Elemental Hydrogen Patents (Class 423/648.1)
  • Publication number: 20140255296
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing hydrogen by selective dehydration of formic acid using a catalytic system consisting of a transition metal complex of transition metal salt and at least one tripodal, tetradentate ligand, wherein the transition metal is selected from the group comprising Ir, Pd, Pt, Ru, Rh, Co and Fe. The transition metal complex can be used either as a homogeneous catalyst or a heterogenised metal complex, which has been applied to a carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Bayer Technology Services GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Beller, Ralf Jackstell, Heinrik Junge, Felix Gärtner, Albert Boddien, Doerthe Mellmann
  • Publication number: 20140256006
    Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for producing industrial products such as hydrocarbon products from non-polar lipids in a vegetative plant part. Preferred industrial products include alkyl esters which may be blended with petroleum based fuels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
    Inventors: Thomas Vanhercke, James Robertson Petrie, Anna El Tahchy, Surinder Pal Singh, Qing Liu
  • Patent number: 8828106
    Abstract: Inexpensive heating fuel is used to generate heat required for completion of reformation of raw material to be reformed such as hydrocarbon gas, heavy oil or oil refining pitch so that the raw material may be reformed economically and stably. A reformer has a raw material feeder that feeds a predetermined amount of raw material to be reformed to a fluidized-bed reforming furnace; a fuel feeder feeds heating fuel to a fluidized-bed combustion furnace; and a controller regulates the fuel to be fed to the combustion furnace so as to impart heat to the circulating particles in the combustion furnace such that the raw material fed to the reforming furnace can be completely reformed in the reforming furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Suda, Tetsuya Hirata, Toshiro Fujimori, Hideto Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8828216
    Abstract: Liquid phase processes for producing fuel in a reactor comprising the step of combining at least one oxidizable reactant with liquid water and at least one electrolyte to form a mixture and conducting a fuel-producing reaction in the presence of an electron transfer material, wherein the mixture permits the movement or transport of ions and electrons to facilitate the efficient production of the fuel. An alternative embodiment produces fuel in an electrochemical cell, the reaction characterized by an overall thermodynamic energy balance according to the half-cell reactions occurring at the anode and cathode. Energy generated and/or required by the system components is directed according to the thermodynamic requirements of the half-cell reactions, thereby realizing improved fuel production efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: GRDC, LLC
    Inventor: Maureen A. Grimes
  • Patent number: 8821824
    Abstract: A process for removal of tritium from materials that are contaminated thereby envisages the use of a detritiation reactor RT, in which the reaction for the removal of tritium from the waste takes place, the waste being recovered by a flow of moist inert gas in which an extremely low percentage of humidity is used. The heated waste releases a current of tritiated gases, the current of gases being removed from the reactor via the moist inert gas, which conveys it into a membrane reactor RM for decontamination. The membrane reactor, in fact, is able to remove selectively the tritium present in the mixture of gases: there is thus the dual advantage of purifying the mixture of gases and of recovering the tritium contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignees: ENEA—Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l'Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile, Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies
    Inventors: Nicolas Ghirelli, Silvano Tosti, Pierre Trabuc, Fabio Borgognoni, Karine Liger, Alessia Santucci, Xavier Lefebvre
  • Patent number: 8821601
    Abstract: A hydrogen generating element which can supply hydrogen efficiently and stably, is safe, and has low environmental load is provided. Further, a hydrogen generation device to which the hydrogen generating element is applied is provided. Furthermore, a power generation device and a driving device to each of which the hydrogen generation device is applied are provided. A hydrogen generating element in which a needle-like or dome-like silicon microstructure is formed over a base may be used and reacted with water, whereby hydrogen is efficiently generated. The hydrogen generating element may be applied to a hydrogen generation device. The hydrogen generation device may be applied to a power generation device and a driving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomokazu Yokoi, Shuhei Yoshitomi, Kensuke Yoshizumi
  • Patent number: 8821600
