Abstract: A fuel atomizer for a liquid hydrocarbon fuel reformer/processor creates a high velocity atomized stream of a liquid fuel and steam, wherein the liquid fuel is quickly vaporized so as to limit carbon deposition from the fuel on the fuel vaporizer surfaces. The injector includes a small diameter fuel injection tube through which the liquid fuel and steam mixture is ejected at relatively high velocities. The liquid fuel forms an annular film which surrounds a steam core in the tube, which liquid droplet film and steam core composite are ejected from the tube into a stream of super heated steam, or steam and air. The stream of super heated steam substantially instantaneously vaporizes the fuel droplets from the film after the latter leaves the injection tube.

Abstract: A process for oxidizing fuel and transferring the heat produced to a particular use in a combustion system such as fuels conversion. A bed of a mixture of materials forming an unmixed combustion catalyst, which in an oxidized state is readily reducible and in a reduced state is readily oxidizable, is placed in efficient thermal contact with a heat receiver for use in the combustion system. Fuel and air are alternately contacted with the bed, whereby the fuel is oxidized, the air is depleted of oxygen, and heat is liberated. The heat is efficiently transferred to the heat receiver by careful selection of the materials of the bed such that the temperatures produced when the fuel is oxidized and when the air is depleted of oxygen are advantageous to the particular use in the combustion system.

Abstract: A process for producing hydrogen gas by reacting steam with a gas mixture containing carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen to produce a hydrogen-enriched product gas and subjecting the product gas to pressure swing adsorption to produce a high purity hydrogen product and a hydrogen-depleted waste gas is improved by drying, where necessary, part of the gas mixture and subjecting the dry gas mixture to pressure swing adsorption using a carbon monoxide-selective adsorbent to produce a high purity carbon monoxide product gas and a carbon monoxide-depleted waste gas. Where the gas mixture is produced by endothermic reaction, one or both of the hydrogen-depleted waste gas and the carbon monoxide-depleted waste gas can be used as fuel to supply heat for the endothermic reaction.

Abstract: Heat exchange apparatus and process, particularly heat exchange primary reforming with the primary reformed gas being subjected to partial combustion (and optionally secondary reforming) and the resultant partially combusted gas being used as the heat exchange medium to supply heat required for the primary reforming. The apparatus includes process fluid inlet and outlet zones separated from the heat exchange zone by boundary means such as tube sheets or header pipes. A plurality of heat exchange tubes for a process fluid extending through a heat exchange zone from one of the boundary means and slideably engage at the other boundary means with seal tubes fastened to said other boundary means.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of ammonia synthesis gas includes supplying a feedstock gas, optionally mixed with a flue gas, to at least one pair of reforming reactors. Each reactor has a process and fuel side and a combustion side. Each pair of reactors is arranged in parallel on the process and fuel side, and in series on the combustion side. A flame temperature in each pair of reactors is controlled by supplying an excess of combustion air to a first reactor of the pair, and oxygen-depleted combustion air to a second reactor of the pair.

Abstract: A steam reformer with internal hydrogen purification includes internal bulk hydrogen purification, internal hydrogen polishing to remove trace levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, an integrated combustion method utilizing waste gas to heat the reformer, efficient integration of heat transfer, and a compact design. The steam reformer shown includes a concentric cylindric architecture nesting an annular combustion region, an annular reforming region, an annular hydrogen transport region, and a cylindrical polishing region.

Abstract: An improved methods and systems are provided for transferring heat in a combustion system. The methods and systems provide for alternately exposing a reducing gas and a gas containing molecular oxygen to an unmixed combustion catalyst to respectively reduce and oxidize the unmixed combustion catalyst. The unmixed combustion catalyst is readily reducible when in its oxidized state and is readily oxidized when in its reduced state. The alternating reduction and oxidation reactions enable the unmixed combustion catalyst to efficiently release heat to a heat receiver in efficient thermal contact with the unmixed combustion catalyst. In most embodiments of the present invention, the unmixed combustion catalyst is in a reactor bed of a combustion system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of light olefins comprising olefins having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms per molecule from a crude oxygenate feedstock. The crude oxygenate feedstock comprises an alcohol, and water. The process comprises passing the crude oxygenate feedstock to catalyst to a distillation with reaction zone to convert the alcohol to an ether and produce an ether product having a reduced water relative to the crude oxygenate feedstock and a first water stream. The ether product is passed to an oxygenate conversion zone containing a metal aluminosilicate catalyst to produce a light olefin stream.

