Including Decomposing Water Patents (Class 423/652)
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Patent number: 7332146Abstract: Processes, methods, systems and devices for zero emission liquid hydrogen production directly from a variety of methane sources, such as natural gas and landfill gas, are disclosed. Five embodiments of plant designs for liquid hydrogen production are presented. The embodiments combine hydrogen production and liquefaction into a single process to produce liquid hydrogen directly via methane containing gases; thus, eliminating the conventional technology of pressure swing adsorption process for gas mixture separation. The innovative process can be applied to produce high purity liquid hydrogen with no carbon dioxide emission to the atmosphere; and can also co-produce highly pure solid carbon and liquid carbon dioxide as by-products for industrial application.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Research Foundation of the University of Central Florida, Inc.Inventors: Cunping Huang, Nazim Muradov, Ali T. Raissi
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Patent number: 7332147Abstract: A process is provided for reforming a hydrocarbon with carbon dioxide using a selectively permeable membrane reactor including a catalyst for accelerating a chemical reaction and a selectively permeable membrane exhibiting selective permeability, wherein a carbon dioxide reforming reaction of the hydrocarbon is accelerated by the catalyst to produce reaction products, and a specific component among the reaction products is allowed to pass through the selectively permeable membrane so specific component is selectively separated. The process includes the steps of adding steam to a raw material gas containing the hydrocarbon and the carbon dioxide and supplying the raw material gas mixture to the selectively permeable membrane reactor.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Akira Takahashi, Nobuhiko Mori, Toshiyuki Nakamura
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Patent number: 7323159Abstract: An improved fuel processor for fuel cells is provided whereby the startup time of the processor is less than sixty seconds and can be as low as 30 seconds, if not less. A rapid startup time is achieved by either igniting or allowing a small mixture of air and fuel to react over and warm up the catalyst of an autothermal reformer (ATR). The ATR then produces combustible gases to be subsequently oxidized on and simultaneously warm up water-gas shift zone catalysts. After normal operating temperature has been achieved, the proportion of air included with the fuel is greatly diminished.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2004Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Uchicago Argonne, LLCInventors: Rajesh K. Ahluwalia, Shabbir Ahmed, Sheldon H. D. Lee
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Publication number: 20080014126Abstract: A process and apparatus for converting starting materials containing hydrocarbon into a hydrogen-rich product gas is disclosed. A raw synthesis gas containing hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO) is generated from the hydrocarbon-containing starting materials in a first process step of which at least a part undergoes a catalytically supported water-gas shift reaction to increase the percentage of hydrogen. The water-gas shift reaction is carried out at temperatures between 50 and 200° C., preferably between 60 and 150° C., and at temperatures between 1 and 10 bar, preferably between 1 and 5 bar, in a reactor in which a suitable catalyst is present.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2007Publication date: January 17, 2008Applicant: Linde AktiengesellschaftInventors: Peter BENDER, Stephanie Neuendorf, Nicole Schoedel, Hubertus Winkler
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Patent number: 7309480Abstract: A catalyst that can be used for the production of hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels in steam reforming processes contains an active metal of, e.g., at least one of Ir, Pt and Pd, on a catalyst support of, e.g., at least one of monoclinic zirconia and an alkaline-earth metal hexaaluminate. The catalyst exhibits improved activity, stability in both air and reducing atmospheres, and sulfur tolerance.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2004Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignees: H2Gen Innovations, Inc., Süd-Chemie, Inc.Inventors: Franklin D. Lomax, Jr., John Lettow, Aaron L. Wagner, Jon P. Wagner, Duane Myers
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Patent number: 7306781Abstract: A hydrogen generator is formed of a strip of corrugated material that has been folded back and forth upon itself to define a monolith having multiple fluid flow regions. At least one of these regions is used for combustion, and at least one of these regions is used for steam reforming. Water is introduced into another fluid flow region, so as to receive heat from products of combustion, and to be converted into steam. The steam is directed into one or more regions used for steam reforming, so as to produce hydrogen for use in a fuel cell. In its more general form, the invention includes a compact heat exchanger, formed of a strip of corrugated material that has been folded back and forth upon itself, the heat exchanger being capable of transferring heat among three or more fluid streams.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2004Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Catacel Corp.Inventors: William B. Retallick, William A. Whittenberger
