By Decomposing Hydrocarbon Patents (Class 423/650)
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Patent number: 8506915Abstract: This invention involves a cyclic method for capturing CO2 from gas streams arising from processes of reforming, gasification or combustion of carbonaceous fuels. The method is based on these gas streams reacting with solids that contain at least CaO and a metal or an oxidized form of the metal. The method is characterized by the oxidized form of the metal being able to undergo a sufficiently exothermic reduction reaction for the heat released during the reaction to cause the decomposition of CaCO3. The thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics of the method of this invention make it ideal for the removal of the CO2 present in gas streams resulting from processes such as hydrocarbon reforming or the combustion of carbonaceous fuels.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2010Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientificasInventors: Juan Carlos Abanades García, Ramón Murillo Villuendas
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Patent number: 8506924Abstract: A process for preparing acetylene and synthesis gas by partial oxidation of hydrocarbons with oxygen, by first separately preheating the hydrocarbon gas and oxygen gas, and then reacting the gases and cooling the products rapidly. The reactor wall is blanketed with a purge gas stream, introduced through a plurality of feed lines. These feed lines deliver purge gas in a vector direction within a 10° angle of the main flow direction of the reactive gas stream. The purge gas is delivered at multiple stages relative to the main flow direction of the reactive gas stream, and the free cross section of the firing space available to the reactive gas stream, at the height of the feed lines of the purge gas stream, is approximately constant.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: BASF SEInventors: Dirk Grossschmidt, Michael Russ, Peter Renze, Maximilian Vicari, Christian Weichert, Kai Rainer Ehrhardt, Horst Neuhauser, Hans Zapf, Michael L. Hayes
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Patent number: 8501151Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, apparatus and method of manufacturing an apparatus; all to produce hydrogen gas, particularly synthesis gas. Preferred embodiments of the invention include an alpha alumina membrane which has been treated with a TiO2 wash coat on one side and has an active gamma alumina layer on an opposite side. A metal catalyst, preferably rhodium, is deposited within the pores of the alumina. Oxygen travels through the membrane and is activated before contacting methane on the other side of the membrane and forming synthesis gas through partial oxidation of the methane. Embodiments of the invention have a number of benefits including the high conversion rate of oxygen (100%), the separate feed streams of methane and oxygen which allow for optimal ratios to be used without danger of explosion, and the opportunity to vary the feed rates without changing the products formed.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2009Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: The Robert Gordon UniversityInventors: Edward Gobina, Susanne Olsen
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Patent number: 8501142Abstract: This disclosure relates to carbonizing and activating carbonaceous material.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2007Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) LimitedInventors: Stephen Robert Tennison, Jonathan Robert Tunbridge, Roger Nicholas Place, Andrew John Blackburn, Alan Mark Giles
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Patent number: 8500830Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus and a fuel cell using the same is provided. The hydrogen generating apparatus is adapted to a fuel cell, and includes a main body, an electromagnet, a magnetic element, a containing tank and a sliding element. The electromagnet is fixed on the main body. The magnetic element is movably disposed on the main body. The containing tank is fixed on the main body and is used for containing liquid water. The sliding element is slidably disposed on the main body, wherein a solid fuel is fixed on the sliding element. When the electromagnet is electrified to generate magnetic force to drive a motion of the magnetic element, the magnetic element drives the sliding element to slide towards the containing tank, so that the solid fuel reacts with the liquid water in the containing tank to generate hydrogen.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Young Green Energy Co.Inventors: Po-Kuei Chou, Cheng Wang, Yueh-Chang Wu
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Patent number: 8496908Abstract: A steam methane reforming process for producing a hydrogen product while capturing CO2 from the process. Steam and a hydrocarbon are reformed in a catalytic reformer. The reformate is separated by pressure swing adsorption to form the hydrogen product and a PSA tail gas. The tail gas is returned to the reformer as a fuel. The fuel is combusted with synthetic air where the synthetic air is formed by combining a portion of the flue gas with industrial grade oxygen. The flue gas consists essentially of CO2 and H2O. The H2O is condensed out of another portion of the flue gas to form an essentially pure CO2 product.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2012Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Eugene S. Genkin, Kevin Boyle Fogash, Kathleen M. Dent
