Abstract: Provided is a novel catalyst for methane steam reformation which enables a highly efficient production of hydrogen at a lower reaction temperature of lower than 500° C. without the need for a high temperature condition of a conventional temperature of 500° C. or higher, actually as high as 700 to 800° C. by use of a catalyst for methane steam reformation that is characterized in supporting one kind or more of noble metals or one kind or more of each of noble metals and lanthanide metals in a microporous carbon material, and a method of producing hydrogen using the catalyst.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the preferential oxidation of carbon monoxide in a hydrogen-rich fluid. The apparatus utilizes one or more reactors that are dimensioned to optimize the exothermic oxidation reaction and the transfer of heat to and from the catalyst bed. A reactor of the apparatus has an elongated cylindrical catalyst bed and heat transfer means adjacent the catalyst bed. The heat transfer means is suitable for pre-heating the catalyst bed during start-up operations and for removing the heat from the catalyst bed during the oxidation reaction. One or more reactors of different dimensions may be utilized depending upon the pressure of the hydrogen-rich fluid to be directed into the apparatus and the pressure requirements for the carbon monoxide-depleted fluid exiting the apparatus. For instance, in low pressure operations where it may be desirable to minimize the pressure drop across the apparatus, two or more reactors having relatively smaller dimensions can be utilized.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Complex metal oxide-containing pellets and their use for producing hydrogen. The complex metal oxide-containing pellets are suitable for use in a fixed bed reactor due to sufficient crush strength. The complex metal oxide-containing pellets comprise one or more complex metal oxides and at least one of in-situ formed calcium titanate and calcium aluminate. calcium titanate and calcium aluminate are formed by reaction of suitable precursors in a mixture with one or more complex metal carbonates. The complex metal oxide-containing pellets optionally comprise at least one precious metal.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of combusting a fuel in a reactor that includes at least 3 zones each of which contains a solid catalyst. A method of making a thermally-stable alumina support from fumed alumina is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides steam reforming catalyst compositions containing Pd and Zn, and methods of steam reforming alcohols over a catalyst. Surprisingly superior results and properties of the present invention, including low temperature activity and/or low carbon monoxide output, are also described. Methods of making a steam reforming catalyst are also provided.

Abstract: Mineral particles consisting essentially of metallic magnesium particles subjected to special processing are accommodated directly in a microporous cartridge made of a sintered polypropylene material, and the cartridge is closed. The cartridge is put in a closed raw water container, whereby a large amount of hydrogen gas is generated in a short period of time and released from the whole surface of the cartridge in the form of microbubbles so as to be dissolved in raw water in the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adsorbent for removing sulfur compounds, which adsorbent can effectively remove a variety of sulfur compounds contained in a hydrocarbon fuel to a low concentration even at room temperature; a process for effectively producing hydrogen that can be used in a fuel cell; and a fuel cell system employing hydrogen produced through the process. The adsorbent for removing a sulfur compound contained in a hydrocarbon fuel contains cerium oxide. The process for producing hydrogen that can be used in a fuel cell includes desulfurizing a hydrocarbon fuel through removal of a sulfur compound contained in the a hydrocarbon fuel by use of the aforementioned adsorbent and, subsequently, bringing the thus-desulfurized fuel into contact with a partial-oxidation reforming catalyst, an authothermal reforming catalyst, or a steam reforming catalyst. The fuel cell system employs hydrogen produced through the process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus 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 pressure ranging from 2000 to 12,000 pounds per square inch (psi) using a hydrogen feedstock (16, 18) high pressure water (12, 18), and an appropriate catalyst. Following making and heating in preheater (14), the catalyst reacts with the hydrogen feedstock (16, 18) and high pressure water (12, 18) in a catalytic reformer (20) maintained under desired temperature and pressure conditions. Reformate products exit reformer (200) and flow into condenser (22), in which water and a portion of the carbon dioxide product are condensed.

Abstract: Low-energy, low-capital hydrogen production is disclosed. A reforming exchanger 14 is placed in parallel with an autothermal reformer (ATR) 10 to which are supplied a preheated steam-hydrocarbon mixture. An air-steam mixture is supplied to the burner/mixer of the ATR 10 to obtain a syngas effluent at 650°-1050° C. The effluent from the ATR is used to heat the reforming exchanger, and combined reformer effluent is shift converted and separated into a mixed gas stream and a hydrogen-rich product stream. High capital cost equipment such as steam-methane reformer and air separation plant are not required.

