Abstract: A joint to connect a tubular ceramic element to a tubesheet. The joint has an internal seal housing to retain the tubular ceramic element and an external seal housing connected to the tubesheet to retain the internal seal housing. A ceramic-to-metal seal is located within the internal seal housing and a metal-to-metal seal is located between the internal seal housing and an external seal housing. The external seal housing is connected to the tubesheet. The internal seal housing is assembled in sections to allow assembly of the ceramic-to-metal seal to be assembled and tested prior to joining the tubular ceramic element to the tubesheet. After perfection of such seal, the internal seal housing and tubular ceramic element is inserted into the external seal housing and sealed within the external seal housing by the metal-to-metal seal.

Abstract: A reaction vessel for the production of synthesis gas that contains four subassemblies: (1) a first heat exchanger that transfers heat between two low pressure streams (an oxygen containing stream and an oxygen depleted stream); (2) a second heat exchanger that transfers heat between two high pressure fluid streams (a hydrocarbon-containing reactant stream and a synthesis gas product stream); (3) mixed conductor ceramic membranes; and (4) a catalyst bed. Each of these subassemblies are configured so that they freely expand or contract independently from each other, and to thus avoid inducing high mechanical loads and damaging material stresses.

Abstract: A joint assembly for joining a ceramic membrane of tubular form to a tube sheet used in supporting the ceramic membrane within a reactor. The ceramic membrane is received within a fixture connected to the tube sheet and a follower, extending into the fixture, exerts a force on a high temperature sealing element located between the fixture and the ceramic membrane to effect a seal and to hold the ceramic membrane in place. The force can be exerted directly on the sealing element or on the ceramic membrane itself.

Abstract: An exothermic reaction and an endothermic reaction are thermally combined in a reactor having at least one oxygen selective ion transport membrane that provides the exothermic reaction with oxygen from an oxygen-containing gas such as air. The thermal requirements of the endothermic reaction are satisfied by the exothermic reaction. Dependent on the reactor design employed, the exothermic and endothermic reactions may be gaseously combined.

Abstract: A joint assembly for joining a ceramic membrane of tubular form to a tube sheet used in supporting the ceramic membrane within a reactor. The ceramic membrane is received within a fixture connected to the tube sheet and a follower, extending into the fixture, exerts a force on a high temperature sealing element located between the fixture and the ceramic membrane to effect a seal and to hold the ceramic membrane in place. The force can be exerted directly on the sealing element or on the ceramic membrane itself.

Abstract: A reactor comprising: a hollow shell defining a hermetic enclosure; a plurality of tube sheets disposed within said hermetic enclosure, a first one of said plurality of tube sheets defining a first chamber; at least one reaction tube each having a first end and an opposing second end, said first end being fixedly attached and substantially hermetically sealed to one end of said plurality of tube sheets and opening into said first chamber, the second end being axially unrestrained; each of said reaction tubes is comprised of an oxygen selective ion transport membrane with an anode side wherein said oxygen selective ion transport membrane is formed from a mixed conductor metal oxide that is effective for the transport of elemental oxygen at elevated temperatures and at least a portion of said first and second heat transfer sections are formed of metal; each of said reaction tubes includes first and second heat transfer sections and a reaction section, said reaction section disposed between said first and second

Abstract: An ion transport reactor and process for using same having at least one ion transport membrane with a retentate side and a permeate side, for extracting oxygen from a feed gas stream as it flows along the retentate side. A reactant gas stream is flowed along the permeate side of the ion transport tubes to react with the oxygen transported therethrough. Heat is transferred to a fluid stream flowing through the ion transport reactor while the temperature of the membrane is maintained within its operating range.

Abstract: A vessel for use in a pressure swing adsorption gas separation process includes an enclosing wall which defines an enclosed space having a top region and a bottom region. An annular adsorbent bed is positioned within the enclosed space and has a porous outer wall, a porous inner wall and adsorbent material positioned between the walls. The porous outer wall is separated from the enclosing wall to create a gas feed channel therebetween, and the porous inner wall surrounds an inner tank whose wall surface is separated from the porous inner wall and creates a product flow channel therebetween. A gas feed/distribution baffle structure is positioned in the bottom region of the vessel and in fluid communication with the gas feed channel to provide a gas feed thereto. The gas feed enters the gas feed channel and the adsorbent bed via the porous outer wall and in a direction generally radially towards the inner porous wall and product flow channel.