Abstract: A process for the catalytic oxidation of a hydrocarbonaceous fuel into a conversion product, wherein a feed mixture comprising the fuel and an oxygen-containing gas is contacted with a catalyst bed, comprising the steps of: (a) setting the flow rate of the fuel and flow rate of the oxygen-containing gas, (b) determining the actual temperature of the upstream surface of the catalyst bed by mans of a quick response device; and (c) generating an output signal that is a function of the difference between the actual temperature and a set point for the temperature; and using the output signal to adjust the flow rate of the fuel and/or of the oxygen-containing gas.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a method for improving the selectivity of a desired chemical reaction over an undesired chemical reaction utilizing a reactor having at least one channel having a catalyst positioned thereon and a presenting a reactant flow stream at a known flow rate and inlet temperature over the catalyst at a velocity such that a boundary layer formed thereby relative to said catalytic surface defines a thickness that is sufficiently less than the thickness of a fully developed boundary layer over said catalytic surface whereby the desired chemical reaction occurs preferentially over the undesired chemical reaction.

Abstract: A new method for the production and use of a carbon-isotope monoxide enriched gas-mixture from an initial carbon-isotope dioxide gas mixture is presented. The method comprises the steps of providing carbon-isotope dioxide in a suitable carrier gas, converting carbon-isotope dioxide to carbon-isotope monoxide by introducing said gas mixture in a reactor device, trapping carbon-isotope monoxide in a carbon monoxide trapping device, wherein carbon-isotope monoxide is trapped but not said carrier gas, and releasing said trapped carbon-isotope monoxide from said trapping device in a well defined micro-plug, whereby a volume of carbon-isotope monoxide enriched gas-mixture is achieved, which is confined in a reactor and pressurized with a reagent. Further, a system for producing a carbon-isotope monoxide enriched gas-mixture according the method is presented.

Abstract: A method for generating syngas having a H2:CO ratio of less than 2:1 including selecting a predetermined desired syngas H2:CO molar ratio, selecting a hydrocarbon with a natural H2:CO molar ratio less than the desired ratio, selecting a hydrocarbon with a natural H2:CO molar ratio greater than the desired ratio, mixing the two hydrocarbons such that the natural H2:CO molar ratio of the mixture is the desired ratio, and catalytically partially oxidizing the mixture to produce syngas with the desired ratio.

Abstract: A process for the combustion treatment of carbonaceous particles collected on a filter situated in an exhausted circuit of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The combustion of the particles is brought about by contacting them with a gas mixture including at least nitrogen dioxide generated within the exhaust circuit of the engine, the particles having been seeded prior to their combustion with at least one catalyst of their oxidation.

Abstract: Novel catalysts comprised of graphitic nanostructures. The graphitic nanostructure catalysts are suitable for catalyzing reactions such as oxidation, hydrogenation, oxidative-hydrogenation, and dehydrogenation.

Abstract: Partial oxidation of hydrocarbons to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide is carried out by a cyclical process, which includes (a) contacting an oxygen ion conducting ceramic with air at a pressure between about 1 and 50 bara in a reactor, wherein oxygen from the air reacts with the ceramic, thereby producing an oxygen-enriched ceramic, and (b) contacting the hot, oxygen-enriched ceramic with hydrocarbon gas and optionally steam in the reactor. During the partial oxidation reaction phase of the process, the oxygen-enriched ceramic reacts with the hydrocarbon, thereby producing the desired gas products and regenerating the oxygen ion conducting ceramic for the next cycle of the process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a synthesis gas from a regeneration of a spent cracking catalyst. The method includes introducing a spent cracking catalyst into a first regeneration zone in a presence of a first atmosphere comprising a first oxygen containing gas at a first regeneration temperature. For example, a temperature that does not exceed about 1400° F., and more preferable, a temperature that ranges from about 1150° F. to about 1400° F., may be used as the first regeneration temperature. The method further includes introducing the spent cracking catalyst from the first regeneration zone into a second regeneration zone. The spent cracking catalyst is introduced into the second regeneration zone in a presence of a second atmosphere comprising a second oxygen containing gas and a carbon dioxide rich stream, and at a second regeneration temperature substantially greater than the first regeneration temperature.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of manufacturing a synthesis gas comprising reacting hydrocarbons with water vapor in a reformer to produce a synthesis gas containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, recovering carbon dioxide from combustion exhaust gas which has been discharged from the reformer by a carbon dioxide recovery apparatus provided with a carbon dioxide absorption tower and with a carbon dioxide-absorbing liquid regenerating tower, and feeding the carbon dioxide thus recovered, as a component of raw gas, to the upstream side and/or the downstream side of the reformer. The hot synthesis gas produced in the reformer is utilized as a heat source for regenerating a carbon dioxide-absorbing liquid in the carbon dioxide-absorbing liquid regenerating tower of the carbon dioxide recovery apparatus.

