Abstract: A catalytic fuel conditioner has an insulated conveyance (1) for containing fuel-conditioning catalytic material with either of a selection of liquid-contact structures (7, 11, 12, 13, 14) which are electrically insulated at an inside periphery of the insulated conveyance. The fuel-conditioning catalytic material is structured designedly for predeterminedly random contact of liquid fuel being conveyed intermediate an inlet end (4) and an outlet end (6) of the insulated conveyance. Optionally for conditioning particular liquid fuels, electrical current can be routed through the fuel-conditioning catalytic material.

Abstract: An undulated-wall honeycomb structure (1) has multiple cell passages (2) with mutually parallel passage directions. With this undulated-wall honeycomb structure (1), intersections (4) between walls (3) partitioning the cell passages (2) are formed at cross-sections perpendicular to the cell passages (2) and positioned systematically maintaining a predetermined pitch, and also the wall face portions (5) of the walls (3) excluding the intersections (4) are formed with undulated shapes in both the cell passage direction and the cross-section direction perpendicular to the cell passage direction. According to this undulated-wall honeycomb structure, advantages such as improved exhaust gas purification capabilities and catalyst capabilities, improved mechanical strength for canning, and further improved heat-resistant shock properties can be obtained.

Abstract: A continuous process and related system for producing high purity silica are disclosed. The process and system utilize a unique high temperature rotary reactor which excludes oxygen. The use of one or more anoxic gases is described, that upon administration into the system promote the exclusion of oxygen.

Abstract: A reaction device according to the present invention is used in production of aldehyde from alcohol. The reaction device includes a reactor having a reaction field where a catalyst is provided inside and a reaction fluid flows. The catalyst has a surface extending in the direction of flow of the reaction fluid and contains Cu.

Abstract: A process for producing a ringlike oxidic shaped body by mechanically compacting a pulverulent aggregate introduced into the fill chamber of a die, wherein the outer face of the resulting compact corresponds to that of a frustocone.

Abstract: A gas generating system comprises a catalytic reactor in fluid communication with a sulfur separator. The catalytic reactor oxidizes a fuel to provide a supply of carbon dioxide. The sulfur separator removes sulfur components from the stream before or after the fuel is oxidized. A portion of the hot exhaust gas from the catalytic reactor can be used to regenerate an adsorption bed of the sulfur separator.

Abstract: A pre-reformer (10) comprises a non-electrically conducting gas tight duct (12) and an electrically conducting wire (14) arranged in the duct (12). The electrically conducting wire (14) is electrically isolated from the duct (12). The duct (12) has an inlet (16) for receiving a hydrocarbon fuel at a first end (18) and an outlet (20) for supplying a pre-reformed hydrocarbon fuel at a second end (22). At least the inner surface (24) of the duct (12) is chemically inert with respect to the hydrocarbon fuel. An electrical power supply (26) is electrically connected to the electrically conducting wire (14) and a control means (28) controls the supply of electrical current through the electrically conducting wire (14) to maintain the electrically conducting wire (14) at a temperature to provide selective thermal decomposition of higher hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon fuel. The performer reduces coking in associated fuel cells and other parts of a fuel cell system.

Abstract: Water (9) in a fuel cell accumulator (10) is kept above freezing by a hydrogen/oxygen catalytic combustor (13) fed hydrogen through a mechanical thermostatic valve (25) in thermal communication (26) with the container (10) or the air nearby, and connected to hydrogen (28), optionally in series with a timer valve (183). The combustor may comprise an ejector (32) having hydrogen through its primary inlet (31) drawing air through a secondary inlet (33), or a diffusion combustor having a catalyst (38), including TEFLON® to permit water generated by combustion to flow by gravity out of the catalyst, spaced from a heating surface (30), and a diffusion control device (40); low partial pressure of oxygen at the catalyst causing diffusion through the device.

