Unitary (i.e., Nonparticulate) Contact Bed, (e.g., Monolithic Catalyst Bed, Etc.) Patents (Class 422/222)
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Publication number: 20040225138Abstract: A reactor system for the oxidation of ethylene to ethylene oxide. The reactor system includes a reactor tube that contains a packed bed of shaped support material that can include a catalytic component. The shaped support material has a hollow cylinder geometric configuration. The reactor system has specific combinations of reactor tube and catalyst system geometries.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2003Publication date: November 11, 2004Inventors: Paul Michael McAllister, Alouisius Nicolaas Renee Bos, Michael Alan Richard, Dominicus Maria Rekers
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Patent number: 6815038Abstract: A honeycomb structure constituted by cell partition walls (ribs) which form combined cells being composed of a plurality of cells adjacent to each other, and a honeycomb outer wall surrounding and holding outermost cells located at the circumference of combined cells, characterized in that cell partition walls and the honeycomb outer wall are formed by a bonded texture containing silicon carbide (SiC) as an aggregate and cordierite as a binder, and that the proportion (volume %) of silidon carbide (SiC) forming the bonded texture to the total of cordierite and silicon carbide (SiC) is 40 to 90%. This honeycomb structure can exceed required levels, in all of thermal conductivity, chemical durability, low thermal expansion and mechanical strength, producible at a low cost, and suitably used in a filter for purification of automobile exhaust gas, a catalyst carrier, etc.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Morimoto, Katsuhiro Inoue, Shinji Kawasaki, Hiroaki Sakai
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Publication number: 20040219077Abstract: An apparatus useful to treat exhaust gas stream, including diesel engine exhaust. The exhaust stream passes form and exhaust outlet to a catalyzed filter in communication with the exhaust outlet. The catalyzed filter comprises a first catalyst which comprises a first platinum group metal; a first cerium component; and preferably a zirconium component. There can be a second catalyst in communication with the first catalyst, the second catalyst comprises a second cerium component.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2004Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: ENGELHARD CORPORATIONInventors: Kenneth E. Voss, Stanley Roth, Joseph C. Dettling, Gary W. Rice, Yiu Kwan Lui, Mahmoud Yassine
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Patent number: 6808690Abstract: A catalyst element for a stacked reactor for generating hydrogen from hydrocarbons includes a catalyst disc of porous material and a solid connection element. The catalyst-side end of the connection element is at least partially enclosed by the catalyst disc and is connected to this disc. The catalyst-side end of the connection element may have a mediator layer that is joined to the connection element over the entire area by sintering, soldering, or adhesive bonding. The mediator layer is joined to the catalyst disc over the entire area by sintering. Attachment means are provided at the exposed end, which is remote from the catalyst, of the connection element.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2001Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Ballard Power Systems AGInventors: Andreas Ebert, Oskar Lamla, Thomas Stefanovski
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Patent number: 6803087Abstract: There is provided ceramic honeycomb body including a plurality of parallel cells defined by intersecting internal walls, and arranged in horizontal and vertical rows at and between opposing ends of the honeycomb body, an outer peripheral wall surrounding the cells, and further being interconnected to the internal walls, wherein the cells are divided into a first region including a portion of the cells adjacent the outer peripheral wall, and a second region including the remaining cells, wherein the cells in the first region have a wall thickness that is continuously increased along an axis extending to the outer peripheral wall, and, wherein fillets are formed at least at intersections between the interior walls in the first region of cells.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2004Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Thomas W. Brew, Mark L. Humphrey, Weiguo Miao, David R. Treacy, Jr.