Abstract: Process for the preparation hydrogen and a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide containing gas from a carbonaceous feedstock by performing the following steps: (a) preparing a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide having a temperature of above 700° C. (51); (b) catalytic steam reforming a carbonaceous feedstock in a Convective Steam Reformer zone (44), wherein the required heat for the steam reforming reaction is provided by convective heat exchange between the steam reformer reactor zone and the effluent of step (a) to obtain as separate products a steam reforming product having a hydrogen to CO molar ratio of greater than 2 and a cooled effluent of step (a), and (c) separating hydrogen from the steam reforming product.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the preparation of synthesis gas by catalytic steam and/or CO2 reforming of a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising the following steps: (a) heating the reaction mixture of hydrocarbon and steam and/or CO2 in a heated steam reforming unit integrated with the flue gas containing waste heat section from the fired tubular reformer in which reforming of the reaction mixture takes place by contact with a solid reforming catalyst (b) feeding the partially steam reformed mixture to the fired tubular reformer and further reforming the mixture to the desired composition and temperature, wherein the heated steam reforming unit comprises a piping system containing reaction sections with solid reforming catalyst comprising catalyst pellets and/or catalysed structured elements, the piping system being part of the process gas piping system integrated with the flue gas-containing waste heat section.

Abstract: A multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis. Each module includes a shell having an interior space defining a passageway for the flow of gas from a first end of the shell to a second end of the shell opposite the first end, and a processing core being contained within the interior space for effecting a chemical, thermal, or physical change to a gas stream passing axially through the module. The multi-step process includes: providing a fuel processor having a plurality of modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis; and feeding the hydrocarbon fuel successively through each of the modules in an axial direction through the tubular reactor to produce the hydrogen rich gas.

Abstract: Hydrogen gas is produced by reacting a carbon-hydrogen-containing species with water provided as a water reforming inflow at a reforming temperature to produce a primary reacted gas flow containing hydrogen gas. The carbon-hydrogen-containing species and water are heated to the reforming temperature with solar energy. The heating is preferably performed by heating a molten metal to at least the reforming temperature with solar energy, and using the molten metal to heat the carbon-hydrogen-containing species and water to at least the reforming temperature. The water reforming inflow is preheated by heat exchange from the primary reacted gas flow. The primary reacted gas flow is reacted with water to produce additional hydrogen gas in a secondary reacted gas flow.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a hydrogen-rich stream comprising contacting a carbon monoxide-containing gas, methanol and water in at least one shift step in the presence of a catalyst comprising copper, zinc and aluminium and/or chromium at a shift inlet temperature of at least 280° C. and a pressure of at least 2.0 MPa.

Abstract: A staged steam hydrocarbon reformer is disclosed having a chamber within which convectively heated reformer stages are enclosed. The reformer stages are tubes containing steam reforming catalyst. The stages are in serial fluid communication with one another through mixing vessels positioned between each stage. The first reforming stage is fed a mixture of steam and a gaseous hydrocarbon. Partially reformed gases having increased hydrogen concentration are produced at each stage and are mixed with additional gaseous hydrocarbon and optionally steam in the mixing vessels. Collection and distribution manifolds provide fluid communication between the reformer stages and the mixing vessels. A method is also disclosed in which partially reformed gases from a preceding stage are mixed with gaseous hydrocarbon and steam having a lower steam to carbon ratio than the fresh feed to the previous stage.

Abstract: The steam reformer has a double-cylinder structure having an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder surrounding the inner cylinder. The inner cylinder contains a high-temperature reaction section and an adjacent section being adjacent to the high-temperature reaction section. The high-temperature reaction section contains a mixed-catalyst bed prepared by mixing a steam reforming catalyst and an oxidation catalyst, and an oxygen-containing gas introduction section. A heat transfer suppresser is structured to suppress heat transfer from the high-temperature reaction section to the adjacent section or to the oxygen-containing gas introduction section. With the heat-transfer suppressor, the thermal diffusion from the high-temperature reaction section to peripheral area is effectively suppressed.

