Abstract: A process for treating a crude and natural gas stream, which at least comprises the steps of: (a) passing a crude and natural gas stream (10) through an inlet (12) into a stabilization unit (14) to provide a stabilizer content (20); (b) passing an overhead gaseous stream (30) separated from the stabilizer content (20) through a first outlet (16); and (c) passing a bottom stream (40) comprising crude liquid hydrocarbons separated from the stabilizer content (20) and free water through a second outlet (18).

Abstract: A reactor, system and method for producing hydrogen features a reactor containing a heating stream channel and a hydrogen channel with a reaction channel positioned there between. A heat transfer sheet separates the heating stream channel and the reaction channel and a porous support plate separates the reaction channel and the hydrogen channel. A membrane constructed from palladium, vanadium, copper or alloys thereof covers the porous support plate. The heating stream channel receives a heating stream so that heat is provided to the reaction channel through the heat transfer sheet. A catalyst is positioned in the reaction channel and the reaction channel receives a reaction stream including a mixture of supercritical water and a hydrocarbon fuel so that hydrogen is produced in the reaction channel and is passed through the membrane into the hydrogen channel.

Abstract: All sulfur compounds can be efficiently removed from natural gas that contains hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur compounds such as mercaptan without using physical absorption. The process comprises an absorption step of treating natural gas by means of a chemical absorption method using an amine-containing solution to mainly remove hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide, an adsorption step of flowing the natural gas from the absorption step through a packed bed of a molecular sieve to mainly remove mercaptan, a recovery step of recovering sulfur compounds by converting the hydrogen sulfide removed in the absorption step into sulfur by means of the Claus process, a regeneration step of desorbing the mercaptan adsorbed on the molecular sieve in the adsorption step using heated gas and a reaction step of converting the mercaptan in the regeneration exhaust gas exhausted from the regeneration step into hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: Solvent absorption processes for separating components of an impure feed gas are disclosed. The processes involve two stages of gas-liquid contacting, namely a first, absorption stage and a second, stripping stage. In the case of a carbon dioxide (CO2)— containing methane gas as an impure feed gas, contacting, in the stripping stage, the solvent effluent from the absorption stage with a recycled vapor fraction of the solvent effluent from the stripping stage can improve the recovery and purity of not only the methane (and/or other light hydrocarbons in the impure feed gas), but also that of the CO2 contaminant gas.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to contaminant removal from gas streams. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a process for removing one or more contaminants from a gas stream via contact with a regenerable sorbent at high temperature and pressure, utilizing a unique arrangement of reactors operating in parallel.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for disposal of mercaptans, the process comprising the steps of: (a) contacting a feed gas stream comprising mercaptans with liquid sulphur in a sulphide producing zone at elevated pressure and at a temperature in the range of from 300 to 450° C. to obtain a liquid stream comprising sulphur and sulphide compounds; (b) optionally separating the liquid stream obtained in step (a) into a first liquid phase enriched in liquid sulphur and a second liquid phase enriched in sulphide compounds; (c) combusting at least part of the sulphide compounds at elevated temperature in the presence of an oxygen-containing gas in a sulphur dioxide generation zone using a sulphide burner to which burner oxygen-containing gas is supplied, whereby at least part of the sulphide compounds is converted to sulphur dioxide to obtain a gas stream comprising sulphur dioxide.

Abstract: A feed gas conditioner.

Abstract: A method for producing methane (69) from a carbonaceous (22) material includes conveying pulverized carbonaceous material (28) entrained in an inert carrier fluid, such as carbon dioxide (36), into a reactor (34). The reactor (34) includes a vortex region (72) for receiving hydrogen gas (38) and imparting a swirling motion to the hydrogen gas (38). The pulverized carbonaceous material (28) is exposed to the swirling stream of hydrogen gas (38) in a first reaction zone (114) within the reactor (34) to form an exit gas (40) that includes methane (69). Remaining unreacted carbonaceous material (28) is further exposed to the hydrogen gas (38) in a second, low velocity, reaction zone (120). The methane rich exit gas (40) is subsequently extracted from the reactor (34) for further processing.