Abstract: This invention provides a catalyst and a process for the catalytic partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon feedstock by contacting a feed stream including a hydrocarbon feedstock and an oxygen-containing gas with a catalyst in a reaction zone maintained at conversion-promoting conditions effective to produce an effluent stream including carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The process of this invention is characterized by using a porous catalyst containing rhodium, such as rhodium gauze or rhodium felt.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the catalytic partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon feedstock by contacting a feed stream including a hydrocarbon feedstock and an oxygen-containing gas with a catalyst in a reaction zone maintained at conversion-promoting conditions effective to produce an effluent stream including carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The process of this invention is characterized by using an unsupported porous catalyst containing rhodium, such as rhodium foam.

Abstract: A method for purifying carbon monoxide, which can efficiently remove metal carbonyl in carbon monoxide while suppressing the production of carbon dioxide, is provided by selecting a metal oxide having proper oxidizability as a reactant with metal carbonyl. Carbon monoxide containing metal carbonyls as trace impurities is contacted with a remover containing manganese sesquioxide as a main component, thereby reacting metal carbonyl in carbon monoxide with said manganese sesquioxide to remove said metal carbonyl from said carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide by a combination of catalytic partial oxidation and further an autothermal reforming process, comprising (a) providing separate streams of predetermined proportions of a hydrocarbon feedstock, an oxygen source and of process steam, (b) injecting said separate streams into a catalytic partial oxidation reaction zone to react, and to form a prereformed product stream, (c) introducing the prereformed product and a predetermined proportion of a second oxygen source into a further partial oxidation process step forming a further partially oxidised process stream by flame reactions, (d) reacting the further partially oxidised process stream in the reaction zone constituting a steam reforming process step to form a synthesis gas product stream, and (e) withdrawing the synthesis gas product stream from the further partial oxidation process step and the steam reforming process step, the two steps constituting the autothermal

Abstract: A multistage catalytic partial oxidation (CPO) process for oxidizing a hydrocarbon feedstream comprising C1-C4 hydrocarbons, with an oxygen-containing feedstream to produce a product comprising CO and H2, also known as synthesis gas or syngas.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide comprises steps of removing only hydrogen sulfide from a natural gas containing hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide by permitting the natural gas to pass through a hydrogen sulfide-removing device filled with a hydrogen sulfide absorbent, adding carbon dioxide and steam to the natural gas which the hydrogen sulfide has been removed to prepare a mixed gas, and feeding the mixed gas into a reaction tube of a reformer, thereby permitting mainly a steam reforming reaction to take place in the mixed gas. This method enables hydrogen sulfide in natural gas to be removed while permitting the carbon dioxide of natural gas to be effectively utilized, thereby reducing the quantity of carbon dioxide to be added to the natural gas to be transferred to the reformer.