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HYDROGEN-PRODUCING FUEL PROCESSING ASSEMBLIES, HEATING ASSEMBLIES, AND METHODS OF OPERATING THE SAME
Publication number: 20070274904Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies, including steam reforming fuel processing assemblies, startup assemblies for use therein, and methods of operating the same. In some embodiments, the startup assemblies include a startup reforming region that is upstream from a primary, or second, hydrogen-producing reforming region. In some embodiments, the startup reforming region and primary reforming regions are both steam reforming regions. In some embodiments, the startup assembly further includes at least one of a vaporization region and a startup heating assembly. In some embodiments, the startup heating assembly is an electrically powered heating assembly, and the fuel processing assembly further includes a (primary) heating assembly that combusts a byproduct stream from the fuel processing assembly to produce a combustion exhaust stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2007Publication date: November 29, 2007Inventors: Vernon Wade Popham, Curtiss Renn, Mesa Scharf, Kyle Taylor -
Patent number: 7300642Abstract: A gasification plant for producing ammonia, Fischer-Tropsch fuels, and electrical power from carbon-bearing feedstocks.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Rentech, Inc.Inventors: Peter S. Pedersen, Dennis L. Yakobson
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Patent number: 7297169Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus arranged to maximize heat utilization for a hydrocarbon steam reforming process to produce synthesis gas. The apparatus comprises a refractory lined vessel with partition walls that divide the inside of the vessel into (1) a combustion chamber(s) containing one or more burners, and (2) convection chambers used as a means to remove combustion products from the combustion chamber through one or more openings at the opposite end of the burner end. The combustion chamber contains one or more reformer tubes in which a mixed-feed of hydrocarbon and steam flow co-current with combustion products and receive direct radiant heat from the combustion flame through the tube wall. The convection chambers contain a tube-in-tube device filled with catalyst in the annuli.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2003Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Hoanh Nang Pham, David Hon Sing Ying, Shoou-I Wang, Scott David Madara, Joel Charles MacMurray
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Patent number: 7294420Abstract: A method of producing hydrogen for a fuel cell from a hydrocarbon fuel composition, by providing a hydrocarbon fuel composition, which is obtained by contacting a liquid hydrocarbon feed comprising an alkylating agent with an acidic catalyst, under conditions effective to alkylate at least a portion of the hydrocarbon feed; converting the hydrocarbon fuel composition into hydrogen; and optionally, introducing the hydrogen produced into a fuel cell. In a preferred embodiment the liquid hydrocarbon feed further comprises sulphur-containing impurities, at least a portion of which are alkylated during the alkylation step.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2002Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: BP P.L.C.Inventor: Michael Graham Hodges
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Patent number: 7276306Abstract: Described herein is a system for the co-generation of hydrogen gas and electricity, wherein the proportion of hydrogen to electricity can be adjusted from 0% to 100%. The system integrates fuel cell technology for power generation with fuel-assisted steam-electrolysis. A hydrocarbon fuel, a reformed hydrocarbon fuel, or a partially reformed hydrocarbon fuel can be fed into the system.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2003Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Ai Quoc Pham, Brian Lee Anderson
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Publication number: 20070224111Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing hydrogen which includes supplying a raw material gas and steam to a reactor filled with a reforming catalyst and a carbon dioxide gas absorbent containing a lithium composite oxide at a ratio of absorbent/catalyst by volume not lower than 9, and heating the inside of the reaction to a temperature range from 450° C. to 570° C., thereby carrying out reforming reaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2006Publication date: September 27, 2007Inventors: Kenji ESSAKI, Takehiko Muramatsu, Masahiro Kato, Yoshiyuki Isozaki
