Hydrogen Or Compound Thereof Patents (Class 423/644)
  • Patent number: 12006475
    Abstract: A method provides for valorization of naturally abundant organic solid biomass under a specified gas atmosphere with the existence of a catalyst structure. The method effectively converts the organic solid feedstock while producing valuable liquid hydrocarbon products, as well as utilizing methane rich resources, providing an economical and environmental benefit in the oil & gas industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: KARA TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: Hua Song
  • Patent number: 11897012
    Abstract: The present invention belongs to the field of energy and environmental protection and particularly relates to an organic solid waste treatment device based on chemical-looping hydrogen production and a method for using the same. The device comprises a pyrolysis reactor and a sleeve-type chemical-looping reactor, the sleeve-type chemical-looping reactor comprises an inner cavity, an outer cavity annularly wrapping the inner cavity, a syngas output device, a hydrogen output device, a pyrolysis gas inlet device, and a water vapor inlet device, and the pyrolysis reactor can generate pyrolysis gas, which then is conveyed to the sleeve-type chemical-looping reactor through the pyrolysis gas inlet device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Huazhong University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Xun Wang, Tingting Xu, Bo Xiao
  • Patent number: 11878907
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the disclosure provide a trace nickel-compounded layered magnesium composite material, a method for preparing the composite material, and use thereof. In some examples, the trace nickel-compounded layered magnesium composite material includes a nano-layered magnesium matrix and nano nickel. The nano nickel is distributed on a surface and between inner layers of the nano-layered magnesium matrix. In other examples, the nano-layered magnesium matrix in the composite material has a size of 10-20 nm, a layer thickness of 10-200 nm, and a layer spacing of 10-100 nm. The mass content of the nano nickel in the composite material is 2-6%. The nano nickel in the composite material has a particle size of 3-50 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Xuzhou University of Technology
    Inventors: Hui Liang, Junxiang Zhu, Xinhui Shen, Baozhang Geng, Benliang Cao, Jiashun Deng, Sihang Zhu
  • Patent number: 10577242
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a device and method for generating high-purity hydrogen by biomass pyrolysis-chemical looping combustion. The device comprises a biomass pyrolysis unit, a chemical looping hydrogen generation unit and a waste heat recovery unit; the biomass pyrolysis unit comprises a vertical bin, a screw feeder, a rotary kiln pyrolysis reactor and a high temperature filter; the chemical looping hydrogen generation unit comprises a path switching system of intake gas end, at least one packed bed reactor and a path switching system of tail gas end, wherein the packed bed reactor is composed of three parallel packed bed reactors I, II and III, which are continuously subjected to fuel reduction-steam oxidation-air combustion stages (steam purging stage) successively; the waste heat recovery unit comprises a waste heat boiler, a cooler and a gas-liquid separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Wei Wang, Xiuning Hua, Zhou Xia
  • Patent number: 10532337
    Abstract: A container is disclosed. The container includes a canister body, at least one heating device and at least one safety device. The canister body includes an inner space for storing a gas storage material. The at least one heating device is accommodated within an inner space of the canister body for heating the gas storage material, so that the gas storage material releases a gas. The at least one safety device is connected with the corresponding heating device and installed on an end part of the canister body. When a temperature of the inner space is higher than a predetermined temperature value or a pressure of the inner space is higher than a predetermined pressure value, a portion of the gas is released through the safety device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: ASIA PACIFIC FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Jefferson Y S Yang, Wu-Yao Wei
  • Patent number: 10494315
    Abstract: The present invention generally concerns a method for isolating nanoparticles via the decomposition of a ternary metal hydride. More specifically, the present invention harnesses increased energy densities from two distinct nanoparticles isolated by a precise decomposition of LiAlH4. The singular material is air stable and is a nanocomposite of Li3AlH6 nanoparticles, elemental Al nanoparticles, an amount of Ti metal, and a nanoscale organic layer, which we call nMx. The nanocomposite protects and preserves the high energy densities of the core metals isolated from the controlled reaction and makes the nanoparticles safe to handle in air. The final composite is devoid of byproducts or phase transitions that will decrease the energy output of the nanocomposite. The method of the present invention creates a narrow distribution of nanoparticles that have unique burning characteristics useful for many applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Steven Wayne Buckner, Paul Jelliss, Stephen Chung, Jacob M Laktas, Gregory J Place
  • Patent number: 10401092
    Abstract: Disclosed is a technology based upon the nesting of tubes to provide chemical reactors or chemical reactors with built in heat exchanger. As a chemical reactor, the technology provides the ability to manage the temperature within a process flow for improved performance, control the location of reactions for corrosion control, or implement multiple process steps within the same piece of equipment. As a chemical reactor with built in heat exchanger, the technology can provide large surface areas per unit volume and large heat transfer coefficients. The technology can recover the thermal energy from the product flow to heat the reactant flow to the reactant temperature, significantly reducing the energy needs for accomplishment of a process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: BayoTech, Inc.
