Catalytic Reaction Patents (Class 423/651)
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Patent number: 7780944Abstract: The invention is a process and device for exchanging heat energy between three or more streams in a microchannel heat exchanger which can be integrated with a microchannel reactor to form an integrated microchannel processing unit. The invention enables the combining of a plurality of integrated microchannel devices to provide the benefits of large-scale operation. In particular, the microchannel heat exchanger of the present invention enables flexible heat transfer between multiple streams and total heat transfer rates of about 1 Watt or more per core unit volume expressed as W/cc.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2005Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Velocys, Inc.Inventors: James A. Mathias, G. Bradley Chadwell, Dongming Qiu, Annalee Y. Tonkovich, Steven T. Perry, Matthew B. Schmidt, Sean P. Fitzgerald, David J. Hesse, Thomas D. Yuschak, Bin Yang
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Patent number: 7776112Abstract: Methods, processes, and apparatuses for the production of hydrogen gases are provided. A catalytic amount of iodine is dissolved in a hydrocarbon fuel source, such as cyclopropane and/or benzene, and the mixture is heated to a temperature greater than about 80° C. A reaction vessel capable of maintaining pressures greater than 1 atmosphere is used. The hydrogen gas thus produced is recovered, and optionally purified. The hydrogen gas product can be delivered to a fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack receives hydrogen gas from the reaction chamber and produces an electric current therefrom as the hydrogen gas is reacted with oxygen to form water.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Leonid Grigorian
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Patent number: 7771676Abstract: A PROX reactor integrated with a heat exchanger and an operating method thereof capable of effectively controlling temperature of a preferential oxidation reactor so as to obtain optimal activation and yield. The PROX reactor integrated with a heat exchanger of the present invention includes a pipe having an inlet and an outlet, a heat exchanger cooling gas passing through the pipe, a catalyst part positioned at the rear end of the heat exchanger, upon considering the flow of gas, and shifting carbon monoxide contained in the gas into other substances; and a temperature sensor measuring the temperature of the gas coming out through the catalyst part.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: In-hyuk Son, Hyun Kim, Chang-bong Lee, Min-jung Oh, Man-seok Han, Yong-kul Lee, Jin-goo Ahn, Chan-ho Lee, Ju-yong Kim
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Publication number: 20100196259Abstract: CO2 sorptive pellets and/or granules and their use for removing CO2 from CO2-containing gases and for producing hydrogen. CO2 sorptive pellets are suitable for use in fixed bed reactors and the like due to sufficient crush strength. CO2 sorptive granules are suitable for moving, ebullated, expanded and fluidized beds. The CO2 sorptive pellets and/or granules comprise calcium oxide and/or magnesium oxide and at least one binding agent such as calcium titanate, calcium aluminate, calcium zirconate, magnesium titanate, magnesium aluminate, and magnesium zirconate. A method for making the CO2-sorptive pellets is described. The CO2 sorptive pellets optionally comprise at Ni, Pd, Pt, and/or Rh.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2009Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.Inventors: Diwakar Garg, Frederick Carl Wilhelm
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Publication number: 20100189639Abstract: The invention relates to a reformer for reacting fuel and oxidant to a gaseous reformate, comprising an oxidation zone, an evaporation zone and a zone for catalytic H2 generation, the oxidation zone being capable of receiving a supply of a gaseous mixture of fuel and oxidant for oxidation in generating an oxidant-containing exhaust gas, the evaporation zone being capable of receiving a supply of fuel and an evaporator gas for generating an evaporator gas mixture containing fuel, and the zone for catalytic H2 generation being capable of receiving a supply of an ignitable reforming gas mixture containing evaporated fuel and an oxidant-containing exhaust gas to generate the gaseous reformate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2007Publication date: July 29, 2010Applicant: ENERDAY GMBHInventor: Stefan Kah
