Abstract: Embodiments of a compact pressure swing reformer are disclosed. Certain embodiments have a construction comprising multiple rotating reformer beds, high temperature rotary valves at the bed ends, and E-seals to seal the beds to the valves. Several possible designs for introducing reactants into the beds also are disclosed. The multiple reformer beds are configured to provide for pressure equalization and ‘steam push’. The compact pressure swing reformer is suitable for use in fuel cell vehicle applications.

Abstract: Embodiments of a compact pressure swing reformer are disclosed. Certain embodiments have a construction comprising multiple rotating reformer beds, high temperature rotary valves at the bed ends, and E-seals to seal the beds to the valves. Several possible designs for introducing reactants into the beds also are disclosed. The multiple reformer beds are configured to provide for pressure equalization and ‘steam push’. The compact pressure swing reformer is suitable for use in fuel cell vehicle applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high capacity adsorbent for removing sulfur from hydrocarbon streams. The adsorbent comprises a composite material containing particles of a nickel phosphide complex NixP. The adsorbent is utilized in a sulfur removal process that does not require added hydrogen, and run at relatively low temperatures ranging from about 150° C. to about 400° C. The process of this invention enables “ultra-deep” desulfurization down to levels of about 1 ppm and less.

Abstract: The overall efficiency of a regenerative bed reverse flow reactor system is increased where the location of the exothermic reaction used for regeneration is suitably controlled. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the combustion to improve the thermal efficiency of bed regeneration in a cyclic reaction/regeneration processes. The process for thermal regeneration of a regenerative reactor bed entails (a) supplying the first reactant through a first channel means in a first regenerative bed and supplying at least a second reactant through a second channel means in the first regenerative bed, (b) combining said first and second reactants by a gas mixing means situated at an exit of the first regenerative bed and reacting the combined gas to produce a heated reaction product, (c) passing the heated reaction product through a second regenerative bed thereby transferring heat from the reaction product to the second regenerative bed.

Abstract: A method for producing a hydrogen containing gas for use in an internal combustion engine system is provided. The method includes cyclically operating at least two pressure swing reformer reactors such that one is reforming while another is regenerating, thereby producing a continuous stream of hydrogen containing gas. During engine operation exhaust gas is fed to the pressure swing reformer reactor that is undergoing regeneration, thereby supplying at least part of the heat for regeneration. Also, the hydrogen gas produced is used in at least one of (i) the engine; (ii) an engine exhaust treatment device; and (iii) a fuel cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high capacity adsorbent for removing sulfur from hydrocarbon streams. The adsorbent comprises a composite material containing particles of a nickel phosphide complex NixP. The adsorbent is utilized in a sulfur removal process that does not require added hydrogen, and run at relatively low temperatures ranging from about 150° C. to about 400° C. The process of this invention enables “ultra-deep” desulfurization down to levels of about 1 ppm and less.

Abstract: Embodiments of a compact pressure swing reformer are disclosed. Certain embodiments have a construction comprising multiple rotating reformer beds, high temperature rotary valves at the bed ends, and E-seals to seal the beds to the valves. Several possible designs for introducing reactants into the beds also are disclosed. The multiple reformer beds are configured to provide for pressure equalization and ‘steam push’. The compact pressure swing reformer is suitable for use in fuel cell vehicle applications.

