Abstract: A thermochemical regenerator system is operated without encountering accumulation of unwanted solids on the interior surfaces of the passages through which flue gas passes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of producing hydrogen, including selectively applying heat to a fuel within a canister thermally insulated and inside a cartridge, firing fuel with heating elements to facilitate decomposition and release hydrogen, and, removing said hydrogen from said cartridge via a fluid communication means.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of producing hydrogen, including selectively applying heat to a fuel within a canister thermally insulated and inside a cartridge, firing fuel to facilitate decomposition and release hydrogen, and, removing said hydrogen from said cartridge via a fluid communication means.

Abstract: Methods, systems and units for liquefaction of combustible material are provided. After separating the combustible material from waste rock gravitationally in an aqueous salt solution selected to have a density which is intermediate between a density of the combustible material and a density of the waste rock and after heating and grinding the separated combustible material to yield a paste of purified combustible material, the paste is fluidizing and hydrogenated underground in a hydrogenation chamber including a Segner turbine. The described processes significantly reduce the energy consumption of the process, remove environmental hazards and result in more efficient liquefaction with respect to existing technologies.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention includes a reactor apparatus for pyrolyzing a hydrocarbon feedstock, said apparatus including: a reactor component comprising a refractory material in oxide form, the refractory material having a melting point of no less than 2060° C. and which remains in oxide form when exposed to a gas having carbon partial pressure of 10?22 bar and oxygen partial pressure of 10?10 bar, at a temperature of 1200° C.; wherein said refractory material has no less than 4 vol % formed porosity, measured at 20° C., based upon the bulk volume of said refractory material. In another embodiment, the refractory material has total porosity in the range of from 4 to 60 vol %.

Abstract: A counter current heat exchanger amenable to fabrication from monolithic materials and particularly useful in corrosive and high temperature environments is described. The heat exchanger uses multiple series of holes bored axially through a monolithic material. Axial holes are bored in adjacent flow paths arranged in closely spaced concentric rings. In operation, counter current flow and heat transfer occurs between multiple adjacent axial flow paths. The heat exchanger design is scaleable over a wide range and particularly useful in reactors for the hydrogenation of halosilanes also using cylindrical heating elements. The design enables a small overall reactor size for a given capacity.

Abstract: A system for rejecting heat from equipment using endothermic isomerization. includes a heat exchanger configured to receive an elevated-temperature process fluid and an isomerization compound capable of endothermic isomerization. When the system is in operation, heat from the elevated temperature process fluid is transferred to the isomerization compound and the isomerization compound endothermically isomerizes to a higher energy state form. A vehicle includes an engine and a body. The body houses a catalytic heat exchanger having an output in fluid communication with the engine, a pump for urging an isomerization compound into the heat exchanger, and a heat sink controller for controlling the pump. A method for rejecting heat from equipment using endothermic isomerization includes providing a compound capable of endothermic isomerization and transferring heat from a process fluid to the compound, such that the compound endothermically isomerizes to a higher energy level isomer.

Abstract: An integrated drying gasification system comprises a gasifier for gasifying carbonaceous fuel to produce hot product gas and an entrained flow dryer which receives the hot product gas to dry the carbonaceous fuel prior to gasification. At least one inlet to the gasifier communicates one or more additional gases from the system, such as recycled syngas, steam and/or recycled carbon dioxide, to the gasifier to generate an increased hot product gas mass flow rate from the gasifier. The system may comprise a plurality of lock hopper systems coupled to the entrained flow dryer. At least one intermediate storage vessel may be provided in one or more feed legs to the gasifier maintain a constant supply of carbonaceous fuel to the gasifier for a temporary period independently of carbonaceous fuel supplied to the entrained flow dryer.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention includes a refractory material, said material comprising: (i) at least 20 wt. % of a first grain mode stabilized zirconia based upon the total weight of said material, said first grain mode having a D50 grain size in the range of from 5 to 2000 ?m, said stabilized zirconia including a matrix oxide stabilizer; (ii) at least 1 wt. % of a second grain mode having a D50 grain size in the range of from 0.01 ?m up to not greater than one-fourth the D50 grain size of said first grain mode zirconia, based upon the total weight of said material; and (iii) at least 1 wt. % of a preservative component within at least one of said first grain mode stabilized zirconia, said second grain mode stabilized zirconia, and an optional another grain mode; wherein after sintering, said material has porosity at 20° C. in the range of from 5 to 45 vol %.

