Elemental Hydrogen Patents (Class 423/648.1)
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Patent number: 8328889Abstract: Systems and processes for producing syngas and power therefrom are provided. One or more feedstocks and one or more oxidants can be combined in a fluidized reaction zone operated at a temperature from 550° C. to 1,050° C. to provide a syngas. Heat can be indirectly exchanged in a first zone from the syngas to a condensate to provide steam. Heat can also be indirectly exchanged in a second zone from the syngas to the steam to provide superheated steam. Heat can then be indirectly exchanged in a third zone from the syngas to provide a cooled syngas and the condensate for the first zone. At least a portion of the superheated steam can be directly supplied to one or more steam turbines to produce power.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLCInventor: Ravindra K. Agrawal
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Patent number: 8328890Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for preparing gaseous products, and in particular, methane via the catalytic gasification of carbonaceous feedstocks in the presence of steam and an oxygen-rich gas stream. The processes comprise using at least one catalytic methanator to convert carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the gaseous products to methane and do not recycle carbon monoxide or hydrogen to the catalytic gasifier.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: GreatPoint Energy, Inc.Inventors: Vincent G. Reiling, Earl T. Robinson, Nicholas Charles Nahas, Jeffery Smith, Charles Mims
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Patent number: 8329140Abstract: A method and system for storing and evolving hydrogen (H2) employ chemical compounds that can be hydrogenated to store hydrogen and dehydrogenated to evolve hydrogen. A catalyst lowers the energy required for storing and evolving hydrogen. The method and system can provide hydrogen for devices that consume hydrogen as fuel.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2008Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: David L. Thorn, William Tumas, P. Jeffrey Hay, Daniel E. Schwarz, Thomas M. Cameron
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Patent number: 8328888Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 14, 2011Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLCInventor: Roy Edward McAlister
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Patent number: 8323614Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for hydrolysis of a chemical hydride is provided. The method includes adding a chemical hydride to a reaction chamber and exposing the chemical hydride in the reaction chamber to a temperature of at least about 100° C. in the presence of water and in the absence of an acid or a heterogeneous catalyst, wherein the chemical hydride undergoes hydrolysis to form hydrogen gas and a byproduct material.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2010Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: University of South CarolinaInventors: Thomas A. Davis, Michael A. Matthews
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Patent number: 8323365Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and processes for producing syngas in steam methane reformer (SMR)-based plants, particularly to the use of a high space velocity, dual mode catalytic reactor to pre-reform plant feedstock. The dual mode reactor has the capability to operate in two modes: either without oxygen addition in a reforming mode or with oxygen addition in a partial oxidation-reforming mode. The dual mode reactor allows the syngas production rate of the plant to be manipulated without the added capital expense of a reheat coil and with reduced impact on export steam production.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2008Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventors: Raymond Francis Drnevich, Vasilis Papavassiliou, Troy Michael Raybold, Ramchandra Mukund Watwe
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Publication number: 20120301382Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising a metal amidoborane and an amine, and processes for preparing the metal amidoborane compositions. In particular, the process comprises contacting ammonia borane with a metal amide in the presence of an amine solvent to form the metal amidoborane composition. The invention also provides methods for generating hydrogen, wherein the method comprises heating the metal amidoborane composition such that hydrogen is released.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2010Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: SIGMA ALDRICH CO. LLCInventors: Viktor Balema, Kanth Josyula, Guolin Xu, Nathaniel Wallock, Scott Batcheller, Peng Gao, Shashi Jasty
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Patent number: 8318131Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 14, 2011Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLCInventor: Roy Edward McAlister