Abstract: A method of producing substitute natural gas (SNG) includes providing a gasification reactor having a cavity defined at least partially by a first wall. The reactor also includes a first passage defined at least partially by at least a portion of the first wall and a second wall, wherein the first passage is in heat transfer communication with the first wall. The reactor further includes a second passage defined at least partially by at least a portion of the second wall and a third wall. The method also includes coupling the cavity in flow communication with the first and second passages. The method further includes producing a first synthetic gas (syngas) stream within the cavity. The method also includes channeling at least a portion of the first syngas stream to the first and second passages.

Abstract: A method of altering the heating value of a liquefied natural gas by adding higher heating value components is disclosed. A portion of the liquefied natural gas is used to cool the higher heating value component stream prior to combining the higher heating value components with the liquefied natural gas to obtain a combined stream having a heating value greater than the liquefied natural gas.

Abstract: Acidic contaminants are removed from a natural gas stream comprising hydrocarbons and acidic contaminants in a process comprising the steps of: (a) expanding the natural gas stream, thereby cooling the natural gas stream and allowing at least part of the acidic contaminants to liquefy with the proviso that no solid acidic contaminants are formed, thereby obtaining a cooled natural gas stream that contains liquefied acidic contaminants; (b) separating at least part of the liquefied acidic contaminants from the cooled natural gas stream in a separator comprising centrifugal separation means, to obtain a contaminants-depleted natural gas stream; and (c) treating the contaminants-depleted natural gas stream with a liquid physical solvent to obtain a sweet natural gas stream and a liquid solution of acidic contaminants.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a copper oxide adsorbent to remove mercury from a feed stream. When the feed stream is low in sulfur content, a sulfidation agent such as hydrogen sulfide should be added to the feed stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in controlling the reaction temperature of a fuel processor are disclosed. The apparatus includes a fuel processor reactor, the reactor including a water gas shift reaction section; a temperature sensor disposed within the reaction section; a coolant flow line through the reaction section; and an automated control system. The automated control system controls the reaction temperature by determining a first component for a setting adjustment for the actuator from the measured temperature and a setpoint for the measured temperature; determining a second component for the setting adjustment from a hydrogen production rate for the fuel processor; and determining the setting adjustment from the first and second components.

Abstract: A system for optimizing start-up of an amine regeneration system comprising a rich/lean heat exchanger, a still, a reflux condenser, a reflux accumulator, a pump, a reboiler, and a reflux accumulator fill line assembly.

Abstract: A method of operating one or more production facilities located at a remote natural gas source is provided including providing one or more micro-scale GTL systems to the remote NG source; supplying natural gas feedstock from the remote source to the micro-scale GTL systems; operating the micro-scale GTL systems to produce a product stream; and utilizing the product stream in the production facilities located at the remote natural gas source. Also provided is a method of operating one or more production facilities located at a remote NG source that includes supplying a product stream to a central processing unit within the remote location to produce a fuel or chemical product.

Abstract: A method is described for separating sulphur out of a sulphur-containing gas, particularly hydrogen or natural gas, wherein the gas is compressed and the sulphur is removed in an absorptive separation process. According to the invention, the sulphur-containing gas is compressed, or at least precompressed before being passed into the absorptive separation process.

Abstract: Provided is a method of producing gas hydrate at a low cost. An acid gas 3 is removed from a natural gas 1, and after dehydration 5 of accompanying water, part of heavy components which do not produce gas hydrate 10 are separated and removed under a relatively high temperature. Moreover, the rest of the heavy components are taken out in a gas hydrate production step 9 together with an excessive portion of light components not contributing to production of the gas hydrate 10, as a fuel gas 11 which is used as a cooling source or a power source for a cooling system in the gas hydrate production step 9.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for obtaining a hydrocarbon-enriched fraction from a gaseous feedstock comprising a hydrocarbon fraction and carbon dioxide, which process comprises the steps of: providing a membrane having a retentate side and a permeate side; and contacting the feedstock with the retentate side of the membrane, obtaining a hydrocarbon-enriched fraction at the permeate side of the membrane, wherein the membrane is an organic modified meso-porous membrane.

