generally rectangular carrier plate with vertical sidewalls in which is placed a base plate, a pair of side plates and spacer wedge plates holding the end and side plates and a die head plate entering the mold.