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Patent number: 6803086Abstract: There are provided a porous honeycomb structure body capable of satisfying a pressure loss and isostatic strength which are mutually contradictory properties simultaneously and a method for manufacturing the same. In a porous honeycomb structure body having partition walls which contain cordierite as a primary crystal phase and have a porosity of 40 to 75% and an average pore diameter of 10 to 50 &mgr;m, porosity and an average pore diameter in a center portion of the structure body are made larger than porosity and an average pore diameter in a peripheral portion of the structure body.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2002Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Yasushi Noguchi, Yukihisa Wada, Yumi Muroi
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Publication number: 20040191137Abstract: A method and device for loading a catalyst into a chamber. The catalyst loading is well suited for production of hydrogen producing microreactors. The catalyst is coated onto a strip which is mountable within the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventor: Anand Chellappa
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Publication number: 20040187384Abstract: A fuel processing system (FPS) (110) is provided for a fuel cell power plant (115) havinf a fuel cell stack assembly (CSA0 (56). The FPS (110) includes a water gas shift (WGS) reaction section (12, 120) for receiving hydrocarbon reformate containing carbon monoxide (CO) and reducing the concentration of CO in the reformate via the shift reaction, and a preferred oxidation (PROX) section (40) for further reducing the concentration of CO to a level acceptable for operating the CSA (56). The FPS (1110) is improved by the WGS section (12, 120) including a reactor (124) with a high activity catalyst for reducing the reformate CO concentration to a relatively low level, thereby relatively reducing the structural volume of the FPS (110). The high activity catalyst is active at temperatures as low as 250° C., and may be a noble-metal-on-ceria catalyst of Pt and Re on a nanocrystaline, cerium oxide-based support.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: Zissis Dardas, Thomas Henry Vanderspurt, Nikunj Gupta, Shubhro Ghosh, Ying She
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Patent number: 6797244Abstract: A fuel gas-steam reformer assembly, preferably an autothermal reformer assembly, for use in a fuel cell power plant, includes a catalyst bed which is formed from a cylindrical monolithic open cell foam body. The foam body is preferably formed from a high temperature material such as stainless steel, nickel alloys and iron-aluminum alloys, or from a ceramic material. The foam body includes open cells or pores which are contained within the metal or ceramic lattice. The lattice is coated with a porous wash coat which serves as a high surface area substrate onto which catalysts used in the reformer are applied. The foam body has an inlet end into which a mixture of fuel, steam and air is fed to begin the reforming process. An inlet portion of the foam body may be provided with an iron oxide and/or noble metal catalyst and the remainder of the foam body may be provided with a nickel and/or noble metal catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1999Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: DTC Fuel Cells LLCInventor: Roger R. Lesieur
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Patent number: 6793896Abstract: The invention relates to a honeycomb (14), particularly a catalytic converter substrate, with a honeycomb structure comprising a large number of ducts (16) running in the longitudinal direction of the honeycomb, through which a fluid can flow, where the honeycomb possesses foil layers (15) arranged one above the other. In order to create a honeycomb permitting high efficiency of the catalytic conversion reactions with low thermal inertia, as well as inexpensive manufacture, it is proposed to provide ducts (16) whose cross-sectional dimension in a first direction is several times the cross-sectional dimension in another direction. In particular, the ducts can extend over the entire width of the honeycomb. In order to stabilise the honeycomb, stiffening elements (19, 20) can be provided, which are either integrated in the foil layers or separate (FIG. 3).Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2000Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Inventor: Helmut Swars
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Publication number: 20040179982Abstract: There is provided a liquid-to-gas contact device comprising: a liquid-to-gas contact medium which is a honeycomb structural body formed of a porous material including a plurality of through channels defined by a plurality of partition walls and extending through the structural body in an axial direction, and including a plurality of flow passages extending through the honeycomb structural body from an outer peripheral surface side and formed isolatedly from the through channels; and a container which includes a gas inlet, a gas outlet, a liquid supply port, a storage tank for liquid, and, if desired, a liquid discharge port and in which the liquid-to-gas contact medium is to be stored. A capillarity phenomenon function possessed by the liquid-to-gas contact medium is used to provide the device which has a superior thermal efficiency and which can be constituted to be simple and compact.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2004Publication date: September 16, 2004Inventors: Tsunezo Inaba, Fumio Abe, Takeyoshi Kawahara, Yukio Miyairi
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Patent number: 6790417Abstract: An improved recirculating tank reactor incorporating the advantages of a fixed catalyst includes a monolithic honeycomb catalyst positioned within the tank in such a manner so as to provide an adjacent bypass passageway. Internal flow activation means are provided for recirculating the reactant liquid within the tank in such a manner that it sequentially flows through channels in the catalyzed honeycomb substrate and around the substrate through the bypass passageway.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventor: Thorsten R. Boger
