Abstract: Processes and systems that include use of a packed wet oxidation reactor for oxidizing aqueous metal bromide salts in a bromine-based process for converting lower molecular weight alkanes to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons. A stream comprising a dissolved metal bromide salt may be oxidized in a wet oxidation reactor comprising a packed section to produce at least a partially oxidized liquid stream comprising oxidized products of the metal bromide salt and a gaseous bromine stream comprising elemental bromine.

Abstract: A fracking fluid hydration unit is provided that has a plurality of hydration tank sections wherein shear is added to the hydrated fluid flow via a recirculation hydrated fluid jetting system.

Abstract: Techniques, systems and material are disclosed for thermochemical regeneration of biomass into renewable engineered fuel, storage of the renewable engineered fuel, respeciation of the renewable engineered fuel and transport. In one aspect, a method includes generating low density hydrogen fuel from biomass dissociation at a first location of a low elevation. The low density hydrogen fuel is self-transported in a pipeline to a second location at a higher elevation than the first location by traveling from the first location to the second location without adding energy of pressure. A high density hydrogen carrier is generated at the second location of higher elevation by reacting the low density hydrogen fuel with at least one of a carbon donor, a nitrogen donor and an oxygen donor harvested from industrial waste. The high density hydrogen carrier is delivered to a third location of a lower elevation than the second location while providing pressure or kinetic energy.

Abstract: A membrane-integrated hydration reactor that is operable to produce an associated alcohol product from an olefin using water includes a solid acid olefin hydration catalyst in a production zone and a hydrophilic membrane operable to selectively permit pervaporation of water one-way and not permit pervaporation of the associated alcohol or permeation of the olefin at olefin hydration process conditions in a separations zone. The production zone is operable to form a production zone product mixture made of the associated alcohol and any unreacted water. The associated separations zone is operable to form and produce both the associated alcohol product and a pervaporated water product from the production zone product mixture. A method of olefin hydration for forming an associated alcohol product from an olefin using water uses the membrane-integrated hydration reactor at olefin hydration process conditions.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation apparatus (100) includes: a reformer (10) configured to generate a hydrogen-containing gas by using a raw material and steam; a raw material passage (21) through which the raw material that is supplied to the reformer (10) flows; a hydrodesulfurizer (13) provided downstream from a most downstream valve (11) on the raw material passage (21) and configured to remove a sulfur compound from the raw material; a sealer (15) provided on a passage (24) downstream from the reformer (10) and configured to block communication between the reformer (10) and the atmosphere; and a depressurizer (16) provided on the raw material passage (21) at a portion connecting the hydrodesulfurizer (13) and the reformer (10) and configured to release, to the atmosphere, pressure in the reformer (10) that has increased after the sealer (15) is closed.

Abstract: A high pressure tubular reactor for production of nanoparticles by precipitation has unidirectional fluid flows of precursor and supercritical water directed from inner and outer coaxial inlets to an outlet via a reaction zone immediately downstream of the inlets. The inner inlet is for supercritical fluid, and the outer inlet is for a precursor.

Abstract: A hydrogen production structure includes a plurality of hollow fuel blocks having respective reaction rates for hydrogen production. Each of the hollow fuel blocks includes at least non-woven fibers and a solid-state reactant for hydrogen production, and the non-woven fibers and the solid-state reactant are bound together.

Abstract: A system for washing processed biomass and removing dissolved solids from the biomass including: a pre-hydrolysis reactor vessel having an outlet to discharge a biomass slurry, wherein the pre-hydrolysis reactor vessel is operated at conditions that promote hydrolysis of the biomass; a retention tank receiving the biomass slurry discharged through the outlet of the pre-hydrolysis reactor vessel, wherein the retention tank receives recovered wash liquid and is configured to dilute the biomass slurry in the tank with the recovered wash liquid and discharge diluted biomass slurry, and a drain device including a biomass slurry inlet receiving the discharged diluted biomass slurry from the retention tank, a solids outlet to discharge concentrated biomass slurry, and a liquid drain to discharge liquid extracted from the discharged diluted biomass slurry, wherein the liquid drain is in fluid communication with the retention tank such that the discharged liquid flows to the retention tank.