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Publication number: 20070212294Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel reformer, a sprayer for the fuel reformer and a fuel reforming method, wherein the fuel reformer is characterized by comprising a spraying device for atomizing liquid fuel; and a reactor which reforms the fuel via a catalytic reaction of the fuel atomized by the spraying device. According to the invention, the reforming performance of a fuel reformer can be enhanced, and the reforming can be easily carried out when it is applied to the fuel comprising improper features for fuel reforming.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2006Publication date: September 13, 2007Applicant: KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Inyong Kang, Joongmyeon Bae, Hyunjin Ji
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Publication number: 20070212293Abstract: A hydrogen generation system is disclosed that has a vaporization section receiving and vaporizing fuel along with water and passing the vapor to a reformer catalyst section heated by a combustor section which generates reformate gas and is fueled by off-gas from a H2 purification unit along with a combustion air source. The off-gas outlet feeds the combustor section in the reformer assembly to heat the catalyst section and the vaporization section. An H2 storage unit connected to the H2 purification unit pure H2 outlet receives the pure H2. The storage unit has an outlet selectively connectable to the reformer assembly process inlet during startup without the need for a spark igniter.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2006Publication date: September 13, 2007Applicant: INTELLIGENT ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Brook Forest Porter, Kandaswamy Duraiswamy, Richard Root Woods
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Patent number: 7267811Abstract: Materials that are useful for absorption enhanced reforming (AER) of a fuel, including absorbent materials and catalyst materials, and methods for using such materials for the conversion of carbon-based fuels to a H2-rich product gas. 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. The method for converting carbon-based fuels to a H2-rich product gas includes forming an intermediate gas product from the carbon-based fuel using a catalyst and contacting the intermediate gas product with an absorbent to absorb CO2. The absorbent can be regenerated while retaining a high absorption capacity.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Cabot CorporationInventors: Mark J. Hampden-Smith, Paolina Atanassova, Jian-Ping Shen, Paul Napolitano, James Brewster
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Patent number: 7264788Abstract: Materials that are useful for absorption enhanced reforming (AER) of a fuel, including absorbent materials and catalyst materials 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: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Cabot CorporationInventors: Mark J. Hampden-Smith, Paolina Atanassova, Jian-Ping Shen, James Brewster, Paul Napolitano
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Patent number: 7261750Abstract: A method for the autothermal reforming of a hydrocarbon, in particular of diesel, includes introducing a combustible mixture of the hydrocarbon to be reformed and an oxygen-containing medium into a first reaction zone of a reformer, A gas-phase reaction is ignited. After an operating temperature required for the autothermal reforming process is reached, water or a water-containing medium is introduced into the first reaction zone, and the water content is increased until the conditions for the reforming process of the hydrocarbon prevail. The reforming process then takes place predominantly in a second reaction zone.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Rainer Autenrieth, Andreas Docter, Steffen Oliver Wieland
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Patent number: 7261751Abstract: This invention relates to methods for reacting a hydrocarbon, molecular oxygen, and optionally water and/or carbon dioxide, to form synthesis gas. The preferred embodiments are characterized by delivering a substochiometric amount of oxygen to each of a multitude of reaction zones, which allows for optimum design of the catalytic packed bed and the gas distribution system, and for the optimization and control of the temperature profile of the reaction zones. The multitude of reaction zones may include a series of successive fixed beds, or a continuous zone housed within an internal structure having porous, or perforated, walls, through which an oxygen-containing stream can permeate. By controlling the oxygen supply, the temperatures, conversion, and product selectivity of the reaction can be in turn controlled and optimized. Furthermore the potential risks of explosion associated with mixing hydrocarbon and molecular oxygen is minimized with increased feed carbon-to-oxygen molar ratios.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2004Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventors: Subhash Dutta, Harold A. Wright
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Patent number: 7252692Abstract: A shell and tube reactor module for hydrogen production is provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2004Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Inventor: Min-Hon Rei