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Patent number: 8486367Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for generating hydrogen (5), wherein an input (1) comprising carbon is fed longitudinally through a tube-shaped reaction chamber (Z), together with water steam (2), and is thereby converted by steam reforming, and hydrogen (4) formed during steam reforming is continuously drawn off out of the reaction chamber (Z) through a separating wall (T), said wall being selectively hydrogen-permeable at least in segments, and at a pressure less than the pressure in the reaction chamber (Z) and greater than the ambient pressure, having greater purity than product (5), characterized in that a separating wall (T) is used, the selectively hydrogen-permeability segments thereof being disposed such that a hydrogen partial pressure drop exists over the entire surface of each of such segments between the reaction chamber side and the hydrogen extraction side (W).Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Linde AGInventors: Karl Heinz Hofmann, Nicole Schoedel, Klaus Klapper, Axel Behrens, Roland Dittmeyer
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Patent number: 8486368Abstract: A process for producing the porous catalyst body for decomposing hydrocarbons, the body containing at least magnesium, aluminum and nickel, and has a pore volume of 0.01 to 0.5 cm3/g, an average pore diameter of not more than 300 ? and an average crushing strength of not less than 3 kgf. The process includes molding hydrotalcite containing at least magnesium, aluminum and nickel, and calcining the resulting molded product at a temperature of 700 to 1500° C.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2012Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Toda Kogyo CorporationInventors: Shinji Takahashi, Naoya Kobayashi
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Patent number: 8470482Abstract: The fuel processor (10) comprises a desulphurisation reactor (12), a catalytic partial oxidation reactor (14), a combustor (16) and a pre-reformer (18), means (20) to supply a hydrocarbon fuel to the desulphurisation reactor (12), means (24) to supply air to the catalytic partial oxidation reactor (14) and means (24) to supply air to the combustor (16). A method of operating the fuel processor for a fuel cell arrangement includes (a) supplying safe gas to the fuel cell arrangement in a first mode of operation, (b) supplying synthesis gas to the fuel cell arrangement in a second mode of operation and (c) supplying processed hydrocarbon fuel to the fuel cell arrangement in a third mode of operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc.Inventors: Gary J. Saunders, Fabio Cerutti
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Patent number: 8470291Abstract: Process to prepare a gas mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide from an ash containing carbonaceous feedstock by performing the following steps, (i) partial oxidation of the ash containing carbonaceous feedstock with an oxygen containing gas thereby obtaining liquid ash and a gas mixture comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide and solids, (ii) separating more than 90 wt % of the liquid ash from the gas mixture, (iii) reducing the temperature of the gas mixture, in the absence of the separated ash (iv) scrubbing the cooled gas of step (iii) by contacting with liquid water obtaining a scrubbed gas and a water effluent containing ash, (v) separating the ash from the water effluent by means of a decanter centrifuge thereby obtaining a wet ash and a stream of water poor in ash.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2009Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Guillaume Guy Michel Fournier, Wouter Koen Harteveld, Albert Joseph Hendrik Janssen
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Publication number: 20130150232Abstract: The instant invention discloses a method for the valorization of spent catalyst from hydrocarbon processing slurry reactors as well as slurry flakes.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2011Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: TOTAL RAFFINAGE MARKETINGInventors: Delphine Gotteland, Katell Le Lannic-Dromard, Marie Ropars, Gloria Vendrell, Maxime Lacroix, Didier Borremans
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Patent number: 8460630Abstract: When the production of hydrogen and the recovery of carbon dioxide are simultaneously performed by using as a raw material a carbon-containing fuel, the increase of the system cost is suppressed and the efficiency is improved.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Nippon Oil CorporationInventors: Takuya Niitsuma, Shunsuke Maekawa, Yoshihiro Kobori
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Patent number: 8460633Abstract: Process for the production of high-purity hydrogen from an ethanol or higher-alcohol feedstock, employing a steam reforming unit, a carbon monoxide conversion unit and a membrane separation unit and comprising intense thermal integration that is obtained by combustion under the control of an effluent of the process so as to provide the calories that are necessary to the steam reforming reaction.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2005Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: IFP Energies nouvellesInventors: Dominique Casanave, Nicolas Boudet