Abstract: The invention provides an optimum method for utilizing a desulfurizing agent for liquid hydrocarbons which can efficiently remove sulfur content from kerosene without performing addition of hydrogen to a low sulfur concentration and which has a prolonged lifetime. The invention provides a desulfurization method which includes removing sulfur content from kerosene by use of a metallic desulfurizing agent without performing addition of hydrogen, characterized in that the method employs desulfurization conditions satisfying the following formula (1): 1.06×Pope0.44<Tope/T50<1.78×Pope0.22??(1) (wherein Tope is operation temperature (° C.); Pope is operation pressure (MPa); and T50 is a temperature per 50 percent recovered as determined by “test method for distillation at atmospheric pressure” stipulated in JIS K2254 “Petroleum products—Determination of distillation characteristics as revised in 1998”).

Abstract: An apparatus for producing oxygen in an atmosphere substantially devoid of breathable oxygen.

Abstract: A steam/hydrocarbon reformer employing a conventional radiantly heated first reformer section and a flue-gas heated second reformer section is disclosed. The second reformer section comprises catalyst-containing tubes for partially reforming a hydrocarbon stream. The catalyst-containing tubes in the second reformer section are disposed in a conduit for conveying flue gas from the first reformer section, thereby receiving heat from the flue gases. The flue gases flow either cocurrent or countercurrent to the process gas in the catalyst-containing tubes in the second reformer section. The partially reformed hydrocarbon stream from the second reformer section is fed to the catalyst-containing tubes in the first reformer section thereby producing a hydrogen-rich synthesis gas.

Abstract: A process for generating synthesis gas wherein a reactant gas mixture comprising steam and a light hydrocarbon is introduced into a tubular reactor comprising a catalyzed structured packing at higher inlet mass rates than conventional tubular reactors containing random packing catalyst pellets or catalyzed structure packing.

Abstract: By using catalytic partial oxidation or autothermal reforming process, a catalytic oxidizer installed in the engine's Exhaust Gas Recycle (EGR) line can be used to produce from fossil fuels or bio-fuels a reformate gas containing H2 and CO for an IC engine or a gas turbine. Thus, a system consisting of an EGR Oxidizer and an IC engine/gas turbine can be used by itself as a driving device, or can be combined with an electric generator and a battery bank to produce, store and transmit electricity to be used in stationary or mobile power generation, transportation and utility etc. The Oxidizer can also be used to provide reducing gases to regenerate the NOx or diesel particulate traps, so that the traps can continuously be used for reducing emissions from IC engine, diesel truck, gas turbine, power plant etc.

Abstract: A base-facilitated reformation reaction. Hydrogen is produced from a reaction of an organic substance with a base to form bicarbonate ion or carbonate ion as a by-product. The base-facilitated reformation reactions are thermodynamically more spontaneous than conventional reformation reactions and are able to produce hydrogen gas at less extreme reaction conditions than conventional reformation reactions. In one embodiment, the instant base-facilitated reactions produce hydrogen gas from an organic substance at a lower temperature than is possible for the production of hydrogen gas from the organic substance in a conventional reformation reaction. In another embodiment, the instant base-facilitated reformation reactions produce hydrogen gas from an organic substance at a faster rate at a particular temperature than is possible from the conventional reformation reaction of the organic substance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for production of electric energy and CO2 from a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising steam reforming of the feedstock, separation and combustion of hydrogen and separation of CO2. Further the invention relates to a power plant for performing the process.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing hydrogen gas with a fuel processing system that includes a hydrogen-producing region that produces hydrogen gas from a feed stream and a heating assembly that consumes a fuel stream to produce a heated exhaust stream for heating the hydrogen-producing region. In some embodiments, the heating assembly heats the hydrogen-producing region to at least a minimum hydrogen-producing temperature. In some embodiments, the feed stream and the fuel stream both contain a carbon-containing feedstock and at least 25 wt % water. In some embodiments, at least one of the feed and fuel streams contain at least one additional component. In some embodiments, the feed and fuel streams have the same composition. In some embodiments, the feed and fuel streams are drawn or obtained from a common source or supply, and in some embodiments as a liquid stream that is selectively apportioned to form the feed and fuel streams.