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Patent number: 7250151Abstract: Integrated Combustion Reactors (ICRS) and methods of making ICRs are described in which combustion chambers (or channels) are in direct thermal contact to reaction chambers for an endothermic reaction. Particular reactor designs are also described. Processes of conducting reactions in integrated combustion reactors are described and results presented. Some of these processes are characterized by unexpected and superior results, and/or results that can not be achieved with any prior art devices.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2002Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: VelocysInventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Paul W. Neagle, Dongming Qiu, Matthew B. Schmidt, Steven T. Perry, David J. Hesse, Robert J. Luzenski, G. Bradley Chadwell, Ying Peng, James A. Mathias, Richard Q. Long, Wm. Allen Rogers, Ravi Arora, Wayne W. Simmons, Barry L. Yang, Yong Wang, Thomas Forte, Robert Jetter
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Patent number: 7250150Abstract: A chemical reaction is performed with separation of the product(s) and reactant(s) by pressure swing adsorption (PSA), using an apparatus having a plurality of adsorbers cooperating with first and second valve assemblies in a PSA module. The PSA cycle is characterized by multiple intermediate pressure levels between higher and lower pressure of the PSA cycle. Gas flows enter or exit the PSA module at the intermediate pressure levels as well as the higher and lower pressure levels, entering from compressor stage(s) or exiting into exhauster or expander stages, under substantially steady conditions of flow and pressure. The PSA module comprises a rotor containing the adsorbers and rotating within a stator, with ported valve faces between the rotor and stator to control the timing of the flows entering or exiting the adsorbers in the rotor. The reaction may be performed within a portion of the rotor containing a catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2000Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: QuestAir Technology, Inc.Inventors: Bowie G. Keefer, Denis J. Connor
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Patent number: 7226574Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting a hydrocarbon reactant to a product comprising CO and H2. The process comprises: (A) flowing a reactant composition comprising the hydrocarbon reactant and oxygen or a source of oxygen through a microchannel reactor in contact with a catalyst under reaction conditions to form the product, the microchannel reactor comprising at least one process microchannel with the catalyst positioned within the process microchannel, the hydrocarbon reactant comprising methane, the contact time for the reactant composition within the process microchannel being up to about 500 milliseconds, the temperature of the reactant composition and product within the process microchannel being up to about 1150° C., the conversion of the hydrocarbon reactant to carbon oxide being at least about 50%. The product formed in step (A) may be converted to a product comprising CO2 and H2O in a microchannel reactor.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Velocys, Inc.Inventors: Richard Q. Long, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Eric Daymo, Barry L. Yang, Yong Wang, Francis P. Daly
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Patent number: 7220505Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2004Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLCInventors: Avinash Malhotra, James Hanlan Gosnell
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Patent number: 7217303Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement in the process of producing hydrogen from hydrocarbon-containing streams. A cyclic reforming process, referred to as pressure swing reforming, provides an efficient means for producing a hydrogen containing synthesis gas for fuel cell applications. Pressure swing reforming may be integrated with shift reactions, preferential oxidation, and membrane separation, achieving thermal and material efficiencies relative to conventional hydrogen production. In one embodiment, at least some synthesis gas which is first produced in the pressure swing reforming process is combusted with air to provide the heat for the regeneration step of the pressure swing reforming process.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2004Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Frank Hershkowitz, Paul J. Berlowitz, Randall D. Partridge
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Patent number: 7208136Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2003Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Jamelyn D. Holladay, Yong Wang, Jianli Hu, Ya-Huei Chin, Robert A. Dagle, Guanguang Xia, Eddie G. Baker, Daniel R. Palo, Max R. Phelps, Heon Jung