Abstract: A hydrogen-generating equipment including a hydrogen-generating device and a hydrogen-purifying device is provided. The hydrogen-generating device is capable of generating a hydrogen-gas, a water-vapor mixed in the hydrogen-gas and a toxic-gas mixed in the hydrogen-gas. The hydrogen-purifying device includes a water-vapor filter unit and a toxic-gas filter unit. The hydrogen-gas passes through the water-vapor filter unit to remove the water-vapor mixed in the hydrogen-gas. The toxic-gas filter unit includes a filtering assembly. The surface of the filtering assembly has a plurality of hydroxyls. After the hydrogen-gas passes through the water-vapor filter unit, the hydrogen-gas passes through the toxic-gas filter unit, and the toxic-gas mixed in the hydrogen-gas reacts with a plurality of hydroxyls on a surface of the filtering assembly to remove the toxic-gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates, inter alia, to a process for enriching a hydrocarbon fuel for use in an internal combustion engine, the process comprising: (i) contacting a hydrocarbon fuel with a gas stream containing hydrogen gas such that at least some of the hydrogen gas is introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched hydrocarbon fuel; and optionally (ii) delivering the enriched hydrocarbon fuel to an internal combustion engine. The present invention further provides a device for use in the process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for continuously preparing an inorganic slurry by a hydrothermal method including a precursor liquid or slurry stream containing a precursor for preparing an inorganic substance, a supercritical liquid stream containing high-temperature and high-pressure water, and a reactor into which the precursor liquid or slurry stream and the supercritical liquid stream are injected, and from which an inorganic slurry obtained as a reaction product of hydrothermal reaction between the precursor liquid or slurry stream and the supercritical liquid stream is continuously discharged, wherein an injection direction of the precursor liquid or slurry stream forms an angle of 0 to 60 degrees with respect to a discharge direction of an inorganic slurry stream (inorganic substance stream) containing the inorganic slurry in the reactor.

Abstract: The invention discloses a hydrogen generator (100A) comprising: a reformer (1) having a reforming catalyst (1a); a material gas supply device (13); an evaporator (3); a water supply device; and a controller (10) which controls the material gas supply device (13) and the water supply device to stop supplying of a material gas to the reformer (1) and supplying of water to the evaporator (3) and then controls the material gas supply device (13) to supply the material gas to the reformer (1) in a period during which residual water evaporates in at least either the evaporator (3) or the reformer (1).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for cracking a hydrocarbon feed containing resid, comprising: heating a hydrocarbon feedstock containing resid; passing said heated hydrocarbon feedstock to a vapor/liquid separator; flashing said heated hydrocarbon feedstock in said vapor/liquid separator to form a vapor phase and a liquid phase containing said resid; passing at least a portion of said resid-containing liquid phase from said vapor/liquid separator to a thermal conversion reactor operating at 649° C. or more, wherein the thermal conversion reactor contains coke particles; and converting at least a portion of said resid into olefins.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for storing hydrogen, a method for generating hydrogen, a hydrogen storing device, and a hydrogen generating device. In a disclosed method for storing hydrogen, water that is treated so as to include hydrogen ions in a state the ions can be changed into protium is prepared, and hydrogen is stored by supplying a hydrogen-containing substance or a substance that generates hydrogen, for example, Mg, into the water. Preferably, the hydrogen-containing substance is sodium borohydride (NaBH4). Preferably, the water is ionized hydrogen water treated with a metal hydride, and the metal hydride is at least one among an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, a group 13 metal, and a group 14 metal.

