Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method and a system are provided to receive hydrogen at a first pressure at a first side of a membrane, receive hydrogen at a second pressure from a second side of the membrane, combine the hydrogen received from the second side of the membrane with a purge stream to produce a permeate stream at the second pressure, and separate hydrogen from the permeate stream at a third pressure. The purge stream is associated with a phase transition temperature range.

Abstract: A separation method and apparatus that separates a component from a feed stream by use of a membrane in which separation is driven, at least in part, by a sweep stream. The sweep stream may be pumped to a supercritical pressure and then heated to at least near supercritical temperature, at least in part, through heat exchange with a component laden sweep stream being discharged from the membrane. A multi-component mixture can also be used that will produce the sweep stream as a vapor as a result of the heat exchange. The component laden sweep stream, due to cooling through the indirect heat exchange, will form a two-phase fluid that can be phase separated into a vapor phase enriched in the component that can be taken as a product and a residual liquid that can be recirculated in the formation of the sweep stream in the liquid state.

Abstract: A process and system for recovering valuable by-products (e.g., hydrogen) from refinery gas streams. For hydrogen-only recovery, the invention comprises a partial condensation step to upgrade the refinery fuel gas to a minimum of 60% hydrogen, which is further purified in a pressure swing adsorption process. When configured to recover hydrogen, methane-rich gas and raw LPG (methane depleted gas containing C2 hydrocarbons and heavier), the invention comprises two partial condensation steps where the feed is cooled in the first step to allow separation of ethane and heavier hydrocarbons, and the resulting vapor is cooled to a lower temperature in a second step for hydrogen recovery.

Abstract: A method of reducing a modified Wobbe index of a fuel stream fed to diffusion combustors of a gas turbine that is used in connection with an IGCC installation in which a nitrogen stream is fed into the head ends of the combustor of NOx control and the modified Wobbe index of the fuel stream has been increased in an amount that is greater than at least about 10 percent of a design Wobbe index for the fuel to be fed to the gas turbine. The reason for the increase is the conversion of the carbon monoxide within the fuel stream to hydrogen and carbon dioxide by a water gas shift reaction and subsequent removal of the carbon dioxide. The nitrogen stream is maintained at the same level both with and without conversion and subsequent removal of carbon atoms. The nitrogen stream is divided to subsidiary streams that are respectively fed into the head end of the combustors and that are mixed with a fuel to lower the modified Wobbe index to acceptable levels for the gas turbine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of low pressure N2 from an air separation unit (ASU) for use as a sweep gas in a hydrogen transport membrane (HTM) to increase syngas H2 recovery and make a near-atmospheric pressure (less than or equal to about 25 psia) fuel for supplemental firing in the heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) duct burner.

Abstract: A method of producing a hydrogen product stream in which a steam stream is reacted with a hydrocarbon containing stream within a steam methane reformer. The resulting product stream is subjected to a water gas shift reaction and then to pressure swing adsorption to produce the hydrogen product stream. The hydrocarbon stream is alternatively formed from a first type of feed stream made up of natural gas, refinery off-gas, naphtha or synthetic natural gas or combinations thereof and a second type that is additionally made up of a hydrogen and carbon monoxide containing gas. During use of both of the types of feed streams, the flow rate of the steam stream is not substantially changed and reformer exit temperatures of both the reactant and the flue gas side are held essentially constant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for carrying out oxygen-enhanced combustion in an industrial process wherein the industrial process, an oxygen supply system or a source of oxygen, a heat recovery network, and an alternative Rankine cycle system based on a working fluid other than steam are integrated to achieve improved throughput and efficiency, and a method for oxygen-enhanced combustion in an industrial process using said system. Examples of industrial processes include cement production, steel reheat applications, glass production, aluminum and copper melting, as well as any industrial process that uses process heater, furnaces where combustion is carried out using an oxidant stream with oxygen content higher’ than that in ambient air and up to 100%.

Abstract: A method of recovering carbon dioxide from a synthesis gas stream generated within a synthesis gas facility. After the synthesis gas stream is passed through at least one process heat exchanger of the steam generation system located downstream of the water-gas shift reactor, the temperature of the synthesis gas stream is increased while simultaneously adding steam to the synthesis gas stream. Thereafter, the synthesis gas stream is added to an absorption system having an absorption zone utilizing a solvent to absorb the carbon dioxide and a regeneration zone to disengage the carbon dioxide from the solvent and thereby regenerate the solvent. Heat is transferred from the synthesis gas stream to the regeneration zone to promote disengagement of the carbon dioxide from the steam and such that between about 40 percent and about 90 percent of the carbon dioxide originally present in the synthesis gas stream is recovered.