Abstract: A method for forming an increased efficiency microreactor for an energy production for portable applications includes at least one micro fuel cell. The microreactor has a reaction chamber including a catalyst for the production of gaseous hydrogen to be supplied to the micro fuel cell. The method may include providing at least one first silicon die, a face thereof defining an active surface of the reaction chamber. The method may include anisotropically etching the at least one first silicon die for realizing a plurality of notches and countershaped ridges suitable for increasing the area of the active surface so as to define an increased active surface. The method may also include depositing on at least one portion of the increased active surface a layer of the catalyst.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and device for catchment of platinum group metals (PGM) in a gaseous stream, where the method comprises using a catalyst comprising a porous ceramic body in which at least a part of the surface area is covered by one or more PGM-catching metal(s)/alloy(s), and where the device comprises the porous ceramic body in which at least a part of the surface area is covered by one or more PGM-catching metal(s)/alloy(s). In a further aspect, the invention also relates to a method for producing the inventive device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device, which uses membranes, capable of separating olefins from paraffins. The device (1) considers an ultramicroporous ceramic membrane module, zeolite or silicate based, containing a fixed carrier of copper I or silver ions (#-complexant ions) inserted by ion exchange, or as a monolayer of CuCl, AgNO3, Cu or Ag+ (2). Olefins have higher diffusivity and affinity to the membrane than the remaining species, therefore the bicomponent permeation selectivity becomes reinforced when compared to the ideal permeation selectivity. The purification of olefins by removal of dienes and/or alkynes, is accomplished with a zeolite membrane functionalized with Ag+ and having a specific catalyst in the permeate side (4), e.g. palladium nanoparticulated, for catalyzing the hydrogenation of the permeating dienes and alkynes to the corresponding olefins, thus increasing the selectivity and the driving force of the separation.

Abstract: A catalyst structure comprises a foil strip (10) acting as the substrate, and which has been cut and shaped so as to define a multiplicity of peaks (15) and troughs (16) each with its axis extending across the foil, such that peaks and troughs alternate across the foil strip (10). Such a corrugated substrate may be provided with a ceramic coating incorporating a catalytic material. The corrugations enhance turbulence within a flow channel of a compact catalytic reactor.

Abstract: A system for producing hydrogen features a reactor including a reaction channel adapted to receive a reaction stream including a mixture of supercritical water and a hydrocarbon fuel. A catalyst is positioned in the reaction channel so that a product stream containing hydrogen is produced by a reaction in the reaction channel when the mixture is exposed to the catalyst; wherein the catalyst contains a catalytically active metal and a promoter in a metal format, selected from the group consisting of potassium, sodium, rubidium, lithium, cesium, beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, and barium.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure includes at least one honeycomb unit having one end face and another end face opposite to the one end face along a longitudinal direction of the at least one honeycomb unit. The at least one honeycomb unit includes an inorganic binder, inorganic particles, cell walls extending along the longitudinal direction from one end face to the another end face to define plural cells, and third material provided on the cell walls. The inorganic particles include first and second materials. The first material includes NOx adsorption material. The second material includes ammonia adsorption material.

Abstract: A process for co-producing para-xylene and styrene from a feed (1) of hydrocarbons containing xylenes and ethylbenzene is described, the process comprising the following succession of steps: a step for separating the feed in a simulated moving bed in an adsorption column (6) containing beds of an adsorbent, from which an extract that is rich in para-xylene (7a) of at least 99.7% purity and at least one raffinate (7b) containing ethylbenzene, ortho-xylene, meta-xylene and a very small quantity of para-xylene is withdrawn; a step for dehydrogenating (10) the ethylbenzene contained in the raffinate (7b) to styrene; at least one step for primary separation of the stream (11) from the dehydrogenation step (10), to eliminate by-products; a step for separating the purified mixture (18) derived from the stream (11) containing styrene, unconverted ethylbenzene, meta-xylene and ortho-xylene, from which a stream (21a) that is rich in styrene of at least 99.

Abstract: A low-cost, high-temperature heat exchanger is made from a notched piece of metal, the metal being folded back and forth upon itself to form a monolith. The notches in the metal piece create openings, communicating with distinct sides of the monolith. Ducts are attached to the openings. Cut pieces of corrugated metal, which may have a catalyst coating, are inserted between folds of the monolith. The heat exchanger may be used as part of a fuel cell system, or in other industrial applications, to recover waste heat, or to conduct various catalytic and non-catalytic reactions. The invention also includes an element, or building block, for a high-temperature heat exchanger, including a folded metal monolith with metal combs inserted, the monolith and the combs defining seams which are hermetically sealed.