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Patent number: 8318130Abstract: A process, preferably continuous, for producing hydrogen gas comprising contacting in the liquid phase at least one oxidizable organic substance in the presence of a mixture comprising at least one conductive catalyst and an aqueous alkaline carbonate electrolyte, wherein at least one bicarbonate composition produced by reaction of the electrolyte is regenerated and the at least one oxidizable organic substance comprises a oxygenated hydrocarbon, for example methanol and/or dimethyl ether. In a preferred embodiment the alkaline electrolyte is regenerated using steam. Various advantageous reaction schemes are described, utilizing, e.g., co-current and countercurrent stream flow and alternative tower sequence arrangements.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignees: COP Energy Technologies LLC, GRDC, LLCInventors: Patrick G. Grimes, Maureen A. Grimes, legal representative, Richard J. Bellows
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Publication number: 20120282163Abstract: Reactor systems and methods are provided for the catalytic conversion of liquid feedstocks to synthesis gases and other noncondensable gaseous products. The reactor systems include a heat exchange reactor configured to allow the liquid feedstock and gas product to flow concurrently in a downflow direction. The reactor systems and methods are particularly useful for producing hydrogen and light hydrocarbons from biomass-derived oxygenated hydrocarbons using aqueous phase reforming. The generated gases may find used as a fuel source for energy generation via PEM fuel cells, solid-oxide fuel cells, internal combustion engines, or gas turbine gensets, or used in other chemical processes to produce additional products. The gaseous products may also be collected for later use or distribution.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventors: Randy D. Cortright, Robert T. Rozmiarek, Charles C. Hornemann
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Publication number: 20120280179Abstract: A self-regulating gas generator that, in response to gas demand, supplies and automatically adjusts the amount of gas (e.g., hydrogen or oxygen) catalytically generated in a chemical supply chamber from an appropriate chemical supply, such as a chemical solution, gas dissolved in liquid, or mixture. In some embodiments, the gas generator may employ a piston, rotating rod, or other element(s) to expose the chemical supply to the catalyst in controlled amounts. In another embodiment, the self-regulating gas generator uses bang-bang control, with the element(s) exposing a catalyst, contained within the chemical supply chamber, to the chemical supply in ON and OFF states according to a self-adjusting duty cycle, thereby generating and outputting the gas in an orientation-independent manner. The gas generator may be used to provide gas for various gas consuming devices, such as a fuel cell, torch, or oxygen respiratory devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventors: Stephen A. Marsh, Donald M. Parker, Peter N. Pintauro
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Publication number: 20120282166Abstract: A water reactive hydrogen generation system includes devices and methods to combine reactant fuel materials and aqueous solutions to generate hydrogen. The generated hydrogen is used in a fuel cell or other application. The water reactive hydrogen generation system includes a reactant fuel chamber, a reactor chamber (zone), a water solution inlet, a hydrogen output port, and a material delivery device. The material delivery device can include a drive screw and a sliding piston to move the fuel material into the reactor zone when a reaction is initiated. As the reaction takes place, the reaction waste product is removed from the reaction zone to allow additional reactant fuel materials and aqueous solutions to be introduced and to continue the hydrogen-generating reaction. A reaction waste product created is exchanged for additional reactant fuel material at determined intervals to allow the reaction to continue until the reactant fuel is exhausted.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventors: Andrew P. WALLACE, John M. MELACK, Michael LEFENFELD
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Patent number: 8287838Abstract: A thermochemical water-splitting process all reactions of which operate at relatively low temperatures and high efficiencies, and in which relatively inexpensive materials and processing methods are made possible. This invention involves the decomposition of a metal halide compound, i.e., one which is capable of being reduced from a higher oxidation state to lower oxidation state, e.g. vanadium chloride III?vanadium dichloride. The process is cyclic and regenerative, and the only net inputs are water and heat; and the only net outputs are hydrogen and oxygen. The process makes it possible to utilize a wide variety of available heat, including solar, sources for the energy input.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Inventor: Steven Amendola