Abstract: Improved biomass-gasification methods and apparatus are described, for cooling hot syngas without relying on recycling cool syngas. In some variations, methods are provided for producing cooled syngas from a carbon-containing feedstock, comprising: gasifying the feedstock; feeding hot gas along with liquid water to a cooling device to accomplish humidification, thereby reducing the temperature (but not the enthalpy) of the hot gas; and then feeding the stream to a waste-heat recovery unit to recover energy and produce cool syngas. The invented methods and apparatus can prevent fouling of waste-heat recovery units. Additionally, these methods allow for effective management of tars produced during biomass gasification as well as improved water management.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a heat transfer structure configured to be disposed at least partially within an enclosure of a fixed bed reactor and operable to transfer heat from a heat source to a heat sink. The heat transfer structure includes a plurality of fins each fin including a first end and a second end, the first end contacting an inner surface of the enclosure of the fixed bed reactor, the second end at least partially enclosed within the enclosure of the fixed bed reactor. A path of at least one of the plurality of fins comprises the shortest possible length between the first end of the at least one of the plurality of fins and the second end of the at least one of the plurality of fins.

Abstract: A heat exchanging system is provided. The heat exchanging system includes multiple plates wound spirally around a reaction chamber. The multiple plates also form multiple channels that operate as a counter flow recuperator terminating within the reaction chamber.

Abstract: a reactor core for use in a chemical reactor includes first and second reactor core sections. Each core section includes heat transfer fluid conduits extending through the core section in a first direction, the lengths of the conduits defining a core section width. Each core section further includes spaced apart parallel plates arranged into a plate stack, with the conduits extending through the stack. Surfaces of the plates have a catalyst coating applied to them. The plates are rectangular and define a core section depth and a core section length, the core section depth being substantially smaller than both the core section width and length. Channels are defined by the spaces between adjacent plates, and are open to flow through the reactor core section in both the core section depth and length directions. The first core section is adjacent to the second core section in the depth direction.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems reside in the decomposition of ammonia into a hydrogen-containing product mixture. An ammonia-rich gaseous mixture containing ammonia and oxygen enters a conduit, within which combustion and decomposition of the mixture is initiated, thereby liberating hydrogen. A mixture of products, resulting from the reactions, is expelled from the outlet of the conduit, the mixture including non-combusted hydrogen gas, which may then be used for other purposes. The incoming reactants, including ammonia and oxygen, are heat exchanged with the outgoing product mixture containing non-combusted hydrogen gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for cracking a hydrocarbon-containing feed in a cracking furnace. A plurality of heat exchangers are arranged in the convection zone of the cracking furnace to utilize the heat of flue gas formed in the radiation zone by combustion. Depending on the type and state of matter of the hydrocarbon-containing feed, flow occurs through the heat exchangers to achieve, independently of the type and state of matter of the hydrocarbon-containing feed, an exit temperature of the flue gas in the range from 80° C. to 150° C.

Abstract: Regenerator and process for regenerative thermal oxidation of offgases comprising halooganosilocon compounds in which offgases are heated in the regenerator, fed to an oxidation zone present in the regenerator to oxidize the haloorganosilicon compounds to SiO2 and hydrogen halides which form a flue gas which is then cooled in the generator to a temperature below its acid dew point and is discharged.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed that overcome the deficiencies of traditional steam engines and internal combustion engines. In an embodiment, a system is disclosed for generating reaction products having elevated temperature and pressure. The system comprises a first chamber including a reactor to decompose hydrogen peroxide to generate oxygen and water vapor. The system further comprises a second chamber including a reactor to catalytically combust a mixture of the generated oxygen and a fuel to generate reaction products having elevated temperature and pressure. The system further comprises a passageway to receive reaction products exiting the second chamber and to channel the reaction products to come into contact with external surfaces of the first and second chambers to thereby transfer heat to the first and second chambers, and an outlet to allow the reaction products to exit the system.