Abstract: A hydrogen-generating device is provided, which includes a reaction tank, a first cap, a second cap and a first guiding-pipe. The reaction tank has an accommodation space for accommodating a solid reactant. The first cap covers the accommodation space, wherein the first cap has a plurality of first open-holes. The second cap is disposed on the first cap and has a second open-hole, wherein the first cap and the second cap form a chamber therebetween. The first guiding-pipe passes through the first cap and the second cap to extend to the accommodation space, wherein the first open-holes surround the first guiding-pipe. A liquid reactant is for passing through the first guiding-pipe to arrive in the accommodation space and reacts with the solid reactant to generate a hydrogen. The hydrogen passes through the first open-holes to arrive at the chamber and then is expelled from the second open-hole.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a Fischer-Tropsch tail gas recycling system, including: a Fischer-Tropsch reactor providing a source of tail gas; a first preheater for preheating the tail gas to between about 200 and 300 degrees C.; a hydrogenator for hydrogenating the tail gas; an expansion device for reducing the pressure of the tail gas to between about 2.5 and 5 bar; a second preheater for preheating a feed gas comprising the tail gas and steam to between about 500 and 600 degrees C.; and a catalytic reformer for reforming the feed gas in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the catalytic reformer operates at about 2 bar and about 1000 degrees C., for example. Optionally, CO2 and/or natural gas are also added to the tail gas and/or steam to form the feed gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for discharging exhaust gas from a diesel engine by using hydrogen gas, which includes an ammonolysis module. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device for purifying exhaust gas of a diesel engine, wherein the device for discharging exhaust gas from a diesel engine comprises a DOC-DPF-LNT module formed in the downstream of diesel engine in a serial mode, further includes an ammonolysis module; the device for discharging exhaust gas from a diesel engine comprises a DOC-DPF-HC-SCR module formed in the downstream of diesel engine in a serial mode, further includes an ammonolysis module; and the device comprises an LNT-DPF module and an ammonolysis module.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adsorber, including a reaction chamber, an adsorbent having adsorption properties enabling the at least partial removal of water from a gas stream including NOx and/or SOx, and a coating essentially consisting of a polymer material on at least a portion of the inner metal wall of the reaction chamber, said polymer being resistant to the acidic liquids at temperatures above 150° C.

Abstract: An instrument for producing hydrogen-dissolved liquid comprises a hydrogen generating system stored in a separator, and the hydrogen generating system comprises: a hydrogen generating agent that reacts with raw water to generate hydrogen; a metal-ion sequestering agent that sequesters metal ions dissolved from the hydrogen generating agent; and a pH adjusting agent.

Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices, and methods for operating the same. In some embodiments, operation of the fuel processing system is initiated by heating at least the reforming region of the fuel processing system to at least a selected hydrogen-producing operating temperature. In some embodiments, an electric heater is utilized to perform this initial heating. In some embodiments, use of the electric heater is discontinued after startup, and a burner or other combustion-based heating assembly combusts a fuel to heat at least the hydrogen producing region, such as due to the reforming region utilizing an endothermic catalytic reaction to produce hydrogen gas.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for reducing vehicle emissions by converting exhaust gases to hydrocarbon fuel. The apparatus and process supplement conventional emission control techniques to further reduce vehicle emissions of harmful substances. The apparatus includes a heat exchanger to extract thermal energy from exhaust gases of a combustion engine that powers propulsion of a vehicle, a membrane separator to separate water and carbon dioxide from the exhaust gases, and a catalytic reactor comprising a nano catalyst. The catalytic reactor receives the water and the carbon dioxide from the membrane separator, contains a reaction of the water and the carbon dioxide that produces hydrocarbon fuel and is facilitated by the nano catalyst, and uses the thermal energy from the heat exchanger to stimulate the reaction. The catalytic reactor is contained within a body of the heat exchanger to facilitate the transfer of thermal energy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for heating a non-combustion chemical reactor with thermal energy from a geothermal heat source are described. A working fluid is directed from the geothermal heat source to the chemical reactor to transfer heat. The working fluid can be circulated in a closed system so that it does not contact material at the geothermal heat source, or in an open system that allows the working fluid to intermix with material at the geothermal heat source. When intermixing with material at the geothermal heat source, the working fluid can transport donor substances at the geothermal heat source to the chemical reactor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to apparatus and methods for converting carbon dioxide and/or methane into higher alkanes and hydrogen gas in a single reaction chamber using a catalyst and microwave radiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biological H2S removal system for the treatment of process gas, comprising: a housing that receives a process gas stream through a gas inlet, the housing comprising a plurality of layers through which the process gas stream flows while it is treated for H2S removal, and a gas outlet through which a treated gas stream exits; wherein air is added to the process gas stream prior to the process gas stream entering the housing.