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Patent number: 8282907Abstract: Hydrogen generators and processes for operating hydrogen generators using partial oxidation/steam reforming of fuel are provided that can achieve desirable Net Hydrogen Efficiencies over a range of fuels and hydrogen product production rates and purities. Superheated steam for the reformer feed is provided through indirect heat exchange with the reformate and through indirect heat exchange with a flue gas. The relative portions of superheated steam from each heat exchange is adjusted to enhance Net Hydrogen Efficiency as a demand condition such as hydrogen product production rate or purity changes, and cooler oxygen-containing gas is used to avoid precombustion temperatures in the reformer feed.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2007Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Hyradix, Inc.Inventors: Kishore J. Doshi, Robert J. Sanger
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Publication number: 20120251438Abstract: The present invention relates to porous metallic frameworks comprising at least one at least bidentate organic compound coordinated to at least one metal ion, wherein the at least one at least bidentate organic compound is derived from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid. The present invention further relates to shaped bodies comprising these frameworks, processes for producing them and their use, in particular for the storage and separation of gases.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2010Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: BASF SEInventors: Natalia Trukhan, Ulrich Müller, Jens Heimann, Alois Kindler
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Publication number: 20120244065Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic catalyst formed by a single or multiple nano metal shells wrapping a carrier, wherein at least one of the metal shells is iron, cobalt, or nickel. The magnetic catalyst with high catalyst efficiency can be applied in a hydrogen supply device, and the device can be connected to a fuel cell. Because the magnetic catalyst can be recycled by a magnet after generating hydrogen, the practicability of the noble metals such as Ru with high catalyst efficiency is dramatically enhanced.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Chan-Li HSUEH, Cheng-Hong LIU, Jie-Ren KU, Ya-Yi HSU, Cheng-Yen CHEN, Reiko OHARA, Shing-Fen TSAI, Chien-Chang HUNG, Ming-Shan JENG
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Patent number: 8273323Abstract: In a process for producing hydrocarbonaceous educts, the starting material is autothermally gasified by non-catalytic partial oxidation by adding oxygen-containing gas and hydrogen at temperatures of 1200 to 1500° C. and pressures of 15 to 100 barabs to obtain a raw gas containing H2 and CO as main components as well as the components CO2, H2O, CH4 and traces of H2S, COS, CnHm, N2 and Ar, and subsequently the CO contained in the raw gas is converted to CO2 and further H2 by adding steam. An improvement of the process consists in that in a pressure-swing absorption process the converted raw synthesis gas is separated directly, i.e. without passing through a wash for removing CO2 and H2S, into high-purity H2 and into a gas mixture containing H2S, CO2, H2, CO, CH4, Ar and N2, the gas mixture is supplied to the tail gas wash of a Claus process, the H2S separated is introduced into the feed gas of the Claus process, and the waste gas of the tail gas wash, mixed with the tail gas of the Claus process, is burnt.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2007Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Lurgi GmbHInventors: Holger Schlichting, Thomas Tork
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Patent number: 8268024Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method for producing syngas. The apparatus can include a first reformer, which can include a radiant section having a reformer tube disposed therein. The reformer tube can be at least partially filled with a first catalyst. The first reformer can also include a transition section coupled to the radiant section, a convective section coupled to the transition section, and a plurality of pre-reformer tubes disposed in the transition section. The plurality of pre-reformer tubes can be filled with a second catalyst and fluidly coupled to the reformer tube via a line external to the plurality of pre-reformer tubes. At least one of the plurality of pre-reformer tubes can have at least one extended surface disposed thereon. The second reformer can be coupled to the reformer tube and to an oxidant source. The third reformer can be coupled to the second reformer and to the reformer tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2010Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLCInventor: Arthur Joseph Price
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Patent number: 8268026Abstract: A method for controlling the synthesis gas composition obtained from a steam methane reformer (SMR) that obtains its feedstock as product gas directly from a steam hydro-gasification reactor SHR). The method allows control of the H2/CO syngas ratio by adjusting the hydrogen feed and the water content of feedstock into a steam hydro-gasification reactor that supplies the SMR. The steam and methane rich product gas of the SHR is generated by means of hydro-gasification of a slurry of carbonaceous material and water. The mass percentages of the product stream at each stage of the process are calculated using a modeling program, such as the ASPEN PLUS™ equilibrium process. By varying the parameters of solid to water ratio and hydrogen to carbon ratio, a sensitivity analysis can be performed that enables one determine the optimum composition of the slurry feedstock to the SHR to obtain a desired syngas ratio output of the SMR.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2007Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Joseph M. Norbeck, Chan Seung Park, Arun Sk Raju