Abstract: Process for carrying out non-adiabatic reactions comprising the steps of: introducing in parallel a first stream of reactants into a first reaction space and a second stream of reactants into a second reaction space; at reaction conditions contacting the first reactant stream with a catalyst in the first reaction space in indirect heat exchange with a heat exchanging medium and contacting the second reactant stream with a catalyst in the second reaction space in indirect heat exchange with a heat exchanging medium, and withdrawing a first and second steam reformed product gas; and the catalyst in the first reaction space being arranged within a tubular reactor in indirect heat exchanging relationship with the heat exchanging medium by introducing the medium into tubular heat exchange space concentrically surrounding the tubular reactor with the first reaction space, the catalyst in the second reaction space being arranged on shell side of a heat exchange space in indirect heat exchanging relationship with

Abstract: A process for the partial oxidation of hydrocarbons, wherein a hydrocarbon-comprising gas flow and a free oxygen-comprising gas flow are fed into a reaction chamber, comprising the steps of:—mixing and reacting a first portion of the free oxygen-comprising gas flow with a first flow comprising reacted gases circulating within the reaction chamber;—mixing a second portion of the free oxygen-comprising gas flow with the hydrocarbon-comprising gas flow in the reaction chamber obtaining a gas flow comprising both hydrocarbons and free oxygen at least partly mixed together—mixing and reacting the gas flow comprising both hydrocarbons and free oxygen at least partly mixed together with a second flow comprising reacted gases circulating inside the reaction chamber obtaining a gas flow comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the catalytic production of a hydrogen feed by exposing a hydrogen feed to a catalyst which promotes a base-catalyzed water-gas-shift reaction in a liquid phase. The hydrogen feed can be provided by any process known in the art of making hydrogen gas. It is preferably provided by a process that can produce a hydrogen feed for use in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The step of exposing the hydrogen feed takes place preferably from about 80° C. to about 150° C.

Abstract: A process is described for converting gaseous lower alkanes, e.g. methane, into synthesis gas. In the process, a mixture of the alkanes and oxygen is subjected to partial oxidation in a reaction zone in the presence of a catalyst comprising a mesoporous aluminosilicate solid catalyst having the structure of MCM-41 with a silica-to-alumina ratio of about 5:1 to 1000:1 pore diameters of at least 5 Å and a nickel loading of about 5-20% by weight. This provides a high level of conversion of the alkanes as well as a high selectivity to formation of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention provides chemical reactors and reaction chambers and methods for conducting catalytic chemical reactions having gas phase reactants. In preferred embodiments, these reaction chambers and methods include at least one porous catalyst material that has pore sizes large enough to permit molecular diffusion within the porous catalyst material.

Abstract: Catalysts comprising a catalytically active metal on a NiO—MgO coated porous metal alloy support that are active for catalyzing the oxidative conversion of methane to CO and H2 are disclosed. The preferred catalytically active metal is rhodium and the porous metal alloy support is preferably a perforated fecralloy foil. A method of making the catalysts and coated supports, and processes for using the new catalysts for converting light hydrocarbons, such as methane, to synthesis gas, are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of radioactive graphite which includes the following steps: (i) reacting the radioactive graphite at a temperature in the range of from 250° C. to 900° C. with superheated steam or gases containing water vapor to form hydrogen and carbon monoxide; (ii) reacting the hydrogen and carbon monoxide from step (i) to form water and carbon dioxide; and (iii) reacting the carbon dioxide of step (ii) with metal oxides to for carbonate salts. The process enables radioactive graphite, such as graphite moderator, to be treated either in-situ or externally of a decommissioned nuclear reactor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of steam reforming a hydrocarbon over a spinel-containing catalyst at short residence times or short contact times. The present invention also provides spinel-containing catalysts. Surprisingly superior results and properties obtained in methods and catalysts of the present invention are also described.

Abstract: A improved hydrocarbon conversion process, comprising applying a plating, cladding, paint or other coating to at least a portion of a hydrocarbon conversion reactor system which is used to convert hydrocarbons to products in the presence of steam, said coating being effective to reduce the amount of undesirable by-products in said process; and operating the hydrocarbon conversion process at a steam to hydrocarbon ratio that is lower than the steam to hydrocarbon ratio at which said process was operated prior to applying said coating. Preferred hydrocarbon conversion process includes steam cracking of hydrocarbons to produce ethylene and dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene.