    Inventor: Milton Edward Vernon
  • Patent number: 10307746
    Abstract: A palladium hydride nanomaterial includes nanostructures having a chemical composition represented by the formula: My-PdxHz, where M is at least one metal different from palladium; x has a non-zero value in the range of 0 to 5; y has a value in the range of 0 to 5; and z has a non-zero value in the range of 0 to 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Xiangfeng Duan, Yu Huang, Zipeng Zhao, Xiaoqing Huang
  • Patent number: 10243203
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a hydrogen storing alloy and a production method thereof. The hydrogen storing alloy has a chemical composition of a general formula R(1-x)MgxNiy, wherein R is one or more elements selected from rare earth elements comprising Y, x satisfies 0.05?x?0.3, and y satisfies 2.8?y?3.8. The ratio of the maximal peak intensity present in a range of 2?=31°-33° to the maximal peak intensity present in a range of 2?=41°-44° is 0.1 or less (including 0), as measured by X-ray diffraction in which a Cu—K? ray is set as an X-ray source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignees: GS Yuasa International Ltd., XIAMEN TUNGSTEN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Daisuke Okuda, Manabu Kanemoto, Tadashi Kakeya, Mitsuhiro Kodama, Peng Zhang, Zhen Lin, Jinhong Yang, Wenlian Qian, Long Jiang
  • Patent number: 10227234
    Abstract: Processes and systems for producing hydrogen gas utilizing a sorbent enhanced reformer in combination with a calciner operating at atmospheric pressure. Feed material is introduced into the sorbent enhanced reformer to produce carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas. Sorbent material within the reformer acts to absorb carbon dioxide and form a used sorbent. The used sorbent is introduced into the atmospheric calciner to heat the used sorbent to desorb carbon dioxide from the used sorbent to produce regenerated sorbent which can be recycled to the reformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: GAS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Jeffrey Mays, Sreenivasan Ravishankar
  • Patent number: 10203107
    Abstract: In a clean boiler with steam conversion and hydrogen/oxygen pre-blending, the clean boiler comprises two identical boiler bodies integrated to form a single entity. The clean boiler comprises two slim cavities, four water-containing chambers and four combustors, which is heated at wide faces and generates steams rapidly. The boiler comprises an integrate body containing two independent boiler bodies (1), and each of the independent boiler bodies (1) contains an independent boiler chamber (19). A steam conversion and transformation system is simultaneously provided for introducing a part of steam into the independent boiler chamber (19). High temperature of the boiler chamber (19) is utilized to promote a decomposition of the steam into H2 and O2. Water formed by H2 and O2 is utilized as a fuel to provide a self-sustaining combustion and heating, thus reducing a dependence on a primary energy source, reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: XIAMEN YUANYIDA TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Daji Zhang
  • Patent number: 10106753
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the enhancement of syngas (CO and H2) to fuels production utilizing a carbon based feedstock, (for example coal) by exploiting some, or all, of the hot CO2 produced during the gasification step, and converting the CO2 through electrochemical reactions into oxygen (O2) and carbon via a molten salt reactor and directing the oxygen back to the gasifier to minimize or eliminate the need for an oxygen plant, while the carbon by-product (granular carbon) will be used for a variety of adsorbents for environmental applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Inventors: Uschi M. Graham, Burtron H. Davis