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Patent number: 7763086Abstract: A hydrogen generation system is disclosed that includes a fuel reforming reactor generating a hydrogen-rich reformate gas at a temperature greater than 150 C, a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) hydrogen purification unit that separates the reformate gas into a relatively pure hydrogen stream and an off-gas stream, and a catalytic reactor down stream of the PSA unit that converts carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) contained in the relatively pure hydrogen stream into methane (CH4) and water vapor (H2O). The method of purification involves generating a hydrogen-rich reformate gas at a temperature greater than 150 C in a fuel reforming reactor, separating the reformate gas into a relatively pure hydrogen stream and an off-gas stream in a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) hydrogen purification unit, and converting carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) contained in the relatively pure hydrogen stream into methane (CH4) and water vapor (H2O) in a catalytic reactor down stream of the PSA unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2008Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.Inventors: Richard Root Woods, Brook Forest Porter, Kandaswamy Duraiswamy
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Patent number: 7763217Abstract: 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: May 17, 2004Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Greg A. Whyatt, Christopher M. Fischer, James M. Davis
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Patent number: 7757676Abstract: A process for operating a marine engine (1) in combination with a catalytic partial oxidation reformer (2) and, optionally, an exhaust gas aftertreater (3), wherein: (a) a mixture of a first fuel and air, is introduced in the combustion chamber of the engine (1); (b) exhaust gas is discharged from the engine and optionally partly recirculated to the combustion chamber of the engine (1); (c) a second fuel and oxygen and/or steam are supplied to the catalytic partial oxidation reformer (2) to produce synthesis gas, wherein the second fuel comprises Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel; (d) at least part of the synthesis gas is supplied to: (i) the exhaust gas aftertreater (3); (ii) the combustion chamber of the engine (1); or to both.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2006Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventor: Roger Francis Cracknell
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Patent number: 7758846Abstract: Methods for producing hydrogen via the water-gas shift reaction utilizing a palladium-zinc on alumina catalyst are described.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Robert A. Dagle, Yong Wang, Jianli Hu
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Patent number: 7753971Abstract: Two types of cells (first cells and second cells) are used to constitute a honeycomb structure. The first cells and second cells differ in the catalyst supporting position. The first cells and second cells are alternately arranged. The catalyst supporting position of the second cells is shifted in the direction of the downstream side of the flow of an air-fuel mixture from the catalyst supporting position of the first cells so that when an exothermic reaction occurs on the second cell side of a partition wall for separating a first cell from a second cell, an endothermic reaction occurs on the opposing first cell side of the partition wall.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2006Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuhiro Sakurai, Kazuhiro Wakao
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Patent number: 7749465Abstract: A reformer module (10) comprises a hollow support member (12) having at least one passage (14) extending longitudinally therethrough. The hollow support member (14) has an external surface (20), a barrier layer (22) arranged on at least a portion of the external surface (20) of the hollow support member (12), a catalyst layer (24) arranged on the barrier layer (22) and a sealing layer (26) arranged on the catalyst layer (24) and the external surface (20) of the hollow support member (12) other than the at least a portion of the external surface of the hollow support member (12). By providing the barrier layer (22) and the catalyst layer (24) on the exterior surface (20) of the hollow support member (12), the distribution of the barrier layer (22) and/or the catalyst layer (24) may be more precisely controlled and thus a non-uniform distribution of barrier layer (22) and/or catalyst layer (24) may be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2005Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Rolls-Royce plcInventors: Gerard D. Agnew, Robert H. Cunningham, Philip D. Butler, Robert D. Collins
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Publication number: 20100166646Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting the temperature profile of a catalyst in a reformer. In accordance with the invention it is provided for that the fuel feed rates in various media feed zones are tweaked so that a wanted temperature profile results in the reforming zone of the reformer whilst maintaining the air ratio as applicable to the overall reforming process.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2007Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: Enerday GmbHInventor: Andreas Lindermeir