Abstract: A process is provided which includes the steps of providing a CO-SER unit, feeding a feed gas of an equimolar mix of CO2 and H2 with a slight excess of CO2 to the CO-SER unit to produce a CO-SER product gas of CO, a small amount of CO2, and substantially no H2 at high pressure, providing a TSA unit having a plurality of adsorber vessels, each adsorber vessel having an adsorbent capable of selectively adsorbing CO2, the adsorber vessel being at high pressure and ambient temperature, and feeding the CO-SER product gas to one of the adsorber vessels in the TSA unit to selectively remove CO2 gas to produce a TSA product gas that is of high purity and of high pressure. The feeding continues to the one adsorber vessel until a point prior to CO2 breakthrough occurring. The process further includes regenerating any adsorber vessels having adsorbent that is substantially spent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a synthesis gas from a regeneration of spent cracking catalyst. The method includes introducing a spent cracking catalyst into a first regeneration zone in a presence of a first oxygen and carbon dioxide atmosphere and at a first regeneration temperature. For example, a temperature that does not exceed about 1400° F., and more preferable a temperature that ranges from about 1150° F. to about 1400° F., may be used as the first regeneration temperature. The method further includes introducing the spent cracking catalyst from the first regeneration zone into a second regeneration zone in a presence of a second oxygen and carbon dioxide atmosphere, and producing a synthesis gas from cracking deposits located on the spent cracking catalyst within the second regeneration zone at a second regeneration temperature substantially greater than said first regeneration temperature.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing carbon monoxide by reverse conversion, in gas phase, of carbonic acid gas and gaseous hydrogen while minimising the production of methane. The invention is characterised in that the reaction is carried out at a temperature between 300 and 520° C. and under pressure between 10 to 40 bars in the presence of an iron-free catalyst based on zinc oxide and chromium oxide. Said method is preferably carried out continuously and comprises preferably the following steps which consist in: a) preparing a gas mixture rich in carbon dioxide and in hydrogen having a temperature between 300 and 520° C.

Abstract: A method, system and catalysts for improving the yield of syngas from the catalytic partial oxidation of methane or other light hydrocarbons is disclosed. The increase in yield and selectivity for CO and H2 products results at least in part from the substitution of H2S partial oxidation to elemental sulfur and water for the combustion of light hydrocarbon to CO2 and water.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of hydrogen and carbon monoxide rich gas by steam reforming of a hydrocarbon feedstock in the presence of a steam reforming catalyst disposed in the pores of a porous supporting structure aligned and adhered along the wall of a reforming reactor.

Abstract: A method is presented for production of carbon monoxide by reacting carbon dioxide and carbon to form carbon monoxide. Carbon is obtained from pyrolysis of carbonaceous solids. Following separating carbon monoxide from carbon, reacting to form carbon monoxide, the remaining mass contains inorganic and organic components. The mass containing inorganic and organic components is subjected to combustion by air to produce a flue gas and a residue containing inorganic components. The carbon monoxide, removed from the carbon, is reacted with steam to form a gaseous mixture of carbon dioxide, hydrogen and carbon monoxide which is a synthesis gas. A basic solution capable of combining with carbon dioxide is employed to remove carbon dioxide from a synthesis gas to provide synthesis gas substantially free of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing a gas mixture containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and optionally nitrogen, from at least a hydrocarbon such as methane, propane, butane or LPG or natural gas, which consists in performing a partial catalytic oxidation (1) of one or several hydrocarbons, at a temperature of 500° C., at a pressure of 3 to 20 bars, in the pre of oxygen or a gas containing oxygen, such as air, to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide; then in recuperating the gas mixture which can subsequently be purified or separated, by pressure swing adsorption, temperature swing adsorption of by permeation (3), to produce hydrogen having a purity of at least 80% and a residue gas capable of supplying a cogeneration unit In another embodiment, the gas mixture can subsequently be purified of its water vapour impurities and carbon dioxide to obtain a thermal treatment atmosphere containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide and nitrogen.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of hydrogen from hydrogen sulfide by reacting carbon monoxide with hydrogen sulfide to produce hydrogen and carbonyl sulfide, and then reacting the carbonyl sulfide with oxygen to produce carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide. The carbon monoxide is recycled back to the hydrogen sulfide reaction step. The catalyst used to promote the reaction between carbonyl sulfide and oxygen is an oxide of a metal, such as V, Nb, Mo, Cr, Re, Ti, W, Mn or Ta, which is supported on a support, such as TiO2, ZrO2, CeO2, Nb2O5 and Al2O3.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a synthesis gas from a regeneration of spent cracking catalyst. The method includes introducing a spent cracking catalyst into a first regeneration zone in a presence of a first oxygen and carbon dioxide atmosphere and at a first regeneration temperature. For example, a temperature that does not exceed about 1400° F., and more preferable a temperature that ranges from about 1150° F. to about 1400° F., may be used as the first regeneration temperature. The method further includes introducing the spent cracking catalyst from the first regeneration zone into a second regeneration zone in a presence of a second oxygen and carbon dioxide atmosphere, and producing a synthesis gas from cracking deposits located on the spent cracking catalyst within the second regeneration zone at a second regeneration temperature substantially greater than said first regeneration temperature.