Abstract: A process of producing a fuel gas for fuel cells, which comprises the steps of: a) treating kerosine having a sulfur content not higher than 5 ppm with a desulfurizing agent to reduce the sulfur content of said treated kerosine to 0.2 ppm or less and b) contacting said treated kerosine from step a) with a steam reforming catalyst to provide a fuel gas mainly composed of hydrogen, said desulfurizing agent in step a) comprising a copper-nickel alloy having a copper to nickel ratio by weight of 80:20 to 20:80 and at least one carrier selected from the group consisting of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, ZnO and MgO, and the total content of copper and nickel in terms of metals in said desulfurizing agent being in the range of 40 to 70% by weight.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of hydrogen-rich gas by the partial oxidation of a saturated gaseous hydrocarbonaceous fuel or a mixture of saturated gaseous hydrocarbonaceous fuel and a liquid hydrocabonaceous fuel in a gas generator. In the process, a saturated gaseous hydrocarbonaceous fuel from a subsequent fuel gas saturator is preheated by indirect heat exchange with a portion of shifted process gas stream from a catalytic water-gas direct shift conversion zone and reacted in said partial oxidation gas generator. The process gas stream from the noncatalytic partial oxidation gas generator is quench cooled and scrubbed with water and preheated by indirect heat exchange with a second portion of the process gas stream from the shift conversion zone prior to catalytically reacting the CO and H.sub.2 O in the process gas stream in the shift conversion zone to increase its H.sub.2 content.

Abstract: There is a system for producing high-purity hydrogen by reforming a hydrocarbon and/or an oxygen atom-containing hydrocarbon to form a reformed gas containing hydrogen and separating the hydrogen from said gas. The system includes a hydrocarbon source, a water source, an oxygen source, a vaporization chamber connecting with the hydrocarbon source, the water source and the oxygen source, and a reforming chamber provided with a catalyst for steam reforming and partial oxidation and a hydrogen-separating membrane. The reforming chamber is thermally connected with the vaporization chamber. A process for producing high-purity hydrogen includes heating a reforming chamber provided with a hydrogen-separating membrane, feeding, into the reforming chamber, hydrocarbon, steam and oxygen or air to give rise to steam reforming and partial oxidation therein to produce a reaction gas, and passing the reaction gas through the hydrogen-separating membrane to recover high-purity hydrogen.

Abstract: A steam reformer for converting a reactor fuel into a product gas includes a segmented catalyst bed. The steam reformer side walls have a thermal coefficient of expansion which is greater than the thermal coefficient of expansion of the catalyst. By forming low volume catalyst bed segments in the hotter portions of the catalyst bed, slumping and subsequent damage of the catalyst pellets is minimized. The catalyst bed is divided into segments whose volumes are inversely proportional to the temperatures of the various zones in the reformer. The segments are formed by utilizing sequential catalyst support assemblies which include perforated catalyst support members that are differentially spaced apart from each other by support assembly legs having varying lengths. Catalyst support assemblies with shorter length legs are used in the hotter zones of the reformer, and support assemblies with progressively longer length legs are used in the cooler zones of the reformer.

Abstract: Hot exhaust gases from oxygen-based fossil fuel fired-furnaces made up predominantly of steam and carbon dioxide are used for reforming a hydrocarbonaceous substance in the presence or absence of oxygen to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Additional hydrogen can be produced by subjecting the carbon monoxide produced in the reaction to the water gas shift reaction.

Abstract: A faulty chemical reactor in a chemical plant is removed, heat exchange is conducted between the faulty chemical reactor and a new chemical reactor with which the faulty chemical reactor is to be replaced, and then the new chemical reactor is installed at the position from which the faulty chemical reactor was previously removed.