    Abstract: A reactor vessel includes an entrained-flow gasifier and a dry solids discharge beneath the gasifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventors: Alan Darby, Steven P. Fusselman
  • Patent number: 8821760
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for generating a gas containing hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO), as a raw material for chemical utilization in, for example, synthesis processes based on export gas from a metallurgical process, are shown. Part of the export gas is subjected to CO conversion with the addition of water vapor, crude synthesis gas with a defined quantity ratio of H2 to CO being formed. Even the water vapor required for CO conversion can be at least partially generated in at least one steam generator in the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens VAI Metals Technologies GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Millner
  • Patent number: 8821602
    Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting, storing, and conveying aqueous thermal energy are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a floating film retains solar energy in a volume of water located under the film. A series of curtains hanging from a bottom surface of the film define a passage between a periphery of the film and a center of the film to direct the heated water at the center of the film. The heated water is circulated to deliver the heat to a dissociation reactor and/or donor substance. The donor is conveyed to the reactor and dissociated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Patent number: 8821832
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel processor that produces hydrogen from a fuel. The fuel processor comprises a reformer and a heater. The reformer includes a catalyst that facilitates the production of hydrogen from the fuel; the heater provides heat to the reformer. Multipass reformer and heater chambers are described that reduce fuel processor size. Single layer fuel processors include reformer and heater chambers in a compact form factor that is well suited for portable applications. Some fuel processors described herein place an electrically resistive material in contact with a thermally conductive material to heat fuel entering the fuel processor. This is particularly useful during start-up of the fuel processor. Fuel processors described may also include features that facilitate assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: UltraCell, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jennifer E. Brantley, Ian W. Kaye, Arpad Somogyvari, Gerry Tucker, Fan Liang Chan
  • Publication number: 20140239231
    Abstract: An environmentally beneficial process for the production of fuels and chemicals employs carbon dioxide from a natural source or from an artificial chemical source that would otherwise be discharged into the environment. The carbon dioxide is converted to formic acid and the formic acid is then non-biologically converted to fuels and/or chemicals without the intermediate process of hydrogenating the formic acid to methanol or reacting the formic acid with ammonia to form formamide. In the present process, formic acid is converted to one of seven primary feedstocks: formaldehyde, acrylic acid, methane, ethylene, propylene, syngas, and C5-C7 carbohydrates. The formaldehyde, acrylic acid, methane, ethylene, propylene, syngas and/or short chain carbohydrates can either be used directly, or can be converted into a wealth of other products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: DIOXIDE MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard I. Masel, Zheng Richard Ni, Qingmei Chen, Brian A. Rosen
  • Publication number: 20140242867
    Abstract: Lignin compositions, products produced from them or containing them, methods to produce them, spinning methods, methods to convert lignin to a conversion product and conversion products produced by the methods are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Robert Jansen, Aharon Eyal, Noa Lapidot, Bassem Hallac, Ziv-Vladimir Belman, Shmuel Kenig
  • Patent number: 8814963
    Abstract: A system for production of high-quality syngas comprising a first dual fluidized bed loop having a fluid bed conditioner operable to produce high quality syngas comprising a first percentage of components other than carbon monoxide and hydrogen from a gas feed, wherein the conditioner comprises an outlet for a first catalytic heat transfer stream comprising a catalytic heat transfer material and having a first temperature, and an inlet for a second catalytic heat transfer stream comprising catalytic heat transfer material and having a second temperature greater than the first temperature; a fluid bed combustor operable to combust fuel and oxidant, wherein the fluid bed combustor comprises an inlet connected with the outlet for a first catalytic heat transfer stream of the conditioner, and an outlet connected with the inlet for a second catalytic heat transfer stream of the conditioner; and a catalytic heat transfer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Rentech, Inc.