Abstract: Liquid fuel is evaporated and mixed with an oxidizing agent in a mixing chamber of a reformer by first introducing substantially only the liquid fuel in an axial downstream direction into a first upstream zone of the mixing chamber via a nozzle so as to atomize the liquid fuel. Then steam is separately introduced into the upstream zone and contacted with the atomized fuel to cause the fuel to evaporate. An oxidizing agent is then introduced downstream of the first zone in a second zone of the mixing chamber to the evaporated fuel and uniformly mixing the oxidizing agent with the evaporated fuel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing hydrogen are provided. The methods and apparatus utilize reforming catalysts in order to produce hydrogen gas. The reforming catalysts may be platinum group metals on a support material, and they may be located in a reforming reaction zone of a primary reactor. The support material may an oxidic support having a ceria zirconia promoter. The support material may be an oxidic support and a neodymium stabilizer. The support material may also be an oxidic support material and at least one Group IA, Group IIA, manganese, or iron metal promoter. The primary reactor may have a first and second reforming reaction zones. Upstream reforming catalysts located in the first reforming reaction zone may be selected to perform optimally under the conditions in the first reforming reaction zone. Downstream reforming catalysts located in the second reforming reaction zone may be selected to perform optimally under the conditions in the second reforming reaction zone.

Abstract: A method for making fuel cells is disclosed and includes placing catalyst strips on an anode side and a cathode side of a proton exchange membrane disposed between carbon bases. The method includes metalizing at least two collectors, and drilling a plurality of paths through the body portions to form a first and second metalized collectors, which are placed on opposite sides of the proton exchange membrane to form a membrane electrode assembly. The metalized collectors are connected to form an electrical circuit for operating the fuel cell. A flexible fuel plenum and a flexible oxidant plenum are disposed on opposite sides of the membrane electrode assembly, and a fuel manifold and an oxidant manifold of a sealable two-part housing engage the membrane electrode assembly to provide oxidant to the flexible oxidant plenum and fuel to the flexible fuel plenum forming an operational singe unit fuel cell.

Abstract: Mesoporous aluminum oxides with high surface areas have been synthesized using inexpensive, small organic templating agents instead of surfactants. Optionally, some of the aluminum can be framework-substituted by one or more other elements. The material has high thermal stability and possesses a three-dimensionally randomly connected mesopore network with continuously tunable pore sizes. This material can be used as catalysts for dehydration, hydrotreating, hydrogenation, catalytic reforming, steam reforming, amination, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and Diels-Alder synthesis, etc.

Abstract: A hydrogen iodide manufacturing method which includes a step of producing aqueous solution of hydrogen iodide and sulfuric acid by causing iodine-containing aqueous solution and sulfur dioxide to react with each other in a pressurized condition. The pressurized condition may be of not lower than 0.1 MPa in gauge pressure. The method may further include: a separation step of adding iodine to the aqueous solution of hydrogen iodide and separating an upper phase containing sulfuric acid relatively to a large extent and a lower phase containing hydrogen iodide relatively to a large extent; and a step of producing hydrogen iodide by adding sulfur dioxide to the upper phase in a pressurized condition and extracting the produced hydrogen iodide to the lower phase.

Abstract: A process for producing hydrogen for direct use as a fuel or for input to a fuel cell from dissociating H2O in a plasma reformer with hydrocarbon fuel acting as an initiator. The molar ratio of water to hydrocarbon fuel in the input mixture for reactions, and therefore the production of hydrogen from water, increases with the carbon number of the hydrocarbon fuel. Steps in the process include: mixing and vaporizing an H2O and hydrocarbon fuel mixture in an atomization/evaporation chamber, further heating the mixture in a rotating-flow buffer chamber, dissociating H2O and hydrocarbon fuel in a plasma reformer, converting carbon monoxide and H2O to hydrogen and carbon dioxide in a water shift reactor and optionally conditioning the reformate stream by removing carbon dioxide and by purifying hydrogen.

Abstract: A hydrogen production process includes combining a first feedstream and a second feedstream to produce, in a pre-reforming reactor, a first product stream comprising CH4 and H2O; wherein the first feedstream contains a mixture of H2 and at least one selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons having two or more carbon atoms and alcohols having two or more carbon atoms, and the mixture has a hydrogen stoichiometric ratio (?) of at least 0.1, and the second feedstream contains steam; feeding the first product stream into a reforming reactor; and reacting the first product stream in the reforming reactor to produce a second product stream containing CO and H2; and a catalyst for use in the process.