Abstract: Novel procedures are described for the production of syngas fuel intermediates from abundantly available natural gas.

Abstract: Disclosed are a process for converting low value hydrocarbon streams to hydrogen and/or synthesis gas products and a transport reactor useful in the conversion process. In the transport reactor, carbon produced is deposited on a circulating inert particulated carrier. The carbon deposited is partially oxidized to supply heat for the endothermic reactions. Reaction effluent gas leaving the transport reactor can be processed to remove particulate matter, sulfur compounds, and acid gases; condense the steam; and separate hydrogen from carbon monoxide to produce a purified hydrogen and/or syngas product. The present process has the flexibility to continuously handle all types of low value hydrocarbon feeds substantially without process disruption.

Abstract: Process for the high temperature steam reforming of hydrocarbons in the presence of a steam reforming catalyst arranged as fixed bed in a reforming reactor, wherein the catalyst bed comprises at least an upper and a lower layer, the upper layer being provided with catalyst particles having reduced activity in the steam reforming of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Synthesis gas comprising hydrogen, water, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons is produced by contacting a gasified hydrocarbon feedstock and an oxidant in a partial oxidation reactor under at least 95% carbon monoxide selective, low hydrocarbon conversion conditions wherein the temperature, pressure, and flow rate conditions in the reactor yield synthesis gas having less than about 2% carbon dioxide. After being cooled, the synthesis gas is separated into high purity hydrogen, high purity carbon monoxide and a hydrogen-carbon monoxide gas mixture by pressure swing adsorption followed by cryogenic distillation or by two or more pressure swing adsorption steps.

Abstract: Resonant tubes of a pulse combustor are immersed in a bed of solid particles in a reaction zone to provide indirect heat from the pulsating combustion gases to the solid particles of the bed. The bed is maintained in an agitated state by a gas or vapor flowing through the bed. Reactant materials are introduced into the agitated bed and undergo reaction at enhanced rates resulting from heat transfer coefficients at least about twice as high as those of steady flow combustors and an intense acoustic pressure level propagated from the pulsating combustor into the reaction zone. The apparatus is useful, for example, to steam reform heavy hydrocarbons and to gasify carbonaceous material, including biomass and black liquor to produce combustible gas at relatively low temperatures, with steam being utilized as the bed fluidizing medium. Black liquor gasification, utilizing sodium carbonate as bed solids, results in liquor energy and chemical content recovery without smelt production.

Abstract: Process for catalytical steam reforming of a nitrogen containing carbonaceous feedstock with reduced formation of ammonia, wherein the feedstock is contacted with a supported nickel catalyst further including copper in an amount of 0.01-10% by weight calculated on the amount of nickel in the catalyst.

Abstract: High surface purity heat transfer solids are formed, suitably by washing and treating particulate refractory inorganic solids, notably alumina, which contains as impurities up to about 0.5 wt. % silicon and/or up to about 500 wppm boron, with an acid, or dilute acid solution sufficient to reduce the concentration of silicon and boron in the outer peripheral surface layer of the particles, e.g., as measured inwardly toward the center of a particle to a depth of about 50 .ANG. using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, to no greater than about 5 atom percent silicon and boron, preferably about 2 atom percent silicon and boron, based on the total number of cations within said outer peripheral surface layer, thereby reducing the tendency of said particles to sinter and agglomerate in the conversion of said hydrocarbon to hydrogen and carbon monoxide in a fluidized bed synthesis gas operation vis-a-vis particles otherwise similar except that the particles are not treated with the acid.