Abstract: A system to control the emissions of a fluid stream in a cyclical fashion utilizing an up-flow cycle and a down-flow cycle. The system may include a first inlet and a first outlet at a first end of the system and a second inlet and a second outlet at a second end of the system, a catalyst zone between the first end and second end, two heat transfer zones, at least one heat transfer zone positioned between the catalyst zone and the first end of the system and between the catalyst zone and the second end of the system, and two heating zones, at least one heating zone positioned between the catalyst zone and each of the at least one heat transfer zones. The symmetrical arrangement permits a bi-directional fluid cycle to recover a portion of the energy supplied to the system during each cycle.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator (100a) includes: a heater (1) which combusts a mixture gas of combustion fuel and combustion air to generate a combustion gas; a preheat evaporator (6) which heats a raw material and water by the combustion gas generated by the heater to generate a mixture gas of the raw material and the water; a reformer (2) which generates a hydrogen-containing gas by causing the mixture gas generated by the preheat evaporator to pass through a reforming catalyst (2a) heated by the combustion gas; and a shift converter (3) which incorporates a shift catalyst (3a) which reduces, by a shift reaction, carbon monoxide contained in the hydrogen-containing gas generated by the reformer, and further includes a water trapping portion (7) which traps liquid water discharged from the preheat evaporator, and the hydrogen generator (100a) is configured to carry out heat exchange between the hydrogen-containing gas supplied from the reformer to the shift converter and the water in the water trapping portion.

Abstract: A system to control the emissions of a fluid stream in a cyclical fashion utilizing an up-flow cycle and a down-flow cycle. The system may include a first inlet and a first outlet at a first end of the system and a second inlet and a second outlet at a second end of the system, a catalyst zone between the first end and second end, two heat transfer zones, at least one heat transfer zone positioned between the catalyst zone and the first end of the system and between the catalyst zone and the second end of the system, and two heating zones, at least one heating zone positioned between the catalyst zone and each of the at least one heat transfer zones. The symmetrical arrangement permits a bi-directional fluid cycle to recover a portion of the energy supplied to the system during each cycle.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention includes an apparatus for pyrolyzing a hydrocarbon feedstock in a regenerative pyrolysis reactor system, the apparatus comprising a regenerative pyrolysis reactor comprising a stabilized refractory grade zirconia in a reactive region of the reactor system. In another aspect, this invention includes a method for pyrolyzing a hydrocarbon feedstock using a reverse flow regenerative pyrolysis reactor comprising the steps of providing a reverse flow regenerative pyrolysis reactor including a stabilized refractory grade zirconia in a heated reaction zone of the reactor; and pyrolyzing a hydrocarbon feedstock within the reactive region.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention includes a reactor apparatus for pyrolyzing a hydrocarbon feedstock, said apparatus including: a reactor component comprising a refractory material in oxide form, the refractory material having a melting point of no less than 2060° C. and which remains in oxide form when exposed to a gas having carbon partial pressure of 10?22 bar and oxygen partial pressure of 10?10 bar, at a temperature of 1200° C.; wherein said refractory material has no less than 4 vol % formed porosity, measured at 20° C., based upon the bulk volume of said refractory material. In another embodiment, the refractory material has total porosity in the range of from 4 to 60 vol %.

Abstract: A process for obtaining a synthesis gas (GS) at a predetermined high pressure corresponding to the ammonia synthesis pressure, in which there are hydrogen and nitrogen in a 3/1 molar ratio, comprising the steps of feeding a continuous flow of natural gas to a primary reforming step (RP) with steam and to a subsequent secondary reforming step (RS) with excess air obtaining a gaseous flow (GF) comprises hydrogen, excess nitrogen with respect to said molar ratio, undesired substances such as impurities and inerts and subjects said gaseous flow to a purification step comprising cryogenic rectification in a separator unit (S) obtaining a continuous flow of synthesis gas (GS) comprising hydrogen and nitrogen in a 3/1 molar ratio, and to a subsequent compression step up to a pressure value required for ammonia synthesis.

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: In one aspect, the invention includes a reactor apparatus for pyrolyzing a hydrocarbon feedstock, the apparatus including: a reactor component comprising a refractory material in oxide form, the refractory material having a melting point of at least 2060° C. and which remains in oxide form when exposed to a gas having carbon partial pressure of 10?22 bar, an oxygen partial pressure of 10?10 bar, at a temperature of 1200° C. In some embodiments, the reactor comprises a regenerative pyrolysis reactor apparatus and in other embodiments it includes a reverse flow regenerative reactor apparatus. In other aspects, this invention includes a method for pyrolyzing a hydrocarbon feedstock using a pyrolysis reactor system comprising the step of providing in a heated region of a pyrolysis reactor system for pyrolyzing a hydrocarbon feedstock, apparatus comprising a refractory material in oxide form, the refractory material having a melting point of at least 2060° C.