Abstract: A gas hydrate production apparatus capable of reacting a raw gas with a raw water to thereby form a slurry gas hydrate and capable of removing water from the slurry gas hydrate by means of a gravitational dewatering unit. The gravitational dewatering unit is one including a cylindrical first tower body; a cylindrical dewatering part disposed on top of the first tower body; a water receiving part disposed outside the dewatering part; and a cylindrical second tower body disposed on top of the dewatering part, wherein the cross-sectional area of the second tower body is continuously or intermittently increased upward from the bottom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a synthesis gas product having one or more oxygen transport membrane elements thermally coupled to one or more catalytic reactors such that heat generated from the oxygen transport membrane element supplies endothermic heating requirements for steam methane reforming reactions occurring within the catalytic reactor through radiation and convention heat transfer. A hydrogen containing stream containing no more than 20 percent methane is combusted within the oxygen transport membrane element to produce the heat and a heated combustion product stream. The heated combustion product stream is combined with a reactant stream to form a combined stream that is subjected to the reforming within the catalytic reactor. The apparatus may include modules in which tubular membrane elements surround a central reactor tube.

Abstract: Cassette based systems and methods of hydrogen storage, distribution, and recovery are disclosed. A cassette or other container may contain a hydrogen storage or storing material. Information may be stored in the material and subsequently read or accessed. A probe may be used to interrogate the material. The hydrogen content or other characteristics of the material may be determined based on the interrogation. A hydrogen dispensing unit may contain a depleted cassette acceptor to accept depleted cassettes and a charged cassette dispenser to dispense charged cassettes. The dispensing unit may be implemented in a hydrogen retail store or as a standalone unit. The retail store or the unit may connect to a hydrogen network and implement various business methods, as disclosed herein.

Abstract: A hydrogen production apparatus includes a preferential oxidation unit that preferentially oxidizes carbon monoxide in a reformed gas containing hydrogen, a vaporization flow path that passes water to generate steam, and a gas flow path through which the reformed gas passes. The gas flow path is arranged between the preferential oxidation unit and the vaporization flow path. The reformed gas passes through the gas flow path and thereafter flows into the preferential oxidation unit.

Abstract: A hydrogen generating system and a method of in situ hydrogen generation controlled on demand capable of reacting an aluminum-free metal reagent composed of at least one of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, alkali metal alloys and blends including alkali metals, alkaline earth metal alloys and blends including alkaline earth metals and metal alloys including at least one alkali metal and at least one alkaline earth metal, with water to obtain hydrogen and a residual reaction product including metal hydroxide composed of at least one of alkali hydroxides and alkaline earth hydroxide; and separating hydrogen from the residual reaction product; liquefying the metal reagent by heating to obtain liquid metal reagent under vacuum conditions; injecting the liquid metal reagent into a reactor by metal reagent injecting means and simultaneously injecting, by water injection system, a stoichiometric amount of water with respect to the amount of the liquid metal reagent being injected into the reactor such that a co

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrogen generator that prevents the reformate water from bypassing the evaporator in a hydrogen generator, and the occurrence of sudden temperature changes within an evaporation flow path. The hydrogen generator comprises: an evaporator that produces a mixed gas by mixing a raw material gas containing methane with water vapor; a reformer that changes the mixed gas into a hydrogen-containing gas through a steam reforming reaction; and a combustor that supplies heat to the evaporator and the reformer. The evaporator comprises: an inner cylinder; an outer cylinder enclosing the inner cylinder; and a middle cylinder that is inserted between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, and that defines a helical flow path between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, through which water supplied from the outside flows.