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Publication number: 20040168367Abstract: There is disclosed a metal particle-dispersed composite oxide comprising a matrix material containing a composite oxide comprising a non-reducible metal oxide and an easily reducible metal oxide, the composite oxide containing 0.01 to 0.25 mol % of at least one additive metal selected from Al, Sc, Cr, B, Fe, Ga, In, Lu, Nb and Si, surface metal particles precipitated on an outer surface of the matrix material containing the composite oxide, and inner metal particles precipitated on an inner surface of the matrix material containing the composite oxide.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2004Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: Seiichi Suenaga, Tomohiro Suetsuna, Takayuki Fukasawa, Yasuhiro Goto, Koichi Harada
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Publication number: 20040141893Abstract: A reactor, system and method are described for performing a chemical reaction characterized by a heat of reaction. The reactor includes a first thermally conductive arrangement defining at least one catalytically active flow passage for conducting a fluid at least generally in a predetermined direction while catalytically activating the chemical reaction in a way which produces the heat of reaction. The heat of reaction conducts through the first thermally conductive arrangement in a direction at least generally parallel with the predetermined direction. A second thermally conductive arrangement is in thermal communication with the first thermally conductive arrangement and is configured for transferring the heat of reaction to an external process and for redirecting the fluid received from the first thermally conductive arrangement to a different direction. The first and second arrangements may be integrally formed using a laminated structure. A system may include a pair of thermally coupled such reactors.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventor: Jerry L. Martin
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Patent number: 6764660Abstract: A process and apparatus for contacting reactants with a particulate catalyst while indirectly heating the reactants with a heat exchange medium improves temperature control by using an intermediate heat exchange fluid and system to prevent overheating of reactants and maintain parallel heating characteristics through multiple reaction-heat exchange zones. The internal flow path minimizes the circulation of the reaction zone heat exchange fluid by incorporating interstage reheating of the reaction zone heat exchange fluid as it passes in series flow. A particularly useful application of the process and apparatus is in the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to produce styrene. The process and apparatus can also be used with simultaneous exchange of catalyst particles by an operation that restricts reactant flow while moving catalyst through reaction stacks in which the reactant flow has been restricted.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2000Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: William Wiede, Jr., Kevin J. Brandner, Bruce A. Briggs, Donald E. Felch, Constante P. Tagamolila
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Patent number: 6764742Abstract: A honeycomb structure body which has a number of passages partitioned with partition walls and penetrating along the axial direction. A porous honeycomb structure body which contains refractory grains as filler, one or more elements selected from the group consisting of the rare earth elements, alkaline earth elements, Al, and Si, and the crystal containing one or more kinds of these elements. The present honeycomb structure body contains refractory grains such as silicon carbide grains and the like, but it can be produced at a relatively low firing temperature at a low price, it is sufficiently porous and high in specific surface area, and it can be used as a filter for purifying automobile exhaust gas, a catalyst carrier, and the like under the high SV conditions.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Shuichi Ichikawa, Takahiro Tomita, Shinji Kawasaki, Hiroaki Sakai
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Patent number: 6764743Abstract: A honeycomb structure constituted by porous cell walls forming a cell group consisting of a plurality of cells, and a honeycomb outer wall surrounding and holding the outermost peripheral cells located at the circumference of the cells, a porosity is 5% to less than 30%, a basic wall thickness (Tc) of the cell walls is 0.030 mm≦Tc<0.076 mm, an average surface roughness (Ras) of the outer wall is 0.5 &mgr;m≦Ras≦10 &mgr;m, and/or an average height (RzDINs) on the surface of the outer wall from a local maximum point to a next local minimum point is 5 &mgr;m≦RzDINs≦50 &mgr;m; and a process for producing such a honeycomb structure using a raw material having a specific average diameter. The honeycomb structure satisfies requirements of improved purification ability, erosion resistance and improved canning property at a good balance.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Yasushi Kato, Yasushi Noguchi, Masato Ogawa
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Publication number: 20040120871Abstract: A chemical reactor for catalytically processing a fluid feed stream comprises a reactor vessel incorporating a structured catalyst bed, and additionally comprises one or more catalytically active, fluid-permeable seals provided in gaps between the catalyst bed and the walls of the reactor vessel to treat portions of the fluid feed stream otherwise by-passing the structured catalyst for treatment.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Gilbert De Angelis, Scott W. Deming, Jerome T. Firlik, Michael G. Shultz