Abstract: Hydrogen is generated in a reactor, of a hydrogen generating apparatus, in which a catalyst is installed and the catalyst and a borohydride fuel are reacted. The hydrogen generating apparatus comprises a rotating disk to which the catalyst is fixed, a motor for rotating the rotating disk, and a fuel injector for flowing out the borohydride fuel against the catalyst. A compound generated from the borohydride is prevented from adhering to the catalyst.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation system is disclosed that includes an integrated steam reforming reactor. The reactor has an overall cylindrical shape, receives a reformate and separately receiving a combustion gas mixture. The reactor includes a plurality of reforming stages arranged in a stacked series of disc shaped stage configuration, wherein each reforming stage has a disc shaped combustion portion adjacent a disc shaped catalyst pack through which the reformate passes, wherein the reformate is directed axially between stages and radially within each stage; and the combustion mixture is directed radially between groups of stages and circumferentially within each stage.

Abstract: A fuel reforming apparatus includes a reforming catalyst, a filtering member, a raw material supply flow passage and a processed gas flow passage. The filtering member has a plurality of cells. A reforming catalyst is carried on a surface of a partition on the side of the processed gas flow passage. If raw gas including hydrocarbon fuel is supplied to the fuel reforming apparatus and filtered by the filtering member, soot included in the raw gas is trapped by gaps in the partition, and the hydrocarbon fuel is reformed into reformed gas including hydrogen and carbon monoxide on the reforming catalyst. By increasing the amount of air supplied from a blower at intervals of time, the soot trapped by the partition is removed by combustion.

Abstract: Disclosed are fuel filters and process for removing sulfur-containing compounds from a post refinery fuel stream. In one embodiment, the disclosed process requires passing the post refinery fuel stream through a fuel filter to provide a clean fuel stream having a reduced concentration of sulfur-containing compounds relative to the post-refinery fuel stream, wherein the fuel filter comprises an adsorbent comprising an inorganic oxide having a surface acidity characterized by a pKa of less than or equal to ?3.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fuel processor for use in a fuel cell system, may have a bottom plate, having a regenerator having a first inlet to receive an air flow, a burner flow chamber within the regenerator, the burner flow chamber having a second inlet to receive the air flow from the regenerator, and a reformer flow chamber positioned between the regenerator and the burner flow chamber, the reformer flow chamber having a third inlet to receive the air flow from the burner chamber, wherein the burner flow chamber and the reformer flow chamber is formed of a monolithic structure having an elongated, rounded baffle in the center of the monolithic structure. The fuel processor may also have a top plate coupled to the bottom plate to enclose the fuel processor, the top plate having a top surface and a bottom surface.

Abstract: A reactor supplied with a reactant to cause reaction of the reactant includes a reaction device which has a hollow box type member having a top plate and a bottom plate opposed to each other and side plates connected to an edge of the top plate and an edge of the bottom plate. A partition member is housed in the box type member, the partition member coming into contact with at least internal faces of the side plates of the box type member and partitioning a space in the box type member into a plurality of reaction chambers to which the reactant is to be supplied. A penetrating region is provided in the partition member to connect the adjacent reaction chambers to each other, the penetrating region having the reactant passed therethrough.

Abstract: A system for production of hydrogen comprises at least one steam reforming zone configured to receive a first fuel and steam to produce a first reformate gas stream comprising hydrogen using a steam reforming process. The system further comprises a mixed reforming zone configured to receive an oxidant to produce a second reformate gas stream comprising hydrogen, wherein the first reformate gas stream is sent to the mixed reforming zone to complete the reforming process.

Abstract: There is disclosed a microchannel reactor module for the immediate catalytic release of hydrogen from hydrogenated organic molecules along with the recovery of hydrogen gas and the recovery of dehydrogenated organic molecules as a liquid. More specifically, the disclosure provides a polyimide-based microchannel plate that is particularly useful for a process of immediate catalytic release of hydrogen from a hydrogenated organic molecule or formulation of molecules.