    Inventors: George Apanel, Harold A. Wright
  • Patent number: 8814962
    Abstract: Techniques, systems and material are disclosed for thermochemical regeneration of biomass into renewable engineered fuel, storage of the renewable engineered fuel, respeciation of the renewable engineered fuel and transport. In one aspect, a method includes generating low density hydrogen fuel from biomass dissociation at a first location of a low elevation. The low density hydrogen fuel is self-transported in a pipeline to a second location at a higher elevation than the first location by traveling from the first location to the second location without adding energy of pressure. A high density hydrogen carrier is generated at the second location of higher elevation by reacting the low density hydrogen fuel with at least one of a carbon donor, a nitrogen donor and an oxygen donor harvested from industrial waste. The high density hydrogen carrier is delivered to a third location of a lower elevation than the second location while providing pressure or kinetic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Patent number: 8815115
    Abstract: Getter alloys particularly suitable for hydrogen sorption are described. The getter alloys include a first element consisting of yttrium or a yttrium equivalent mixture, the first element forming at least 30% by atoms of the alloy. A method for removing hydrogen from devices which are sensitive to the presence thereof and hydrogen-sensitive devices which contain the described getter alloys are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Saes Getters S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alberto Coda, Alessandro Gallitognotta, Andrea Conte, Costanza Dragoni, Alessio Corazza
  • Patent number: 8814964
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for reforming fuel, the method comprising contacting the fuel to an oxidation catalyst so as to partially oxidize the fuel and generate heat; warming incoming fuel with the heat while simultaneously warming a reforming catalyst with the heat; and reacting the partially oxidized fuel with steam using the reforming catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: UChicago Argonne, LLC
    Inventors: Shabbir Ahmed, Dionissios D. Papadias, Sheldon H. D Lee, Rajesh K. Ahluwalia
  • Publication number: 20140234204
    Abstract: Disclosed is a catalyst which can be used in the process for producing hydrogen by decomposing ammonia, can generate heat efficiently in the interior of a reactor without requiring excessive heating the reactor externally, and can decompose ammonia efficiently and steadily by utilizing the heat to produce hydrogen. Also disclosed is a technique for producing hydrogen by decomposing ammonia efficiently utilizing the catalyst. Specifically disclosed is a catalyst for use in the production of hydrogen, which is characterized by comprising an ammonia-combusting catalytic component and an ammonia-decomposing catalytic component. Also specifically disclosed is a catalyst for use in the production of hydrogen, which is characterized by comprising at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of cobalt, iron, nickel and molybdenum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junji OKAMURA, Masanori YOSHIMUNE, Masaru KIRISHIKI, Hideaki TSUNEKI
  • Publication number: 20140231313
    Abstract: A cascading processor is described which includes a processor body having an upper inlet and a lower outlet, such that materials pass by force of gravity from inlet to the outlet. The processor body has a plurality of processing levels Which are sequentially vertically spaced progressively downwardly from the inlet to the outlet, such that materials cascade by force of gravity from one processing level to another processing level as the materials pass through the processor body front the inlet to the outlet. This cascading processor was developed for recovery of bitumen front oil sands, but can be used to process oil shales or to process biomasses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: 1304338 Alberta Ltd.