  • Patent number: 10000377
    Abstract: Nanostructured metal amides and nitrides are incorporated into nanoporous templates, such as carbon, using liquid ammonia as a solvent/reagent. This leads to unexpected improvements in metal amide nanoconfined hydrogen storage materials. The resulting nanostructured materials may reversibly absorb and desorb large capacities of hydrogen under conditions that are much milder compared to what has been achieved with bulk materials. In addition, the nanoconfined materials may reduce the amounts of ammonia released upon dehydriding, which may make the released hydrogen gas purer and may limit the capacity loss. In addition, nanoconfinement may simplify the reaction mechanism, eliminating undesired metal imide intermediates and promote hydrogen cycling under mild conditions. The liquid ammonia method also allows the simultaneous introduction of catalytic additives along with the parent hydrogen storage material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Vitalie Stavila, Leonard E. Klebanoff
  • Patent number: 9993797
    Abstract: A method for conversion of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide comprises: introducing a flow of a dehumidified gaseous source of carbon dioxide into a reaction vessel; and irradiating dried, solid carbonaceous material in the reaction vessel with microwave energy. Heating of the irradiated carbonaceous material drives an endothermic reaction of carbon dioxide and carbon that produces carbon monoxide. At least a portion of heat required to maintain a temperature within the reaction vessel is supplied by the microwave energy. Carbon monoxide thus produced is allowed to flow out of the reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: ECOKAP TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Paul E. King, Ben Zion Livneh
  • Patent number: 9938142
    Abstract: A hydrogen storage material includes Mg(NH2)2, LiH, and MgH2. A manufacturing method of a hydrogen storage material includes steps of manufacturing a mixture by mixing Mg(NH2)2, LiH, and MgH2, and pulverizing the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Sangbaek Park, Dong Hoon Nam, Hoon Mo Park, Young Whan Cho, Young Su Lee
  • Patent number: 9850585
    Abstract: A process of using an electrochemical cell to generate aluminum hydride (AlH3) and other high capacity hydrides is provided. The electrolytic cell uses an electro-catalytic-additive within a polar non-salt containing solvent to solubilize an ionic hydride such as NaAlH4 or LiAlH4. The resulting electrochemical process results in the formation of AlH3 adduct. AlH3 is obtained from the adduct by heating under vacuum. The AlH3 can be recovered and used as a source of hydrogen for the automotive industry. The resulting spent aluminum can be regenerated into NaAlH4 or LiAlH4 as part of a closed loop process of AlH3 generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: SAVANNAH RIVER NUCLEAR SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Ragaiy Zidan
  • Patent number: 9840677
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a biofuel from an aqueous mixture of carbonized biomass obtained by means of a method for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass, characterized in that it comprises: (a) grinding the aqueous mixture of carbonized biomass until a maximum size of less than 500 micrometers of the particles contained in the mixture is obtained; (b) applying a method for the physical separation of inorganic substances; and (c) reducing the moisture content until a water content of between 25 and 55 wt. % is reached. The invention also relates to the biofuel obtained by said method, and to the use thereof in various applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: INGELIA, S.L.