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Publication number: 20120230909Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus includes a cartridge including a reservoir having a first reactant and a reaction chamber, and a receiver that can include a flow control device. The receiver is adapted to receive the cartridge and to transport the first reactant to the reaction chamber after connection with the cartridge. The flow control device is adapted to stop the transport of reactant when the pressure in the reaction chamber reaches a predetermined pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicants: Commissariat a L'Energie Atomique, Societe BICInventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Jean-yves Laurent, Frédéric Gaillard, Nathalie Giacometti, Paul Adams
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Patent number: 8263271Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack for generating electricity by a electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen; a controller for controlling the operation of the system; a hydride storage tank for storing hydride powder as a source of hydrogen for the fuel cell stack; a hydrogen separating chamber for collecting hydrogen gas generated from a reaction of the hydride powder and liquid catalyst; a powder transferring device for transferring the hydride powder to the hydrogen separating chamber; and a residue collector for collecting residues that are generated from the reaction and settled at the bottom of the hydrogen separating chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2008Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sang-Jun Kong, Seong-Kee Yoon, Ho-Jin Kweon
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Publication number: 20120225008Abstract: A method is disclosed for storing and releasing hydrogen from a mass of transition metal borohydride particles, or a mass of mixed, transition metal and alkali metal-containing, borohydride particles where hydrogen is to be released by heating the mass of particles upon a demand for hydrogen in a hydrogen-using application. Particles of a metal hydride are mixed with the metal borohydride particles to form a mass of hydrogen storage particles. The composition and amount of the metal hydride mixed into the hydrogen storage particles serves to react with boron from the borohydride particles to form a metal boride and to suppress release of diborane as hydrogen is released from the heated metal borohydride particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2011Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, LLCInventor: Frederick E. Pinkerton
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Publication number: 20120225009Abstract: A hydrogen storage material analyzer along with its analysis and activation methods, the hydrogen storage material analyzer including a H2 absorption-desorption cycling tester, a temperature-programmed desorption spectrometer, a specimen holder and a temperature-controlled furnace. With this hydrogen storage material analyzer, a complete set of instruments can be used to implement simultaneously cyclic hydrogenation-dehydrogenation test and thermodynamic desorption analyses, thus improving the working efficiency and analysis accuracy.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2011Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: YUAN ZE UNIVERSITYInventors: Chia-Chieh Shen, Perng Tsong-Pyng, Hsueh-Chih Li
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Patent number: 8257668Abstract: A hydrogen generator according to the invention comprises: a combustion gas passage (5) configured to flow combustion gas coming from a combustor; a preheat-evaporator (6) which is supplied with a material gas and water and configured to evaporate the water and heat the material gas by heat transmitted from the combustion gas passage and a carbon monoxide reducer (10) through partition a wall; a reformer (7) configured to generate reformed gas from the material gas and steam fed from the preheat-evaporator by using a reforming catalyst (8) and heat transmitted from the combustion gas passage through the partition wall; the carbon monoxide reducer (10) configured to remove carbon monoxide from the reformed gas fed from the reformer by a carbon monoxide removing catalyst (9); a cylindrical body (3) closed at both ends thereof having an internal space is divided by the partition walls (1), (2), (30), (47) to form the combustion gas passage, preheat-evaporator, reformer and carbon monoxide reducer within the cyliType: GrantFiled: September 3, 2007Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Yuji Mukai, Akira Maenishi, Kunihiro Ukai, Toru Nakamura