Abstract: A hydrogen production apparatus includes a burner, a combustion tube provided so as to surround flame of the burner a reforming unit provided as to surround the tube, an exhaust gas flow path provided so as to pass through between the tube and the unit, fold back at the other side of the unit, and extend through outside of the unit on a predetermined side, a low temperature shift unit provided on one of inside and outside of an extending portion of the flow path that extends on the predetermined side so as to extend along the extending portion, and a preferential oxidation unit provided on the other of the inside and the outside of the extending portion so as to extend along the extending portion.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and systems for carrying out a pH-influenced chemical and/or biological reaction. In some embodiments, the pH-influenced reaction involves the conversion of CO2 to a dissolved species.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and associated method for the production of gypsum in manufacturing plant. More specifically, the invention relates to the production of alpha-type gypsum in a gypsum board manufacturing plant. The system yields increased efficiencies by capturing heat given off during processing steps and using that heat to reduce the energy needed for calcination. The invention finds particular application in the production alpha-type gypsum. The present invention is described in greater detail hereinafter in conjunction with the following specific embodiments.

Abstract: Processes and reactors for the preparation of an alkylene glycol from an alkylene oxide are provided. In one embodiment, a reactor is provided comprising a carboxylation zone, a hydrolysis zone, and a channel whereby carbon dioxide can be supplied from the hydrolysis zone to the carboxylation zone, wherein the carboxylation zone and the hydrolysis zone are contained within one reactor vessel and wherein the carboxylation zone is separated from the hydrolysis zone by an internal baffle.

Abstract: An atmospheric pressure plasma jet device for converting carbon dioxide into organic products by using an atmospheric pressure plasma technique, comprising: an inner electrode made of a conductive metal, and having an insulating layer covering a portion of the inner electrode; a first conductive metal wall surrounding the inner electrode with a predetermined distance apart, such that a cavity is formed between the inner electrode and the first conductive metal wall, and a through hole is formed on a side of the first conductive metal wall, such that a reactant can flow into the cavity; and a diffusing unit including an insulating component and a conductive metal component. Wherein the insulating component is disposed on a side of the insulating layer, and covers another portion of the inner electrode. The conductive metal component further covers the insulating component.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an independent support of outlet system in a steam reformer furnace. The thermal expansion of the firebox and/or header box that occurs during operation of a reformer is decoupled from the manifold. The manifold is supported independently on a separate saddle support that supports and allows the manifold to move, while the manifold is still substantially enclosed in the header box. The header box is allowed to expand thermally into different configurations without forcing a substantial change in the manifold configuration. Further, the present invention allows the transfer lines coupled to the manifold through connection tees to laterally move the manifold and reduce lateral stress on the manifold. Thus, the invention provides for independent support of the manifold that allows vertical, lateral, and longitudinal thermal expansion of associated components without overstressing the manifold and causing failures.

Abstract: A steam reformer may comprise fluid inlet and outlet connections and have a substantially cylindrical geometry divided into reforming segments and reforming compartments extending longitudinally within the reformer, each being in fluid communication. With the fluid inlets and outlets. Further, methods for generating hydrogen may comprise steam reformation and material adsorption in one operation followed by regeneration of adsorbers in another operation. Cathode off-gas from a fuel cell may be used to regenerate and sweep the adsorbers, and the operations may cycle among a plurality of adsorption enhanced reformers to provide a continuous flow of hydrogen.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for continuously producing and dehydrating gas hydrates. The apparatus includes a gas source, a water source, a reactor, a spinning wheel, and a centrifugal separator. The gas source and the water source are connected to the reactor. Gas and water are respectively supplied from the gas source and the water source into the reactor and react with each other in the reactor to form gas hydrate slurry. The spinning wheel and the centrifugal separator are provided in the reactor. The spinning wheel supplies the formed gas hydrate slurry to the centrifugal separator. The centrifugal separator dehydrates the gas hydrate slurry. Water removed from the gas hydrate slurry by the dehydration of the centrifugal separator is re-supplied into the reactor.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a system for hydrating an alkylene oxide that includes a high shear device configured to form a dispersion of an alkylene oxide and water, the high shear device comprising a rotor, a stator, and a catalytic surface, wherein the dispersion comprises gas bubbles with an average gas bubble diameter of less than about 5 ?m; a pump configured for delivering a liquid stream to the high shear device; and a reactor coupled to the high shear device, and configured to receive the dispersion from the high shear device, wherein the alkylene oxide is hydrated in the reactor.