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Patent number: 8444951Abstract: The present invention provides a process and apparatus for the gasification of a liquid fuel and includes providing a supply of a liquid fuel, a supply of oxidant, and a supply of liquid water; atomizing the liquid fuel and mixing it with the oxidant and steam; catalytically reacting the fuel-oxidant-steam mixture in a catalyst bed; initiating the catalytic reaction with an ignition source; positioning a heat exchanger in proximity with the catalyst bed so as to convert the liquid water to steam; and feeding the steam into the catalytic reaction, thereby eliminating the need for a liquid fuel vaporizer. A preferred catalyst bed includes an ultra-short-channel-length metal substrate.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Precision Combustion, Inc.Inventors: Subir Roychoudhury, Maxim Lyubovsky, Curtis Morgan, Joel DesJardins, Dennis E. Walsh
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Patent number: 8440107Abstract: A catalytic reforming method is disclosed herein. The method includes sequentially supplying a plurality of feedstocks of variable compositions to a reformer. The method further includes adding a respective predetermined co-reactant to each of the plurality of feedstocks to obtain a substantially constant output from the reformer for the plurality of feedstocks. The respective predetermined co-reactant is based on a C/H/O atomic composition for a respective one of the plurality of feedstocks and a predetermined C/H/O atomic composition for the substantially constant output.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: Andrew R. Tadd, Johannes Schwank
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Patent number: 8431044Abstract: The invention is relates to a method and a system for producing synthetic gas from biomass by high temperature gasification, including: feeding raw material, carbonizing, pulverizing the charcoal, and transporting charcoal powder to the gasification furnace for gasification. A heat source for the carbonizing is achieved by a direct combustion reaction between external combustible gas and external oxygen in a carbonization furnace. The heat emitted from the reaction being directly provided to the necessary heat of biomass pyrolysis, and yielding pyrolysis gas and charcoal from carbonization furnace. The temperature of carbonization furnace is controlled at between 400° C. and 600° C. by adjusting the amount of oxygen. The temperature of a burner nozzle of the carbonization furnace is controlled at between 1200° C. and 1800° C. by adjusting the input amount of the external combustible gas at between more than 1 and less than 5 times that required for a complete combustion with the external oxygen.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2011Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Wuhan Kaidi Engineering Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd.Inventors: Haiqing Zhang, Feng Zhao, Liping Cheng, Zhenhua Yao
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Patent number: 8431043Abstract: A technique is described including receiving a hydrocarbon stream, and heating the hydrocarbon stream with an exhaust steam from an internal combustion engine. This technique may include reacting the hydrocarbon stream catalytically to produce hydrogen and a modified hydrocarbon stream having a lower saturation state than the hydrocarbon stream, recovering energy from the hydrogen stream, and/or providing the modified hydrocarbon stream to a fuel supply for the internal combustion engine.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2009Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Cummins Inc.Inventors: Wayne Goodman, Aleksey Yezerets, Neal Currier, Cheryl Klepser
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Patent number: 8425804Abstract: A process with which a liquid fuel is evaporated completely in two stages is provided. In the first stage, the fuel is mixed with a hot primary medium and partly evaporated. In the second stage, the already evaporated fuel fraction is partly oxidized, which provides the heat for the complete evaporation of the fuel fractions which are yet to be evaporated. A fuel-air mixture for a reformer can be obtained with an advantageous embodiment of the process, in which the fuel is mixed homogeneously with oxidizing agent in the inventive evaporation. For the performance of the process, a mixing chamber is provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2007Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbHInventors: Zdenek Pors, Andreas Tschauder, Joachim Pasel, Ralf Peters, Detlef Stolten
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Patent number: 8420047Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controllably converting aluminum into alane. In the system of the invention, a reaction between aluminum and hydrogen to form alane is performed at temperatures below 100° C. using a supercritical fluid such as CO2 as a reaction medium, with the optional inclusion of a co-solvent, such as an ether, in the reaction vessel. Inert gas is used to exclude unwanted gases such as oxygen. The reaction of aluminum and hydrogen has been observed to proceed at approximately 60° C. using Me2O as an added solvent in CO2 at supercritical pressures.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Inventor: Gerard Sean McGrady
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Patent number: 8414798Abstract: Embodiments of a process for producing syngas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide from a gas stream comprising methane are provided. The process comprises the step of contacting the gas stream with a two-component catalyst system comprising an apatite component and a perovskite component at reaction conditions effective to convert the methane to the syngas.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2010Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Colleen Costello, Lisa King, Paul Barger, Deng-Yang Jen, Robert B. James, Kurt Vanden Bussche