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Patent number: 8257464Abstract: The present invention relates to pulverulent materials suitable for storing hydrogen, and more particularly to a method of preparing such a material, in which: (A) a composite metallic material having a specific granular structure is prepared by co-melting the following mixtures: a first metallic mixture (m1), which is an alloy (a1) of body-centered cubic crystal structure, based on titanium, vanadium, chromium and/or manganese, or a mixture of these metals in the proportions of the alloy (a1); and a second mixture (m2), which is an alloy (a2), comprising 38 to 42% zirconium, niobium, molybdenum, hafnium, tantalum and/or tungsten and 56 to 60 mol % of nickel and/or copper, or else a mixture of these metals in the proportions of the alloy (a2), with a mass ratio (m2)/(m1+m2) ranging from 0.1 wt % to 20 wt %; and (B) the composite metallic material thus obtained is hydrogenated, whereby the composite material is fragmented (hydrogen decrepitation).Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2007Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (C.N.R.S.)Inventors: Jean Charbonnier, Patricia De Rango, Daniel Fruchart, Salvatore Miraglia, Sophie Rivoirard, Natalia Skryabina
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Patent number: 8252073Abstract: A novel tar-free gasification process and system is disclosed that involves the partial combustion of recycled dry solids and the drying of a slurry feedstock comprising carbonaceous material in two separate reactor zones in a two stage gasifier, thereby producing mixture products comprising synthesis gas. The synthesis gas produced from the high temperature first stage reaction zone is then quenched in the second stage reaction zone of the gasifier prior to introduction of a slurry feedstock. The temperature of the final syngas exiting the second stage reaction zone of the gasifier is thereby moderated to be in the range of about 350-900° F., which is below the temperature range at which tar is readily formed, depending upon the type of carbonaceous feedstock utilized.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Phillips 66 CompanyInventors: Albert C. Tsang, David L. Breton
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Patent number: 8246700Abstract: An improved process to reduce emissions converts carbon dioxide from the flue gas exhaust from heat or power generators, into synthetic gas which is in-turn reintroduced back into the generator as fuel, is herein disclosed. Hot flue and exhaust gases from power generators, which contain carbon dioxide, would be blown into a gasification reactor, which contains coal, wood chips or other carbon based fuels substances. The process utilizes gasification technology to create a thermochemical reaction between the carbon dioxide and the fuel via a high temperature and no-oxygen atmosphere to produce synthetic gas. The synthetic gas includes carbon monoxide and hydrogen which is then fed back into a heat or power generator as fuel. The process may include two (2) or more reactors, thereby allowing one (1) reactor to be loaded or unloaded while synthetic gas continues to be produced by the other reactor. The synthetic gas may also be further converted into vehicle fuels and other useful chemicals.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2008Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Inventor: Leonid Kutsin
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Publication number: 20120208099Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for actively controlling the steam-to-carbon ratio in hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems that include a feedstock delivery system. The feedstock delivery system supplies a combined feedstock stream including steam and carbon-containing feedstock to a hydrogen-producing region, which produces a mixed gas stream including hydrogen gas as a majority component therefrom. The systems and methods may include measuring a thermodynamic property of a steam stream, a carbon-containing feedstock stream, and/or the combined feedstock stream and controlling the flow rate and/or pressure of a water stream, the steam stream, and/or the carbon-containing feedstock stream based on a desired steam-to-carbon ratio in the combined feedstock stream and/or a desired flow rate of the mixed gas stream and may include feedforward and/or feedback control strategies.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2011Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: IDATECH, LLCInventors: Zhen Chen, Xun Ouyang
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Publication number: 20120208088Abstract: A carbon composite material, including a plurality of spaced graphene sheets, each respective sheet having opposed generally planar surfaces, and a plurality of functionalized carbonaceous particles. At least some functionalized carbonaceous particles are disposed between any two adjacent graphene sheets, and each respective at least some functionalized carbonaceous particle is attached to both respective any two adjacent graphene sheets. Each respective graphene sheet comprises at least one layer of graphene and at least portions of respective any two adjacent graphene sheets are oriented substantially parallel with one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventors: Jian Xie, Meixian Wang