Abstract: Mixture to be employed specifically as an agent for adding an odour to a gaseous combustible fuel such as natural gas, consisting of: at least one alkyl acrylate (I) of which the alkyl radicals contain from one to 12 carbon atoms; at least on compound of formula (II) in a quantity sufficient to inhibit the polymerization of the alkyl acrylate or acrylates (I) in the presence and/or absence of oxygen.

Abstract: Processes for conversion of a carbonaceous composition into a gas stream comprising methane are provided, where an energy-efficient process and/or apparatus is used to separate methane out of a gas stream comprising methane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen. Particularly, methane can be separated from hydrogen and carbon monoxide using novel processes and/or apparatuses that generate methane hydrates. Because hydrogen and carbon monoxide do not readily form hydrates, the methane is separated from a gas stream. The methane can be captured as a substantially pure stream of methane gas by dissociating the methane from the hydrate and separating out any residual water vapor.

Abstract: The present invention provides carbon-containing adsorbent materials as well as processes for making them and processes for using them to remove contaminants from fluids.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hybrid combustor, such as an anode tailgas oxidizer (ATO), for fuel processing applications which combines both flame and catalytic type burners. The hybrid combustor of the present invention combines the advantages of both flame and catalytic type burners. The flame burner component of the hybrid combustor is used during start-up for the preheating of the catalytic burner component. As soon as the catalytic burner bed is preheated or lit off, the flame burner will be shut off. Optionally, the hybrid combustor may also include an integrated heat recovery unit located downstream of the catalytic burner for steam generation and for the preheating of the feed for a reformer, such as an autothermal reformer.

Abstract: High surface area iron oxides that can be ferroxane-derived iron oxides are described, as well as methods of using the same to remove at least a portion of one or more sulfur-containing species from a gas stream or liquid stream.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide is oxidized to sulfur by means of treatment with an aqueous acid solution containing trivalent iron and a hetero polyacid having formula (I): HnXVyM(12-y)O40; or a sole hetero polyacid having formula (II): HnMeM12O40; wherein the symbols X, M Me n and y are specified in the text. At the end of the oxidation, the solution is treated with gas containing oxygen to re-oxidize the reduced metal.

Abstract: Process for the production of sulfur, obtained in pure form, and possibly easily disposable even at ambient temperature, starting from hydrogen sulphide contained in natural gas, which includes: a) oxidizing a portion of hydrogen sulphide to sulfur dioxide; b) dissolving in water the sulfur dioxide obtained in step (a); c) carrying out the reaction (I): 2H2S+SO2?3S+2H2O (I) making the remaining hydrogen sulphide to react with the solution prepared in step (b); and d) using the thus obtained sulfur suspension for the production sulfur or, alternatively, to use it for the disposal of the sulfur itself in a site reserved for such purpose.

Abstract: An impurity removing unit removes an impurity gas from a target gas while the target gas is in a gaseous state. A compressing unit compresses the impurity gas to produce compressed impurity gas. A drying unit removes water from the compressed impurity gas to produce a dried compressed impurity gas. A disposing unit disposes the dried compressed impurity gas into an underground aquifer.