Abstract: A pre-reformer (10) comprises a non-electrically conducting gas tight duct (12) and an electrically conducting wire (14) arranged in the duct (12). The electrically conducting wire (14) is electrically isolated from the duct (12). The duct (12) has an inlet (16) for receiving a hydrocarbon fuel at a first end (18) and an outlet (20) for supplying a pre-reformed hydrocarbon fuel at a second end (22). At least the inner surface (24) of the duct (12) is chemically inert with respect to the hydrocarbon fuel. An electrical power supply (26) is electrically connected to the electrically conducting wire (14) and a control means (28) controls the supply of electrical current through the electrically conducting wire (14) to maintain the electrically conducting wire (14) at a temperature to provide selective thermal decomposition of higher hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon fuel. The performer reduces coking in associated fuel cells and other parts of a fuel cell system.

Abstract: An aircraft system includes a heat source and a passage near the heat source for carrying fluid having a cooling capacity to cool the heat source. The passage includes a catalyst that endothermically cracks the fluid to increase the cooling capacity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reactor for reacting fluids such as fluids in continuous flow, the reactor including a multicellular extruded body having cells extending in parallel in a direction from a first end of the body to a second end, the body having a first plurality of cells open at both ends of the body and a second plurality of said cells closed at one or both ends of the body, the second plurality being contiguous cells and cooperating to define at least in part a fluidic passage extending at least partly through the body. The fluidic passage desirably has a serpentine path back and forth along cells of the second plurality of cells, and the passage connects laterally from cell to cell, within cells of the second plurality, at or near the ends of the body.

Abstract: A catalytic reactor having a mixing section connected to a downstream reaction section containing a catalyst to promote a reaction of oxygen and a hydrocarbon fed to the catalytic reactor. The mixing section is provided with a flame arrestor to prevent a stable flame from propagating should any reaction of oxygen and hydrocarbons occur during mixing. The flame arrestor permits flow in both axial and radial directions to promote mixing. Baffle elements and a downstream static mixer can also be used. The catalyst is preferably in the form of monolithic blocks enclosed by a ceramic tube that is maintained as a unitary catalyst assembly that can be removed for replacement and installation of the catalyst as a single unit.

Abstract: A bypass flow filter includes a plurality of channels which are formed of at least one structured wall layer and a filter layer. Projecting guide vanes and passages, which are formed by the wall layer and lead to a different channel, are provided in at least a majority of the channels. The passages have a narrowing cross section and a narrowing part of the cross section is directed towards an adjacent guide vane. An exhaust system and a vehicle having a bypass flow filter, are also provided.

Abstract: A structure for preparing an substantially aligned array of carbon nanotubes include a substrate having a first side and a second side, a buffer layer on the first side of the substrate, a catalyst on the buffer layer, and a plurality of channels through the structure for allowing a gaseous carbon source to enter the substrate at the second side and flow through the structure to the catalyst. After preparing the array, a fiber of carbon nanotubes may be spun from the array. Prior to spinning, the array can be immersed in a polymer solution. After spinning, the polymer can be cured.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shell-and-tube reactor that may be used for fixed-bed catalytic partial oxidation, the reactor being characterized by including at least one reaction zone of a first-step reaction zone for mainly producing unsaturated aldehydes and a second-step reaction zone for mainly producing unsaturated acids, wherein at least one reaction zone of the above reaction zones comprises two or more catalytic layers; each of the catalytic layers is packed with a formed product of catalyst that is different in pore density and/or pore size in a catalytically active component; and the pore density and/or pore size is controlled in such a manner that specific surface area of the catalytically active component increases from the inlet of the reactor to the outlet of the reactor. A method for producing unsaturated aldehydes and/or unsaturated fatty acids from olefins using the same reactor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure wherein a plurality of honeycomb segments (1) each having a large number of through-holes surrounded by partition walls and extending in the axial direction of the segment are bonded at the sides of the honeycomb segments (1) parallel to said axial direction (X) and integrated, the honeycomb structure being characterized in that, in its section perpendicular to said axial direction (X), the shortest distance (L1) from the gravity center of the section to the bonded areas (5) of honeycomb segments in the section is 1/10 or less of the largest distance (L2) from the gravity center of the section to the circumference (9) of the section. This honeycomb structure hardly generates cracks caused by the thermal stress appearing therein during the use and is superior in durability.