Abstract: A process for the production of synthesis gas from light hydrocarbons such as methane includes the net catalytic partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon feedstock by contacting a feed stream comprising the hydrocarbon feedstock and an O2-containing gas with a catalyst in a reaction zone maintained at conversion-promoting conditions effective to produce an effluent stream of H2 and CO in a molar ratio of about 2:1. A preferred catalyst used in the process includes at least one catalytically active metal supported on a catalyst support comprising an aluminum-containing, oxide-dispersion-strengthened, alloy that has been treated to provide a protective oxide layer between the support and the catalytically active metal.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a synthesis gas, which makes it possible to procure CO2 inside a synthesis gas-manufacturing plant utilizing the Fisher-Tropsch reaction system, thereby enabling the synthesis gas to be cheaply manufactured by way of the Fisher-Tropsch reaction system without being restricted by the location of CO2 gas source such as an ammonia plant, the synthesis gas comprising a molar ratio of H2/CO suited for synthesizing gasoline, kerosene and gas oil. This method comprises the steps of, feeding a steam-mixed natural gas to a reformer provided with a combustion radiation portion for burning a fuel, the reformer being heated by the combustion radiation portion, recovering carbon dioxide from a combustion exhaust gas generated at the combustion radiation portion, and adding the carbon dioxide to the steam-mixed natural gas at a location on an upstream side of the reformer.

Abstract: The present invention is a chemical reactor and method for catalytic chemical reactions having gas phase reactants. The chemical reactor has reactor microchannels for flow of at least one reactant and at least one product, and a catalyst material wherein the at least one reactant contacts the catalyst material and reacts to form the at least one product. The improvement, according to the present invention is: the catalyst material is on a porous material having a porosity that resists bulk flow therethrough and permits molecular diffusion therein. The porous material further has a length, a width and a thickness, the porous material defining at least a portion of one wall of a bulk flow path through which the at least one reactant passes.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a synthesis gas, which makes use of a synthesis plant comprising a reformer having a steam reforming reaction tube, a combustion radiation portion provided around the reaction tube, for heating the reaction tube, and a convection portion communicating the combustion radiation portion. A steam-containing natural gas is prepared by adding stream to a natural gas. The steam-containing natural gas is preheated by passing the natural gas through a convection portion of reformer, the natural gas preheated being subsequently fed to the reaction tube. After being preheated in the convection portion, carbon dioxide is fed to the reaction tube, thereby producing a synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a method of performing a one-pot organic reactions including carbon monoxide as reactant, without the use of an external CO gas source, wherein a reaction mixture containing a solid or liquid CO releasing compound, a non-metal substrate and a metal catalyst is exposed to an energy source to release carbon monoxide from the CO releasing compound and wherein carbon atoms of the released carbon monoxide form a bond with the non-metal substrate compound. The present invention is further drawn to a method of preparing chemical libraries and a kit for organic reactions.