Abstract: A process for producing hydrogen comprising reacting at least one hydrocarbon and steam in the presence of a complex metal oxide and a steam-hydrocarbon reforming catalyst in a production step under reaction conditions sufficient to form hydrogen and a spent complex metal oxide, wherein the complex metal oxide is represented by the formula (A?xCax?Mgx?)x(B?yMny?Fey?)yOn where A? represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Sr, Ba, a Group 1 element, and an element of the Lanthanide series according to the IUPAC Periodic Table of the Elements; B? represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, and V; 0?x?1, 0?x??1, 0?x??1 wherein x+x?+x?=x; 0?y?1, 0?y??1, 0?y??1 wherein y+y?+y?=y; 1?x?10; 1?y?10; and n represents a value such that the complex metal oxide is rendered electrically neutral.

Abstract: Ammonia synthesis gas production having a shift reaction stage employing a copper-based catalyst wherein the air supplied to the process is passed through an absorber that removes sulfur and/or halide contaminants, is described. The absorber has a support carrying an absorbent for sulfur compounds and/or absorbent for halide compounds. The removal of the contaminants improves the lifetime e.g. copper-zinc low temperature shift catalysts.

Abstract: A method for generating hydrogen in a production facility having a catalytic steam reformer, a boiler downstream of the catalytic steam reformer, optionally having a prereformer, and optionally having a shift reactor, wherein the reformer feed gas mixture is formed using a steam-containing recycle gas mixture which was formed from boiler effluent. The boiler generates steam which may be used to form the reformer feed gas mixture, used elsewhere in the production facility, and/or used for export steam.

Abstract: Process for producing hydrogen comprising reacting at least one hydrocarbon and steam in the presence of a complex metal oxide and a steam-hydrocarbon reforming catalyst in a production step under reaction conditions sufficient to form hydrogen gas and a spent complex metal oxide, wherein the complex metal oxide is represented by the formula AxByOn wherein A represents at least one metallic element having an oxidation state ranging from +1 to +3, inclusive, wherein the metallic element is capable of forming a metal carbonate; x is a number from 1 to 10, inclusive; B represents at least one metallic element having an oxidation state ranging from +1 to +7, inclusive; y is a number from 1 to 10, inclusive; and n represents a value such that the complex metal oxide is rendered electrically neutral.

Abstract: Systems and processes for removing a first sulfur compound from a hydrocarbon stream. The systems and process utilize at least one reaction vessel incorporating a hydrolysis catalyst suitable for hydrolyzing the first sulfur compound to a second sulfur compound. The reaction vessel also incorporates a sorbent material suitable for absorbing the second sulfur compound. Following hydrolysis of the first sulfur compound to the second sulfur compound and absorption of the second sulfur compound, a hydrocarbon-containing stream having a reduced sulfur content is produced. The hydrolysis catalyst and sorbent material may be provided in separate zones within the reaction vessel or provided as a mixture in a single zone. The hydrocarbon-containing stream having a reduced sulfur content is suitable for a variety of uses, including as a feedstreams for hydrogen plants, process gas streams for power generation plants, or for other uses for hydrocarbon-containing stream having reduced sulfur content.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of hydrogen and carbon monoxide containing gas from a gaseous hydrocarbon feedstock by performing the following steps: (a) partial oxidation of part of the feedstock thereby obtaining a first gaseous mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide; and, (b) catalytic steam reforming of part of the gaseous feedstock in a Convective Steam Reformer having a tubular reactor provided with one or more tubes containing a reforming catalyst, wherein the exterior of the tubes of the tubular reactor is used to cool the hot gas as obtained in step (a) and wherein the exterior of the tubes is a metal alloy surface having between 0 wt % and 20 wt % iron.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for the production of hydrogen and carbon dioxide from hydrocarbons involving: a) supplying a gaseous stream of hydrocarbons and a molecular-oxygen containing gas to a first reaction zone having a fluidized bed of partial oxidation catalyst; b) catalytically partially oxidizing the hydrocarbons in the gaseous stream at a temperature in the range of from 700° C. to 1400° C., to form a first effluent; c) supplying a gaseous stream of hydrocarbons, steam and the first effluent to a second reaction zone containing a fluidized bed of steam reforming catalyst; d) catalytically reforming the hydrocarbons fed to the second reaction zone at a temperature in the range of from 200° C. to 700° C.; e) separating hydrogen from the reformed gas by a selective membrane in the second reaction zone; and, f) removing a gaseous stream rich in carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, and fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices. In some embodiments, the fuel processing systems and the hydrogen purification membranes include a metal membrane, which is at least substantially comprised of palladium or a palladium alloy. In some embodiments, the membrane contains trace amounts of carbon, silicon, and/or oxygen. In some embodiments, the membranes form part of a hydrogen purification device that includes an enclosure containing a separation assembly, which is adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. In some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processor, and in some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processing or fuel cell system.