Abstract: A method for cracking and shifting a synthesis gas by the steps of providing a catalyst consisting essentially of alumina in a reaction zone; contacting the catalyst with a substantially oxygen free mixture of gases comprising water vapor and hydrocarbons having one or more carbon atoms, at a temperature between about 530.degree. C. (1000.degree. F.) to about 980.degree. C. (1800.degree. F.); and whereby the hydrocarbons are cracked to form hydrogen, carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide and the hydrogen content of the mixture increases with a corresponding decrease in carbon monoxide, and carbon formation is substantially eliminated.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of hydrogen-rich gas by the partial oxidation of a saturated gaseous hydrocarbonaceous fuel or a mixture of saturated gaseous hydrocarbonaceous fuel and a liquid hydrocabonaceous fuel in a gas generator. In the process, a saturated gaseous hydrocarbonaceous fuel from a subsequent fuel gas saturator is preheated by indirect heat exchange with a portion of shifted process gas stream from a catalytic water-gas direct shift conversion zone and reacted in said partial oxidation gas generator. The process gas stream from the noncatalytic partial oxidation gas generator is quench cooled and scrubbed with water and preheated by indirect heat exchange with a second portion of the process gas stream from the shift conversion zone prior to catalytically reacting the CO and H.sub.2 O in the process gas stream in the shift conversion zone to increase its H.sub.2 content.

Abstract: A composite semipermeable membrane comprising microporous adsorbent material supported by a porous substrate is operated in series with a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system and the PSA reject gas is used as a sweep gas to improve membrane performance. The integrated membrane-PSA system is particularly useful for recovering high-purity hydrogen from a mixture of hydrogen and hydrocarbons, and is well-suited for integration with a steam-methane reformer.

Abstract: A process utilizing a particulate catalyst, or particulate catalyst admixed with particulate heat transfer solids for conducting high temperature fluidized bed syn gas operations. Hydrogen and carbon monoxide are produced from a low molecular weight hydrocarbon by contact thereof, at high temperature in the presence of oxygen, or steam and oxygen, with a fluidized bed comprising said particulate solids. In one of its forms, barium hexaluminate is employed as a heat transfer solid, in concentrations ranging generally from about 10 wt. % to about 99.9 wt. %, in admixture with a particulate catalyst containing a metal, or metals, component catalytic for the production of hydrogen and carbon monoxide from low molecular weight hydrocarbons contacted with a fluidized bed of the catalyst at high temperature hydrothermal conditions. The catalyst, suitably one having a barium hexaluminate carrier component, is employed in concentration ranging generally from about 0.1 wt. % to about 90 wt. %.

Abstract: Hydrogen gas is generated in a fluidized bed reactor by reacting gases namely steam and a hydrocarbon gas such as methane or natural gas in a fluidized bed of particulate catalytic material. The catalytic material is fluidized by injecting the mixture of the reacting gases at the bottom of the bed. Hydrogen generated within the bed is removed via a selectively permeable membrane that extends through the bed and through a freeboard area above the bed. The reaction is endothermic and therefore heat to maintain the bed at the desired temperature is added as required. Preferably a separator separates particulate catalytic material entrained in the gases in the freeboard area and delivers the particulate material separated from the gas back into the bed.

Abstract: Resonant tubes of a pulse combustor are immersed in a bed of solid particles in a reaction zone to provide indirect heat from the pulsating combustion gases to the solid particles of the bed. The bed is maintained in an agitated state by a gas or vapor flowing through the bed. Reactant materials are introduced into the agitated bed and undergo reaction at enhanced rates resulting from heat transfer coefficients at least about twice as high as those of steady flow combustors and an intense acoustic pressure level propagated from the pulsating combustor into the reaction zone. The apparatus is useful, for example, to steam reform heavy hydrocarbons and to gasify carbonaceous material, including biomass and black liquor to produce combustible gas at relatively low temperatures, with steam being utilized as the bed fluidizing medium. Black liquor gasification, utilizing sodium carbonate as bed solids, results in liquor energy and chemical content recovery without smelt production.