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Publication number: 20100166647Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a hydrogen-containing gas, especially hydrogen for a fuel cell, by reforming a C5 or more hydrocarbon or oxygen-containing hydrocarbon that is liquid at ordinary temperature and pressure. This is a method for producing a hydrogen-containing gas, which comprises reforming a hydrocarbon or an oxygen-containing hydrocarbon having at least 5 carbon atoms and liquid at ordinary temperature and pressure, with a catalyst that contains Ni, Mg and Al and contains at least one noble metal element selected from Pt, Pd, Ir, Rh and Ru.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2007Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuru Osawa, Tetsuya Fukunaga
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Publication number: 20100158794Abstract: A heat pipe and a method for operating a heat pipe of said type are provided, which heat pipe remains active over a relatively long period of time in particular when used in pressurized gasification atmosphere, that is to say in a hydrogen-rich environment. Also specified is a heat pipe reformer having a heat pipe of said type. By providing a hydrogen extractor in the region of the heat-dissipating end of the heat pipe, the hydrogen which has penetrated into the heat pipe and accumulated there is conducted out of the heat pipe again, such that the heat-exchanging capacity of the heat pipe is maintained. The hydrogen extractor generates a hydrogen concentration gradient or a hydrogen partial pressure gradient between the interior and the exterior of the pipe casing, such that hydrogen which has penetrated into the interior of the heat pipe is diffused into the hydrogen extractor and can be extracted from there.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2007Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventor: Thomas Steer
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Publication number: 20100150825Abstract: A method for the partial oxidation of hydrocarbons is provided wherein an endothermic catalyst and an oxidation catalyst are positioned upon a short channel-length metallic substrate; the endothermic catalyst positioned under a surface layer of the oxidation catalyst positioned on the metallic substrate. A fuel-rich supply of hydrocarbons and oxygen is then passed over the substrate. The method includes providing an oxidation catalyst on at least a portion of a surface of the metallic substrate wherein a hydrocarbon is oxidized by an oxygen mass-transfer-limited reaction on the oxidation catalyst surface; and providing an endothermic catalyst on the metallic substrate below the oxidation catalyst surface whereby an endothermic reaction follows the oxygen mass-transfer-limited reaction below the oxidation catalyst surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventor: William C. Pfefferle
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Patent number: 7736399Abstract: A catalytic reformer assembly and methods of operation, including fast start-up, are provided. The reformer assembly includes an electrically-conductive metallic vaporizer having a very high surface area. At start-up of the reformer, electric current is passed through the vaporizer to heat the material by resistance heating, providing a high-temperature, high-surface area environment for fuel vaporization. Preferably, the electric current is started a few seconds before starting fuel flow. The fuel is sprayed either onto or through the heated vaporizer, preferably before the fuel is mixed with incoming air to minimize convective cooling by the air and to reduce the pressure drop in the fuel flow. As the reformer warms up, energy from the reforming process heats the vaporizer via radiation and/or conduction such that electric power is needed only during the start-up phase. A control circuit regulates the amount and duration of electric power supplied to the vaporizer.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2006Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Francois Ravenda, John E. Kirwan
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Patent number: 7731918Abstract: A method and device for loading a catalyst into a chamber. The catalyst loading is well suited for production of hydrogen producing microreactors. The catalyst is coated onto a strip which is mountable within the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.Inventor: Anand Chellappa
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Patent number: 7731935Abstract: An apparatus for steam reforming of hydrocarbons comprises a heat exchange reformer having disposed within a plurality of vertical catalyst-filled tubes, through which a gas mixture comprising hydrocarbon and steam may be passed, and to which heat may be transferred by means of a heat exchange medium flowing around the external tube surfaces, wherein heat exchange adapting means are provided within the reformer so that the tubes have a zone of lower heat exchange extending from the bottom of the catalyst up to 25% of the catalyst depth with no heat exchange enhancement means provided in that zone. A process for steam reforming of hydrocarbons employs this apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Johnson Matthey PLCInventors: Stuart Ballentyne Brady, Peter William Farnell, Martin Fowles