Abstract: A fuel processor system is provided including an autothermal reactor (ATR), a pressure swing adsorber (PSA) located downstream of the ATR, and a methanation reactor located downstream of the PSA. A method of operating of proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack involves cooling the methanator output and feeding it into the stack as an anode fuel.

Abstract: Methods for converting hydrocarbon fuels to hydrogen-rich reformate that incorporate a carbon dioxide fixing mechanism into the initial hydrocarbon conversion process. The mechanism utilizes a carbon dioxide fixing material to remove carbon dioxide from the reformate product stream. The removal of carbon dioxide from the product stream shifts the reforming reaction equilibrium toward higher hydrocarbon conversion with only small amounts of carbon oxides produced. Repeated absorption/desorption of carbon dioxide by the fixing materials tends to decrease the fixing capacity of the materials. Hydration of the carbon dioxide fixing materials between one or more cycles serves to sustain their fixing capacity and to enhance the efficiencies of the reforming and shift reactions occurring in the catalyst bed. Hydration can occur during reactor start-up or shut down, periodically over a number of cycles, and/or upon a monitored change in the reformate composition.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing hydrogen from a gaseous mixture of hydrocarbons and steam are disclosed. The process includes first reacting the hydrocarbon gas and steam in the presence of a precious metal catalyst on a structural support and then reacting the resulting gas mixture in the presence of a non-precious metal catalyst. The apparatus includes a vessel having an inlet and an outlet. The precious metal catalyst is supported on the structural support positioned at the inlet. The non-precious metal catalyst is supported on a support medium positioned between the structural support and the outlet. The support medium may be a granular medium or a structural support.

Abstract: Process for the removal of organic and/or inorganic sulfur from an ammonia stream by passing said stream through a fixed bed of sulfur absorbent in a sulfur absorber and withdrawing a sulfur-free ammonia stream, wherein said sulfur absorbent is a catalyst having a total nickel content in reduced form in the range 10 wt % to 70 wt % with the balance being a carrier material selected from the group of alumina, magnesium alumina spinel, silica, titania, magnesia, zirconia and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a process for producing carbon monoxide. A feed gas stream of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide is directed to a membrane unit which separates the feed gas stream into two streams. The stream containing carbon monoxide is directed to second membrane unit for further purification and the steam containing the carbon dioxide and hydrogen is fed to a reverse shift reactor to produce more carbon monoxide. The carbon monoxide recovered from the reverse shift reactor is purified in a third membrane unit and directed back to the first membrane unit and is further purified and recovered as additional carbon monoxide product.

Abstract: A process for producing synthesis gas, SG, from a hydrocarbon feed and optionally from recycled compounds, F, is described in which: a first feed F1 supplemented with steam undergoes steam reforming in a multi-tube reactor-exchanger R comprising a plurality of reaction tubes (38) containing a steam reforming catalyst and a shell containing said tubes, to produce a first synthesis gas SG1; said reaction tubes (38) are heated principally by convection by circulating a fluid HF in the shell external to said tubes, in which HF is a staged partial oxidation stream with oxygen of a second feed F2 at a pressure in the range 0.5 to 12 MPa, to produce a second synthesis gas SG2; the synthesis gas SG is produced by mixing SG1 and SG2. FIG. 1 to be published.

Abstract: The invention provides a controlled hypergolic approach to using concentrated hydrogen peroxide in combination with certain hydrocarbons such as ethanol, methanol, methane as well as more common fuels such as gasoline, diesel, DME, JP5, JP8 and the like to generate a gas mixture primarily composed of hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Because air is not used as the oxygen source, this novel process does not allow the formation of nitrous oxide (NOx) compounds, thereby avoiding the primary source of nitrogen contamination as well. The process is executed in a constraining system on a micro scale such that the resulting hydrogen supply is self-pressurizing. This enables the incorporation of an “on-demand” hydrogen fuel source for a variable output fuel cell power plant such as those proposed for use in automobiles, marine vessels and stationary power sources. In another embodiment of the present invention hydrogen peroxide is catalytically, or thermally reacted to provide H2O vapor and O2.