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Patent number: 7201983Abstract: A hydrogen generation apparatus has a reformer of generating a reformed gas containing at least hydrogen and carbon monoxide by making a material containing an organic compound react with water; carbon-monoxide-removing means of including at least a shifter of reducing the carbon monoxide contained in the reformed gas generated by the reformer in accordance with a shift reaction; and material-humidifying means of humidifying the material by directly or indirectly using moisture contained in the reformed gas.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2002Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kiyoshi Taguchi, Kunihiro Ukai, Hidenobu Wakita, Seiji Fujihara
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Patent number: 7201889Abstract: A fuel reforming method includes the step of supplying carbon-containing fuel and steam to a reactor filled with a fuel reforming catalyst and a CO2 absorbent and discharging CO2, and setting the absorbent at an absorption temperature, thereby converting the carbon-containing fuel into reformed fuel, and separating CO2 from the reformed fuel, the step of obtaining a product gas by oxidizing a portion of the reformed fuel and/or the carbon-containing fuel with an oxidizer, and heating the absorbent with this product gas to a regeneration temperature, thereby regenerating the absorbent and storing heat in this absorbent, and the step of supplying the carbon-containing fuel and steam to the reactor, thereby cooling, to the absorption temperature, the absorbent heated to the regeneration temperature, and converting the carbon-containing fuel into reformed fuel by heat energy stored in the CO2 absorbent. An apparatus for the method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toyo Engineering CorporationInventors: Keiji Murata, Kazuaki Nakagawa, Yoshikazu Hagiwara, Kazuya Yamada, Mitsutoshi Hamamura, Yasuhito Sakakibara, Hidetsugu Fujii
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Patent number: 7198862Abstract: The invention provides a multistep process for preparing a low-sulfur reformate gas for use in a fuel cell system. The process comprises catalytic steam reforming of a reactant gas mixture comprising sulfur-containing hydrocarbons and steam in a first step to make a reformate, reducing the carbon monoxide content of the reformate in a second step, passing the reformate over a sulfur absorber either directly after the first step or after passage through the second step, and desorbing the sulfur components optionally absorbed on the catalysts in the reforming and reducing process steps by periodically raising the temperature so as to cause the sulfer components to pass to the absorber, wherein the temperature of the absorber during operation of the process is always kept within a temperature interval which is an optimum for the absorber.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KGInventors: Frank Baumann, Stefan Wieland
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Patent number: 7195663Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2006Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: IdaTech, LLCInventors: David J. Edlund, William A. Pledger, R. Todd Studebaker
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Patent number: 7192569Abstract: Methods and systems for generating hydrogen gas from methane are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes heating a vessel containing a catalyst to a temperature above approximately 600° centigrade and pressurizing the vessel to about ten atmospheres. A pressure swing absorbent, a methane stream, and a stream of steam are introduced into the vessel. In a particular aspect, the temperature may be maintained within a range of approximately 600 C. to approximately 700 C.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2003Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Pratt & WhitneyInventor: Albert E. Stewart
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Patent number: 7175827Abstract: A process for producing a fuel gas for a fuel cell is provided. The process includes a step of converting hydrocarbons and/or oxygen-containing hydrocarbons to a reformed gas which is composed principally of hydrogen by an autothermal reforming reaction using an autothermal reforming catalyst. The catalyst includes rhodium supported on a support containing 5 to 40 percent by mass of a cerium oxide or rare earth element oxide which is composed principally of a cerium oxide, 60 to 95 percent by mass of an aluminum oxide, and 0 to 10 percent by mass in terms of metal of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of an alkaline metal and an alkaline earth metal, the atomic ratio of cerium and rhodium (Ce/Rh) being 1 to 250.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Nippon Mitsubishi Oil CorporationInventors: Iwao Anzai, Takaya Matsumoto