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Publication number: 20040120889Abstract: A hydrogen generator capable of operating in any orientation and having no moving parts includes a catalyst retaining structure. The catalyst retaining structure is disposed in a housing and serves to separate the housing into a fuel holding portion and a hydrogen chamber. The catalyst retaining structure also includes one or more pores, each pore being in communication with the fuel holding and hydrogen chambers. A catalyst, that promotes the generation of hydrogen gas upon contact with the fuel, is disposed within the pores. The fuel enters the pores and thereupon generates hydrogen gas which passes into the hydrogen chamber. Contact of the fuel with the catalyst in the pores may be controlled and the position of the fuel-hydrogen interface within the pore may be moved so as to regulate the generation of hydrogen. The catalyst retaining structure can take different forms, including one or more hollow elongated members or plates, and may further incorporate hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic membranes.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Shailesh A. Shah, Michael T. Kelly
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Patent number: 6749817Abstract: An arrangement for a fluid distributor-contactor-type reactor uses perforated plates to circulate two reactants in alternate channels defined by spaces between parallel stacked plates to perform controlled distribution and mixing simultaneously with optional indirect heat transfer. One reactant enters one set of channels that serve as reaction channels. A set of second channels interleaved with the reaction channels serve as distribution channels that also provide a heat exchange function. Finely dispersed openings in the perforated plates distribute the reactant at low concentration from the distribution channels into the reaction channels. Dispersal of the reactant through the perforations will enhance the turbulence that is primarily introduced by the corrugated plates to insure good mixing of the reactants in the reaction channels.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: UOP LLCInventor: Robert C. Mulvaney, III
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Patent number: 6746650Abstract: A fuel gas-steam reformer assembly, preferably an autothermal reformer assembly, for use in a fuel cell power plant, includes a catalyst bed which is formed from a cylindrical monolithic open cell foam body. The foam body is preferably formed from a high temperature material such as stainless steel, nickel alloys and Iron-aluminum alloys, or from a ceramic material. The foam body includes open cells or pores which are contained within the metal or ceramic lattice. The lattice is coated with a porous wash coat which serves as a high surface area substrate onto which catalysts used in the reformer are applied. The foam body has an inlet end into which a mixture of fuel, steam and air is fed to begin the reforming process. An inlet portion of the foam body may be provided with an iron oxide and/or noble metal catalyst and the remainder of the foam body may be provided with a copper, copper/zinc and/or noble metal catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1999Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: UTC Fuel Cells, LLCInventor: Roger R. Lesieur
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Publication number: 20040105794Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen generator capable of preventing emission of CO and hydrogen, generating hydrogen in a clean and safe manner with high reforming efficiency and accelerating water vaporization immediately after the start-up to reduce the start-up time, the hydrogen generator including: a raw material supply part for supplying a raw material containing a compound formed of at least carbon and hydrogen; a water supply part for supplying water; a water vaporization part for vaporizing water supplied from the water supply part; a reforming part including a reforming catalyst for generating reformed gas from the raw material and the water by steam reforming; a burner for heating the reforming part; a fuel supply part for supplying fuel to the burner; a first air supply part for supplying air for combustion to the burner; and a combustion catalyst arranged in a combustion gas flow path for passing combustion gas discharged from the burner.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2003Publication date: June 3, 2004Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Akira Maenishi, Tomonori Asou, Motohiro Suzuki, Kiyoshi Taguchi
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Publication number: 20040101471Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing hydrogen are provided. The methods and apparatus utilize reforming catalysts in order to produce hydrogen gas. The reforming catalysts may be platinum group metals on a support material, and they may be located in a reforming reaction zone of a primary reactor. The support material may an oxidic support having a ceria zirconia promoter. The support material may be an oxidic support and a neodymium stabilizer. The support material may also be an oxidic support material and at least one Group IA, Group IIA, manganese, or iron metal promoter. The primary reactor may have a first and second reforming reaction zones. Upstream reforming catalysts located in the first reforming reaction zone may be selected to perform optimally under the conditions in the first reforming reaction zone. Downstream reforming catalysts located in the second reforming reaction zone may be selected to perform optimally under the conditions in the second reforming reaction zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2002Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventors: Michael lan Petch, Jonathan Charles Frost, Suzanne Rose Ellis, Jessica Grace Reinkingh, Mark Robert Feaviour, Jillian Elaine Bailie, David Wails, Paul James Millington