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Patent number: 7731923Abstract: The invention relates to a method for simultaneously producing hydrogen and carbon monoxide consisting in generating a synthesis gas and in processing it by decarbonising and removing water and remaining carbon dioxide by passing said gas through a bed of adsorbents, in separating remaining components by forming at least one H2 rich flow, a CO flow containing at least one type of impurity selected from nitrogen and argon, a methane-rich purge gas flow and a flash gas flow. The inventive method also consists in regenerating the bed of adsorbents by passing a regeneration gas comprising at least one non-zero proportion of the formed H2 flow and in recycling at least the purge and flash gases for feeding the synthesis gas generation stage.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Pascal Marty, Arthur Darde, Antoine Hernandez, Jean-Marc Tsevery
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Patent number: 7718159Abstract: The invention describes a process for co-production of electricity and a hydrogen-rich gas by steam reforming of a hydrocarbon fraction with input of calories by combustion with the hydrogen that is produced inside the steam reforming reactor-exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2007Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventors: Béatrice Fisciier, Fabrice Giroudiere, Anthony Arnaud
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Publication number: 20100111825Abstract: A redox mass for chemical looping combustion processes includes a redox pair or set of pairs having a material able to be alternatively oxidized and reduced between CuO and Cu, between Cu2O and Cu, between NiO and Ni, between MnO2 and Mn2O3, between Mn2O3 and Mn3O4, between Mn3O4 and MnO, between MnO and Mn, between CO3O4 and CoO or between CoO and Co, and a binder containing at least one mixed cerine-zirconia oxide (Ce/Zr) of the general formula CexZr1-xO2, where 0.05?x?0.95.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: Thierry Becue, Karin Marchand, Arnold Lambert, Etienne Lebas
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Publication number: 20100104499Abstract: A high thermal efficiency process for hydrogen recovery is provided. The present invention includes combusting a first fuel stream to a reforming furnace, producing reforming heat and a hot exhaust stream. Then exchanging heat indirectly between the hot exhaust stream and a first feed water stream, producing a first steam stream. Then providing a hydrocarbon containing stream and a feed steam stream to the reforming furnace, utilizing the reforming heat and producing a hot raw syngas stream. Then exchanging heat indirectly between the hot raw syngas stream and second feedwater stream, producing a second steam stream and a cooled, raw syngas stream. Then introducing the cooled, raw syngas stream to a CO shift converter, producing a shifted syngas stream. Then introducing the shifted syngas stream into a pressure swing adsorption unit, producing a hydrogen product stream and a tail gas stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2009Publication date: April 29, 2010Applicant: Air Liquide Process and Construction, Inc.Inventor: Bhadra S. Grover
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Patent number: 7704485Abstract: A power generation system and a fuel processor for use within a power generation system. A common hydrocarbon fuel is introduced into the heated reaction chamber along with water vapor. The hydrocarbon fuel and water react, producing less complex resultant gases. The resultant gases are passed into a hydrogen separator. The hydrogen separator separates hydrogen from the resultant gases. The separated hydrogen is used to power a fuel cell. The fuel cell produces electricity and water that can be recycled back into the system. A standard hydrocarbon fuel can therefore be used to power a fuel cell in a highly efficient, singe-step process.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Inventors: Peter R. Bossard, Jacques Mettes
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Patent number: 7704412Abstract: Partial oxidation process of liquid and/or gaseous fuels, by means of a catalytic system, preferably consisting of oxides, nitrides or oxynitrides containing one or more elements selected from Rh, Ru, Ir, Pt, Ni, Fe, Co, Cr and Cu, comprising the following steps: —premixing and, upon start-up, preheating the reagents consisting of natural gas, oxygen or air or air enriched in oxygen, optionally vapour and/or CO2, to temperatures ranging from 150 to 600° C., below the flash-point values, so that the surface rate of the reaction gases is maintained above the flame rate and the temperature of the reagent mixture in the area preceding the catalytic bed is below its flash point; —reacting the reagent mixture in the reaction zone by interaction of the catalyst, activating it at temperatures ranging from 150 to 600° C. and at space velocities ranging from 50,000 to 5,000,000 Nl reagents/L cat×h, reaching temperatures ranging from 600 to 1350° C.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2003Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Eni S.p.A.Inventors: Luca Basini, Alessandra Guarinoni