Abstract: The invention comprises a reactor having a source of a first hot reactant gas, a mixing chamber in which said first hot reactant gas mixes with a second reactant gas to form a reactant gas mixture, but wherein substantially no reaction takes place and a reaction zone wherein said mixture undergoes vapor phase reaction. A process for using the reactor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing a crude syngas product stream or a syngas product stream by further processing of the crude syngas product stream. Both the crude and syngas product stream comprise carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The crude syngas product stream additionally comprises carbon dioxide and moisture. In accordance with the method, methane in a feed stream is converted into the hydrogen and carbon monoxide in at least two stages, thereby to form a crude syngas stream. An initial stage has an oxygen transport membrane reactor having a catalyst to promote carbon dioxide or steam methane reforming. Since, the conversion is shared between two stages, the oxygen transport membrane reactor can be operated at a sufficiently low temperature to avoid ceramic membrane deterioration due to creep effect. The subsequent stage can be operated at a higher temperature with more favorable equilibrium conditions to complete the conversion of the methane.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for extracting oil from oil shale. Crushed oil shale is transported into a combustion chamber, along with relatively pure oxygen and carbon monoxide which are combusted to heat the oil shale sufficiently to release petroleum hydrocarbons, leaving a retorted oil shale containing a carbon residue. The combustion phase combines with the carbon residue to generate a recurring combustion/reaction cycle in which the carbon monoxide and oxygen are combusted to form carbon dioxide while retorting the oil shale by heat, and the carbon dioxide reacts with the carbon residue in the retorted oil shale to regenerate a carbon monoxide by-product. The petroleum hydrocarbons are cooled and processed into useable oils. The carbon monoxide by-product can be re-routed back to the combustion area of the combustion chamber and reused, or used in some separate application. Heat from the released petroleum and carbon monoxide by-product can be transferred back to the combustion chamber and also reused.

Abstract: A process for the partial oxidation of hydrocarbons, such as methane, to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide is provided. The process is conducted by contacting a mixture of a hydrocarbon-containing gas and an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a metal catalyst at high gas velocities and low reaction initiation temperatures. The metal catalyst is a transition metal selected from the group of nickel, cobalt, iron, platinum, palladium, iridium, rhenium, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium and combinations thereof supported on a ceria monolith. Less than 3% by volume of carbon dioxide is present in the product gas.

Abstract: A process for the partial catalytic oxidation of a hydrocarbon containing feed comprising contacting the feed with an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a catalyst retained within a reaction zone in a fixed arrangement, wherein the catalyst comprises at least one catalytically active metal selected from the group consisting of silver and Group VIII elements supported on a porous ceramic carrier. The porous ceramic carrier has a distribution of total pores wherein about 70% of the total pores (1) have a volume-to-surface area (V/S) ration that is within about 20% of the mean V/S value for the total pores and no pores have a V/S ration that is greater than twice the mean V/S value for the total pores; (2) have a pore-to-pore distance between neighboring pores that is within about 25% of the mean pore-to-pore distance between neighboring pores; and (3) have a pore throat area that is within about 50% of the mean pore throat are for the pores.

Abstract: A process for producing high purity carbon monoxide product gas is provided which includes the steps of providing a CO-SER unit, feeding a feed gas of an equimolar mix of CO2 and H2 with a slight excess of CO2 to the CO-SER unit to produce a CO-SER product gas of CO, a small amount of CO2, and substantially no H2 at high pressure, providing a TSA unit having a plurality of adsorber vessels, each adsorber vessel having an adsorbent capable of selectively adsorbing CO2, the adsorber vessel being at high pressure and ambient temperature, and feeding the CO-SER product gas to one of the adsorber vessels in the TSA unit to selectively remove CO2 gas to produce a TSA product gas that is of high purity and of high pressure. The feeding continues to the one adsorber vessel until a point prior to CO2 breakthrough occurring, wherein the adsorbent is substantially spent. The other adsorber vessels are then sequentially fed.