Abstract: A method for contacting a liquid with a gas in which the gas is introduced into a vessel containing at least one hollow fiber membrane having a plurality of porous hollow fibers. The liquid is introduced into a lumen of at least a portion of the plurality of porous hollow fibers at a liquid pressure sufficient to overcome a resistance to wetting of the porous hollow fibers, thereby covering at least a portion of an outer surface of the plurality of porous hollow fibers with the liquid and providing intimate contact between the gas and the liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for humidifying syngas to achieve a water to carbon monoxide molar ratio in the product syngas within a desired range and in which the molar ratio which can be varied over time in response to changes in downstream syngas requirements. The raw syngas is produced by reacting a carbonaceous material with oxygen, water, or carbon dioxide and can be combined with a diluent to produce a diluted syngas stream which can be cooled and contacted with liquid water to give a humidified syngas. The H2O:CO molar ratio of the humidified syngas may be adjusted in response to time-varying downstream syngas requirements by changing the amount and/or temperature of the diluent that is combined with the raw syngas stream, by adjusting quench and heat exchange conditions, or a combination thereof. The application of the process to the coproduction of chemicals and power are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention teaches a process that includes extraction of gas in which the presence of foam results in the carry over in the outlet gas stream of excessive liquids and/or solids, including the steps of injecting the foam laden gas stream tangentially into a cyclonic separator having an axial gas outlet and a liquid outlet, under conditions in which the inlet stream is subjected to at least about 150 G's, the outlet gas being substantially liquids/solids free and the outlet liquid stream being conveyed for disposal or further processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to particulate compositions of a lower ash type petroleum coke containing at least two preselected components (alkali metal and calcium) that exhibit an efficient, enhanced-yielding gasification to value added gaseous products, particularly when used in a steady-state integrated gasification process. The compositions of the present invention are particularly useful for catalytic gasification of petroleum coke at moderate temperatures ranging from about 450° C. to about 900° C. Advantageously, the compositions can be readily incorporated into fluidized bed gasification units, and can result in a cost-effective, high-yielding production of methane gas from petroleum coke.

Abstract: The present invention relates to particulate compositions of a lower ash type petroleum coke containing at least two preselected components (alkali metal and iron) that exhibit an efficient, enhanced-yielding gasification to value added gaseous products, particularly when used in a steady-state integrated gasification process. The compositions of the present invention are particularly useful for catalytic gasification of petroleum coke at moderate temperatures ranging from about 450° C. to about 900° C. Advantageously, the compositions can be readily incorporated into fluidized bed gasification units, and can result in a cost-effective, high-yielding production of methane gas from petroleum coke.

Abstract: A method of converting biological material into energy resources includes transmitting biological material to a pulsed electric field (PEF) station, and applying a PEF to the biological material within a treatment zone in the PEF station to generate treated biological material. The method also includes transmitting the treated biological material to a biogenerator, and processing the treated biological material in the biogenerator to produce an energy resource. A converter may carry out this process, and may include the PEF station and the biogenerator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating mercury and other undesired constituents from a natural gas stream includes passing the raw gas stream sequentially through a first separator, an amine treatment unit, a cooler, a second separator, a dehydrator, a cooler and a third separator. The first separator receives the natural gas stream and separates hydrocarbon and water condensates from the stream; the amine treatment unit removes acid gases; the cooler reduces the temperature of the gas stream to condense additional hydrocarbons and water that are removed by the second separator; and the dehydrator removes water vapor. Next, the temperature of the stream is reduced by the second cooler to condense the mercury and any remaining hydrocarbon vapors.

Abstract: The use is described of a mixture containing A) at least two different acrylic acid C1-C6 alkyl esters; B) at least one compound from the group comprising C1-C8 mercaptans, C4-C12 thiophenes, C2-C8 sulfides or C2-C8 disulfides; C) at least one compound from the group comprising norbornenes, C1-C5 carboxylic acids, C1-C8 aldehydes, C6-C14 phenols, C7-C14 anisoles or C4-C14 pyrazines; D) optionally an antioxidant for the odorisation of fuel gas having a methane content of at least 60 wt. %. Corresponding fuel gases and processes for the odorisation of fuel gases are also described.

Abstract: Tropospheric volume elements enriched with vital elements and/or protective substances as well as procedures for their production and application. The term “vital elements” applies to all matter supporting the development of life within the earth's biosphere and the term “protective substances” means all those substances which contribute directly or indirectly to the prevention of harmful effects on the earth's biosphere and in particular on man. Tropospheric volume elements in the form of clouds which contain contaminants and which can escape from industrial facilities due to damage or malfunction are enriched with protective substances which prevent the organism from taking in radioactive elements and minimize the extent of the area affected by the clouds and possess additional warning and identification properties.

Abstract: The invention is a continuous process for producing methane from an underground coal bed or an above ground carbon-containing resource using hydrogen as a recycling working fluid.