    Inventors: Jose Lourenco, MacKenzie Millar
  • Publication number: 20140227170
    Abstract: A reaction hydrogen production control mechanism is provided that includes, a solid sodium borohydride mixture, a liquid fuel reactant, at least one liquid delivery medium (LDM), a movable boundary interface (MBI) and a reaction zone, where the MBI is disposed to provide a constant contact between a reacting surface of the solid fuel mixture and the primary LDM to form the reaction zone. A reaction in the reaction zone includes a hydrolysis reaction. The MBI moves according to a spring, gas pressure, or an elastic membrane. Product paths are disposed to transfer reactants from the system. The product paths can include a channel on a surface of the solid fuel mixture, a channel disposed through the solid fuel mixture, a channel disposed about the solid fuel mixture, a contained region disposed about the solid fuel mixture, or a conduit abutting the solid fuel mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Intelligent Energy Limited
    Inventors: Daniel Braithwaite, Wonhyoung Ryu, Courtney Aline Helland, Kei E. Yamamoto, Andrew Philip Peterson, Matthieu Jonemann, Adam Naegeli Rodriguez, Gabriel Jose Parisi-Amon
  • Patent number: 8802052
    Abstract: The method in accordance with the present invention has steps of: preparing a hydrogen producing device with a high gravitational rotating packed bed, initiating the device, adjusting the temperature of the device, inputting a reagent gas and a liquid vaporized for mixing with the reagent gas into a reagent mixture, and passing the reagent mixture through the device to obtain hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventors: Wei-Hsin Chen, Yu-Jhih Syu
  • Patent number: 8801815
    Abstract: A method of producing a high quality synthesis gas comprising less than a desired percentage of non-synthesis gas components and a desired mole ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide by providing a low quality synthesis gas comprising greater than the desired percentage; introducing the low quality synthesis gas into a conditioner; introducing a flue gas into a combustor; extracting a first catalytic heat transfer stream from the conditioner, and introducing at least a portion of the first catalytic heat transfer stream into the combustor; extracting a second catalytic heat transfer stream from the combustor, and introducing at least a portion of the second catalytic heat transfer stream into the conditioner; extracting a spent flue gas from the combustor; and extracting from the conditioner the high quality synthesis gas comprising the desired percentage and the desired mole ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: RENTECH, Inc.
    Inventors: George Apanel, Harold A. Wright
  • Patent number: 8790614
    Abstract: ZnO structures comprising crystalline ZnO micro or nanorods and methods for making and using these ZnO structures are provided. The side surface of the central portion of each rod may comprise planes of the form {1 0 ?1 0}, {0 1 ?1 0}, {?1 1 0 0}, {?1 0 1 0}, {0 ?1 1 0} or {1 ?1 0 0}, with central edge regions including a crystallographic plane of the form {2 ?1 ?1 0} or {?2 1 1 0}. The tip of the rod may comprise planes of the form {1 0 ?1 1} {0 1 ?1 1}, {?1 1 0 1}, {?1 0 1 1}, {0 ?1 1 1} or {1 ?1 0 1} with tip edge regions including a crystallographic plane of the form {2 ?1 ?1 2} or {?2 1 1 2}. The rods may be joined at or near their bases to form a “flower-like” morphology. In an embodiment, a synthesis mixture is prepared by dissolving a zinc salt in an alcohol solvent, followed by addition of at least two additives. The zinc salt may be zinc nitrate hexahydrate, the first additive may be benzyl alcohol and the second additive may be urea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Colorado School of Mines
    Inventors: Ryan M. Richards, Lifang Chen, Juncheng Hu
  • Patent number: 8790617
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for producing hydrogen from a hydrocarbon feed and steam, comprising: a step for producing a synthesis gas in a unit for steam reforming the hydrocarbon feed in the presence of steam, with a fuel providing the heat necessary for the reaction; a step for steam converting synthesis gas obtained in the preceding step, producing a stream of hydrogen containing methane and carbon dioxide; a step for capturing carbon dioxide present in the stream obtained from the steam conversion step in order to separate the carbon dioxide from the stream of hydrogen; a step for capturing and recycling the methane and other impurities (CO, CO2) present in the stream of hydrogen to the steam reforming step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: IFP Energies nouvelles
    Inventors: Beatrice Fischer, Fabrice Giroudiere, Jean-Louis Ambrosino, Michel Thomas
  • Patent number: 8790616