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Publication number: 20120207667Abstract: A catalyst for steam reforming of methanol, which includes a carrier material comprising a metal oxide and deposited thereon a) indium oxide (In2O3) and at least one further metal from the group of palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), rhodium (Rh) and iridium (Ir) and/or b) an alloy comprising indium and at least one further metal from the group of palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), rhodium (Rh) and iridium (Ir), as catalytically active substances.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2010Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventors: Yong Men, Ralf Zapf
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Patent number: 8241401Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing purified hydrogen gas by a pressure swing adsorption process. Further the invention relates to detecting an operating life of adsorbents in a adsorption tower. The method and the apparatus have a gas supply unit for adding an inert gas to an unpurified hydrogen gas and a detector for measuring an inert gas in a purified hydrogen gas discharged from the adsorption tower.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignees: Mitsubishi Polycrystalline Silicon America Corporation (MIPSA), Mitsubishi Materials CorporationInventors: Takeshi Kamei, Yasunari Takimoto
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Publication number: 20120201739Abstract: A method of providing and using a material storage system that includes a material stored within an intercalated dichalcogenide material. Also provided are novel materials for use in preparing such a system, including combinations and systems thereof, as well as a material stored and recovered for use by employment of such a method.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2010Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA RESEARCH FOUNDATIONInventor: Timothy E. Kidd
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Publication number: 20120201744Abstract: Ligand-metal bifunctional ruthenium complexes are efficient catalysts for the liberation of two or more molar equivalents of hydrogen from ammonia-borane, a prospective hydrogen storage medium. In some cases, the mechanism for the dehydrogenation features a ruthenium hydride resting state from which dihydrogen loss is the rate-determining step.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAInventors: Travis J. Williams, Brian L. Conley
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Publication number: 20120201745Abstract: The present invention comprises the use of mixed oxide based catalysts containing at least lanthanum, nickel and oxygen in the reactions of steam reforming and oxidative reforming of alcohols at low temperature or a mixture of alcohols, such as bio-ethanol. The catalysts have a perovskite structure represented by Lai1-xMxNIO3, where x from 0.0 to 1.0 and M=elements of the group of alkaline earth metals or lanthanides. Hydrogen generated in the method of the invention can be used, among other applications, in a low temperature fuel cell as the PEM type.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2010Publication date: August 9, 2012Inventors: Fabio Bellot Noronha, Lisiane Veiga Mattos, Sania Maria Lima, Adriana Maria Da Silva, Jose Mansur Assaf
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Patent number: 8236260Abstract: A fuel processor that extracts, from a fuel source, hydrogen gas used for an electricity generation reaction. The fuel processor includes a reformer that generates hydrogen gas by reacting a fuel source with water, a burner that heats the reformer to an appropriate temperature for a hydrogen generation reaction, a CO remover that removes CO generated during the hydrogen generation reaction in the reformer, and a heat exchanger for cooling the CO remover.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2008Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kang-hee Lee, Doo-hwan Lee, Hyun-chul Lee
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Publication number: 20120195823Abstract: The present invention provides for a composition capable of storing hydrogen from molecular hydrogen. The composition comprises a magnesium nanoparticle (NP) and a polymer, wherein the Mg NC is essentially embedded in the polymer. The polymer is selectively permeable wherein the polymer is essentially not permeable to O2 and H2O. The composition is capable of absorbing and desorbing molecular hydrogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Hoi Ri Moon, Ki-Joon Jeon, Anne M. Ruminski, Jeffrey J. Urban
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Patent number: 8231857Abstract: Disclosed are catalysts and methods that can reform aqueous solutions of oxygenated compounds such as ethylene glycol, glycerol, sugar alcohols, and sugars to generate products such as hydrogen and alkanes. In some embodiments, aqueous solutions containing at least 20 wt % of the oxygenated compounds can be reformed over a catalyst comprising a Group VIII transition metal and a Group VIIB transition metal, preferably supported on an activated carbon-supported catalyst. In other embodiments, catalysts are provided for the production of hydrogen or alkanes at reaction temperatures less than 300° C.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2006Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Virent, Inc.Inventors: Randy D. Cortright, Nicholas W. Vollendorf, Charles C. Hornemann, Shawn P. McMahon