Abstract: A process for the production of a hydrogen containing gas stream comprises partially reforming a feed stream containing hydrocarbon feedstock to be reformed together with a steam and/or carbon dioxide as reforming gas by passage of said feed stream over a steam reforming catalyst disposed in heated auxiliary tubes, thereby forming a partially reformed gas stream; subjecting the partially reformed gas stream, optionally together with a further quantity of said feedstock and/or reforming gas, to further reforming by passage over a steam reforming catalyst disposed in furnace reformer tubes heated by combustion of a fuel, thereby forming a reformed product gas stream; and passing the reformed product gas stream past the exterior of the auxiliary tubes, thereby supplying heat to said auxiliary tubes and cooling the reformed product gas stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively oxidizing carbon monoxide in a hydrogen rich feed stream. The method comprises mixing a feed stream consisting essentially of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, water and carbon monoxide with a first predetermined quantity of oxygen (air). The temperature of the mixed feed/oxygen stream is adjusted in a first the heat exchanger assembly (20) to a first temperature. The mixed feed/oxygen stream is sent to reaction chambers (30,32) having an oxidation catalyst contained therein. The carbon monoxide of the feed stream preferentially absorbs on the catalyst at the first temperature to react with the oxygen in the chambers (30,32) with minimal simultaneous reaction of the hydrogen to form an intermediate hydrogen rich process stream having a lower carbon monoxide content than the feed stream. The elevated outlet temperature of the process stream is carefully controlled in a second heat exchanger assembly (42) to a second temperature above the first temperature.

Abstract: A catalyst for the steam reforming of hydrocarbons characterized in that 0.1-2 wt. % of ruthenium is carried on a carrier which comprises 5-40 wt. % of ceria or rare element oxides containing ceria as the main ingredient and 60-95 wt. % of alumina, and that an atomic ratio of cerium to ruthenium (Ce/Ru) in the catalyst is in the range of from more than 10 to 200.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are described wherein a convective heat transfer reformation of hydrocarbons is conducted with at least an initial prereforming section which decreases the fuel requirements for a given reformate production of hydrogen and carbon monoxide-containing product and/or reduces the size of the reformer.

Abstract: A diffusion process from steam reforming of a hydrocarbon to produce H.sub.2, Co and CO.sub.2, that includes: providing a generally tubular, porous, ceramic membrane, and providing a heated reaction zone in a container into which the membrane is received; the membrane carrying a catalytically active metallic substance; passing a hydrocarbon and steam containing first fluid stream into the zone and into contact with one side of the membrane, to produce CO, CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 ; and passing a second fluid stream adjacent the opposite side of the membrane in such manner as to promote hydrogen diffusion through the membrane from said one side to said opposite side thereof; and removing hydrogen from the opposite side of the membrane. Such a process may be combined with operation of a heat engine or gas turbine, producing heat transferred to the referenced reaction zone.

Abstract: A process for producing high purity hydrogen is disclosed. Specifically, the process includes (1) partially oxidizing a refinery offgas feedstock to produce a synthesis gas mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, (2) reacting the synthesis gas mixture with steam to convert the carbon monoxide into a raw gas mixture which primarily includes carbon dioxide and hydrogen, and (3) purifying the raw gas mixture to produce high purity hydrogen and a reject gas mixture of impurities. In a preferred embodiment, the purification step occurs in a pressure swing adsorption unit.Alternative embodiments are also described, each of which essentially involve the optional treatment and/or use of the reject gas mixture of impurities.

Abstract: A process for producing high purity hyrogen is disclosed. Specifically, the process includes (1) partially oxidizing a gaseous hydrocarbonaceous feedstock to produce a synthesis gas mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, (2) reacting the synthesis gas mixture with steam to convert the carbon monoxide into a raw gas mixture which primarily includes carbon dioxide and hydrogen, and (3) subjecting the raw gas mixture to pressure swing adsorption to purify the raw gas mixture, thereby producing high purity hydrogen and a reject gas mixture of impurities.The gaseous hydrocarbonaceous feed is specific, inasmuch as it is characterized by containing a major component which includes at least one C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 hydrocarbon and which has an average molecular weight of up to about 30.