Abstract: A light, compact and low-cost liquid fuel reformer for removing the harmful substances within the exhaust gas discharged from vehicles having two magnet holding cases (3, 3?) accommodating respectively anisotropic metallic materials (7, 7?). The magnet holding cases (3?) and (3) are magnetically secured each other at respective commissure (3a, 3a?), pinching connecting tube (24) made of nonmagnetic material through which the liquid fuel flows. The magnetic fields generated by the anisotropic magnetic materials (7) and (7?) are orthogonal to the connecting tube. The connecting tube has an outer tube (24A) made of nonferrous metal and an inner tube (24B) made of nonferrous metal. These two types of nonferrous metal are selected so as to generate an electric potential difference between the outer tube (24A) and the inner body tube (24B).

Abstract: Titania is a semiconductor and photocatalyst that is also chemically inert. With its bandgap of 3.0, to activate the photocatalytic property of titania requires light of about 390 nm wavelength, which is in the ultra-violet, where sunlight is very low in intensity. A method and devices are disclosed wherein stress is induced and managed in a thin film of titania in order to shift and lower the bandgap energy into the longer wavelengths that are more abundant in sunlight. Applications of this stress-induced bandgap-shifted titania photocatalytic surface include photoelectrolysis for production of hydrogen gas from water, photovoltaics for production of electricity, and photocatalysis for detoxification and disinfection.

Abstract: A insulating wrap includes a flexible elongate body of insulating material adapted to be wrapped in a helical fashion around an object, such as a pipe. The body has a first end and a second end. A first tie strap is secured by a first fastener to the first end of the body to facilitate the body being secured to the pipe. A second tie strap is secured by a second fastener to the second end of the body to facilitate the body being secured to the pipe.

Abstract: An improved catalytic reactor includes a housing having a plate positioned therein defining a first zone and a second zone, and a plurality of conduits fabricated from a heat conducting material and adapted for conducting a fluid therethrough. The conduits are positioned within the housing such that the conduit exterior surfaces and the housing interior surface within the second zone define a first flow path while the conduit interior surfaces define a second flow path through the second zone and not in fluid communication with the first flow path. The conduit exits define a second flow path exit, the conduit exits and the first flow path exit being proximately located and interspersed. The conduits define at least one expanded section that contacts adjacent conduits thereby spacing the conduits within the second zone and forming first flow path exit flow orifices having an aggregate exit area greater than a defined percent of the housing exit plane area.

Abstract: Pollutant decomposition device comprising a flexible sheet-substrate provided with at least one photocatalytic surface wherein the sheet-substrate comprises one or more internal slits with a layout that provides formation of flow restricting means upon predetermined deformation of the sheet substrate. There is also provided a method of producing a pollutant decomposition device.

Abstract: A stack type reactor that can adjust a length of channel (reaction time) to react raw substances with each other for a sufficient time and mix completely raw substances to maximize the reaction efficiency. The stack type reactor comprises an upper block with at least two inlets that introduce different kinds of raw substances and a lower channel fluidly connected to the inlets and formed at a lower surface thereof; a unit block including an upper channel corresponding to the lower channel of the upper block and formed on an upper surface thereof, the unit block including a lower channel formed at a lower surface thereof and fluidly connected with the upper channel via a connecting flow passage. The upper block and unit block form a flow path for the raw substances by connecting to the lower channel of the upper block to the upper channel of the unit block.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing oxygen and/or hydrogen by splitting water and filtering out oxygen from exhaled air, atmospheric air, and/or air from a fan motor using an alternating repeating catalytic and filtering screens with the first screen in the repeating unit having diRuthenium and second screen having Zeolite crystalline bodies.