Abstract: A device for evaporating a predeterminable volume of fluid provides for successive addition of partial volumes of the predeterminable volume to a supply line at different adding rates, at least partially evaporating the partial volumes forming a vapor film between them and a supply line wall, conveying the partial volumes through the supply line to an evaporator surface, and applying the partial volumes to an evaporator surface region varying as a function of mass and/or volume adding rate of the partial volume, permitting effective evaporation of fluid, particularly urea/water solution. Utilization of the highest possible proportion of evaporator surfaces is achieved by mass and/or volume addition rate-dependent distribution of impingement surfaces on the evaporator surface. This heating strategy in the supply line region ensures the Leidenfrost effect when individual partial volumes are added.

Abstract: A mixture of urea, water and ammonium carbamate is formulated for use in the catalytic reduction of oxides of nitrogen in diesel exhaust. The mixtures may be formulated to optimize the amount of reductant in the mixture and the freezing point of the formulation. These formulations are especially useful in combination with Selective Catalytic Reduction systems and are well suited for use on heavy-duty trucks and heavy duty equipment used off-road. Some of these formations include between about 15.0 wt. % to about 40.0 wt. % urea; between about 15.0 wt. % to about 40.0 wt. % ammonium carbamate; and between about 40.0 wt. % to about 60.0 wt. % water. The formulation may be monitored for ammonia content and/or freezing point and the composition of the formulation may be adjusted to optimize the freezing point and ammonia content.

Abstract: A solar thermochemical processing system is disclosed. The system includes a first unit operation for receiving concentrated solar energy. Heat from the solar energy is used to drive the first unit operation. The first unit operation also receives a first set of reactants and produces a first set of products. A second unit operation receives the first set of products from the first unit operation and produces a second set of products. A third unit operation receives heat from the second unit operation to produce a portion of the first set of reactants.

Abstract: A material with cationic exchanger properties is introduced into aqueous media, where the equilibriums of carbon dioxide dissolution take place. A cationic exchanger material x/nM+nEx? is used to capture hydronium cations (H3O+) according to: x/nM+nEx?(s)+xH3O+(aq)=xH3O+Ex?(s)+x/nM+n(aq) where “x” stands for molar amount of the anionic centers of charge of the cationic exchanger material Ex? balanced by x/n molar amount of metal M, “n” stands for the metal valence, and M is selected from the group consisting of 1A and/or 2A of the periodic table of elements. This capture of the hydronium cations, H3O+, shifts certain reaction equilibriums to the right, according to Le Chatelier's principle, producing more bicarbonate, HCO3?, and/or carbonate, CO3=, than would otherwise be obtained.