    Inventors: Martin Hitzl, Michael Renz, Avelino Corma Canos
  • Patent number: 9567538
    Abstract: Improved two-stage entrained-flow gasification systems and processes that reduce the cost and complexity of the design and increase the reliability, while maintaining the efficiency by implementing a first chemical quench followed by a second water quench of the produced syngas. The quenched syngas is maintained above the condensation temperature of at least one condensable component of the syngas, allowing residual particulates to be removed by dry particulate filtration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Lummus Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Clifton G. Keeler, Chancelor L. Williams, Ivan O. Bustamante
  • Patent number: 9346676
    Abstract: A composition and its method of production are provided. The composition includes at least one zero-valent metallic element atom in complex with at least one hydride molecule. The method of production includes ball-milling an elemental metal in a high-surface area form, with a hydride. The composition can be useful as a reagent for the synthesis of zero-valent metallic elemental nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Paul Rowe
  • Patent number: 9340736
    Abstract: A solid gasification apparatus includes a reaction chamber thermally insulated by a heat insulating material, a heat beam fluid heat exchange apparatus that produces a first heated gas and a second heated gas, and a unit that includes a gas flow path. The unit sprays the first heated gas against a material solid in a reaction chamber to heat the material solid, and, simultaneously, makes the material solid react with the first heated gas to produce a produced gas containing the element of the material solid. The unit makes a second heated gas contact and react with the produced gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: PHIL TECH Inc.
    Inventors: Yuji Furumura, Naomi Mura, Shinji Nishihara, Noriyoshi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 9315889
    Abstract: A hydride assembling system includes a first spool configured to support a sensor tube assembly comprising a wire disposed within a sensor tube. Also included is a hydrogen inlet fluidly coupled to the first spool for providing hydrogen from a hydrogen plenum. Further included is a second spool configured to receive the sensor tube assembly as the sensor tube assembly is fed from the first spool. Yet further included is a heated section at a temperature above an ambient temperature and configured to heat the sensor tube assembly as the sensor tube assembly is fed through the heated section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth Frazer Bell, Steven Patrick Wallace
  • Patent number: 9260312
    Abstract: A reagent and its method of production are provided. The reagent includes at least one zero-valent atom, whether metal, metalloid, or non-metal, in complex with at least one hydride molecule. The method of production includes ball-milling a mixture which includes an elemental (i.e. zero-valent) material and a hydride. In some cases, the elemental material is a non-metal such as carbon. The reagent can be useful as a reagent for the synthesis of elemental nanoparticles composed of zero-valent metal, metalloid, or non-metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Rowe, Ryan Daniel Desautels
  • Patent number: 9260305
    Abstract: A composition and its method of production are provided. The composition includes at least one zero-valent metallic element atom in complex with at least one hydride molecule. The method of production includes ball-milling an elemental metal in a high-surface area form, with a hydride. The composition can be useful as a reagent for the synthesis of zero-valent metallic elemental nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael P. Rowe
  • Patent number: 9216910
    Abstract: A composition and its method of production are provided. The composition includes at least one zero-valent metal atom in complex with at least one hydride molecule. In some instances, the composition includes a first zero-valent metal atom and a second zero-valent metal atom in complex with at least one hydride molecule. The method of production includes ball-milling an elemental metal in a high-surface area form, with a hydride. The composition can be useful as a reagent for the synthesis of zero-valent metal alloy nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Paul Rowe
  • Patent number: 9011562
    Abstract: A method for producing a synthesis-gas product gas and a vapor stream includes catalytic steam reforming a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock in a steam reformer. The hot synthesis-gas product gas stream is cooled in a heat exchanger to form a cooled synthesis-gas product gas stream and a first partial vapor stream, which is supplied to the product vapor stream. The reforming furnace is operated so as to burn a burner feedstock in burners, cool a hot flue gas stream from the burners in a heat exchanger to form a cooled flue gas stream and a second partial vapor stream, and separate the cooled flue gas stream into a waste gas stream and a flue gas recirculation stream. The flow of the recirculated flue gas is increased with decreasing flow of the synthesis-gas product gas to obtain an approximately constant product vapor stream by increasing the second partial vapor stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Air Liquide Global E&C Solutions Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Polster, Alexander Roesch, Matthew Shaver, Dieter Ulber, Ulrich Wolf
