Abstract: Processes and apparatuses for relocating a reforming process heater service into the convection section rely on combining a flue gas recycle quench stream with the radiant section off gases entering the convection section. The uniformity of mixing influences the effectiveness of that quench stream. The more effective the quench stream is, the lower the equipment size required to manage the recycle design.

Abstract: Processes and apparatuses for relocating a reforming process heater service into the convection section rely on combining a flue gas recycle quench stream with the radiant section off gases entering the convection section. The uniformity of mixing influences the effectiveness of that quench stream. The more effective the quench stream is, the lower the equipment size required to manage the recycle design.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for gas-liquid distribution. More specifically, the present invention relates to a gas-liquid distribution device that may be used in an ionic liquid co-current gas and liquid up-flow reactor designed to distribute gas uniformly across the reactor cross section through restriction orifices on distributors located across the distribution tray.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for gas-liquid distribution. More specifically, the present invention relates to a gas-liquid distribution device that may be used in an ionic liquid co-current gas and liquid up-flow reactor designed to distribute gas uniformly across the reactor cross section through restriction orifices on distributors located across the distribution tray.

Abstract: Methods and systems for separating para-xylene are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a method for separating para-xylene includes the steps of providing a feed stream including para-xylene and other C8 aromatic hydrocarbons to a first adsorbent bed within a radial flow simulated moving bed chamber and providing a desorbent stream to a second bed within the radial flow simulated moving bed chamber. The method further includes circulating the feed stream and the desorbent stream radially within the radial flow simulated moving bed chamber to third and fourth beds within the radial flow simulated moving bed chamber. Still further, the method includes withdrawing an extract stream including the para-xylene from the third bed and withdrawing a raffinate stream including the other C8 aromatic hydrocarbons from the fourth bed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for separating para-xylene are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a method for separating para-xylene includes the steps of providing a feed stream including para-xylene and other C8 aromatic hydrocarbons to a first adsorbent bed within a radial flow simulated moving bed chamber and providing a desorbent stream to a second bed within the radial flow simulated moving bed chamber. The method further includes circulating the feed stream and the desorbent stream radially within the radial flow simulated moving bed chamber to third and fourth beds within the radial flow simulated moving bed chamber. Still further, the method includes withdrawing an extract stream including the para-xylene from the third bed and withdrawing a raffinate stream including the other C8 aromatic hydrocarbons from the fourth bed.

Abstract: Hydrogen generators and processes for operating hydrogen generators using partial oxidation/steam reforming of fuel are provided that can achieve desirable Net Hydrogen Efficiencies over a range of fuels and hydrogen product production rates and purities. Superheated steam for the reformer feed is provided through indirect heat exchange with the reformate and through indirect heat exchange with a flue gas. The relative portions of superheated steam from each heat exchange is adjusted to enhance Net Hydrogen Efficiency as a demand condition such as hydrogen product production rate or purity changes, and cooler oxygen-containing gas is used to avoid precombustion temperatures in the reformer feed.

Abstract: Hydrogen generators and processes for operating hydrogen generators using partial oxidation/steam reforming of fuel are provided that can achieve desirable Net Hydrogen Efficiencies over a range of fuels and hydrogen product production rates and purities. Superheated steam for the reformer feed is provided through indirect heat exchange with the reformate and through indirect heat exchange with a flue gas. The relative portions of superheated steam from each heat exchange is adjusted to enhance Net Hydrogen Efficiency as a demand condition such as hydrogen product production rate or purity changes, and cooler oxygen-containing gas is used to avoid precombustion temperatures in the reformer feed.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes are provided for the generation of hydrogen which employ a reformer and water gas shift reactor. The apparatus and processes respond quickly to changes in hydrogen generation. The reformate in a region between the reformer and prior to exiting the water gas shift reactor is cooled by indirect heat exchange with water whereby substantially all the water is vaporized to steam, the steam is separated from liquid water and then introduced into the reformate.

Abstract: Hydrogen generators and integrated hydrogen generator/fuel cells systems are operated by determining the condition of the hydrogen generator and the condition of the fuel to the hydrogen generator for selection of predetermined flow rates for each of the externally-provided raw materials. The processes of the invention can provide rapid transitions between hydrogen production rates while enabling enhanced efficiency and stability during transient operations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a compact apparatus for generating hydrogen. More particularly, this invention relates to a compact hydrogen generating apparatus suitable for use in conjunction with a fuel cell. The compact hydrogen generating apparatus comprises a fuel processor reactor having an integrated pre-reforming zone embedded within a secondary reforming zone.

Abstract: A method is provided for maintaining low concentration of carbon monoxide in a fuel processor product hydrogen stream during transient operation with a residential fuel cell, particularly during increases in load demand (turn-up). Algorithms have been developed for controlling the air flow to a preferential oxidation reactor and for controlling the rate of direct water injection for rapid steam generation in a water gas shift reactor.

Abstract: A process and arrangement for contacting a moving bed of compact particulate material, usually catalyst, with a radial flow of fluid maintains an unconfined surface of catalyst particles in place by passing fluid axially into the upper surface of the bed and maintaining radial gas flow across an inlet screen at an elevation that is above the upper most elevation of perforations for withdrawing gas flow from the particulate bed. Two vertical screens confine the bed of catalyst. Perforations cover substantially the entire length of the inlet screen. The outlet portion of the screen has perforations that end below the top of the free surface of the catalyst bed and define an upper bed portion therebetween. The inlet screen directs gas flow radially across the inlet screen into an upper portion of the bed and causes at least partial axial flow of gas through the upper portion of the particle bed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which comprises two burner zones using a single igniter separated by a heat transfer zone for use in low-cost hydrogen generation units. When used in conjunction with a control system which limits the effluent temperature to less than about 700° C., the apparatus can be constructed of materials such as carbon steel and stainless steel rather than more exotic materials. This simplified structure and the use of less exotic materials provides an efficient, low-cost combined partial oxidation reactor for small-scale hydrogen production systems, especially for hydrogen production systems associated with fuel cell operation for the production of electricity.

Abstract: A flow cell for fiber optics spectroscopy having a radiation transparent window for the transmission of radiation uses a dual O-ring arrangement to prevent leakage of a medium undergoing evaluation around the window and a vent for indicating leakage between the O-rings. The arrangement also provides for the use of an O-ring to urge the window against a retainer that holds a lens to direct radiation into the window. Biasing of the window against the lens retainer and the use of a radial O-ring arrangement allows precise control of the separation between windows in the total path length for radiation travel across a fluid sample.