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Patent number: 7166268Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst suitably employed in a variety of hydrocarbon reforming processes and a hydrocarbon reforming process including employing the catalyst in production of hydrogen or synthesis gas. The hydrocarbon reforming catalyst of the present invention contains an alumina carrier containing cerium oxide and, carried on the carrier, component (a), component (b), and optional component (c), the component (a) being at least one platinum group element selected from among ruthenium, platinum, rhodium, palladium, and iridium; the component (b) being cobalt and/or nickel, the component (c) being an alkaline earth metal. When steam reforming, autothermal reforming, partial-oxidation reforming, or carbon dioxide reforming of hydrocarbons is performed through employment of the catalyst, hydrogen or synthesis gas can be produced.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2001Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tetsuya Fukunaga
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Patent number: 7160344Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalytic process for the continuous production of carbon monoxide-free hydrogen from methane or methane-rich hydrocarbons using a solid catalyst comprising at least one group VIII metal in two parallel catalytic reactors.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial ResearchInventors: Vasant Ramchandra Choudhary, Amarjeet Munshiram Rajput
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Patent number: 7153334Abstract: Carbonaceous material is removed from a catalyst within an autothermal reformer by introducing an isolated oxidant stream into the autothermal reformer prior to introduction of hydrocarbon fuel into the reformer. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into the autothermal reformer following removal of the carbonaceous material. A concurrent supply of the hydrocarbon stream and the oxidant stream to the autothermal reformer is maintained such that an exothermic reaction driven by the oxidant stream provides heat to an endothermic reaction driven by water vapor in the hydrocarbon stream. In accordance with 37 CFR 1.72(b), the purpose of this abstract is to enable the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract will not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2003Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Suzanne Rose Ellis, Jessica Grace Reinkingh, Jullian Elaine Bailie, David Wails, Michael Ian Petch
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Patent number: 7151067Abstract: A porous catalyst layer containing mixed conducting oxide having substantially a perovskite structure and containing a first element selected from Co and Fe, and a second element selected from In, Sn and Y arranged in the B site in the perovskite structure is contiguous to a second surface (1a) of a selective oxygen-permeable dense continuous layer (1) containing mixed conducting oxide. A porous intermediate catalyst layer (3) containing mixed conducting oxide and at least one of Co, Fe, Mn and Pd is contiguous to a first layer (1b) of the dense continuous layer (1). A porous reactive catalyst layer (4) provided with a metal catalyst selected from at least one of Ni, Co, Ru, Rh, Pt, Pd, Ir and Re and a support is continguous to the porous intermediate catalyst layer (3) in a manner to sandwich between the dense continuous layer (1) and the porous reactive catalyst layer (4).Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignees: Nippon Steel Corporation, Teikoku Oil Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tadashi Sakon, Wataru Ito, Hitoshi Dohnomae, Toru Nagai, Hideki Kurimura, Shouichi Kaganoi, Youhei Suzuki, Takashi Ito
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Patent number: 7150866Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst and a process for the autothermal, catalytic steam reforming of hydrocarbons using the catalyst. The catalyst has a multilayer structure and comprises a lower catalyst layer located directly on a support body and an upper catalyst layer located on the lower catalyst layer, with the lower catalyst layer preferentially catalysing the partial oxidation and the upper catalyst layer preferentially catalysing steam reforming. In a further embodiment, a three-layer catalyst having a further catalyst layer for the carbon monoxide conversion (water gas shift reaction) is described. Each catalyst layer comprises at least one platinum group metal on an oxidic support material. The steam reforming process is carried out in an adiabatic process by passing a feed mixture of hydrocarbons, oxygen and water or water vapour which has been heated to a preheating temperature over the multilayer catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2003Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KGInventors: Stefan Wieland, Frank Baumann
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Patent number: 7144566Abstract: A process for producing a fuel gas for a fuel cell is provided. The process includes a step of converting hydrocarbons and/or oxygen-containing hydrocarbons to a reformed gas which is composed principally of hydrogen by an autothermal reforming reaction using an autothermal reforming catalyst. The catalyst includes ruthenium supported on a support containing 5 to 40 percent by mass of a cerium oxide or rare earth element oxide which is composed principally of a cerium oxide, 60 to 95 percent by mass of an aluminum oxide, and 0 to 10 percent by mass in terms of metal of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of an alkaline metal and an alkaline earth metal, the atomic ratio of cerium and rhodium (Ce/Rh) being 1 to 250.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2004Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Nippon Mitsubishi Oil CorporationInventors: Iwao Anzai, Takaya Matsumoto