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Patent number: 8414666Abstract: Reformer and method for producing hydrogen and steam where steam is used for steam-assisted extraction of heavy hydrocarbons. Steam is injected into a hydrocarbon-containing reservoir. Hydrocarbons are extracted from the reservoir along with produced water. Hydrogen is produced in a catalytic steam hydrocarbon reformer. Combustion product gas from the reformer is used to generate wet steam in a once-through steam generator from produced water recycled from the reservoir. The wet steam is used for the steam-assisted extraction of heavy hydrocarbons. The reformer has a heat exchanger section including a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger downstream of the first heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger is suitable for processing the produced water by once-through steam generation and is suitable for mechanical cleaning. The reformer also has a first exhaust downstream of the second heat exchanger and a closeable second exhaust downstream of the first heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2012Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: John Eugene Palamara, David Anthony Zagnoli, William Frederick Baade
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Patent number: 8414863Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing hydrogen. According to the invention, monosilane or polysilane is converted to hydrogen at an elevated temperature with steam or oxygen.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: SPAWNT Private S.A.R.L.Inventors: Julius Pretterebner, Norbert Auner
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Patent number: 8409307Abstract: This invention is a process and system for providing hydrogen at a high level of reliability from a gasification system by integrating it with SMR. Carbonaceous feedstock such as petroleum coke or coal or biomass is gasified to co-produce SNG, fuel gas, hydrogen, power and steam in conjunction with hydrogen production through steam methane reforming. Carbon dioxide may also be recovered in this process. The integrated schemes are designed in a way that maximizes the reliability of production of high value products such as hydrogen through gasification and minimizes the impact of high natural gas prices on hydrogen production by SMR.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2007Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventors: Raymond Francis Drnevich, Aqil Jamal
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Patent number: 8409545Abstract: The process that is the object of the invention describes a process whose purpose is to produce a purified synthesis gas from lignocellulosic biomass that includes a pyrolysis stage, a purification stage placed upstream from the partial oxidation stage, and a cooling stage.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2007Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignees: IFP Energies nouvelles, Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventors: Matthieu Rolland, Eric Lemarie, Nicolas Boudet, Jean-Marie Seiler, Sylvie Rouge
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Patent number: 8409306Abstract: A fuel reformer including a reaction container including a first chamber, a first reactor in the first chamber, the first reactor, including a first catalyst, being configured to produce a first reformate by performing a steam reforming reaction on a first fuel, and having a first gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) at a set flow rate, a first heat source thermally connected to the first reactor, and a second reactor connected to the first reactor, the second reactor including a second catalyst, being configured to produce a second reformate having a lower carbon monoxide content than the first reformate, and having a second GHSV greater than the first GHSV at the set flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: In-Hyuk Son, Woo-Cheol Shin, Sung-Chul Lee, Jin-Goo Ahn
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Patent number: 8404156Abstract: Process for enriching a synthesis gas in hydrogen by conversion of carbon monoxide and steam over a catalyst containing oxides of zinc and aluminum together with one or more promoters.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2009Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/SInventor: Niels Christian Schiødt
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Patent number: 8404155Abstract: A nanocatalyst, dual catalyst and methods for improving the efficiency and output of a biomass gasification process are provided where the catalysts comprise a volatile organometallic compound(s) and/or a nanoalloy catalyst. By the catalyst and method, a very high biomass gasification conversion efficiency of over 85% can be achieved. The subject nanocatalyst cracks and gasifies lignin, which is generally inert in conventional gasification, at relatively low gasification temperatures. The subject disclosure also provides a means to increase gas yields and lower lignin content in the resulting product relative to conventional gasification. Alternatively, oil production may be increased, if desired. Moreover, the resulting gas may achieve a Fischer-Tropsch reactor favorable H2:CO ratio of about 9:1. The energy input to the gasification is correspondingly reduced to reduce costs and the environmental impact associated with the gasification process.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Afton Chemical CorporationInventors: Allen Aradi, Joseph Roos, Tze-Chi Jao