Abstract: A catalyst for reforming a hydrocarbon with steam has a platinum group metal deposited on a carrier having a volume of pores with pore sizes of 500 Angstroms or smaller being 0.15 ml per gram or greater, a volume of pores having pore sizes of more than 500 Angstroms being 0.14 ml per gram or smaller, and an average pore size being 90 Angstroms or greater. The platinum group metal specifically includes rhodium and ruthenium, and the carrier preferably includes zirconia and stabilized zirconia. As a promoter component, at least one metal of cobalt and manganese is used. The catalyst is high in catalytic activity and long in catalytic life.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing hydrogen of high purity from kerosene in petroleum oil. A feed of kerosene containing up to 1,000 wt.ppm of sulfur compounds is brought into contact with a nickel-containing sorbent at below 50 kg/cm.sup.2.G and at 150.degree.-350.degree. C. The resulting kerosene feed is further treated with a reforming catalyst under standard steam reforming conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst for steam reforming of hydrocarbons which comprises ruthenium supported on a zirconia carrier; and a catalyst for steam reforming of hydrocarbons which comprises (A) at least one element selected from the group consisting of rhodium and rutheniuim as an element imparting mainly reforming activity and (B) at least one element selected from the group consisting of nickel, lanthanum, praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, thorium, uranium, chromium, magnesium, calcium, and yttrium as an element for imparting co-catalyst function which are supported on a zirconia carrier; and furthermore a catalyst for steam reforming of hydrocarbons which comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of rhodium and ruthenium which is supported on a partially stabilized zirconia carrier.

Abstract: A novel process for desulfurizing and steam reforming sulfur-containing hydrocarbons is disclosed. The process comprises the steps of (a) desulfurizing the sulfur-containing hydrocarbon to a sulfur content of 5 ppb or less by use of a desulfurization agent, (b) reforming the desulfurized hydrocarbon at low temperature in an adiabatic reactor by use of steam, and (c) reforming the resultant gas reformed in the course of step (b) at high temperature in an external-heating reformer furnance.

Abstract: A process for separation of a gas mixture containing three components, e.g. a mixture comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide produced by steam reforming a hydrocarbon, by pressure swing adsorption is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is an integrated process for the adsorptive recovery of a high purity carbon monoxide product from a gas mixture containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrogen, with the potential additional recovery of a hydrogen-rich stream and the recycle of the resulting gas mixture to a reformation reaction to produce the gas mixture with a more favorable carbon monoxide and hydrogen product slate. Separate carbon dioxide recovery can be performed. Hydrogen recovery can be either by adsorptive or by membrane technology. The process achieves high recoveries at reduced capital cost and at reduced product cost.

Abstract: The endothermic reaction of a hydrocarbon feedstock with steam and/or carbon dioxide is carried out using a double-tube reactor. In one preferred form of the reactor the catalyst is present as a coating on the outside of the inner tube. In another form inner tubes are mounted in one tube-plate and the outer tubes in a second tube plate and the tube plates are disposed across a cylindrical shell so as to define a heat exchange zone (provided with a heat source) a reactants feed zone and a products offtake zone. The heat source is preferably a burner, to be fed with the product of the endothermic reaction, followed by a secondary reforming catalyst. The apparatus makes possible processes for making raw hydrogen-containing gases with advantageous internal heat recovery.

Abstract: A process for the production of a hydrogen containing gas stream comprises catalytic steam reforming of a major hydrocarbon/steam stream in tubes heated by means of a fired furnace and catalytic steam reforming of a minor hydrocarbon/steam stream in auxiliary tubes heated by the reformed major stream, and mixing the reformed minor stream with the reformed major stream.

Abstract: A gas stream containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and steam, and having a steam to dry gas molar ratio below 0.5 and a steam to carbon monoxide molar ratio above 0.5, and that has been formed at a temperature above 700.degree. C., is passed, at a temperature within the range 550.degree. to 650.degree. C., over an iron-free catalyst effective at such temperatures to catalyze the shift reaction. This effects some shift reaction thus increasing the amount of high grade heat that can be recovered from the gas. Also the hydrogen content of the gas is increased and the carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide ratio of the gas is decreased, thus decreasing the risk of hydrocarbon formation if the gas is subsequently subjected to a further shift reaction using an iron-oxide containing catalyst. Suitable catalysts comprise palladium and/or an oxide of an alkali, or alkaline earth, metal on a refractory support.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing hydrogen of high purity from hydrocarbons. A selected hydrocarbon feed is contacted with a nickel-containing sorbent of a specified composition at below 50 kg/cm.sup.2 G and at from 150.degree. to 500.degree. C. The hydrocarbon feed thus treated is further reformed with a catalyst of a specified composition.