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Patent number: 7141231Abstract: This invention relates to a novel fluidized bed membrane reactor for autothermal operations. More particularly, this invention pertains to a unique fluidized bed membrane reactor which includes internal catalyst solids circulation for conveying heat between a reforming zone and an oxidation zone.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2003Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Membrane Reactor Technologies Ltd.Inventors: John Grace, Choon Jim Lim, Alaa-Eldin M. Adris, Donglai Xie, David Anthony Boyd, Warren MacKay Wolfs, Clive M. H. Brereton
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Patent number: 7132178Abstract: A hydrogen generator including a raw material supplying unit supplying a raw material containing a sulfur component and composed of an organic compound, a water supplying unit supplying water, a reformer producing hydrogen gas, the reformer provided with a reforming catalyst to make the raw material and water undergo a reaction, and a carbon monoxide removing unit reducing the content of carbon monoxide in hydrogen gas produced in the reformer, wherein the reforming catalyst is constituted by a carrier composed of platinum and a metal oxide is provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2002Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kunihiro Ukai, Kiyoshi Taguchi, Hidenobu Wakita, Seiji Fujiwara
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Patent number: 7105148Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Michael Ian Petch, Jonathan Charles Frost, Suzanne Rose Ellis, Jessica Grace Reinkingh, Mark Robert Feaviour, Jillian Elaine Bailie, David Wails, Paul James Millington
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Patent number: 7101531Abstract: A fuel reforming system has a reformer (4) for reforming a fuel to produce a reformate gas; a shift converter (5) for reacting carbon monoxide (CO) contained in a reformate gas with water to produce hydrogen (H2); a CO oxidizer (6) which removes CO discharged from the shift converter; and a startup combustor (11) for supplying combustion gas to the reformer (4), a shift converter (5) and CO oxidizer (6) to warm up them. An NOx trap (16) is disposed downstream of the startup combustor so as to adsorb nitrogen oxides (NOx) in combustion gas. A fuel reforming system further has a controller for controlling warm-up operations. When the warm-up operation for the reformer, the shift converter and the CO oxidizer is completed, the reformate reactions are commenced in the reformer (4). The NOx trapped by the NOx trap is decomposed by the reformate gas which contains CO gas and H2 gas.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2002Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Motohisa Kamijo
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Patent number: 7087550Abstract: A combination comprising a bed of a particulate copper-containing catalyst bed, a guard bed in the form of shaped units formed from lead carbonate and/or basic lead carbonate particles having an average (by volume) particle size below 100 ?m.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Johnson Matthey PLCInventor: Michael John Watson
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Patent number: 7083775Abstract: A process for autothermal catalytic steam reforming of hydrocarbons by passing a reactant mixture of hydrocarbons, oxygen and water or water vapor, heated to a preheating temperature, over a catalyst. The process is operated adiabatically and the catalyst has a coating of a catalyst material on a support structure, the catalyst material containing at least one platinum group metal on an oxidic support material which can be aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide or mixed oxides thereof and zeolites.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2001Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KGInventors: Stefan Wieland, Frank Baumann, Rainer Ahlborn
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Patent number: 7078130Abstract: This invention provides novel stable metallic mesoporous transition metal oxide molecular sieves and methods for their production. The sieves have high electrical conductivity and may be used as solid electrolyte devices, e.g., in fuel cells, as sorbents, e.g. for hydrogen storage, and as catalysts. The invention also provides room temperature activation of dinitrogen, using the sieves as a catalyst, which permits ammonia production at room temperature.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2002Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: University of WindsorInventor: David M. Antonelli