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Patent number: 8404008Abstract: A system for reforming diesel fuel into hydrogen including feeds for water and diesel fuel, a supercritical water (SCW) reactor in fluid communication with the water feed and the diesel fuel, at least one pre-heater in thermal communication with the water feed, the diesel fuel feed that is configured to heat water from the water feed and diesel fuel from the diesel fuel feed to a predetermined temperature equal to or greater than the critical temperature of water before the water and the diesel fuel are mixed, a water-gas shift (WGS) reactor, and a hydrogen capturing system, where the SCW reactor reforms the diesel fuel into a synthesis gas comprising a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and outputs the synthesis gas, the synthesis gas output by the SCW reactor is fed into the WGS reactor which converts the carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and hydrogen and outputs an output gas including a higher percentage of hydrogen to carbon monoxide compared to the synthesis gas, and the hydrogen in the output gaType: GrantFiled: July 28, 2011Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc.Inventors: John R. Wootton, Sunggyu Lee, Asdrubal Garcia-Ortiz
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Patent number: 8398729Abstract: Methods and systems for a gasifier having a partial moderator bypass are provided. The gasifier includes a partial oxidation reactor including an inlet and an outlet and a primary reaction zone extending therebetween, the partial oxidation reactor configured to direct a flow of products of partial oxidation including fuel gases, gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation, and unburned carbon, and a secondary reaction chamber coupled in flow communication with the partial oxidation reactor, the secondary reaction chamber is configured to mix a flow of moderator with the flow of gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation and unburned carbon such that a concentration of fuel gases is increased.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Paul Steven Wallace
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Patent number: 8388864Abstract: When producing synthesis gas from a starting material containing hydrocarbons, in particular natural gas, a feed stream of the starting material is divided into a first partial stream and a second partial stream. The first partial stream is supplied to a steam reformer (4), in which together with steam it is catalytically converted to a gas stream containing carbon oxides. Then, the first partial stream is again combined with the second partial stream and the combined gas stream is supplied to an autothermal reformer (7), in which together with gas rich in oxygen it is autothermally reformed to a synthesis gas in the presence of a cracking catalyst. Processing a starting material with a high content of higher hydrocarbons is made possible in that before the steam reformer (4) and before the autothermal reformer (7) the entire starting material is supplied to a pre-reformer (2) in which the starting material largely is liberated from higher hydrocarbons.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2007Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Lurgi GmbHInventors: Andreas Bormann, Dierk Müller
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Patent number: 8383078Abstract: Reactive diluent fluid (22) is introduced into a stream of synthesis gas (or “syngas”) produced in a heat-generating unit such as a partial oxidation (“POX”) reactor (12) to cool the syngas and form a mixture of cooled syngas and reactive diluent fluid. Carbon dioxide and/or carbon components and/or hydrogen in the mixture of cooled syngas and reactive diluent fluid is reacted (26) with at least a portion of the reactive diluent fluid in the mixture to produce carbon monoxide-enriched and/or solid carbon depleted syngas which is fed into a secondary reformer unit (30) such as an enhanced heat transfer reformer in a heat exchange reformer process. An advantage of the invention is that problems with the mechanical integrity of the secondary unit arising from the high temperature of the syngas from the heat-generating unit are avoided.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: GTLpetrol LLCInventors: Shoou-I Wang, John Michael Repasky, Shankar Nataraj, Xiang-Dong Peng
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Patent number: 8377417Abstract: A method and apparatus for sequestering carbon dioxide from a waste gas and reusing it as a recycled gas without emissions concerns, including: given a gas source divided into a process gas and a waste gas: mixing the process gas with a hydrocarbon and feeding a resulting feed gas into a reformer for reforming the feed gas and forming a reducing gas; and feeding at least a portion of the waste gas into a carbon dioxide scrubber for removing at least some carbon dioxide from the waste gas and forming a carbon dioxide lean gas that is mixed with the reducing gas. Optionally, the method also includes feeding at least a portion of the waste gas into the carbon dioxide scrubber for removing at least some carbon dioxide from the waste gas and forming a fuel gas after the addition of a hydrocarbon that is fed into the reformer.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Midrex Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gary E. Metius, James M. McClelland, Jr.