Abstract: A purification system and method for purifying a hydrogen stream supplied from a storage tank mounted in a vehicle to produce a purified hydrogen stream for use in a PEM fuel cell system that is utilized within the vehicle. The hydrogen is purified within a membrane separator having hydrogen transport membrane elements having a dense metallic layer such as palladium to separate the hydrogen from the impurities. The separated hydrogen is supplied to the PEM fuel cell. In order to heat the membrane to its operational temperature, heat is recovered from the hydrogen permeate stream of the membrane system in a first heat exchanger and heat is generated by combusting the retentate stream containing residual hydrogen and impurities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and processes for producing syngas in steam methane reformer (SMR)-based plants, particularly to the use of a high space velocity, dual mode catalytic reactor to pre-reform plant feedstock. The dual mode reactor has the capability to operate in two modes: either without oxygen addition in a reforming mode or with oxygen addition in a partial oxidation-reforming mode. The dual mode reactor allows the syngas production rate of the plant to be manipulated without the added capital expense of a reheat coil and with reduced impact on export steam production.

Abstract: A method of generating electricity in synthesis gas in which a fuel is combusted in a gas turbine to generate the electricity that at least about 60 percent by volume is derived from a source independent of the synthesis gas. The synthesis gas is produced by reacting a hydrocarbon stream, by for example, partial oxidation, autothermal reforming or steam methane reforming. After the synthesis gas stream is cooled, heat is transferred from the heated synthesis gas stream to the fuel prior to combustion in the gas turbine. All or at least a portion of the heat is transferred at a temperature no greater than about 500° F. and at a flow ratio of the fuel to the gas turbine to the synthesis gas stream from at least about 1.5. The heating of the fuel to the gas turbine lowers fuel consumption and thereby the total expenses involved in generating electricity and syngas.

Abstract: A purification system and method for purifying a hydrogen stream supplied from a storage tank mounted in a vehicle to produce a purified hydrogen stream for use in a PEM fuel cell system that is utilized within the vehicle. The hydrogen is purified within a membrane separator having hydrogen transport membrane elements having a dense metallic layer such as palladium to separate the hydrogen from the impurities. The separated hydrogen is supplied to the PEM fuel cell. In order to heat the membrane to its operational temperature, heat is recovered from the hydrogen permeate stream of the membrane system in a first heat exchanger and heat is generated by combusting the retentate stream containing residual hydrogen and impurities.

Abstract: A method of generating a synthesis gas product stream and carbon dioxide in which a fuel is combusted in an oxygen transport membrane combustor to produce a flue gas stream containing the carbon dioxide and water. Reforming duty is divided between a combined reforming process and a gas heated reformer to produce the product stream. The flue gas stream is used to supply heat to a primary, steam methane reforming stage of the combined reforming process. Residual methane, produced in the primary stage, is reacted in a secondary stage having an oxygen transport membrane reactor. Heat produced in the secondary stage is supplied to the gas heated reactor to support its operation. The flue gas stream is cooled and water is separated therefrom to produce the carbon dioxide at a concentration of at least 85 mol percent.

Abstract: Method of preparing and introducing fuel into the combustors of a gas turbine in which a hydrocarbon containing feed, oxygen and steam are introduced into a catalytic partial oxidation reactor to produce a product stream. The hydrocarbon containing feed contains no less than about 15 percent by volume on a dry basis of hydrocarbons with at least two carbon atoms and/or at least about 3 percent by volume of olefins. The reactant mixture formed of the hydrocarbon containing feed, oxygen and steam has an oxygen to carbon ratio of between about 0.08 and about 0.25 and a water to carbon ratio of between about 0.05 to about 0.5. The hydrocarbon containing feed is introduced into the reactor alone or with a steam at a temperature no greater than 600° C. and the product stream is produced at a temperature of between about 600° C. and 860° C. and contains less than about 0.5 percent of olefins and less than 10 percent of hydrocarbons with two or more carbon atoms on a dry basis.