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a hybrid hydrogen storage system is provided. In one embodiment, the hybrid hydrogen storage system includes: a first hydrogen storage material present at a first volume percent (%) having a first gravimetric capacity and a first volumetric capacity; and a second hydrogen storage material forming an unreacted mixture with the first hydrogen storage material and present at a second volume % being 100 volume % minus the first volume %, the second storage material having a second gravimetric capacity and a second volumetric capacity, the first gravimetric capacity at the first volume % being higher or lower than the second gravimetric capacity at the second volume %, and the first volumetric capacity at the first volume % being the other of higher or lower than the second volumetric capacity at the second volume %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrea Pulskamp, Jun Yang, Donald J. Siegel, Michael Jon Veenstra
  • Publication number: 20140205529
    Abstract: Method for storing a gas in solid phase so that it can be distributed in gaseous phase, that consists in introducing the gas in gaseous phase into a storage tank (1) containing a reactive mixture the apparent density of which is between 40 kg/m3 and 60 kg/m3 and preferably of the order of 50 kg/m3, and which is made up of a reactive product and of expanded natural graphite, this reactive mixture and the gas being such that, when brought into the presence of one another, the reactive product and the gas undergo a thermochemical reaction the effect of which is that the gas is absorbed by the reactive product and a solid product of reaction is produced and, conversely, undergo a reverse thermochemical reaction in which the gas absorbed by the reactive product is desorbed when this product is heated after it has absorbed the gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: COLDWAY
    Inventors: Francis Kindbeiter, Laurent Rigaud
  • Patent number: 8784771
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of Ti-doped alkali metal and/or alkaline-earth metal aluminum hydride, comprising intimately mixing: an alkali metal and/or alkaline-earth metal aluminum hydride, or at least one alkali metal hydride and/or alkaline-earth metal hydride, metallic aluminum and H2, with in the range of from 0.5 to 20 mol % of Ti(OCH3)4, based on the moles of Al in the prepared Ti-doped alkali metal and/or alkaline-earth metal aluminum hydride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Jacobus Johannes Cornelis Geerlings, Peter Marie Paulus, Hans Arie Stil
  • Publication number: 20140193326
    Abstract: A process for the gasification of wet biomass comprises feeding the wet biomass at a temperature of at most 370 C. and a pressure of at least 22.1 MPa (absolute) to a reactor. The reactor comprises a bed of solid particles suspended in a fluid. The temperature of the feed is increased in the presence of the bed of suspended solid particles to a temperature of at least 375° C., forming supercritical water and converting in the presence of the supercritical water at least a portion of the organic materials present in the wet biomass into fluid gasification product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: GENSOS HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: John Harinck, Klaas Gerrit Smit
  • Publication number: 20140194658
    Abstract: The electronic structure of nanowires, nanotubes and thin films deposited on a substrate is varied by doping with electrons or holes. The electronic structure can then be tuned by varying the support material or by applying a gate voltage. The electronic structure can be controlled to absorb a gas, store a gas, or release a gas, such as hydrogen, oxygen, ammonia, carbon dioxide, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Avetik R. Harutyunyan
  • Patent number: 8771636
    Abstract: Chemical processes and reactors for efficiently producing hydrogen fuels and structural materials and associated systems and methods. A representative process includes dissociating a hydrogen donor into dissociation products by adding energy to the hydrogen donor, wherein the energy includes waste heat generated by a process other than dissociating the hydrogen donor. The process can further include providing, from the dissociation products, a structural building block and/or a hydrogen-based fuel, with the structural building block based on carbon, nitrogen, boron, silicon, sulfur, and/or a transition metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Patent number: 8771635
    Abstract: A hydrogen release material includes a complex metal hydride and an ionic liquid wherein the hydrogen release material has a lower hydrogen release temperature in comparison to the complex metal hydride alone. Also disclosed is a process of releasing hydrogen from a storage material including the steps of: providing a complex metal hydride; combining the metal hydride with an ionic liquid in a desired amount forming a mixture; and heating the mixture to a temperature releasing hydrogen wherein the temperature is lower in comparison to the complex metal hydride alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Rana F. Mohtadi, PremKumar Sivasubramanian