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Patent number: 8377154Abstract: A gasification system and method. The system can include a gasifier and a purification unit fluidly coupled to the gasifier, with the purification unit receiving raw syngas from the gasifier and producing waste gas and a syngas product. The system can also include a first reformer fluidly coupled to the purification unit, with the first reformer receiving a first portion of the waste gas and producing reformed hydrocarbon. The system can further include a second reformer having a first inlet fluidly coupled to the purification unit, a second inlet fluidly coupled to the first reformer, and an outlet fluidly coupled to the purification unit. The second inlet can receive the reformed hydrocarbon from the first reformer, and the first inlet can receive a second portion of the waste gas from the purification unit. The second reformer can produce a recovered raw syngas that is directed to the purification unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLCInventors: Siva Ariyapadi, Kamalkumar I. Gursahani, Avinash Malhotra
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Patent number: 8372310Abstract: A process for the production of synthesis gas is presented, which involves the steps of a) preparing a vapor phase mixture comprising steam and at least one hydrocarbon or oxygenated hydrocarbon by atomizing of the at least one hydrocarbon or oxygenated hydrocarbon through a nozzle such that the at least one hydrocarbon or oxygenated hydrocarbon is present as droplets with a droplet size of less than 500 ?m and the time to complete evaporation does not exceed 0.5 seconds, said at least one hydrocarbon or oxygenated hydrocarbon having an atmospheric boiling point in the range of ?50 to 370° C., said vapor phase having a H2O/C molar ratio of at least 2, and b) catalytic conversion of the vapor phase mixture into synthesis gas in a reformer.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Gelato Corporation N.V.Inventor: Siebolt Doorn
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Patent number: 8372375Abstract: For recovering hydrogen with a high recovery from a reformed gas and contributing to downsizing and cost reduction of facilities, a high-purity hydrogen E is obtained by reforming a reformable raw material A through a reforming unit 1 to yield a hydrogen-rich reformed gas B, compressing the hydrogen-rich reformed gas B with a compressor 2, allowing the compressed gas to pass through a PSA unit 3 to remove unnecessary gases other than carbon monoxide by adsorption, and allowing the resulting gas to pass through a carbon monoxide remover 4 packed with a carbon monoxide adsorbent supporting a copper halide to remove carbon monoxide by adsorption.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2006Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.Inventors: Noboru Nakao, Takeshi Yamashita, Akitoshi Fujisawa, Keita Yura
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Patent number: 8372311Abstract: Biomass is processed through a biomass fractioning system that creates, through the application of selective temperature ramps and pressure shocks, a series of useful volatile components and BMF char, wherein the BMF char is reacted sacrificially with any one stream of methane, carbon dioxide, steam or oxygen to create highly pure synthesis gas with a controllable range of compositions. The resulting synthesis gas may be used in any desired manner, including conversion to oxygenates such as methanol and dimethyl ether, and to hydrocarbons.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2012Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Cool Planet Biofuels, Inc.Inventors: Michael Cheiky, Rajashekharam Malyala, Ronald A. Sills
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Patent number: 8361348Abstract: A method and a system for producing synthetic gas from biomass by high temperature gasification, including: feeding raw material, carbonizing, pulverizing the charcoal, and transporting charcoal powder to the gasification furnace for gasification. A heat source for the carbonizing is achieved by a direct combustion reaction between external combustible gas and external oxygen in a carbonization furnace. The heat emitted from the reaction being directly provided to the necessary heat of biomass pyrolysis, and yielding pyrolysis gas and charcoal from carbonization furnace.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2011Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Wuhan Kaidi Engineering Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd.Inventors: Feng Zhao, Haiqing Zhang, Qin Sun, Peng Qiu, Hong Li