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Patent number: 8231697Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 15, 2010Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Greg A. Whyatt, Christopher M. Fischer, James M. Davis
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Patent number: 8226912Abstract: A gaseous mixture, comprising CO2, H2, H2S and optionally CO, is separated into an H2 or H2 and CO product stream (H2/CO product stream), and a CO2 enriched stream containing at least one combustible component selected from H2S, H2, CO and any additional combustible components present in the gaseous mixture. A support fuel stream, comprising one or more combustible components, is combusted to form a stable flame, and the CO2 enriched stream and flame are contacted in the presence of sufficient O2 to combust all or substantially all of the combustible component(s) present in said CO2 enriched stream. A CO2 product stream is formed from said combustion effluent. The support fuel stream may be generated from the process of generating or separating the gaseous mixture or from the H2/CO product stream. Where the CO2 enriched stream contains H2S, the support fuel stream may also be a stream obtained off-site that comprises H2S.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2010Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey William Kloosterman, Kevin Boyle Fogash, Andrew David Wright
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Publication number: 20120181484Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst which is used to obtain hydrogen or a hydrogen-rich gas that is suitable for use in fuel cells or other applications from bioethanol and/or ethanol, comprising a support, a promoter agent and an active phase which is incorporated into the support, said catalyst taking the form of a calcinated solid in which the support comprises at least one oxide with high surface mobility and is modified with the promoter agent. According to the invention, the promoter agent comprises at least one oxide of a rare earth that is selected from the lanthanide group and the active phase comprises at least one oxide of a transition metal from group VIII or IB.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Inventors: Manuel Jesús BENITO GONZÁLEZ, Juan Luis SANZ YAGÜE, Ruth ISABEL GOMEZ, Loreto DAZA BERTRAND
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Patent number: 8221692Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that relate to increasing radiative heat transfer in a steam reformer from an exterior shell which includes a diffusion burner to an interior reactor via angled fins coupled to the exterior shell. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a steam reformer, comprising an exterior shell which includes a diffusion burner and angled fins, the angled fins extending away from an inner surface of the exterior shell and downward toward the diffusion burner. The steam reformer further comprises an interior reactor positioned at least partly within the exterior shell.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2011Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: ClearEdge Power, Inc.Inventors: Bob Sorensen, Craig E. Evans, Brian Sonnichsen
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Patent number: 8221513Abstract: Systems and processes for producing synthesis gas. A carbonaceous feedstock can be combined with one or more low-oxygen carrier fluids having a high heating value. The feedstock and carrier fluid, in the presence of one or more oxidants, can be gasified to provide a synthesis gas. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the synthesis gas can be recycled for use as the carrier fluid.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLCInventors: Siva Ariyapadi, John Abughazaleh, Ravindra K. Agrawal
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Patent number: 8216531Abstract: Disclosed are a syngas production process and a reforming exchanger 100. The process involves passing a first portion of hydrocarbon feed mixed with steam and oxidant through an autothermal catalytic steam reforming zone to form a first reformed gas of reduced hydrocarbon content, passing a second portion of the hydrocarbon feed mixed with steam through an endothermic catalytic steam reforming zone to form a second reformed gas of reduced hydrocarbon content, and mixing the first and second reformed gases and passing the resulting gas mixture through a heat exchange zone for cooling the gas mixture and thereby supplying heat to the endothermic catalytic steam reforming zone. The endothermic catalytic steam reforming zone and the heat exchange zone are respectively disposed tube side and shell side within a shell-and-tube reforming exchanger 100.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2005Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLCInventors: Robert Burlingame, Thomas Czuppon, Larry G. Hackemesser