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 multi-chambered pumping system is provided comprising an input cylinder configured to pump a source substance into a vessel and an effluent cylinder configured to receive an effluent from the vessel. The cylinders regulate the pressure of the source substance input into the vessel and recover the pressure of an effluent output from the vessel to pump additional quantities of source substance into the vessel. In each cylinder, a piston creates a boundary between two sections: a fluid section configured to receive working fluid and an effluent or input process section to receive the same. The fluid sections of the cylinders are in fluid communication. A guide rod is attached to each piston and may be operably sized to compensate for a pressure difference between a pressure at which the source substance is pumped into a vessel and the pressure at which an effluent is output from the vessel.

Abstract: Thermochemical processing systems for the production of chemicals using solar (110) or other radiant energy as the heat source for chemical reactions and separations. Radiant energy receivers (310) operating in conjunction with concentrator systems (300), heat exchangers, chemical reactors and chemical separators. Systems and applications include the concentration of radiant energy in support of a moderate- and/or high-temperature, endothermic chemical reaction followed by downstream reactions and separations so that a chemical fuel is produced. Efforts are made to match concentrator types with need; for example, parabolic trough concentrators may be used to produce steam at low- to moderate-temperatures and parabolic dish concentrators may be used to drive moderate- to high-temperature chemical reactions such as methane reforming, and hybrid concentrators (400) may be used to concentrate radiant energy from multiple energy sources.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for obtaining fuels from vegetable and/or animal fat waste which contain, in addition to fat and/or oils, free fatty acids. The free fatty acids contained in the fat waste are reacted at reaction temperatures of above 220° C. with at least one polyvalent alcohol in the absence of enzymatic and solid neutral catalysts so as to produce the esterification of the free fatty acids.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a reaction chamber 2 into which silicon tetrachloride and hydrogen is introduced for producing a reaction product gas containing trichlorosilane and hydrogen chloride by a reductive reaction at a temperature of not lower than 800° C.; a reaction product gas discharging device 4 that discharges the reaction product gas in the reaction chamber 2 to the outside; a cooling gas introducing device 5 that mixes hydrogen, silicon tetrachloride, or hydrogen chloride in the reaction product gas being discharged by the reaction product gas discharging device 4 to cool the reaction product gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and to an apparatus for preparing hydrogen sulfide H2S by converting a reactant mixture which comprises gaseous sulfur and hydrogen over a solid catalyst. The reactant mixture is converted at a pressure of from 0.5 to 10 bar absolute, a temperature of from 300 to 450° C. and a sulfur excess in a reactor (1). The sulfur excess corresponds to a ratio of excess sulfur to H2S prepared of from 0.2 to 3 kg of sulfur per kg of H2S prepared.

Abstract: A process for producing a synthesis gas containing hydrogen and nitrogen, suitable for production of ammonia, wherein a raw synthesis gas (13) obtained by reforming of a natural gas feedstock is purified in a cryogenic separator (CS), and a portion of purified gas (16) is expanded and used as a cooling medium in the same separator, said expanded portion (16) being then re-introduced in the main stream of purified synthesis gas. A suitable apparatus and revamping of conventional plants according to the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator (100a) includes: a heater (1) which combusts a mixture gas of combustion fuel and combustion air to generate a combustion gas; a preheat evaporator (6) which heats a raw material and water by the combustion gas generated by the heater to generate a mixture gas of the raw material and the water; a reformer (2) which generates a hydrogen-containing gas by causing the mixture gas generated by the preheat evaporator to pass through a reforming catalyst (2a) heated by the combustion gas; and a shift converter (3) which incorporates a shift catalyst (3a) which reduces, by a shift reaction, carbon monoxide contained in the hydrogen-containing gas generated by the reformer, and further includes a water trapping portion (7) which traps liquid water discharged from the preheat evaporator, and the hydrogen generator (100a) is configured to carry out heat exchange between the hydrogen-containing gas supplied from the reformer to the shift converter and the water in the water trapping portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for using reaction heat produced by reaction during the production of 1,2-dichloroethane from ethylene and chlorine in a direct chlorination reactor. The chlorine is produced in a sodium chloride electrolysis and the reaction heat, during the formation of 1,2-dichloroethane is used at least partially for the evaporation of NaOH, which is produced during NaCl-electrolysis for producing the required chlorine for direct chlorination, as a coupling product. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method, comprising a multi-tube heat exchanger comprising two fixed tubular plates and a NaOH-liquid phase part, and the caustic soda passes through the inside of the tube and 1,2-dichloroethane passes the outside of the tube. The heat exchanger also comprises devices for feeding and distributing the caustic soda in the inside of the tube.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing trichlorosilane comprising: producing reaction product gas containing trichlorosilane and hydrogen chloride by initiating a reaction of silicon tetrachloride and hydrogen at 900° C. to 1900° C.; preventing a reverse reaction to silicon tetrachloride and by-production of a polymer by cooling the reaction product gas discharged from the reaction chamber to 300° C. to 800° C., thereby optimizing the cooling rate of the reaction gas; preheating at least one of the silicon tetrachloride and the hydrogen introduced into the reaction chamber 2 by exchanging heat with the thus cooled reaction product gas.