Abstract: Reactors for carrying out a chemical reaction, as well as related components, systems and methods are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a reactor is provided that includes a furnace and a crucible positioned for heating by the furnace. The crucible may contain a molten salt bath. A downtube is disposed at least partially within the interior crucible along an axis. The downtube includes a conduit having a first end in communication with a carbon source and an outlet at a second end of the conduit for introducing the carbon material into the crucible. At least one opening is formed in the conduit between the first end and the second end to enable circulation of reaction components contained within the crucible through the conduit. An oxidizing material may be introduced through a bottom portion of the crucible in the form of gas bubbles to react with the other materials.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen separation material resistant to thermal shock, excellent in hydrogen separation characteristic and applicable to a hydrogen separation membrane, etc. and a manufacturing method thereof, as well as a hydrogen separation module and a hydrogen production apparatus comprising the same. In the hydrogen separation material, a silica glass membrane is formed on a porous support having a linear expansion coefficient of 2×10?6/K or less. The manufacturing method for the hydrogen separation material includes a porous support forming step of forming a porous support comprising porous silica glass and a silica glass membrane forming step of forming a silica glass membrane on the surface of the porous silica glass. The hydrogen separation module comprises the hydrogen separation material and a steam reforming catalyst. The hydrogen production apparatus comprises the hydrogen separation module.

Abstract: Reactors for carrying out a chemical reaction, as well as related components, systems and methods are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a reactor is provided that includes a furnace and a crucible positioned for heating by the furnace. A downtube is disposed at least partially within the interior crucible along an axis. At least one structure is coupled with the downtube and extends substantially across the cross-sectional area of the interior volume taken in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis. A plurality of holes is formed in the structure enabling fluid flow therethrough. The structure coupled with the downtube may include a lower body portion and an upper body portion coupled with the lower body portion, wherein the plurality of holes is formed in the lower body portion adjacent to, and radially outward from, a periphery of the upper body portion.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a high-density zeolite membrane structure is described. The method includes the step of combining (i) a mineral zeolite material; (ii) at least one cement precursor; and (iii) an organic binder, with an aqueous component, to form an aqueous composite zeolite composition. The zeolite composition is then applied on a surface of a scaffold formed from a porous, metal oxide material. The zeolite composition is dried, and then heated under conditions to form a metal oxide-zeolite composite layer. This layer is exposed to a phosphate composition, under conditions sufficient to reduce the porosity to a level no greater than about 10%. A high-density zeolite cement composite membrane structure results. Related methods for separating hydrogen from a fluid stream, using the membrane structure, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing hydrogen, with reduced carbon dioxide emissions, from a hydrocarbon mixture. In said method, the hydrocarbon mixture is reformed so as to produce a synthetic gas that is cooled, then treated in a shift reactor so as to be enriched with H2 and CO2. Optionally dried, said mixture is treated in a PSA hydrogen purification unit in order to produce hydrogen. The residue is treated by means of partial condensation with a view to capturing CO4 before said residue is sent as fuel to reforming.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing heat used in a synthesis gas production process is provided. The disclosed method and apparatus include a plurality of tubular oxygen transport membrane elements adapted to separate oxygen from an oxygen containing stream contacting the retentate side of the membrane elements. The permeated oxygen is combusted with a hydrogen containing synthesis gas stream contacting the permeate side of the tubular oxygen transport membrane elements thereby generating a reaction product stream and radiant heat. The present method and apparatus also includes at least one catalytic reactor containing a catalyst to promote the steam reforming reaction wherein the catalytic reactor is surrounded by the plurality of tubular oxygen transport membrane elements. The view factor between the catalytic reactor and the plurality of tubular oxygen transport membrane elements radiating heat to the catalytic reactor is greater than or equal to 0.5.

Abstract: A method of reducing volatile organic compounds produced during a fermentation process includes (a) producing a volatile organic compound during a fermentation process, (b) generating ClO2 gas, (c) dissolving the ClO2 gas to form a ClO2 solution, and (d) introducing an aqueous ClO2 solution into said volatile organic compound wherein introducing said ClO2 solution reduces concentration of said volatile organic compounds. Another method includes (a) producing a volatile organic compound during a fermentation process, and (b) introducing ClO2 having an efficiency as ClO2 of at least about 90% into the volatile organic compound wherein introducing said ClO2 solution reduces concentration of said volatile organic compounds. An apparatus for treating volatile organic compounds produced during a fermentation process comprises a ClO2 generator fluidly connected to a batch tank, fluidly connected to a volatile organic compound producing fermentation vessel.