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Patent number: 8211681Abstract: The present invention comprises an in vitro enzymatic process that effectively converts renewable polysaccharides into high yields of hydrogen at mild conditions, using only enzymes and water. The process comprises a number of enzymes: (1) phosphorylases, (2) phosphoglucomutases, (3) hydrogenases, and (4) enzymes involved in the pentose-phosphate pathway. Preferred embodiments of the process produce only hydrogen and carbon dioxide as net products, translating into an inexpensive method of generating hydrogen in very large quantities from low-cost feedstocks.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2007Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventors: Yi-Heng Percival Zhang, Jonathan Mielenz
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Patent number: 8211191Abstract: A generally upright reactor system for gasifying a feedstock. The reactor system generally includes a main body, at least two inlet projections extending outwardly from the main body, and at least one inlet positioned on each of the inlet projections. Each of the inlets is operable to discharge the feedstock into the reaction zone.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2007Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Phillips 66 CompanyInventors: Steven L. Douglas, Ronald W. Herbanek, David L. Breton, Steven E. Chichester
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Publication number: 20120164063Abstract: A method includes operating a gas loading system with a source of one or more isotopes of hydrogen, a gas loading chamber containing a number of metallic nanoparticles, the metallic nanoparticles being selected to provide for a predetermined hydrogen cluster formation density, a vacuum system, and a valve system in communication with the gas loading chamber, the source of one or more isotopes of hydrogen and the vacuum system; providing the gas loading chamber with a first quantity of the one or more isotopes of hydrogen from the source of one or more isotopes of hydrogen; monitoring an operating temperature; and cycling a loading pressure of the gas loading chamber using the source of one or more isotopes of hydrogen in response to providing the gas loading chamber and monitoring the operating temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2012Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventors: George H. Miley, Xiaoling Yang
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Patent number: 8206471Abstract: Efficient biomass conversion systems, methods and apparatus utilize a fast pyrolysis unit installed at a sawmill or similar location where substantial quantities of biomass are generated, with the biomass generated at the sawmill fed into the fast pyrolysis unit under pyrolytic reaction conditions, and with exhaust gases containing entrained matter resulting from the pyrolytic reactions being separated into constituent char and bio-fuel constituents.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: American Bio Energy Converting Corp.Inventor: Johnny M. Tharpe, Jr.
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Patent number: 8206669Abstract: A feed gas comprising CO2, H2S and H2 is treated to produce an H2-enriched product and a CO2 product. The feed gas is separated by pressure swing adsorption to provide a stream of the H2-enriched product, and two streams of sour gas depleted in H2 and enriched in H2S and CO2 relative to the feed gas. One of the streams of sour gas is processed in an H2S to elemental sulfur conversion system, in which H2S in the sour gas is converted to elemental sulfur order to obtain a stream of sweetened gas, from which the CO2 product is formed. The other of said streams of sour gas is processed in an oxidation system, in which H2S in the sour gas is oxidized to SOx(SO2 and SO3) which is introduced into the H2S to elemental sulfur conversion system.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Charles Linford Schaffer, Andrew David Wright, Kevin Boyle Fogash, Jeffrey William Kloosterman, Vincent White
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Patent number: 8202332Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 1, 2008Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual PropertiesInventor: Foster A. Agblevor
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Patent number: 8202333Abstract: In a shutdown method for a reforming apparatus, shutdown is carried out without exhausting untreated carbon monoxide as it is, the durability of catalyzer is inhibited from being lowered despite the repetition of start-up and shutdown, the shutdown is carried out without lowering the durability of a reforming section, and the shutdown is carried out with a little loss in energy. A control device for the reforming apparatus commences purge of residual gas in the reforming apparatus by stopping the supply of reforming fuel to the reforming section, by stopping the supply of reforming water to an evaporator section, and by supplying the reforming water remaining in the evaporator section to the reforming section while evaporating the reforming water by the utilization of the remaining heat of the reforming apparatus and flows oxidizing air for a predetermined period of time only from the time point of the commencement of the purge.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2007Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Koichi Kuwaba