Abstract: Produced natural gas containing carbon dioxide is dehydrated and chilled to liquefy the carbon dioxide and then fractionated to produce a waste stream of liquid carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Natural gas liquids may be first separated and removed before fractionation. After fractionation, the waste stream is pressurized and transmitted to a remote injection well for injection either for disposal of the waste stream and preferably to urge hydrocarbons toward the producing well. A hydrocarbon stream proceeds from fractionation to a methanol absorber system which removes carbon dioxide gas. The hydrocarbon stream is thereafter separated into at least hydrocarbon gas, nitrogen and helium. Some of the nitrogen is reintroduced into a fractionation tower to enhance the recovery of hydrocarbons. A methanol recovery system is provided to recover and reuse the methanol. The hydrocarbons are sold as natural gas and the helium is recovered and sold. Excess nitrogen is vented.

Abstract: Produced natural gas containing carbon dioxide is dehydrated and chilled to liquefy the carbon dioxide and then fractionated to produce a waste stream of liquid carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Natural gas liquids may be first separated and removed before fractionation. After fractionation, the waste stream is pressurized and transmitted to a remote injection well for injection either for disposal of the waste stream and preferably to urge hydrocarbons toward the producing well. A hydrocarbon stream proceeds from fractionation to a methanol absorber system which removes carbon dioxide gas. The hydrocarbon stream is thereafter separated into at least hydrocarbon gas, nitrogen and helium. Some of the nitrogen is reintroduced into a fractionation tower to enhance the recovery of hydrocarbons. A methanol recovery system is provided to recover and reuse the methanol. The hydrocarbons are sold as natural gas and the helium is recovered and sold. Excess nitrogen is vented.

Abstract: Composition which can be used in particular as odorant for a gaseous fuel, more particularly natural gas, comprising: from 0.1 to 49.9 parts by weight of at least one alkyl sulphide (I) of formula: R1—S—R2 ?in which R1 and R2, which are identical or different, represent: an alkyl radical comprising from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; or R1 and R2, taken with the sulphur atom to which they are attached, represent a saturated or unsaturated ring comprising from 3 to 5 carbon atoms which is optionally substituted by a C1-C4 alkyl or C1-C4 alkenyl radical; from 50 to 99.8 parts by weight of at least two alkyl acrylates (II), the alkyl radicals of which comprise from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 8; from 0.001 to 0.1 part by weight of at least one compound (III) which inhibits the polymerization of the alkyl acrylates (II).

Abstract: Compositions, methods and apparatus for the production of methane gas from poultry litter are provided. Particular features are selection of methanogens, well stirring of the digester, and control of critical parameters of digester temperature, pH, and solids content resulting in enhanced methane production and reduced nitrogen compositions. A benefit of the invention is the capability to maintain a closed system without waste by-products.

Abstract: The invention is directed to processes and apparatuses for gas treatment, in particular for the purification of methane rich gas streams, such as gas obtained from the conversion from organic matter (“biogas”). In accordance with the present invention there is provided an apparatus and a process for producing a purified methane comprising gas stream (P) from a methane containing gas stream (A), comprising the steps of: (a) pressurising said methane containing gas stream (A) and subsequently cooling it, whereby a stream comprising condensed contaminants (C) and a methane comprising stream (B) are obtained; (b) optionally feeding said methane comprising stream (B) to an adsorption unit and/or a catalytic conversion unit, whereby the concentration of contaminants in stream (B) is further decreased; and (c) cooling the methane comprising stream (B) to a temperature which is sufficient to condensate CO2 from said stream (B), whereby said purified methane comprising gas stream (P) is obtained.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling superheating and temperature of a compressed natural gas stream and the addition of a corrision inhibitor composition for transmission through a pipeline that includes: a. dividing a stream of natural gas discharged from a high pressure gas compressor (106) into a first portion (108) and a second portion (202); b. passing the first portion (108) of the gas from the gas compressor to a heat exchanger (112) to heat the gas to a predetermined temperature; c. passing the first portion of gas (111) exiting the heat exchanger to an aftercooler (114); d. passing the second portion (202) of natural gas discharged from the gas compressor (106) to the aftercooler (114) without passing it through the heat exchanger (112), the second portion of gas and the first portion of gas being mixed at the aftercooler inlet and cooled by the aftercooler and discharged from the aftercooler as a cooled gas stream (116) having a temperature no greater than a first temperature; e.