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Patent number: 6733552Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus having a fuel feeding part, a water feeding part for fuel reforming, an oxidant gas feeding part, a reforming catalyst body, a heating part for the reforming catalyst, a CO shifting catalyst body and a CO purification catalyst body is provided wherein the reforming catalyst body, the CO shifting catalyst body and the CO purification catalyst body are sequentially ordered from the fuel feeding part toward the downstream side, and wherein a shifting catalyst of the shifting catalyst body contains as one component at least a platinum group-type catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2000Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kiyoshi Taguchi, Takeshi Tomizawa, Kunihiro Ukai, Toshiyuki Shono, Kouichiro Kitagawa
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Patent number: 6733732Abstract: A reactor comprising a body made of a heat-resistant material and having an inlet and an outlet for water/moisture gas, having a gas-diffusing member provided in an internal space of the body, and having a platinum coating on an internal wall surface of the body. Hydrogen and oxygen fed from the inlet are diffused by the gas-diffusing member and then come into contact with the platinum coating to enhance reactivity, thereby producing water. A temperature of the reactor is held to be below an ignition temperature of hydrogen or a hydrogen-containing gas. The platinum-coated catalyst layer on the internal wall of the reactor body is formed by treating the surface of the internal wall of the body, cleaning the treated surface, forming a barrier coating of a nonmetallic material of an oxide or nitride on the wall surface, and forming the platinum coating on the barrier coating.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2001Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignees: Fujikin IncorporatedInventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Koji Kawada, Yoshikazu Tanabe, Takahisa Nitta, Nobukazu Ikeda, Akihiro Morimoto, Keiji Hirao, Hiroshi Morokoshi, Yukio Minami
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Patent number: 6726977Abstract: A honeycomb structure in which the structure has a reinforced part having been loaded with a cordierite powder at least on one end surface of the frontal openings of the substrate of a honeycomb structure made of cordierite. This honeycomb structure does not decrease merits of a small pressure loss and the like as a thin-walled honeycomb structure, and is also excellent in abrasive resistance of the end surfaces of the frontal openings.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Kazuhiko Kumazawa, Kunikazu Hamaguchi
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Patent number: 6726884Abstract: An insulating liner for use with exhaust system or pollution control devices such as catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters or traps. The insulating liner is shown in relation to an end cone for use with a catalytic converter. The end cone includes an outer metallic end cone and a free-standing insulating cone positioned within the outer metallic end cone. A substantial portion of the inner surface of the insulating liner is exposed to hot exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine. The insulating liner is preferably formed of a composite containing inorganic fibers and/or particles, which makes the insulating liner rigid, yet capable of withstanding repeated mechanical and thermal shocks.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1996Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kenneth R. Dillon, Richard P. Merry, Stephen M. Sanocki
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Publication number: 20040071610Abstract: A customized flow path substrate is provided that comprises fins of varying material and geometry within a catalyst bed of fuel processing reactors. The fins are preferably secured to a core and are assembled by winding the fins around the core and placing the wound fins and the core into a tube to form a tube assembly, which is positioned within the fuel processing reactor. Either one or a plurality of fins may be secured to an individual core, wherein either or both the material and the geometry are varied to customize the flow path and to provide for efficient mixing of gases and to break boundary layer between bulk gas stream and substrate for enhancing mass transfer rate. In addition, the fins are coated with a catalyst material either prior to assembly in one form or after assembly within the tube in another form of the present invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2002Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventors: Annette M. Brenner, Tai-Chiang Yu, Mark A. Brundage, Gerald E. Voecks
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Patent number: 6716512Abstract: A honeycomb structure having, in the axial direction, a number of through-channels separated by partition walls, which honeycomb structure contains refractory particles and a vitreous component and is porous. Although the honeycomb structure contains refractory particles such as silicon carbide particles or the like, it can be produced at a relatively low firing temperature; therefore, the honeycomb structure has a low production cost and a high yield and can be provided at a low price.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshinori Yamamoto, Naomi Noda, Takashi Harada
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Publication number: 20040047787Abstract: A process for the selective oxidation of carbon monoxide in a hydrogen-rich gas stream, wherein a mixture comprising the hydrogen-rich gas stream and a molecular oxygen-containing gas is contacted with a monolithic structure of a material having a thermal conductivity of at least 30 W/m.K, which monolithic structure is provided with a catalyst for the selective oxidation of carbon monoxide, at a gas velocity such that the flow through the monolithic structure is laminar. The invention further relates to a reactor comprising such a monolithic structure, wherein particles of the catalyst are contained in the monolithic structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Michiel Jan Groeneveld, Gert Jan Kramer, Michael Johannes Franicscus Maria Verhaak