Abstract: The endothermic reaction of a hydrocarbon feedstock with steam and/or carbon dioxide is carried out using a double-tube reactor. In one preferred form of the reactor the catalyst is present as a coating on the outside of the inner tube. In another form inner tubes are mounted in one tube-plate and the outer tubes in a second tube plate and the tube plates are disposed across a cylindrical shell so as to define a heat exchange zone (provided with a heat source) a reactants feed zone and a products offtake zone. The heat source is preferably a burner, to be fed with the product of the endothermic reaction, followed by a secondary reforming catalyst. The apparatus makes possible processes for making raw hydrogen-containing gases with advantageous internal heat recovery.

Abstract: A mixed-solid solution tri-metallic oxide/sulfide catalyst having the formula:M.sub.I O.sub.a S.sub.b .multidot.M.sub.II O.sub.c M.sub.III O.sub.dwherein M.sub.I is vanadium, neodymium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, and mixtures thereof; O is oxygen; S is sulfur; a is selected from zero and a number up to a positive real number representing the stoichiometric requirement, and b is selected from zero and a number up to a positive real number representing the stoichiometric requirement, provided one of a and b is a positive real number; M.sub.II is titanium, zirconium, hafnium, and mixtures thereof; c is a positive real number up to the stoichiometric requirement; M.sub.III is lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, francium, beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, radium, zinc, cadmium, mercury, scandium, yttrium, lanthanum, actinium, and mixtures thereof; and d is a positive real number up to the stoichiometric requirement; and wherein M.sub.I O.sub.a S.sub.

Abstract: Removal of waste heat from a fuel cell is necessary for continuous operation. Evaporation, can be used to remove the heat produced by the exothermic reaction within the fuel cell. Water sprayed into a gaseous fuel stream is evaporated in an evaporative cooler adjacent to the fuel cell. The fuel/steam stream can then be utilized in the various other fuel cell system operations.

Abstract: Nitrogen is economically recovered from the flue gas evolved in a hydrocarbon steam reforming furnace by hydrogenation of free oxygen therein and removal of carbon dioxide and other minor impurities from the flue gas by pressure swing adsorption with recovery of high purity nitrogen as unsorbed effluent. The process is utilized to highest advantage in the production of ammonia syngas wherein natural gas or other hydrocarbon feed is subjected to steam reforming in a fuel-fired furnace. The nitrogen obtained by purification of the flue gas is combined with the purified hydrogen separated from the reformate providing the syngas for conversion to ammonia. In a preferred embodiment, the steam reforming is carried out in two stages, the first stage being performed in a conventional fuel-fired steam reforming furnace to which a major portion of the fresh hydrocarbon feed is charged.

Abstract: A catalytic chemical process is carried out non-adiabatically using as a catalyst a body with two sets of channels throughout the body. One set of channels leads the process fluid towards one of two parallel walls of the catalyst chamber, the other set towards the outer wall, In slits between walls and catalyst heat is exchanged between process fluid and at least one of these walls upon reflecting the process fluid leaving channels of one set and entering channels of the other. The body may be made of alternatingly corrugated and plane sheets using in turn two different orientations for the corrugated sheets. It is preferred that the sheets are arranged orthogonal to the heat transmitting wall(s) and parallel to the overall direction of flow. The method is preferred for endothermic processes, especially steam reforming of hydrocarbon(s).

Abstract: A mixture (34) of a hydrocarbon feedstock with steam and/or carbon dioxide is preheated and adiabatically steam reformed giving a partially reformed gas (26) which is then, optionally after reheating, further steam reformed inannular catalyst regions (32) of a double tube reformer (14). The outer tubes (28) of the double tube reformer are heated by a hot gas stream (12), e.g. in a fired furnace or by the hot gas stream produced by subjecting the reformed gas withdrawn from the inner tubes (30) of the double tube reformer to secondary reforming. The preheating (18), and the reheating (20), if any, is effected by indirect heat exchange with a hot gas after the latter has heated the outer tubes of the double tube reformer and/or with the reformed gas.