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Patent number: 7700053Abstract: A reforming device includes a reforming portion generating reformed gas from a mixed gas, in which fuel and steam are mixed and including a reforming portion loop-back channel provided at the reforming portion so as to extend along an axis line thereof, a combusting portion provided at an inner circumference of the reforming portion in order to generate combustion gas, a combustion gas channel including a loop-back channel within which the combustion gas flows, an evaporating portion generating steam by heating water and supply steam to the reforming portion; and a carbon monoxide reducing portion provided at an outer circumferential wall of the evaporating portion in order to reduce a level of carbon monoxide in the reformed gas that has been exhaled by the reforming portion, and in order to supply such reformed gas to a fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2005Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Koichi Kuwaba
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Patent number: 7700005Abstract: A method is provided for the thermo-neutral reforming of liquid hydrocarbon fuels which employs a Ni, Ce2O3, La2O3, Pt?ZrO2, Rh and Re catalyst having dual functionalities to achieve both combustion and steam reforming.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, King Fahd University of Petroleum & MineralsInventors: Tomoyuki Inui, Bashir Osama Dabbousi, Shakeel Ahmed, Fahad Ibrahim Al-Muhaish, Mohammed Abdul Bari Siddiqui
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Patent number: 7695693Abstract: A thin type reformer for a fuel cell is provided, and includes a substrate, fuel filling portion, reformer portion, CO remover, and cover. The substrate forms a passage within. The fuel filling portion fills the passage with fuel. The reformer portion forms a passage to one side of the fuel filling portion in the substrate, and the CO remover forms a passage at an opposite side of the fuel filling portion in the substrate. The cover covers the top of the substrate and seals the passages. The fuel filling portion partitions the reformer portion's heat absorbing reaction and the CO remover's heat radiating reaction and induces a reforming reaction. The reacting efficiencies of the reformer portion and the CO remover substantially increase. Because a compact air supplying pump can be used due to an inner pressure reduction in the CO remover, the entire device can be miniaturized.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2006Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Won Jae Hwang, Sang Jin Kim
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Patent number: 7686856Abstract: A method and apparatus for reacting a hydrocarbon containing feed stream by steam methane reforming reactions to form a synthesis gas. The hydrocarbon containing feed is reacted within a reactor having stages in which the final stage from which a synthesis gas is discharged incorporates expensive high temperature materials such as oxide dispersed strengthened metals while upstream stages operate at a lower temperature allowing the use of more conventional high temperature alloys. Each of the reactor stages incorporate reactor elements having one or more separation zones to separate oxygen from an oxygen containing feed to support combustion of a fuel within adjacent combustion zones, thereby to generate heat to support the endothermic steam methane reforming reactions.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventors: John William Hemmings, Leo Bonnell, Earl T. Robinson
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Patent number: 7682597Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extracting hydrogen from a gas containing methane, especially natural gas. Hydrocarbons contained in the gas are catalytically broken down in a reformer (4) by steam in order to form hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Catalytic conversion of the obtained carbon monoxide with steam occurs in a downstream conversion step in order to form carbon monoxide and water. Carbon dioxide is removed from the converted gas flow (8) by gas washing (7), and the washed hydrogen-rich gas flow (10) is subsequently divided in a pressure-swing adsorption system (11) into a product gas flow (12) made of hydrogen and a waste gas flow (13). The waste gas flow (13) is introduced with hydrogen (14), which is separated from the gas flow (10) after gas washing, into a reformer (4) which is essentially a carbon-free combustible gas, and is combusted there. The invention also relates to a system for carrying out the method.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2004Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Uhde GmbHInventors: Michael Blumenfeld, Vincent Liu, Bernd Mielke, Marcus Michel
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Publication number: 20100068571Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for use in producing high-pressure hydrogen from natural gas, methanol, ethanol, or other fossil fuel-derived and renewable hydrocarbon resources. The process can produce hydrogen at pressures ranging from 2000 to 12,000 pounds per square inch (psi) using a hydrogen carrier, with or without high-pressure water, and an appropriate catalyst. The catalyst reacts with the hydrogen carrier and, optionally, high-pressure water, in a catalytic reformer (20) maintained under desired temperature and pressure conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventors: Michael Collings, Ted R. Aulich, Ronald C. Timpe, Michael J. Holmes