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Patent number: 6703103Abstract: The honeycomb structure of the present invention is formed from a nonwoven fabric in which a biologically soluble fiber is used, and exhibits superior biological solubility and high heat resistance.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Nichias Co., Ltd.Inventors: Minoru Tanaka, Haruko Sasaki
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Patent number: 6699561Abstract: An activated carbon molded body, more particularly in honeycomb form and for use as an adsorption filter, can be produced from a mixture including activated carbon, water, novolak powder, clay, cellulose ether, liquid starch, wax, polyacrylamide and soap, by a procedure involving thoroughly mixing the constituents, extruding the mixture to form a monolithic molded body and cutting same to size, drying the body and effecting pyrolysis thereof. The adsorption filter produced therefrom can be regenerated by electrical heating under specified conditions.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Helsa-Werke Helmut Sandler GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Thomas Wolff
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Patent number: 6699562Abstract: The invention provides an improved ceramic packing element having the basic shape of a cylinder with an aspect ratio, defined by the diameter to length dimensions that is from 2.7 to 4.5.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Saint-Gobain CorporationInventors: Hassan S. Niknafs, Robert L. Miller
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Publication number: 20040037758Abstract: According to the present invention, a temperature profile within a preferential oxidation reactor is controlled using a two phase water/steam system to provide a temperature range within the reactor (10) which favors the selective oxidation of CO in a hydrogen rich reformate stream. The reformate is flowed in a mixture with oxygen over a preferential oxidation catalyst (17). The temperature profile is controlled by flowing a stream of water proximate to the preferential oxidation catalyst (17) so as the stream of water and the reformate stream passing over the catalyst (17) are in a heat transfer arrangement. The stream of water is maintained as a two phase stream from a point at which the water reaches its boiling temperature to a point proximate an outlet from which the stream of water exits the reactor (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventors: Darryl Pollica, William F. Northrop, Chunming Qi, Mark R. Hagan, Alexis Smith, Lawrence G. Clawson
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Patent number: 6696131Abstract: There is provided a ceramic honeycomb structure with excellent thermal shock resistance. The ceramic honeycomb structure (1) comprises partitions (10) arranged in a lattice forming a plurality of cells (19) and an outer shell (15) surrounding the perimeter of the partitions (10), and the outer shell (15) is provided with slits (2) formed by cutting the outer shell (15) in the lengthwise direction along its entire length.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Mamoru Nishimura, Takeshi Ueda
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Publication number: 20040034266Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2003Publication date: February 19, 2004Inventors: John H. Brophy, Kai Jarosch, Terry J. Mazanec, Matthew B. Schmidt, Laura J. Silva, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Fred Pesa, David J. Hesse
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Patent number: 6692707Abstract: Monolith catalyst 42 is disposed in the reaction layer 40 of reformer 20, the monolith catalyst 42 carrying a copper-zinc catalyst which accelerates a water vapor reforming reaction and an oxidation reaction of methanol on a monolith carrier with a ratio of the length to the diameter between 5 and 18, more preferably 8 and 15, 600 to 3400 cells per square inch, more preferably 900 to 3000 cells per square inch, and formed from ceramics of low thermal conductivity at the region within 15 mm from the flow-in end of the mixture gas and from a metal of high thermal conductivity at the other portions. As a result, the degree of freedom of design and the efficiency of the water vapor reforming reaction can both be improved.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2000Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takeshi Hirabayashi
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Publication number: 20040018124Abstract: An heterogeneous chemical reactor of the type with a partial opening, incorporating a catalytic cartridge comprising a substantially cylindrical basket (11) suitable for containing a predetermined amount of a predefined catalyst is distinguished by the fact that the basket (11) is modular and is made of a plurality of containers (14) which are structurally independent from each other, which can be manipulated individually and which are associated with each other to form the basket (11) in a reciprocally removable way, each container (14) being of a suitable size to pass through the partial opening (9) of the corresponding reactor (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Ermanno Filippi, Enrico Rizzi, Mirco Tarozzo
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Patent number: 6680101Abstract: A molded honeycomb material is obtained by subjecting a mixture of a raw material powder and a binder to extrusion molding. In the honeycomb material, no open pores are present, and the binder includes a thermoplastic material which is molten at the molding temperature. A process for producing the above molded honeycomb material includes heating a mixture of a raw material powder and a binder to a molding temperature to melt the binder, subjecting the mixture to extrusion molding, and cooling and solidifying the extrudate. The honeycomb material has a small partition wall thickness and can be mass-produced without impairing the product quality.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2000Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventor: Shigeki Kato