Abstract: The present invention includes a catalyst having a layered structure with, (1) a porous support, (2) a buffer layer, (3) an interfacial layer, and optionally (4) a catalyst layer. The invention also provides a process in which a reactant is converted to a product by passing through a reaction chamber containing the catalyst.

Abstract: A process, composition of matter, and apparatus for generating hydrogen are disclosed. The process includes providing an anhydrous hydride, forming a mixture of the hydride with an activating agent, and introducing a liquid reactant to the mixture to produce hydrogen. The mixture includes activating agent in the range of between about 20 to about 80 percent by dry weight.

Abstract: There is provided a honeycomb catalyst body 100 having a deviation in face positions on the inner side of the cells perpendicular to a direction in which the cells 3 extends of a plurality of plugged portions 10 having predetermined length. The honeycomb catalyst body 100 provides a catalyst converter where thermal stress is dispersed and a local temperature rise in the vicinity of the inlet and the outlet is suppressed. The catalyst converter is hence less apt to crack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for preparing chlorine by gas-phase oxidation of hydrogen chloride by means of an oxygen-containing gas stream, wherein the catalyst required for the reaction is applied to the interior wall of one or more externally cooled reaction channels.

Abstract: A carbon monoxide oxidizer comprises an oxidant supply unit (4) that supplies an oxidant gas to a reformate gas, a mixing unit (5) that mixes the reformate gas with the oxidant gas, and a preferential oxidation catalyst unit (6) that removes carbon monoxide from a mixed gas using catalytic action. The mixing unit (5) comprises a stacked body (9) of plates (100A-100F). A rotating passage (101) that is formed in the stacked body (9) to rotate the flow of the mixed gas, thereby promoting mixing of the reformate gas with the oxidant gas by a rotating flow formed by the rotating passage (101).

Abstract: A dehydration method by which water is selectively separated from a water-containing mixture 31 with a separation membrane. The separation membrane is a DDR type zeolite membrane 2. The dehydration method includes bringing the mixture 31 into contact with one side of the DDR type zeolite membrane 2 and causing a pressure difference between that side of the DDR type zeolite membrane 2 which is in contact with the mixture and the other side of the DDR type zeolite membrane 2 to thereby cause the water to selectively permeate and separate out. By the dehydration method, water can be selectively separated from a water-containing mixture without the need of a high energy cost. The separation membrane has excellent acid resistance.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH). Conducting ODH in microchannels has unexpectedly been found to yield superior performance when compared to the same reactions at the same conditions in larger reactors. ODH methods employing a Mo—V—Mg—O catalyst is also described. Microchannel apparatus for conducting ODH is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems and apparatus in which one fluid passes through an orifice or orifices and mixes with another fluid as it flows through a microchannel.

Abstract: A catalytic element may be created by compressing a mesh fabric to reduce its dimension to achieve a desired size and shape. The process begins by braiding or otherwise forming a flat wire into a sheet of mesh fabric and then forming the surface of the sheet with angled ridges. Two sheets are then laid one on top of another with the angled ridges running at an angle to each other. The pair of sheets are then rolled into a cylinder to form a catalytic body. After applying solder to the catalytic body, it is compressed to a desired lesser dimension and then heat is applied to fuse the wires while holding the catalytic body in its compressed size and shape. Next, a precious metal catalytic coating is applied to the fused catalytic body and heat is again applied to bond the precious metal compound to the catalytic body.

Abstract: Supports having a catalytic coating comprising at least one porous and cavity-containing catalyst layer are described, cavities being irregular spaces having dimensions greater than 5 ?m in at least two dimensions or having cross-sectional areas of at least 10 ?m2. The catalytic coatings are distinguished by a high adhesive strength and can preferably be used in microreactors.

Abstract: The present invention provides efficient catalytic reactors with active boundary layers in a presence of at least one mechanical disturbance and methods of improving the efficiency of the catalytic reaction with the use of at least one mechanical disturbance. The presence of at least one mechanical disturbance would improve the surface contact at the catalytic site and thereby increase the overall efficiency of the catalytic reactors. Such an improvement would require less catalyst material and shorter channels used, thereby decreasing the size of the catalytic reactors.