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Patent number: 7678951Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method for treating a natural gas containing ethane, comprising the following stages: (a) extraction of at least one part of the ethane from the natural gas; (b) reforming of at least one part of the extracted ethane into a synthesis gas; (c) methanation of the synthesis gas into a methane-rich gas; and (d) mixing of the methane-rich gas with the natural gas. Installation for implementing this method.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Total S.A.Inventor: Denis Chretien
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Patent number: 7670586Abstract: 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 24, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: GTLpetrol LLCInventors: Shoou-I Wang, John Repasky, Shankar Nataraj, Xiang-Dong Peng
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Patent number: 7670987Abstract: A hydrocarbon reforming catalyst which maintains carrier strength even after a long-term thermal history and which exhibits high catalytic activity is prepared by causing at least one noble metal component selected from among a ruthenium component, a platinum component, a rhodium component, a palladium component, and an iridium component to be supported on a carrier containing manganese oxide, alumina, and at least one compound selected from among lanthanum oxide, cerium oxide, and zirconium oxide, or a carrier containing silicon oxide, manganese oxide, and alumina. By use of the reforming catalyst, hydrogen is produced through steam reforming (1), autothermal reforming (2), partial-oxidation reforming (3), or carbon dioxide reforming (4). A fuel cell system is constituted from a reformer employing the reforming catalyst, and a fuel cell employing, as a fuel, hydrogen produced by the reformer.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2005Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshimi Kawashima, Hiroshi Ohashi
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Publication number: 20100047160Abstract: In various implementations, feed streams that include methane are reacted to produce synthesis gas. The synthesis gas may be further processed to produce ultrapure, high-pressure hydrogen streams.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2009Publication date: February 25, 2010Applicant: GTLpetrol LLCInventor: Rodney J. Allam
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Publication number: 20100035103Abstract: Representatively, a method of separating carbon from hydrocarbon molecules, the method including: heating hydrocarbon molecules beyond their boiling point; decomposing the heated hydrocarbon molecules to generate elemental or molecular carbon and hydrogen gas; separating at least some of the elemental or molecular carbon from the hydrogen gas; chemically reacting the hydrogen gas to produce heat; and applying some of the heat in carrying out said heating.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Inventors: Gerald Peter Jackson, Jason Ryan Babcock, Joseph Matthew Zlotnicki
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Publication number: 20090324488Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2009Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: Wayne Goodman, Aleksey Yezerets, Neal Currier, Cheryl Klepser
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Patent number: 7618612Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing hydrogen from oxygenated hydrocarbon reactants, such as methanol, glycerol, sugars (e.g. glucose and xylose), or sugar alcohols (e.g. sorbitol). The method takes place in the condensed liquid phase. The method includes the steps of reacting water and a water-soluble oxygenated hydrocarbon in the presence of a metal-containing catalyst. The catalyst contains a metal selected from the group consisting of Group VIIIB transitional metals, alloys thereof, and mixtures thereof. The disclosed method can be run at lower temperatures than those used in the conventional steam reforming of alkanes.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2005Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: Randy D. Cortright, James A. Dumesic
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Patent number: 7618558Abstract: A process for cleaning gases from a gasification unit comprising the steps of: gasifying a fuel to raw synthesis gas comprising carbon monoxide and steam in a gasification reactor in the presence of a calcium-containing compound and steam removing halogen compounds from the raw synthesis gas catalytic conversion of carbon monoxide and steam in the raw synthesis gas to carbon dioxide and hydrogen in a water gas shift conversion step to provide a shifted gas contacting the shifted gas with a solid sulphur sorbent regenerating the solid sulphur sorbent by passing a stream of steam through the solid sulphur sorbent counter current to the flow direction of the shifted gas to provide a hydrogen sulphide-containing stream of steam transferring the hydrogen sulphide-containing stream of steam from the solid sulphur sorbent directly to the gasification reactor removing the cleaned shifted gas from the solid sulphur sorbent.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2006Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/SInventor: Poul Erik Højlund Nielsen