Abstract: The overall efficiency of a regenerative bed reverse flow reactor system is increased where the location of the exothermic reaction used for regeneration is suitably controlled. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the combustion to improve the thermal efficiency of bed regeneration in a cyclic reaction/regeneration processes. The process for thermal regeneration of a regenerative reactor bed entails (a) supplying the first reactant through a first channel means in a first regenerative bed and supplying at least a second reactant through a second channel means in the first regenerative bed, (b) combining said first and second reactants by a gas mixing means situated at an exit of the first regenerative bed and reacting the combined gas to produce a heated reaction product, (c) passing the heated reaction product through a second regenerative bed thereby transferring heat from the reaction product to the second regenerative bed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high capacity adsorbent for removing sulfur from hydrocarbon streams. The adsorbent comprises a composite material containing particles of a nickel phosphide complex NixP. The adsorbent is utilized in a sulfur removal process that does not require added hydrogen, and run at relatively low temperatures ranging from about 150° C. to about 400° C. The process of this invention enables “ultra-deep” desulfurization down to levels of about 1 ppm and less.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided which includes a hydrocarbon fuel processor for generating hydrogen for use in a fuel cell. The system further includes a hydrogen buffer for storing a portion of the hydrogen generated by the fuel processor. The system further includes a staged hydrogen selective membrane providing pressurized hydrogen to the buffer. This stored hydrogen may then be used during start-up of the system in a number of ways, such as feed for the fuel cell, or when the fuel processor output is temporarily less than that required by the operating demand of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A method for producing a hydrogen containing gas for use in an internal combustion engine system is provided. The method includes cyclically operating at least two pressure swing reformer reactors such that one is reforming while another is regenerating, thereby producing a continuous stream of hydrogen containing gas. During engine operation exhaust gas is fed to the pressure swing reformer reactor that is undergoing regeneration, thereby supplying at least part of the heat for regeneration. Also, the hydrogen gas produced is used in at least one of (i) the engine; (ii) an engine exhaust treatment device; and (iii) a fuel cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided which includes a hydrocarbon fuel processor for generating hydrogen for use in a fuel cell. The system further includes a hydrogen buffer for storing a portion of the hydrogen generated by the fuel processor. This stored hydrogen may then be used during start-up of the system was number of ways such as feed for the fuel cell, or when the fuel processor output is temporarily less than that required by the operating demand of the fuel cell.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus useful in the removal of air pollutants. More specifically, this invention relates to methods and apparatus useful in mitigating major air pollutants (SOx and NOx) and trace toxins from coal-fired combustors. Using a method or apparatus of the present invention, a coal-fired combustor may be retrofitted to accommodate combined SOx/NOx removal technology for solid waste reduction and environmentally responsible utilization of dry flue gas (FGD) desulfurization product. The combined SOx/NOx control technology may integrate enhanced removal of SO2 at high to medium temperatures using a desulfurization process of the present invention with selective catalytic reduction technology for NOx. The reactivation of spent sorbent and dry FGD product may result in a more complete utilization of the ash and sorbent in the reduction of SO2 emissions, thereby reducing significantly the amount of sorbent used and the volume of by-product generated.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus useful in the removal of air pollutants. More specifically, this invention relates to methods and apparatus useful in mitigating major air pollutants (SOx and NOx) and trace toxins from coal-fired combustors. Using a method or apparatus of the present invention, a coal-fired combustor may be retrofitted to accommodate combined SOx/NOx removal technology for solid waste reduction and environmentally responsible utilization of dry flue gas (FGD) desulfurization product. The combined SOx/NOx control technology may integrate enhanced removal of SO2 at high to medium temperatures using a desulfurization process of the present invention with selective catalytic reduction technology for NOx. The reactivation of spent sorbent and dry FGD product may result in a more complete utilization of the ash and sorbent in the reduction of SO2 emissions, thereby reducing significantly the amount of sorbent used and the volume of by-product generated.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus useful in the removal of air pollutants. More specifically, this invention relates to methods and apparatus useful in mitigating major air pollutants (SOx and NOx) and trace toxins from coal-fired combustors. Using a method or apparatus of the present invention, a coal-fired combustor may be retrofitted to accommodate combined SOx/NOx removal technology for solid waste reduction and environmentally responsible utilization of dry flue gas (FGD) desulfurization product. The combined SOx/NOx control technology may integrate enhanced removal of SO2 at high to medium temperatures using a desulfurization process of the present invention with selective catalytic reduction technology for NOx. The reactivation of spent sorbent and dry FGD product may result in a more complete utilization of the ash and sorbent in the reduction of SO2 emissions, thereby reducing significantly the amount of sorbent used and the volume of by-product generated.

Abstract: A novel process has been developed for reactivation of partially utilized calcium-based sorbents for increased SO2 removal and sorbent utilization from coal-fired boilers/combustors. Spent sorbent and combustor ash samples are treated under specific conditions to modify their internal structure and expose the under utilized calcium for further SO2 capture. The reactivated sorbent shows significant improvement in utilization, increasing from less than 45% to nearly 100% utilization. Application of novel reactivation process to ash samples obtained from a circulating fluidized bed combustor also show marked improvement in utilization of available calcium, nearly doubling the amount of sulfur captured. The reactivation process involves carbonation of the unsulfated calcium. Better redistribution and exposure of the available calcium by the carbonation reactivation process, as compared to reactivation via hydration, is proposed as the main factor in increasing the sorbent utilization.