Abstract: Methods and devices for generating gas from nitrous oxide are provided as well as downstream uses for the product gas. Reactor devices of the invention are compact and incorporate a novel heat-exchange/regenerative cooling system to optimize N2O decomposition and reactor durability.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing ammonia. The system can include a first shell having two or more discrete catalyst beds disposed therein, a second shell disposed about the first shell, a first heat exchanger disposed external to the first shell and in fluid communication therewith, a second heat exchanger disposed external to the second shell and in fluid communication therewith, and a flow path disposed within the first shell. A first portion can be reacted in the presence of the catalyst to provide an ammonia effluent. The heat of reaction from the ammonia effluent can be exchanged within the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. The heated second portion of the feed gas can be introduced to the first shell and can be reacted in the presence of the catalyst.

Abstract: Passively aligned modular microfluidic devices, and a method for fabricating such passively aligned polymeric modular microfluidic devices have been reported. The modular units fabricated are plurality of integrated microdevices. Also reported are microfluidic devices wherein isolated temperature zones exist so that the temperature within each zone may be distinctly and accurately controlled, and a method for fabricating such microfluidic devices wherein there are isolated temperature zones so that the temperature within each zone may be distinctly and accurately controlled. Such devices allow one to define constant temperature zones along a microfluidic channel where different reactions or stages of reactions occur.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement in the process of producing energy from fuel cells. A cyclic reforming process, referred to as temperature swing reforming, provides an efficient means for producing a hydrogen containing synthesis gas for use in solid oxide fuel cell applications. In one embodiment, at least some synthesis gas which is first produced in the temperature swing reforming process is combusted with air to provide the heat for the regeneration step of the temperature swing reforming process. The syngas produced in TSR is particularly well suited for use in solid oxide fuel cell applications.

Abstract: Synthesis gas is produced though a cyclic method where the first step of the cycle includes reforming a hydrocarbon feed over a catalyst to synthesis gas in a first zone of a bed and the second step reheats this first zone. A hydrocarbon feed is introduced to a bed along with CO2 and optionally steam where it is reformed into synthesis gas. The synthesis gas is collected at a second zone of the bed and an oxygen-containing gas is then introduced to this second zone of the bed and combusted with a fuel, thereby reheating the first zone to sufficient reforming temperatures. Additionally, a non-combusting gas can also be introduced to the second zone to move heat from the second zone to the first zone.

Abstract: A method for quickly starting up a reactor and a reactor system therefor are provided. A shell-and-tube reactor in the system is adapted to circulate a heat medium having a solid point in the range of 50-250° C. to the outside of the reaction tubes and characterized by initiating temperature elevation of the reactor by introducing a gas of a temperature in the range of 100-400° C. to the reaction tubes' side and then circulating the heat medium in a heated state to the outside of the reaction tubes. By introducing a gas of an elevated temperature preparatorily to the reaction tubes, it is made possible to prevent the heat medium after circulation from being solidified again and enable the reactor to be quickly started up.

Abstract: An alkaline cell having a flat casing, preferably of cuboid shape. The cell can have an anode comprising zinc and a cathode comprising nickel oxyhydroxide. The casing can have a relatively small overall thickness, typically between about 5 and 10 mm, but may be larger. Cell contents can be supplied through an open end in the casing and an end cap assembly inserted therein to seal the cell. The end cap assembly includes a vent mechanism, preferably a grooved vent, which can activate, when gas pressure within the cell reaches a threshold level typically between about 250 and 800 psig (1724×103 and 5515×103 pascal gage). The cell can have a supplemental vent mechanism such as a laser welded region on the surface of the casing which may activate at higher pressure levels.

Abstract: A polymerization reactor for exothermic liquid phase reactions comprises a reaction zone which is divided into a plurality of channels by thermally conductive heat transfer fins which are conductively mounted on one or more heat pipes for the removal of heat of reaction from reactants and reaction products flowing between the heat transfer fins. The reactor of the invention is capable of maintaining essentially isothermal conditions without the use of complicated and maintenance intensive agitators. The reactor is particularly useful when viscosity of the reactants and/or reaction products is high, when the reaction conducted has a fast reaction rate and when consistent polymer properties are desired.