  • Patent number: 8771386
    Abstract: A system is set forth for the exothermic generation of soot depleted syngas comprising (i) reacting a hydrocarbon-containing fuel with an oxygen containing gas in a first reactor to produce the syngas and byproducts comprising CO2, H2O and soot; and (ii) introducing the syngas and byproducts into a second reactor containing a non-carbonaceous material that traps the soot for a sufficient time such that the majority of the byproduct soot is gasified via reaction with the byproduct CO2 and/or H2O to produce a syngas stream that is depleted in the soot. The system is particularly suitable for the practice of heat exchange reforming wherein a portion of the heat is recovered from the soot depleted syngas stream and used as at least a portion of the heat to facilitate the additional production of syngas via the (endothermic) catalytic reforming of natural gas and steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: National Institute for Strategic Technology Acquisition and Commercialization
    Inventors: William Robert Licht, Shankar Nataraj, Xiang-Dong Peng, John Michael Repasky
  • Publication number: 20140178291
    Abstract: A coated hydrogen storage pellet; wherein the pellet comprises a hydrogen-storage material; the coating comprises a hydrogen-permeable polymer and the coating has a mean thickness of less than 50 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: CELLA ENERGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Stephen BENNINGTON, Sean MCGRADY, David ROYSE, Arthur LOVELL, Lyndsey MOORING, Tom HEADEN
  • Patent number: 8757926
    Abstract: A method and system for storing and supplying hydrogen to a hydrogen pipeline in which a compressed hydrogen feed stream is introduced into a salt cavern for storage and a stored hydrogen stream is retrieved from the salt cavern and reintroduced into the hydrogen pipeline. A minimum quantity of stored hydrogen is maintained in the salt cavern to produce a stagnant layer having a carbon dioxide content along the cavern wall and the top of a residual brine layer located within the salt cavern. The compressed hydrogen feed stream is introduced into the salt cavern and the stored hydrogen stream is withdrawn without disturbing the stagnant layer to prevent carbon dioxide contamination from being drawn into the stored hydrogen stream being reintroduced into the hydrogen pipeline. This allows the stored hydrogen stream to be reintroduced into the hydrogen pipeline without carbon dioxide removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond Francis Drnevich
  • Patent number: 8754000
    Abstract: A catalyst for the generation of hydrogen from a small organic molecule comprises a tertiary metal composition where: the first metal is either Pt or Ru; the second metal is at least one of Pt, Ru, Au, Pd, Rh, Ir, Os, and/or Re; and Bi, primarily present in the form of an oxide or of a mixture of oxides and carbonates and in the +3 oxidation state. A portion of the first and/or second metal may be in the form of an oxide. The catalyst can be in the form of a nanoparticle and supported on an inert substrate, such as carbon. The catalyst can be used for dehydrogenation of formic acid or other small organic molecules in a liquid state at ambient pressures and at temperatures below the boiling point of the liquid. The liquid can be an aqueous solution of the small organic molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Kwong Yu Chan, Shaoan Cheng, Kwok Ying Tsang, Siu Wa Ting, Nicole Kathleen Van Der Laak
  • Publication number: 20140163111
    Abstract: The invention relates to compositions including porous biomolecule-containing metal-organic frameworks and methods for their preparation. The porous biomolecule-containing metal-organic frameworks can include a metal component and a biomolecule component. The pores located within the frameworks have a pore space and said pore space is capable to adsorb materials therein. These compositions of the invention are useful in a wide variety of applications, such as, but not limited to, hydrogen and carbon dioxide sequestration, separation and storage; carbon dioxide uptake; and drug storage and release.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH - OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: NATHANIEL LOUIS ROSI, JIHYUN AN
  • Patent number: 8747498
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator of the present invention includes a reformer (16) for generating a hydrogen-containing gas through a reforming reaction using a raw material; a combustor (102a) for heating the reformer (16); a combustion air supplier (117) for supplying combustion air to the combustor (102a); and an abnormality detector (110a) for detecting an abnormality; and a controller (110) configured to control the combustion air supplier (117) such that the reformer (16) is cooled with a higher rate in an abnormal shut-down process executed after the abnormality detector (110a) detects the abnormality, than in a normal shut-down process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Taguchi, Takanori Shimada, Yoshikazu Tanaka, Yoshio Tamura, Shigeki Yasuda