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Publication number: 20090274615Abstract: A device for generation of hydrogen gas by dehydrogenation of hydrocarbon fuels. The device includes a fuel reservoir connected to a reactor by a fuel line to supply said reactor with fuel. The reactor has a first discharge for recycling of residual hydrocarbons generated during dehydrogenation to the fuel reservoir and optionally cooperates with a catalyst. The fuel reservoir may contact a heat exchanger by the fuel line and the first discharge. The fuel may be preheated by the heat exchanger which may be introduced to the reactor by the fuel line and the reactor may have a heating device for heating the introduced fuel to reaction temperature. The residual fuel generated by dehydrogenation in the reactor may be cooled by the heat exchanger and may be returned to the fuel reservoir. The reactor may have a second discharge for the extraction of the hydrogen gas generated on dehydrogenation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2006Publication date: November 5, 2009Applicant: Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventors: Peter Jänker, Felix Nitschké, Christian Wolff
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Patent number: 7608239Abstract: A process for the reversible storage of hydrogen, comprising bringing into contact a material that consists of magnesium elements and nitrogen elements with gaseous hydrogen leading to the formation of an amide or corresponding hydrides, comprises the use of a balanced system corresponding to the formula: Mg3N2Mg(NH2)2+2MgHn where n is the number of hydrogen atoms corresponding to the stoichiometry of the hydride or hydrides formed. The material can also comprise, in a minor proportion, at least one transition metal of groups 3 to 12 of the periodic table that is selected from among Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pd.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2006Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventors: Pascal Raybaud, François Ropital
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Publication number: 20090246120Abstract: Processes for the catalytic conversion of a carbonaceous composition into a gas stream comprising methane are provided, where a sour shift reaction is used to remove carbon monoxide gas stream produced by the gasification process. The incorporation of the sour shift reaction provides an efficient and cost-effective means of eliminating carbon monoxide from the gas stream. In addition, the sour shift reaction also generates additional hydrogen, thus increasing the amount of hydrogen produced from the gasification process.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2009Publication date: October 1, 2009Applicant: GREATPOINT ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Pattabhi K. Raman, Francis S. Lau, Earl T. Robinson
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Publication number: 20090238753Abstract: A process for controlling a refinery or chemical process has been developed. The process comprises flowing a feed stream to a process unit; operating on the feed stream in the process unit to generate an effluent stream; flowing the effluent stream away from the process unit; passing at least a portion of the feed stream or the effluent stream through a catalytic alloy hydrogen sensor and generating a signal corresponding to the concentration of hydrogen present in either the feed stream or the effluent stream; passing the signal to a display unit; and adjusting at least one operating parameter of the process in response to at least the signal generated by the catalytic alloy hydrogen sensor. The catalytic alloy hydrogen sensor may be a palladium-nickel catalytic alloy hydrogen sensor. The adjustments may be based on a calculated mole percent hydrogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2009Publication date: September 24, 2009Inventors: Douglas B. Galloway, Randall E. Holt, Patrick J. Bullen
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Publication number: 20090232729Abstract: A method for generating hydrogen and/or synthesis gas in a production facility where little or no export steam is produced. Most or all of the high pressure steam produced from the waste heat from the process is used in the steam-hydrocarbon reformer with little or no steam export. The method uses oxygen enhanced combustion which may involve oxygen lancing and/or oxygen-enrichment. Plant efficiencies using the method and prior art-type methods are compared.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.Inventors: Eugene S. Genkin, Stephen Paul DiMartino, SR., Miguel Rafael Alvarez, David Anthony Zagnoli, Christopher Francis Harris