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Publication number: 20040004031Abstract: Systems and processes for the hydrotreatment of pyrolysis gasoline comprising reactors, monolithic catalyst beds and hydrogen-containing treatment gases that allow for improved efficiency and productivity over conventional trickle bed processes and systems for such hydrotreatment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2002Publication date: January 8, 2004Inventors: Thorsten R. Boger, Shantanu Roy, Charles M. Sorensen
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Publication number: 20040005258Abstract: The invention relates to chemical reactor templates having channel-like voids parallel to the template's major axis. The channel-like voids may have either micro-scale or nano-scale cross sectional areas. The chemical reactor templates may be used to produce micro- and nano-scale filaments and particles which have a variety of uses. In some embodiments a chemical reactor template of the invention have at least two intersecting channel-like voids substantially parallel to the major axis of said template. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing a chemical reactor template using sacrificial layers. The chemical reactor templates of the invention may be fabricated to have multiple arrays of channel-like structures as well as vertical elements to provide access to act as contacts for the channel-like voids and materials formed within the template. The invention relates to methods for producing filaments and particles using a chemical reactor template.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2002Publication date: January 8, 2004Inventors: Stephen J. Fonash, Chih-Yi Peng, Ayusmen Sen, Seong H. Kim, Henry C. Foley, Bin Gu, Wook Jun Nam, Kyuhwan Chang
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Patent number: 6673414Abstract: A ceramic filter for trapping and combusting diesel exhaust particulates offering improved configurations that are significantly more resistant to thermal cracking and melting damage comprises a honeycomb filter body composed of porous ceramic material and including a plurality of parallel cell channels traversing the body from a frontal inlet end to an outlet end thereof, a portion of the cell channels are plugged in a non-checkered pattern, and the remaining cell channels are plugged in a checkered pattern. In one embodiment the honeycomb filter body has a section of non-checkered and a section of checkered plugging at the frontal inlet end. In another embodiment the honeycomb filter body has a plurality of cell channels internal plugs. In another embodiment the honeycomb filter body has a plurality of partial cell channels which extend partially from the frontal inlet end into the honeycomb filter body, and are unplugged at the frontal inlet end.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Thomas D. Ketcham, Dell J. St. Julien
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Patent number: 6667014Abstract: A steam reformer for converting a reactor fuel into a product gas includes a catalyst bed which is formed from catalyst blocks which are configured so as to match the configuration of the catalyst bed chamber. The steam reformer side walls have a thermal coefficient of expansion which is greater than the thermal coefficient of expansion of the catalyst. By forming specifically configured catalyst bed blocks, slumping and subsequent damage of the catalyst blocks is eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1998Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: UTC Fuel Cells, LLCInventor: Donald F. Szydlowski
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Patent number: 6660237Abstract: The present invention includes a catalyst structure and method of making the catalyst structure for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis that both rely upon the catalyst structure having a first porous structure with a first pore surface area and a first pore size of at least about 0.1 &mgr;m, preferably from about 10 &mgr;m to about 300 &mgr;m. A porous interfacial layer with a second pore surface area and a second pore size less than the first pore size is placed upon the first pore surface area. Finally, a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst selected from the group consisting of cobalt, ruthenium, iron and combinations thereof is placed upon the second pore surface area. Further improvement is achieved by using a microchannel reactor wherein the reaction chamber walls define a microchannel with the catalyst structure placed therein through which pass reactants. The walls may separate the reaction chamber from at least one cooling chamber. The present invention also includes a method of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Battelle Memory InstituteInventors: Yong Wang, David P. Vanderwiel, Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Yufei Gao, Eddie G. Baker
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Patent number: 6656564Abstract: A ceramic honeycomb structure (1) constituted by cell walls (ribs) (2) forming a composite structure from a plurality of cells (3) being adjacent each other and a honeycomb outer wall (4) surrounding and holding the outermost peripheral cells located at the circumference of the composite structure; said composite structure satisfying the followings: the basic thickness of the cell walls (2) (the basic cell wall thickness) (Tc) is Tc≦0.12 mm, the outer wall thickness (Ts) of the honeycomb structure is Ts≧0.05 mm, and the open frontal area (P) is P≧80%, and there is a relation shown by formula: 1.10≦(Tr1˜Tr3-20)/Tc≦3.00 between the basic cell wall thickness (Tc) and each cell wall thickness (Tr1˜Tr3-20) of cells existing between an outermost peripheral cell and any cell within a first end cell from a third cell to a twentieth cell extending inwardly, taking the outermost peripheral cell as a first starting cell.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Yukihito Ichikawa, Takahiro Kondo, Makoto Miyazaki, Masahiro Shirai