  • Publication number: 20140154173
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of methods and systems for hydrogen production using an electro-activated material are provided. In some exemplary embodiments, carbon can be electro-activated and used in a chemical reaction with water and a fuel, such as aluminum, to generate hydrogen, where the by-products are electro-activated carbon, and aluminum oxide or aluminum hydroxide. Controlling the temperature of the reaction, and the amounts of aluminum and electro-activated carbon can provide hydrogen on demand at a desired rate of hydrogen generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: H2 CATALYST, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas Howard Phillips
  • Patent number: 8734546
    Abstract: Systems and methods for heating a non-combustion chemical reactor with thermal energy from a geothermal heat source are described. A working fluid is directed from the geothermal heat source to the chemical reactor to transfer heat. The working fluid can be circulated in a closed system so that it does not contact material at the geothermal heat source, or in an open system that allows the working fluid to intermix with material at the geothermal heat source. When intermixing with material at the geothermal heat source, the working fluid can transport donor substances at the geothermal heat source to the chemical reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Publication number: 20140140919
    Abstract: A fuel cartridge and a hydrogen generator are provided for supplying hydrogen gas to a hydrogen gas device. The fuel cartridge includes a fuel composition disposed in a container and a multi-layer package material, such as a laminate, enclosing the fuel composition therein. The laminate includes a polymer layer distal the fuel composition and a conductor layer proximate the fuel composition and including a preformed portion. The hydrogen generator includes a punch thermally coupled to a heater assembly and is configured to move between a retracted state and a puncture state. When the fuel cartridge is disposed in the hydrogen generating apparatus, the punch is configured to puncture the polymer layer and bring the coined portion into contact with the fuel composition. Heat is applied to a hydrogen containing material in the fuel composition through the punch and preformed portion to release hydrogen gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: EVEREADY BATTERY COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: Richard A. Langan
  • Publication number: 20140140920
    Abstract: A vanadium-based hydrogen permeation alloy for a membrane, a method of manufacturing the same, and a method of using a membrane including the same are provided. The vanadium-based hydrogen permeation alloy for a membrane includes nickel (Ni) at more than 0 atm % and 5 atm % or less, iron (Fe) at 5 atm % to 15 atm %, yttrium (Y) at more than 0 atm % and 1 atm % or less, and a remainder of vanadium and impurities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Jin-Yoo SUH, Ja-ryeong KIM, Eric FLEURY, Young-Su LEE, In-Suk CHOI, Young-Whan CHO, Dong-Ik KIM, Jae-Hyeok SHIM
  • Patent number: 8728180
    Abstract: A reformer is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a channel to convey a preheated plurality of reactants containing both a feedstock fuel and an oxidant. A plasma generator is provided to apply an electrical potential to the reactants sufficient to ionize one or more of the reactants. These ionized reactants are then conveyed to a reaction zone where they are chemically transformed into synthesis gas containing a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. A heat transfer mechanism is used to transfer heat from an external heat source to the reformer to provide the heat of reformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Hartvigsen, Singaravelu Elangovan, Piotr Czernichowski, Michele Hollist, Michael Boettcher
  • Publication number: 20140134100
    Abstract: The current disclosure is directed to a hydrogen-storage system that employs catalytic dehydrogenation of low-molecular-weight amines in a hydrogen reactor. The hydrogen-storage system comprises aliphatic amines and di-amines as organic carriers that store hydrogen covalently, a hydrogen reactor that releases and separates hydrogen gas from the carrier, and metal or metal-oxide catalysts that promote a dehydrogenation reaction to release hydrogen. In certain implementations, a metal or metal-oxide catalyst may be carried on high-surface-area support materials, such as gamma-alumina and metal-organic-framework materials, to enhance catalytic properties. The hydrogen reactor may be a packed-bed reactor, a monolith reactor, or a flow-through hydrogen-membrane reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: ASEMBON INC.