  • Patent number: 9005322
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for upgrading coal and other carbonaceous fuels includes subjecting the carbonaceous fuel to a pyrolyzing process, thereby forming upgraded carbonaceous fuel and a flow of lean fuel gases. Auxiliary fuel is combusted in an auxiliary fuel combustor to produce auxiliary fuel combustion gases, and the lean fuel gases are heated with the auxiliary fuel combustion gases. The heated lean fuel gases are combusted in a lean fuel combustor, thereby producing a gas stream of products of combustion, and at least a portion of the gas stream of products of combustion are directed to the pyrolyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: National Institute of Clean and Low-Carbon Energy (NICE)
    Inventors: Dennis W. Coolidge, Deane A. Horne, Ronn G. Smith, Leslie C. White
  • Patent number: 9005570
    Abstract: A method for treating a carbon dioxide-containing waste gas from an electrofusion process, in which a hydrocarbon-containing gas is fed to a waste gas and the carbon dioxide in the waste gas is converted at least partially into carbon monoxide and hydrogen in a reaction and the carbon monoxide-hydrogen mixture is stored for an additional combustion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Manfred Baldauf, Thomas Matschullat
  • Publication number: 20150098884
    Abstract: A composition and its method of production are provided. The composition includes at least one zero-valent metal atom in complex with at least one hydride molecule. In some instances, the composition includes a first zero-valent metal atom and a second zero-valent metal atom in complex with at least one hydride molecule. The method of production includes ball-milling an elemental metal in a high-surface area form, with a hydride. The composition can be useful as a reagent for the synthesis of zero-valent metal alloy nanoparticles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Paul Rowe
  • Patent number: 8999016
    Abstract: A fuel processor for generating hydrogen rich gas or cleaned hydrogen rich gas from hydrocarbon fuel includes an inner housing and an outer housing defining a mantel space between them, wherein at least one fuel reformer unit for reforming hydrocarbon fuel to a hydrogen rich gas and optionally a gas-cleaning unit for cleaning the hydrogen rich gas from unwanted by-products are arranged in the inner housing. The fuel processor further includes a processor inlet for introducing hydrocarbon fuel into the inner housing and a processor outlet for releasing cleaned hydrogen rich gas from the inner housing. The outer housing further includes a fluid inlet for introducing a heat transporting fluid into the mantel space. The inner housing includes at least one opening for providing a fluid-connection between the inner housing and the mantel space. A method for operating such a fuel processor is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Powercell Sweden AB
    Inventors: Peter Forsberg, Björn Häggendal, Anders Eriksson, Louise De Verdier
  • Patent number: 8999017
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for achieving fast pyrolysis of wood and other carbonaceous solids in rotary reactors. Novel heating, feeding and condensing methods result in high oil yields near those currently achieved with more complicated fast pyrolysis systems. High intensity burners are arranged and controlled to produce high heating rates and uniform temperature of the rotating cylindrical walls of the reactors. The feeding system delays the onset of pyrolysis until the solids fall onto the heated kiln walls. The pyrolysis gases and vapors are rapidly withdrawn and quenched with recycled liquids. The first condenser incorporates a clean out nozzle. Char products are readily separated and discharged into a heat exchanger where heat is recovered and used together with heat from reactor flue gas to dry the solids prior to being fed to the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Coates Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph L. Coates, Benjamin R. Coates, Joshua L. Coates
  • Patent number: 8980219
    Abstract: A composition and its method of production are provided. The composition includes at least one zero-valent metal atom in complex with at least one hydride molecule. The method of production includes ball-milling an elemental metal in a high-surface area form, with a hydride. The composition can be useful as a reagent for the synthesis of zero-valent metallic nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Paul Rowe, Rana Mohtadi, Daniel Jeffrey Herrera
  • Patent number: 8979955