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Patent number: 8361175Abstract: A method for converting biomass having a water content of at least 50% into gaseous products includes providing a reactor containing supercritical water and a salt melt. The salt melt includes at least one of a salt and a salt mixture. The reactor and the salt melt are heated to the reaction temperature. The biomass is heated to a preheat temperature. The biomass heated to the preheat temperature is fed into the salt melt. The biomass is heated to the reaction temperature so as to commence a conversion of the biomass into the gaseous products, so as to release from the biomass at least one additional salt into the salt melt. An amount of the salt melt containing at least a portion of the at least one additional salt is withdrawn from the reactor and the amount of the withdrawn salt melt is replaced with a fresh salt solution. The gaseous products are removed from the reactor.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbHInventors: Hubert Goldacker, Andrea Kruse, Nicolaus Dahmen
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Publication number: 20130022537Abstract: A method is provided for hydrogen production from a hydrogen and carbon containing fuel combusted within an oxyfuel combustor. The oxyfuel combustor combusts hydrogen and carbon containing fuel with oxygen at a non-stoichiometric ratio, typically fuel rich. In such an operating mode, products of combustion include steam, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen. These products of combustion are then passed through a hydrogen separator. Remaining products of combustion can be optionally combusted at a stoichiometric ratio with oxygen in a second oxyfuel combustor discharging substantially only steam and carbon dioxide. A turbine or other expander can be provided downstream from the gas generator to produce power and eliminate carbon monoxide from the system. The system can be operated in a second mode where the gas generator combusts the fuel with oxygen at a stoichiometric ratio to maximize electric power generation without hydrogen production at periods of peak power demand.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: CLEAN ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Clean Energy Systems, Inc., Muriel R. Brandt
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Publication number: 20130017146Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing hydrogen, with reduced carbon dioxide emissions, from a hydrocarbon mixture. In said method, the hydrocarbon mixture is reformed so as to produce a synthetic gas that is cooled, then treated in a shift reactor so as to be enriched with H2 and CO2. Optionally dried, said mixture is treated in a PSA hydrogen purification unit in order to produce hydrogen. The residue is treated by means of partial condensation with a view to capturing CO4 before said residue is sent as fuel to reforming.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Arthur Darde, Solène Valentin, Philippe Court, Jean-Pierre Tranier, Xavier Traversac, Paul Terrien
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Patent number: 8349046Abstract: Syngas is formed by combining a carbon source with steam at an elevated temperature in a generally horizontal reactor. The heat for the reaction is provided by a stoichiometric combustion nozzle at a first end of the horizontal reaction chamber. The carbon source is deposited downwardly into the reaction chamber where it combines with a flowing stream of hot gas formed from the stoichiometric combustion in combination with steam and additional oxygen, if necessary. This flowing stream of gas reacts with the deposited carbon feed source and is directed to a cyclone separator where the formed syngas is recovered from an upper portion of the separator and any formed ash is directed into a collection tank.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Enerjetik LLCInventor: James Klepper
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Patent number: 8349289Abstract: The invention provides methods for the production of synthesis gas. More particularly, various embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for volatilizing fluid fuel to produce synthesis gas by using a metal catalyst on a solid support matrix.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2008Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Regents of the University of MinnesotaInventors: Lanny D. Schmidt, Paul J. Dauenhauer, Bradon J. Dreyer, James R. Salge
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Patent number: 8349288Abstract: A process for enhancing the operability of hot gas cleanup for the production of synthesis gas in which a stream of methane rich gas is autothermally reformed at a temperature and pressure sufficient to generate a stream of synthesis gas rich in hydrogen and carbon monoxide, the synthesis gas is subjected to condensation and removing the resultant water, and sulfur impurities are removed from the resultant synthesis gas stream.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2006Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Joseph Norbeck, Chan Seung Park, Kiseok Kim