    Inventors: Esmaeel Naeemi, David G. O'Connor, Maitham Naeemi
  • Publication number: 20140134098
    Abstract: A method of steam reforming where a reaction occurs in which an oxygenated feed contacts a catalyst to produce hydrogen. The catalyst of the reaction comprises a metal/metal promoter on a nickel/transition metal blend catalyst supported on a high-energy lattice metal oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Phillips 66 Company
    Inventors: Jimmy A. Faria, Jon M. Nelson, Uchenna P. Paul, Danielle K. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140134099
    Abstract: A process is described for flowing an oxygenate feed over a catalyst in an adiabatic fixed bed reactor to product a reactor effluent and heat. The reaction inside the adiabatic fixed bed reactor occurs at a reaction temperature from about 200° C. to about 375° C. The reactor effluent is then condensed to separate the liquid products and the gaseous products. A separation step then separates the gaseous products into hydrogen and off-gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Phillips 66 Company
    Inventors: Uchenna P. Paul, Bruce B. Randolph, Jon M. Nelson, Kristi A. Fjare, Danielle K. Smith, Mark Rumel Cragun, Richard D. Sadok
  • Patent number: 8720390
    Abstract: Hydrogen is produced from methanol and water under supercritical temperature and pressure conditions desirably without any catalyst. The hydrogen can be produced in situ on an internal combustion engine using a heat source such as the exhaust system of the internal combustion engine to achieve the supercritical temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Northern Technologies International Corporation
    Inventor: Sunggyu Lee
  • Patent number: 8721750
    Abstract: A process for producing hydrocarbon products onboard a marine vessel for carbonaceous feedstock includes the steps gasification of the feedstock in a thermal conversion plant connected to an onboard power plant and forming hydrocarbons in a chemical reaction plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: How Kiap Gueh
  • Patent number: 8709256
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide at least one region of pulsed fluid treatment within a fluid treatment chamber. The instant invention prevents the formation and accumulation of contaminants within conduits and on equipment utilized in the transportation, delivery and processing of fluid columns. It may also be utilized to accelerate the separation of oil and water and increase the efficiency of oil/water separation equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Wilsa, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert W. Holland
  • Publication number: 20140113811
    Abstract: Provided are methods for storing gases on porous adsorbents, methods for optimizing the storage of gases on porous adsorbents, methods of making porous adsorbents, and methods of gas storage of optimized compositions, as in systems containing porous adsorbents and gas adsorbed on the surface of the porous adsorbent. The disclosed methods and systems feature a constant or increasing isosteric enthalpy of adsorption as a function of uptake of the gas onto the exposed surface of a porous adsorbent. Adsorbents with a porous geometry and surface dimensions suited to a particular adsorbate are exposed to the gas at elevated pressures in the specific regime where n/V (density) is larger than predicted by the ideal gas law by more than several percent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Nicholas P. STADIE, Brent T. FULTZ, Channing AHN, Maxwell MURIALDO
  • Publication number: 20140105813
    Abstract: A hydrogen recycling system for a controlled atmosphere unit operation with an exhaust vent and an inlet port includes: a hydrogen recycle unit in fluid communication with the exhaust vent and in fluid communication with the inlet port; and an oxygen reactor being located between the controlled atmosphere unit operation and said hydrogen recycle unit and in fluid communication with the controlled atmosphere unit operation and said hydrogen recycle unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Robert S. Hirsch, Glenn A. Eisman, Charles M. Carlstrom
  • Patent number: 8697027
    Abstract: Methods and systems of providing a source of hydrogen and oxygen with high volumetric energy density, as well as a power systems useful in non-air breathing engines such as those in, for example, submersible vehicles, is disclosed. A hydride reactor may be utilized in forming hydrogen from a metal hydride and a peroxide reactor may be utilized in forming oxygen from hydrogen peroxide. The high temperature hydrogen and oxygen may be converted to water using a solid oxide fuel cell, which serves as a power source. The power generation system may have an increased energy density in comparison to conventional batteries. Heat produced by exothermic reactions in the hydride reactor and the peroxide reactor may be transferred and utilized in other aspects of the power generation system. High temperature water produced during by the peroxide reactor may be used to fuel the hydride reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Ighor K. Uzhinsky, Gary K. Lund, John C. Leylegian, Florin Girlea, Jason S. Tyll, Lawrence G. Piper, Marten Byl, Wallace Chinitz