    Abstract: Methods for fractional catalytic pyrolysis which allow for conversion of biomass into a slate of desired products without the need for post-pyrolysis separation are described. The methods involve use of a fluid catalytic bed which is maintained at a suitable pyrolysis temperature. Biomass is added to the catalytic bed, preferably while entrained in a non-reactive gas such as nitrogen, causing the biomass to become pyrolyzed and forming the desired products in vapor and gas forms, allowing the desired products to be easily separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Foster A. Agblevor, Nii Ofei Mante
  • Patent number: 8968434
    Abstract: An assembly for producing at least one synthetic hydrocarbon from at least one inflowing stream of carbon monoxide and one inflowing stream of carbon dioxide is provided. The assembly includes an electrolyzer provided for producing a first stream of hydrogen, a first conversion unit provided for producing an intermediate stream of carbon monoxide from at least one portion of the inflowing stream of carbon dioxide and hydrogen, a reactor for synthesizing said synthetic hydrocarbon; a second conversion unit provided for producing a second stream of hydrogen from carbon monoxide and water, the second hydrogen stream being directed towards the synthesis reactor; a guide assembly provided for selectively distributing the inflowing stream of carbon monoxide between the second conversion unit and the synthesis reactor, and for selectively distributing the first hydrogen stream between the first conversion unit and the synthesis reactor; a control unit provided for controlling the guide assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: AREVA
    Inventor: Michel Lecomte
  • Patent number: 8968432
    Abstract: An on-board fuel processor includes a microchannel steam reforming reactor (30) and a water vaporizer (40) heated in series with a combustion gas. The reformer (30) and the vaporizer (40) are both of a cross-flow panel configuration that allows for low combustion side pressure drop. Fuel is directly injected into the steam, and during a rapid cold start, both the combustion gas flow rate and the steam to carbon ratio are substantially increased relative to their steady state operating values. A rapid cold start can be achieved in under 30 seconds with a manageable amount of electric power consumption, removing impediments to use in automotive fuel cell applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Greg A. Whyatt, Christopher M. Fischer, James M. Davis
  • Patent number: 8961625
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the yield and purity of hydrogen when reforming hydrocarbons is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including receiving a hydrocarbon feedstock fuel (e.g., methane, vaporized methanol, natural gas, vaporized diesel, etc.) and steam at a reaction zone and reacting the hydrocarbon feedstock fuel and steam in the presence of a catalyst to produce hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is selectively removed from the reaction zone while the reaction is occurring by selectively diffusing the hydrogen gas through a porous ceramic membrane. The selective removal of hydrogen changes the equilibrium of the reaction and increases the amount of hydrogen that is extracted from the hydrocarbon feedstock fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Hartvigsen, Balakrishnan G. Nair, Merrill Wilson, Akash Akash
  • Patent number: 8961627
    Abstract: Hydrogen generation assemblies, hydrogen purification devices, and their components, and methods of manufacturing those assemblies, devices, and components are disclosed. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a vaporization region with packing material configured to transfer heat from a heated exhaust stream to a liquid-containing feed stream, and/or an insulation base adjacent a combustion region and configured to reduce external temperature of an enclosure. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a cooling block configured to maintain an igniter assembly in thermal communication with a feed stream conduit, an igniter assembly including a catalytic coating, and/or a fuel stream distribution assembly. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a heat conducting assembly configured to conduct heat from external heaters to an enclosure portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: David J Edlund
  • Patent number: 8951313
    Abstract: The present application thus provides a gasifier cooling system for cooling a flow of hot syngas from a gasifier. The gasifier cooling system may include a radiant syngas cooler, a quench chamber, and a convective syngas cooler such that the flow of syngas flows through the quench chamber or the convective syngas cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Qiong Zhou, Wei Chen, Thomas Glen Cobb, Jennifer Lucia Ramirez, Hsien-Chin William Yen
  • Patent number: 8951316