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Patent number: 7588626Abstract: A mixed ionic and electronic conducting membrane includes a two-phase solid state ceramic composite, wherein the first phase comprises an oxygen ion conductor and the second phase comprises an n-type electronically conductive oxide, wherein the electronically conductive oxide is stable at an oxygen partial pressure as low as 10?20 atm and has an electronic conductivity of at least 1 S/cm. A hydrogen separation system and related methods using the mixed ionic and electronic conducting membrane are described.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Trustees of Boston UniversityInventors: Srikanth Gopalan, Uday B. Pal, Annamalai Karthikeyan, Cui Hengdong
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Patent number: 7578986Abstract: Materials that are useful for absorption enhanced reforming (AER) of a fuel, including absorbent materials such as Group 1 and Group 2 metal oxides that are adapted to absorb CO2 and catalyst materials such as reforming catalysts and water-gas shift catalysts, and methods for using the materials. The materials can be fabricated by spray processing. The use of the materials in AER can produce a H2 product gas having a high H2 content and a low level of carbon oxides.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Cabot CorporationInventors: Mark J. Hampden-Smith, Paolina Atanassova, Jian-Ping Shen, Paul Napolitano, James Brewster
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Publication number: 20090208403Abstract: This invention relates primarily to a novel method to manufacture single/multi/fibers carbon filaments (nano tubes) in pure form optionally with antiferromagnetic and electrical property wherein the byproduct is hydrogen gas resulting in reduction of environmental carbon emissions by at least 20%; both carbon filaments and resultant exhaust are useful products.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2008Publication date: August 20, 2009Applicant: Quaid-e-Azam UniversityInventors: Syed Tajammul Hussain, Mohammed Mazhar, Sheraz Gul, M. Abdullah Khan
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Patent number: 7572432Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising combusting a feed stream to form combustion products; and reforming the combustion products to produce a gaseous composition comprising hydrogen. Disclosed herein too is a method for producing hydrogen comprising introducing a feed stream comprising natural gas and air or oxygen into a cyclical compression chamber; compressing the feed stream in the cyclical compression chamber; combusting the feed stream in the cyclical compression chamber to produce combustion products; discharging the combustion products from the cyclical compression chamber into a reforming section; and reforming the combustion products with steam in the reforming section to produce a gaseous composition comprising hydrogen.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2004Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Sauri Gudlavalleti, Michael Bowman, Chellappa Balan, Shailesh Singh Bhaisora, Andrei Colibaba-Evulet, Narayan Ramesh
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Patent number: 7572429Abstract: A combined desulphurization and pre-reforming processing unit converts logistic fuels such as JP-5, JP-8, gasoline, and diesel with high sulfur content levels, into a mixture of hydrogen, methane, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and water without any sulfur or higher hydrocarbons. The fuel is processed at lower temperatures with sulfur-resistant materials in order to break down all the heavy hydrocarbons into methane and carbon oxides while capturing the sulfur simultaneously. The resulting feed is passed to a methane reforming system to generate additional hydrogen with no effects of coking or sulfur poisoning on the reforming system. The unit itself operates in a cyclic manner in order to regenerate the bed.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2007Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Nu Element, Inc.Inventors: Michael K. Neylon, David C. LaMont, Karen M. Fleckner
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Patent number: 7572422Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying method for a fuel cell vehicle comprises preparing an exhaust gas purifying system for the fuel cell vehicle, the exhaust gas purifying system including a methane removal catalyst for accelerating the conversion of methane into hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The methane removal catalyst comprises a catalytic ingredient including at least one of rhodium, platinum and palladium.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toru Sekiba, Hiroshi Akama
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Patent number: 7569203Abstract: Methods for the reduction of gaseous carbon dioxide emissions from combustion or oxidation reactions are provided. The various methods involve the formation of carbon suboxides and/or polymerized carbon suboxides (PCS), preferentially over gaseous carbon oxides to thereby reduce gaseous carbon dioxide emissions. The various methods can be employed for efficient generation of energy and/or hydrogen. In addition, various methods for the use of polymerized carbon suboxide are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2007Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Drexel UniversityInventors: Alexander Fridman, Alexander F. Gutsol, Young I. Cho