Abstract: A reactor structure has a heat transfer layer stacking construction with a stack of heat-conductive plate elements which, alternating in the stacking direction, bound one catalyst-filled reactor layer and one tempering layer respectively, adjacent plate elements being connected in a fluid-tight manner on at least two closed side areas. The plate elements on the closed side areas are bent in a U-shape and are arranged with U-side flanks which rest against one another in the stack such that the reactor layers have a larger height than the tempering layers. In addition or as an alternative, heat-conductive corrugated ribs are inserted at least in the reactor layers which are higher than the tempering layers.

Abstract: In a fuel processor based on autothermal cyclic reforming process, the fuel processor having a reformer, the reformer having two reactors with integrated heat exchangers, the two reactors cycling between a reforming step and a regeneration step, a method of generating hydrogen gas includes receiving a mixture of fuel and steam in the reformer reactor operating in a reforming step to produce hydrogen-rich reformate gas. The fuel is delivered from a fuel supply and the steam is generated by a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG). The reformate gas is fed to a shift reactor to reduce the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) gas present in the reformate gas. Product gas generated by the shift reactor is received in a condenser to recover heat from the product gas. In one embodiment output gas stream from the condenser is supplied to a CO oxidizer to further reduce the CO concentration.

Abstract: A compact endothermic catalytic reaction apparatus for converting hydrocarbon feedstock and methanol to useful gases, such as hydrogen and carbon monoxide, comprising a tubular endothermic catalytic reactor, a radiant combustion chamber and an annular convection section. Thus tubular endothermic catalytic reactor receives radiant energy from a metal fiber burner that is disposed within the radiant combustion chamber. Combustion products from the radiant chamber enter an annular convection section wherein heat is transferred by forced convection to the tubular endothermic catalytic reactor. The combination of radiant and convective heat transfer results in a compact design of high thermal efficiency.

Abstract: An arrangement for generating a hydrogen-containing gas from a hydrocarbon-containing medium includes a multi-stage reforming unit that is connected to a multi-stage carbon monoxide removal unit by a heat-conducting separating medium. The stages of the reforming unit, in an ascending order relative to the gas flow direction in the reforming unit, are in a thermal contact with stages of the carbon monoxide removal unit, in a descending order relative to the gas flow direction in the carbon monoxide removal unit.

Abstract: A multi-stage transport polymerization (“TP”) reactor useful for making a thin film for the fabrication of integrated circuits. One TP reactor has two distinct heating zones that facilitate the cracking of specific precursor materials. The multi-stage reactor comprises a first low temperature heating zone that heats incoming precursor materials to a temperature that is lower than the “cracking” temperature of the precursor. The second heating zone is maintained at a temperature useful for breaking the chemical bonds of a desired leaving groups in the selected precursor. Specialized heating bodies, which transfer heat to the precursor material in the low and high temperature zones, are used as elements of the invention that can simultaneously decrease the total volume and increase the inside surface area of the TP reactor. Chemistries of precursors used in the multi-stage reactor are also provided.

Abstract: The distillation plant comprises a column (1) and a heat pump (4, 5) which operates between a sump vaporizer (3) and an exhaust vapor compressor (2) of the column. The heat pump is substitutable by devices (6, 7) which can be switched to the sump vaporizer and the exhaust vapor compressor when required. These substituting devices comprise devices (6 and 7 respectively) for the production of vapor or the provision of a coolant respectively as well as connection means (63, 63′, 72, 72′). The coolants can be liquids (water) or gases (air).

Abstract: A method for starting a fast light-off catalytic reformer for producing hydrogen-rich reformate fuel from hydrocarbon fuel and air, the reformer having means for receiving flows of fuel and air, a reforming catalyst for reforming the fuel and air mixture, and an ignition device. A control system selects fuel and air flow rates to form a lean fuel/air mixture and operates the ignition device to ignite the lean mixture to produce hot exhaust gases that flow over and heat the reforming catalyst for a first length of time. Fuel flow is then stopped temporarily for a second length of time, and further ignition is terminated. Fuel flow is then restarted and adjusted to provide a rich fuel/air mixture which is directed to the heated catalyst for reforming into reformate fuel. Air flow may also be adjusted in setting the lean and/or rich fuel/air mixtures.