Abstract: Method of preparing and introducing fuel into the combustors of a gas turbine in which a hydrocarbon containing feed, oxygen and steam are introduced into a catalytic partial oxidation reactor to produce a product stream. The hydrocarbon containing feed contains no less than about 15 percent by volume on a dry basis of hydrocarbons with at least two carbon atoms and/or at least about 3 percent by volume of olefins. The reactant mixture formed of the hydrocarbon containing feed, oxygen and steam has an oxygen to carbon ratio of between about 0.08 and about 0.25 and a water to carbon ratio of between about 0.05 to about 0.5. The hydrocarbon containing feed is introduced into the reactor alone or with a steam at a temperature no greater than 600° C. and the product stream is produced at a temperature of between about 600° C. and 860° C. and contains less than about 0.5 percent of olefins and less than 10 percent of hydrocarbons with two or more carbon atoms on a dry basis.

Abstract: A power augmentation method for a gas turbine in which water is injected into one or more stages of an auxiliary compressor to produce a vapor containing gas stream. The vapor containing gas stream is at least in part introduced into combustors of the gas turbine for power augmentation. Part of the vapor containing compressed gas stream can be introduced into a reactor to generate a hydrogen containing synthesis gas to support lower flame temperatures occurring within the combustors of the gas turbine due to the introduction of the vapor containing gas stream. In such manner, NOx emissions of the gas turbine can be reduced. Furthermore, the power augmentation method can be conducted in conjunction with an integrated gasification combined cycle.

Abstract: A method of heating a fluid in a fluid heater integrated with a gas turbine. Fuel is burned in a radiant section of the fluid heater to heat the fluid and to produce combustion gases for the heating a downstream convective section. The combustion is supported by a combined oxidant stream. An oxygen containing stream or the combined stream, which is made up in part by the oxygen containing stream is preheated through indirect heat transfer with a first gas turbine exhaust stream produced by the gas turbine. A second gas turbine exhaust stream, also produced by the gas turbine is combined with the oxygen containing stream to form the combined oxidant stream. As such, the available heat energy supplied to the fluid heater is supplied not only by the combustion but also the gas turbine. This allows for the fuel to be conserved or for increased fluid throughput.

Abstract: A method of heating a fluid in a fluid heater integrated with a gas turbine. Fuel is burned in a radiant section of the fluid heater to heat the fluid and to produce combustion gases for the heating a downstream convective section. The combustion is supported by a combined oxidant stream. An oxygen containing stream or the combined stream, which is made up in part by the oxygen containing stream is preheated through indirect heat transfer with a first gas turbine exhaust stream produced by the gas turbine. A second gas turbine exhaust stream, also produced by the gas turbine is combined with the oxygen containing stream to form the combined oxidant stream. As such, the available heat energy supplied to the fluid heater is supplied not only by the combustion but also the gas turbine. This allows for the fuel to be conserved or for increased fluid throughput.

Abstract: A method of heating a fluid in a fluid heater integrated with a gas turbine. Fuel is burned in a radiant section of the fluid heater to heat the fluid and to produce combustion gases for the heating a downstream convective section. The combustion is supported by a combined oxidant stream. An oxygen containing stream or the combined stream, which is made up in part by the oxygen containing stream is preheated through indirect heat transfer with a first gas turbine exhaust stream produced by the gas turbine. A second gas turbine exhaust stream, also produced by the gas turbine is combined with the oxygen containing stream to form the combined oxidant stream. As such, the available heat energy supplied to the fluid heater is supplied not only by the combustion but also the gas turbine. This allows for the fuel to be conserved or for increased fluid throughput.

Abstract: A method is disclosed a method for recovering olefins and for producing hydrogen from a refinery off-gas stream in which such stream is conventionally pretreated and separated to obtain a light ends stream that contains nitrogen, hydrogen and carbon monoxide and a heavy ends stream that contains the olefins. The light ends stream is subjected to reforming and a water gas shift reactions after addition of a natural gas stream. The addition of the natural gas increases the hydrogen recovery from the light ends and also stabilizes the hydrocarbon content in the stream to be subjected to the reforming and water gas shift reactions. The heavy ends can be further treated to recover olefins such as ethylene and propylene. The rate of natural gas addition is controlled so that the concentration of the nitrogen in a stream exiting the water gas shift reactor is less than about 5 percent by volume so that hydrogen separation from such stream becomes practical.