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Patent number: 6649244Abstract: A ceramic honeycomb catalyst carrier wherein a porosity is 20% or less and an average surface roughness (Ra) of a partition wall of the carrier is 0.5 &mgr;m or more is obtained by forming ceramic raw materials to obtain a ceramic honeycomb formed body; drying the ceramic honeycomb formed body to obtain a ceramic honeycomb dried-up body; roughening a surface of the partition wall of the ceramic honeycomb dried-up body by exposing the ceramic honeycomb dried-up body in an airflow in which polishing powders are included; and sintering the ceramic honeycomb dried-up body after a surface treatment, or, by forming ceramic raw materials to obtain a ceramic honeycomb formed body; drying and sintering the ceramic honeycomb formed body to obtain a ceramic honeycomb sintered body; and roughening a surface of the partition wall of the ceramic honeycomb sintered body by exposing the ceramic honeycomb sintered body in an airflow or a water flow in which polishing powders are included.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Toshiyuki Hamanaka, Kyoko Makino, Yasushi Noguchi
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Patent number: 6645443Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reforming educts containing hydrocarbons, having a radiation burner and a reforming reactor, which contains, at least in part, metal honeycomb bodies having a catalyst coating, and which can in particular be used to produce hydrogen from fossil energy carriers. The invention should thereby be able to convert educts containing hydrocarbons into synthesis gases with high efficiency, in particular in a low-power range. For this purpose, a radiation burner is used that heats a two-part reforming reactor by radiation and convection. The radiation burner and the two parts of the reforming reactor are thereby arranged and constructed in such a way that the radiation burner surrounds the two parts of the reforming reactor, and the educt gas and smoke gas can be conducted in counter-current between the two parts of the reforming reactor.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2000Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.Inventors: Bernhard Vogel, Alexander Schuler, Konstantin Ledjeff-Hey
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Publication number: 20030194359Abstract: A multilayered ceramic chemical combustion heater for use in an integrated fuel reformer including a three-dimensional multilayer fired ceramic carrier structure defining at least one ceramic cavity therein and a method of forming the chemical combustion heater. A catalyst is formed in combination with the at least one cavity, being introduced into the cavity subsequent to the firing of the ceramic structure, thereby defining a closed heating zone. The catalyst provides for complete air oxidation of an input fuel. The chemical combustion heater generates heat in proportion to the feed rate of the input fuel and air. The ceramic cavity further includes a fuel inlet, an air inlet, or a combination pre-mixed fuel/air inlet, and an outlet. Feedback control of the feed rate of the input fuel and air allows for the maintenance of the chemical combustion heater at a specific temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2002Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventors: Dominic Francis Gervasio, Daniel Zindel, Sonja Tasic, Stephen P. Rogers, Chowdary Ramesh Koripella, David L. Wilcox, Christopher K. Dyer
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Publication number: 20030194363Abstract: A multilayered ceramic chemical reactor and method of making the chemical reactor for use in an integrated fuel reformer in the form of a chemical combustion heater or a steam reformer. The ceramic chemical reactor including a three-dimensional multilayer ceramic carrier structure defining a cavity having a cofired catalyst formed therein. An optional cofired porous ceramic support layer can be provided as a layer between the ceramic structure and the catalyst material. The cofired catalyst provides for selective deposition of the catalyst material during fabrication and complete air oxidation of an input fuel during use. The cavity further includes a fuel inlet, an air inlet, and an outlet. The fuel processor includes a monolithic three-dimensional multilayer ceramic carrier structure defining a fuel reformer having heat provided by the integrated chemical reactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2002Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventors: Chowdary Ramesh Koripella, Sonja Tasic
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Publication number: 20030194362Abstract: A multilayered ceramic chemical reactor and method of making the chemical reactor for use in an integrated fuel reformer in the form of a chemical combustion heating reactor or a steam reforming reactor. The ceramic chemical reactor including a three-dimensional multilayer ceramic carrier structure defining a cavity having a cofired porous ceramic support layer formed therein. The porous ceramic support layer further includes an immobilized catalyst formed on a surface of the porous ceramic support layer or entrapped within a plurality of voids formed in the porous ceramic support layer. The immobilized catalyst providing for a chemical reaction which converts input chemical reactants into chemical products and by-products. The cavity further includes a fuel inlet, an air inlet, and an outlet. The fuel processor includes a monolithic three-dimensional multilayer ceramic carrier structure defining a fuel reforming reactor, having heat provided by the integrated chemical reactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2002Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventors: Stephen P. Rogers, Chowdary Ramesh Koripella, David Charles Lamont