Abstract: A partial oxidation reforming reaction occurs at the center of a chamber in a reformer, while a steam reforming reaction occurs in a localized manner around the chamber center. Thus, the efficiency of the reforming reaction is improved while keeping a temperature in the vicinity of an outer chamber wall low. Oxygen is supplied from an inlet center of the reformer so as to enhance a concentration of oxygen in a central area of the chamber. On the other hand, steam is supplied along an outer wall of the chamber so as to enhance a concentration of steam in an outer peripheral area of the chamber. When a hydrocarbon raw material is reformed in this state, a partial oxidation reforming reaction, which is an exothermic reaction, mainly occurs in the central area, while a steam reforming reaction, which is an endothermic reaction, tends to occur in the outer peripheral area surrounding the central area. Thus, in the central area, the partial oxidation reformation can be promoted by reaction heat that is generated.

Abstract: A continuous process for the conversion of biomass to form a chemical feedstock is described. The biomass and an exogenous metal oxide, preferably calcium oxide, or metal oxide precursor are continuously fed into a reaction chamber that is operated at a temperature of at least 1400° C. to form reaction products including metal carbide. The metal oxide or metal oxide precursor is capable of forming a hydrolizable metal carbide. The reaction products are quenched to a temperature of 800° C. or less. The resulting metal carbide is separated from the reaction products or, alternatively, when quenched with water, hydolyzed to provide a recoverable hydrocarbon gas feedstock.

Abstract: A reformer disposed in the flow path of a reactant fluid includes: a catalyst unit capable of generating hydrogen from a reactant fluid containing an organic compound or carbon monoxide, by catalysis, and an electrically heatable heater unit. An electrically heatable catalyst unit includes: any of a sintered material, a metallic material, a composite material thereof, at least a portion of each of these materials having an electrically heatable property, and a composite material of (1) a heat-resistant material having no electrically heatable property and (2) the sintered material and/or the metallic material, and a catalyst capable of generating hydrogen from a reactant fluid containing an organic compound or carbon monoxide, by catalysis, which catalyst unit has porosity, thereby enables diffusion of a reactant fluid therethrough, and is electrically heatable. The above reformer can generate high-purity hydrogen for use in fuel cell of industrial or automotive application, in a short time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrogen generation process for use with fuel cells which includes a preferential oxidation step to reduce the concentration of carbon monoxide. The preferential oxidation step includes contacting a fuel stream comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the presence of an oxygen at a preferential oxidation temperature of between about 70° and about 160° C. with preferential oxidation catalyst for reducing the concentration of carbon monoxide to produce a treated fuel gas stream comprising less than about 50 ppm-vol carbon monoxide. The preferential oxidation catalyst comprises ruthenium metal dispersed on a shaped alumina carrier, wherein at least 60 percent of the ruthenium metal is present in a band extending from the surface towards the center and having a width of about 50 percent of the distance from the surface to the center of the shaped alumina carrier. Superior performance at low preferential oxidation temperatures below 130° C.

Abstract: A process of preparing a product gas mixture comprising CO and H2 from a light hydrocarbon and O2 mixture is disclosed. The process includes contacting a reactant gas mixture comprising a C1-C5 hydrocarbon and a source of molecular oxygen with a catalytically effective amount of a supported catalyst comprising nickel and rhodium. The catalyst and reactant gas mixture is maintained at catalytic partial oxidation promoting conditions of temperature and pressure during the contacting period, which is preferably 10 milliseconds or less. Certain preferred catalysts comprise an alloy of about 10-50 weight percent nickel and about 0.01-10 weight percent rhodium on a porous refractory support structure.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for treating a stream containing H2S are disclosed. A preferred method comprises mixing the stream containing H2S with a light hydrocarbon stream and an oxygen containing stream to form a feed stream; contacting the feed stream with a catalyst while simultaneously raising the temperature of the stream sufficiently to allow partial oxidation of the H2S and partial oxidation of the light hydrocarbon to produce a product stream containing elemental sulfur, H2O, CO and hydrogen, and cooling the product stream sufficiently to condense at least a portion of the elemental sulfur and produce a tail gas containing CO, H2, H2O and any residual elemental sulfur, and any incidental SO2, COS, and CS2 from the hydrocarbon stream or produced in the process. The tail gate is contacted with a hydrogenation catalyst so that CO is then reacted with water to produce CO2 and hydrogen and any elemental sulfur, SO2, COS, and CS2 in the tail gas is preferably converted into H2S.