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Publication number: 20130004867Abstract: An exemplary embodiment and associated method of use discloses a reversible hydrogen storage system that liberates hydrogen and a perlithiohydrocarbon compound by destabilization of a hydrocarbon source or sources with lithium hydride (LiH). The liberated hydrogen may be subsequently utilized in a coupled end-use application.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: John J. Vajo
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Patent number: 8343242Abstract: A method of controlling an apparatus for generating electric power and apparatus for use in said method, the apparatus comprising a gasifier for biomass material, such as waste, wood chips, straw, etc., said gasifier being of the shaft and updraft fixed bed type, which from the top is charged with the raw material for gasification and into the bottom of which gasifying agent is introduced, and a gas engine driving an electrical generator for producing electrical power, said gas engine being driven by the fuel gas from the gasifier. By supplying the produced fuel gas directly from the gasifier to the gas engine and controlling the production of the fuel gas in the gasifier in order to maintain a constant electrical output power, the necessity of using a gas holder between the gasifier and the gas engine is avoided.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Vølund A/SInventors: Claus Geest, Bjørn Teislev
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Patent number: 8338041Abstract: To provide a reformer that uses a relatively inexpensive granular catalyst and can provide a more uniform temperature distribution in a catalyst bed while suppressing increase in the size of the reformer and the required power and size of an auxiliary machine, and a more compact indirect internal reforming high temperature fuel cell while suppressing increase in cost. A reformer that produces a hydrogen-containing gas from a hydrocarbon-based fuel by a steam reforming reaction has a reactor vessel and a reforming catalyst bed packed with a granular catalyst having steam reforming activity in the reactor vessel, the reformer has a partition plate that divides the reforming catalyst bed into at least two sections, the partition plate has a thermal conductivity higher than effective thermal conductivity of the catalyst bed, and the partition plate extends in the reactor vessel from a part which is at a higher temperature in a rated operation to a part which is at a lower temperature in rated operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2008Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Nippon Oil CorporationInventor: Susumu Hatada
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Patent number: 8333951Abstract: A method produces a product gas rich in hydrogen. A starting material including carbon is split via pyrolysis, and the resulting gas is mixed with water vapor to increase the hydrogen content and heated. The heat necessary comes from the combustion of the produced pyrolysis coke. The heat necessary for individual process steps is fed via a heat transfer medium circuit having a heating zone heated via flue gas from the pyrolysis coke firing. The gas/water vapor mixture is subsequently heated in a reaction zone. The heat transfer medium heats the starting material in a pyrolysis zone indirectly, without directly contacting the starting material, is cooled in a cooling zone, and subsequently returns to the beginning of the circuit. Upstream of the heating zone, the heat transfer medium is preheated via the hot product gas.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2007Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Inventor: Heinz-Juergen Muehlen
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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: 8328887Abstract: A method for producing synthetic gas from biomass by high temperature gasification, by: feeding biomass, carbonizing to yield pyrolysis gas and charcoal, pulverizing the charcoal, and gasifying in a gasifier. The heat source for the carbonizing step comes from a direct combustion reaction between external combustible gas and external oxygen in a carbonization furnace. Also provided is a device for producing synthetic gas from biomass by high temperature gasification, containing at least: a supercharging feeding system for biomass, a carbonization furnace containing at least a burner nozzle, a pulverizing system, a transportation system for charcoal powder, a gasifier, a pneumatic conveying system, and a plurality of connecting pipes therefor; the burner nozzle of the carbonization furnace is connected to an external combustible gas pipe and an external oxygen pipe respectively.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Wuhan Kaidi Engineering Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd.Inventors: Zhanchun Yang, Haiqing Zhang, Minxia Cao, Anhe Chen, Hong Li
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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