    Abstract: A process for the production, treatment and combustion of synthesis gas for the purpose of generating electric power is disclosed. The synthesis gas is produced from a solid, carbon-containing fuel with the aid of an oxygen-containing gas and treated by a slag-separating device and a device separating alkalis. Subsequently, the synthesis gas produced is fed to an expansion turbine where the pressure energy is used for generating power. On account of the treatment and separation of alkalis the expansion turbine is protected from corrosion and mechanical impact. The expanded synthesis gas is then burnt under pressure and the combustion is used in a combined-cycle process using a gas turbine, steam generator and steam turbine for generating power. The process thus has an increased efficiency. Apparatus for use of the process is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions AG
    Inventors: Ralf Abraham, Domenico Pavone
  • Patent number: 8940656
    Abstract: Disclosed are a photocatalyst of CoP2 loaded red phosphorus, a preparation method thereof, and a method for photocatalytic hydrogen production from water under visible light irradiation over the photocatalyst of CoP2 loaded red phosphorus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Chai Mei Jimmy Yu, Feng Wang
  • Patent number: 8936658
    Abstract: A method of reforming a gasification gas, in order to decompose the impurities contained therein, and a use of a noble metal catalyst in the pre-reforming of gasification gas. The gas is brought into contact with a metal catalyst in the presence of an oxidizing agent. The reformation is carried out in several stages, wherein in at least one of the first stages a noble metal catalyst is used, and in a second stage which follows the first stage the catalyst used is a metal catalyst. The use of a noble metal catalyst can reduce the risk of deactivation of the metal catalysts and can increase the operating life of the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Neste Oil Oyj
    Inventors: Pekka Simell, Esa Kurkela, Ilkka Hiltunen
  • Patent number: 8932374
    Abstract: A method and equipment for producing hydrogen from biomass includes the stages of drying of the biomass, gasification of the biomass, and water gas shift reaction. The method further includes: subjecting the outgoing gases (CO2, N2 and H2O) from the gasification stage to a first heat exchange, wherein the outgoing gases are cooled; evaporating water with heat from outgoing gases; subjecting the steam to heat exchange wherein the steam is heated; reducing the steam to synthesis gas, wherein the synthesis gas is cooled and the air supply to the gasification is heated; separating the synthesis gas into a hydrogen stream and a carbon monoxide stream; reacting the carbon monoxide with water steam to carbon monoxide and hydrogen; separating also these secondary streams into a hydrogen stream and a carbon monoxide stream; and bringing together the primary and secondary hydrogen stream into a product stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Cortus AB
    Inventor: Rolf Ljunggren
  • Patent number: 8926721
    Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus and process for the reformation of hydrogen containing fluids to hydrogen and other constituents, more particularly, the reformation of hydrocarbons or mixtures of hydrocarbons in a cyclic flow inert porous media reactor for the production of hydrogen and other constituents. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus and process can be used for the reformation of hydrogen sulfide to produce hydrogen and sulfur. The cyclic flow reactor comprises a reaction chamber filled with a porous media matrix containing an unconstrained reaction zone located in any portion of the reactor chamber. This reactor system employs valves to canalize the reactant mixture and product mixture during flow cycling channeling the reactant mixture through the porous media matrix, and reacting the reactant mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Innovative Energy Solution
    Inventors: Jacques Picardy Bingue, Christopher Lee White, Jean Pierre-Victor
  • Patent number: 8926861
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrogen-storing composite material which is convertible essentially reversibly between a storing state and a non-storing state, wherein the reaction enthalpy in this conversion reaction can be set in a targeted manner to a value between 15 and 80 kJ/mol of H2, preferably 25 to 40 kJ/mol of H2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Zentrum für Material—und Küstenforschung GmbH
    Inventors: Nico Eigen, Martin Dornheim, Rüdiger Bormann
  • Patent number: 8915979
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a gas-generating apparatus. Hydrogen is generated within the gas-generating apparatus and is transported to a fuel cell. The first fuel component is introduced into the second fuel component through a conduit which punctures a septum separating the reaction chamber and the first fuel component reservoir, and the fuel conduit introduces the first fuel component to different portions of the second fuel component to produce hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Kurt Rath
  • Patent number: 8906341