Abstract: A natural gas reformer system is provided. The natural gas reformer system includes a natural gas inlet configured to receive a natural gas slipstream. The natural gas reformer system also includes an air inlet configured to introduce a slip stream of air. The natural gas reformer system further includes a preconditioning zone configured to pretreat the natural gas slipstream. The natural gas reformer system also includes a mixing zone configured to mix the natural gas slipstream and the air in a rich proportion. The natural gas reformer system further includes a reaction zone configured to combust the natural gas and air to generate a syngas. The natural gas reformer system also includes a quench zone configured to mix the natural gas back into the syngas.

Abstract: A synthesis plant includes a separation system upstream of a synthesis loop that removes excess nitrogen and other gaseous compounds from a feed gas having a ratio of hydrogen to nitrogen of less than 3:1, thereby producing a syngas with a ratio of hydrogen to nitrogen at about 3:1. Particularly preferred separation systems include a coldbox with a refrigerant other than air, or a pressure swing absorption system.

Abstract: Selective, irreversible removal of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and other sulfhydryl compounds from a gas stream, such as sour natural gas and sour hydrocarbon liquids is achieved with a scavenging agent having hydroxyalkyl functionality and alkylamine functionality. This scavenger possesses a higher capacity for H2S removal compared with a scavenger having only hydroxyalkyl functionality. The scavenging agent is made by reacting at least one alkanolamine and at least one alkyl amine with an aldehyde, such as formaldehyde.

Abstract: A process for the removal of hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans from a gas stream containing a high ratio of mercaptans to hydrogen sulfide, wherein the first step removes hydrogen sulfide by washing the gas stream with an aqueous washing solution comprising water, a physical solvent and a chemical solvent. The first removal step is followed by a second removal step by which mercaptans are removed from the washed gas stream by means of molecular sieves.

Abstract: A fuel supply device for direct methanol fuel cells includes a fuel tank for storing liquid fuel, a wick structure formed on the fuel tank, the wick structure for receiving the liquid fuel from the fuel tank, a sheet stack disposed on the wick structure, the sheet stack for absorbing and transferring, in an upward direction, the liquid fuel supplied to the wick structure, and an electrode plate disposed on the sheet stack for supplying, in an upward direction, the liquid fuel absorbed into the sheet stack. The fuel supply device may continuously and uniformly supply a proper amount of liquid fuel and effectively remove by-products generated in a fuel cell. Thus, a long life, efficient fuel cell may be created with the fuel supply device.

Abstract: A process for producing synthetic hydrocarbons that reacts carbon dioxide, obtained from seawater of air, and hydrogen obtained from water, with a catalyst in a chemical process such as reverse water gas shift combined with Fischer Tropsch synthesis. The hydrogen is produced by nuclear reactor electricity, nuclear waste heat conversion, ocean thermal energy conversion, or any other source that is fossil fuel-free, such as wind or wave energy. The process can be either land based or sea based.

Abstract: A PSA mechanism has adsorption towers. Cleaning valves and off gas valves are connected to the adsorption towers. Valve positions of at least either the cleaning valves or the off gas valves are determined based on an operation suspension period of the PSA mechanism or internal conditions which vary depending on the operation suspension period.

Abstract: Produced natural gas containing carbon dioxide is dehydrated and chilled to liquefy the carbon dioxide and then fractionated to produce a waste stream of liquid carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Natural gas liquids may be first separated and removed before fractionation. After fractionation, the waste stream is pressurized and transmitted to a remote injection well for injection either for disposal of the waste stream and preferably to urge hydrocarbons toward the producing well. A hydrocarbon stream proceeds from fractionation to a methanol absorber system which removes carbon dioxide gas. The hydrocarbon stream is thereafter separated into at least hydrocarbon gas, nitrogen and helium. Some of the nitrogen is reintroduced into a fractionation tower to enhance the recovery of hydrocarbons. A methanol recovery system is provided to recover and reuse the methanol. The hydrocarbons are sold as natural gas; and the helium is recovered and sold. Excess nitrogen is vented.