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Patent number: 7078011Abstract: A method of storing and supplying a gaseous hydrogen product to a pipeline under a product purity specification in which a hydrogen stream made up of gaseous hydrogen is compressed to form a compressed hydrogen stream and introduced into a salt cavern for storage. A crude hydrogen stream, contaminated from storage in the salt cavern is recovered and purified by sufficiently removing at least carbon dioxide and water vapor to produce a hydrogen product stream having an impurity level at or below the product purity specification. The hydrogen product stream is supplied back to the pipeline. Alternatively, during periods of low demand, hydrogen produced by a production facility is both purified and supplied to the pipeline and stored in the salt cavern. During high demand period, both the output of the production facility and hydrogen retrieved from the salt cavern are purified and supplied to the pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2004Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey M. Morrow, Marianne Corrao, Steven Hylkema
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Patent number: 7074375Abstract: A hydrocarbon gas such as methane and LPG is desulfurized in the presence of oxygen and an oxidation catalyst to convert sulfur compounds in the gas to sulfur oxides. The sulfur oxides are then trapped downstream of the oxidation by an adsorbent. The amount of oxygen added to the hydrocarbon gas to promote oxidation is such that the sulfur compounds are selectively oxidized and the oxidation of the hydrocarbon gas is minimized to reduce hydrogen formation.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2002Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Engelhard CorporationInventors: Jordan K. Lampert, Lawrence Shore, Robert J. Farrauto, Shinn Hwang
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Patent number: 7070752Abstract: Supported perovskite-type oxides are described. The perovskite-type oxides have the general formula of AxA?x?ByB?y?O3??, wherein A is an ion of a metal of Group IIIa or IIIb of the periodic table of elements or mixtures thereof; A? is an ion of a metal of Groups Ia or IIa of the periodic table or mixtures thereof; B and B? are ions of a d-block transition metal of the periodic table or mixtures thereof; x, x?, y and y? vary from 0 to 1; 0.95<x+x?<1.05; 0.95<y+y?<1.05; ? is the deviation from ideal oxygen stoichiometry. This invention also provides for the selection of support materials and the shapes of supported perovskite-type oxides as well as the methods for making them.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2005Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.Inventors: Yongxian Zeng, Rudolph J. Wolf, Frank R. Fitch, Martin Bülow, Satish S. Tamhankar, Divyanshu R. Acharya
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Patent number: 7067107Abstract: A steam reforming furnace has a plurality of substantially vertical reformer tubes. Each reformer tube has a feed inlet at its lower end, an outlet at its upper end, and a catalyst containment zone disposed intermediate its upper and lower ends and contains a charge of a particulate steam reforming catalyst which is insufficient to fill completely the catalyst containment zone. An upper retainer means is mounted at the upper end of the catalyst containment zone and is permeable to gas or vapor but retains particles of the catalyst in the catalyst containment zone. A follower means is movably mounted in the catalyst containment zone beneath the charge catalyst for movement upwardly from a lower end of the containment zone upon upward flow of gas through the catalyst containment zone at a rate beyond a threshold rate.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Davy Process Technology LimitedInventors: Peter Hinton, Roger K. Bence, Michael Hilton, Mark A. Linthwaite
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Patent number: 7067453Abstract: The subject invention is a catalyst consisting of an oxide or mixed oxide support and bimetallic catalytically active compounds. The supporting oxide can be a single oxide, such as Al2O3; it also can be a mixture of oxides, such as Y2O3 stabilized ZrO2 (YSZ), Al2O3 with CeO2, Al2O3 with YSZ and others. The bimetallic compounds, acting as active components, are selected from platinum, and ruthenium, prepared in an appropriate ratio. The catalyst is used in the steam reforming of hydrocarbons to produce hydrogen for applications such as polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2002Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: InnovaTek, Inc.Inventors: Qimin Ming, Todd Healey, Patricia Marie Irving
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Patent number: 7045114Abstract: Reactors and processes are disclosed that can utilize high heat fluxes to obtain fast, steady-state reaction rates. Porous catalysts used in conjunction with microchannel reactors to obtain high rates of heat transfer are also disclosed. Reactors and processes that utilize short contact times, high heat flux and low pressure drop are described. Improved methods of steam reforming are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Yong Wang, Robert S. Wegeng, Yufei Gao