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for storing hydrogen, a method for generating hydrogen, a hydrogen storing device, and a hydrogen generating device. In a disclosed method for storing hydrogen, water that is treated so as to include hydrogen ions in a state the ions can be changed into protium is prepared, and hydrogen is stored by supplying a hydrogen-containing substance or a substance that generates hydrogen, for example, Mg, into the water. Preferably, the hydrogen-containing substance is sodium borohydride (NaBH4). Preferably, the water is ionized hydrogen water treated with a metal hydride, and the metal hydride is at least one among an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, a group 13 metal, and a group 14 metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: TAANE Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Taneaki Oikawa
  • Patent number: 8894967
    Abstract: A process for the production of highly thermally-integrated hydrogen by reforming a hydrocarbon feedstock wherein a stream of air or water, whose temperature is less by at least 200° C. than the combustion temperature inside a burner, is mixed with the effluent that is obtained from said burner, so as to reduce the temperature of this effluent to less than 725° C.; the mixture obtained is used to superheat at least one stream of water vapor and/or hydrocarbon feedstock in gaseous form, whereby said stream that is thus superheated by indirect heat exchange is injected directly into a reforming reactor where it is used as a fuel; and the second heat exchanger and is used to totally evaporate a stream of liquid water and/or hydrocarbon feedstock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: IFP Energies Nouvelles
    Inventors: Fabrice Giroudiere, Christophe Boyer
  • Patent number: 8888876
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and process for gasifying feedstock such as carbonaceous materials. The invention includes partial combustion of dry solids and pyrolysis of carbonaceous material slurry in two separate reactor sections and produce mixture products comprising synthesis gas. The invention employs one or more catalytic or sorbent bed for removing tar from the synthesis gas. The inventive system and process allow a gasification to be carried out under higher slurry feeding rate and lower temperature with the provision to manage the tar being produced, therefore to increase the conversion efficiency of the overall gasification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Lummus Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Albert C. Tsang, Chancelor L. Williams, Max W. Thompson, David L. Breton
  • Patent number: 8889097
    Abstract: An on-board hydride storage system and process are described. The system includes a slurry storage system that includes a slurry reactor and a variable concentration slurry. In one preferred configuration, the storage system stores a slurry containing a hydride storage material in a carrier fluid at a first concentration of hydride solids. The slurry reactor receives the slurry containing a second concentration of the hydride storage material and releases hydrogen as a fuel to hydrogen-power devices and vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Kriston P. Brooks, Jamelyn D. Holladay, Kevin L. Simmons, Darrell R. Herling
  • Patent number: 8882866
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for catalytic primary reformation of hydrocarbons with steam at elevated pressure by means of a split tube reactor and a firing chamber. In the split tube system which can use a catalyst material, hydrocarbons to be reformed are converted by water steam to synthesis gas. The split tube system is heated by a plurality of firing facilities between the split tubes which include a plurality of burners arranged in series, the burners generating mainly downwardly directed flames. The relevant firing facilities are supplied with fuel and air, with the air being withdrawn from the relevant feeders. The flue gas thus evolving passes through the firing chamber from top to bottom and enters in the lower area of the firing chamber into horizontally arranged ceramic flue gas tunnels extending in parallel to each other and perpendicular to the vertical split tubes and being allocated to one firing facility each. The flue gas enters through apertures in the lateral walls of the flue gas tunnels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions AG
    Inventors: Oliver Meissner, Thilo Von Trotha
  • Patent number: RE45317
    Abstract: Methods for carrying out high temperature reactions such as biomass pyrolysis or gasification using solar energy. The biomass particles are rapidly heated in a solar thermal entrainment reactor. The residence time of the particles in the reactor can be 5 seconds or less. The biomass particles may be directly or indirectly heated depending on the reactor design. Metal oxide particles can be fed into the reactor concurrently with the biomass particles, allowing carbothermic reduction of the metal oxide particles by biomass pyrolysis products. The reduced metal oxide particles can be reacted with steam to produce hydrogen in a subsequent process step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Colorado
    Inventors: Alan W. Weimer, Christopher Perkins, Dragan Mejic, Paul Lichty