Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improved processes for the preparation of metal hydrides. The present disclosure also relates to metal hydrides, e.g., metal hydrides prepared by the processes described herein, that exhibit enhanced hydrogen storage capacity when used as hydrogen storage systems.

Abstract: A control device for a power generation system whereby power is generated by a first power source that operates by burning a fuel. The control device identifies, on the basis of a pressure difference in a prior-stage mechanism that supplies the fuel to the first power source, a fuel capacity that compensates for the pressure difference in the prior-stage mechanism. The pressure difference is the difference between a pressure set for the fuel before a load change in the prior-stage mechanism and a pressure set for the fuel after the load change in the prior-stage mechanism. The control device calculates a fuel supply command value, which is a command value for adjusting the amount of fuel supplied to a fuel supply device that supplies the fuel to the first power source, and is output to the fuel supply device using a fuel supply acceleration command value.

Abstract: A method includes combusting a fuel and an oxidant in a combustor of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) gas turbine system that produces electrical power and provides a portion of the electrical power to an electrical grid. The method further includes controlling, via one or more processors, one or more parameters of the EGR gas turbine system to decrease the portion of the electrical power provided to the electrical grid in response to an over-frequency event associated with the electrical grid, wherein controlling the one or more parameters comprises decreasing a flow rate of fuel to the combustor in response to the over-frequency event.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing gas pressure in a pressure vessel from dropping below a minimum allowable pressure. Pressure readings from a pressure sensor downstream of a pressure regulator are monitored by a processor as they vary within a steady fluctuation band under normal regulated pressure conditions. When the pressure regulator reaches a fully open position in low vessel pressure conditions, the processor detects a drop in the pressure reading to a value below the recent fluctuation band, and recognizes that the pressure is dropping below the regulation pressure value. The processor can use this information to shut off flow of gas from the vessel, thus preventing the vessel from dropping below its minimum allowable pressure, regardless of the actual magnitude of the pressure reading from the sensor—which can vary through a wide range due to tolerances.

Abstract: Portable hydrogen generators are disclosed. In the various embodiments, the generator may include a chamber configured to endothermically decompose a material positioned within the chamber to generate hydrogen gas. A heater may be in thermal communication with the material to stimulate a release of the hydrogen gas. An electrical power source may be controllably coupled to the heater, so that electrical power delivered to the heater may be controlled in response to at least one detected property of the hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A hydrogen manufacturing system for performing offgas flow control includes: a vaporizer (1) for heating a material mixture containing a hydrocarbon material; a reforming reactor (2) for generating hydrogen-containing reformed gas by reforming reactions of the material; a PSA separator (5) for repeating a cycle of adsorption and desorption, where in the adsorption PSA separation is performed with an adsorption tower loaded with an adsorbent to adsorb unnecessary components in the reformed gas and extract hydrogen-enriched gas out of the tower, and in the desorption the offgas containing the unnecessary components from the adsorbent and remaining hydrogen is discharged from the tower; and a buffer tank (6) for holding the offgas before supplying to the vaporizer. The offgas flow supply from the tank (6) to the vaporizer is changed continuously over time when the cycle time is changed according to load change on the separator (5).

Abstract: A hydrogen manufacturing system for performing offgas flow control includes: a vaporizer (1) for heating a material mixture containing a hydrocarbon material; a reforming reactor (2) for generating hydrogen-containing reformed gas by reforming reactions of the material; a PSA separator (5) for repeating a cycle of adsorption and desorption, where in the adsorption PSA separation is performed with an adsorption tower loaded with an adsorbent to adsorb unnecessary components in the reformed gas and extract hydrogen-enriched gas out of the tower, and in the desorption the offgas containing the unnecessary components from the adsorbent and remaining hydrogen is discharged from the tower; and a buffer tank (6) for holding the offgas before supplying to the vaporizer. The offgas flow supply from the tank (6) to the vaporizer is changed continuously over time when the cycle time is changed according to load change on the separator (5).

Abstract: Feedstock delivery systems and hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies and fuel cell systems containing the same. The feedstock delivery systems include a liquid pump that draws at least one liquid feedstock from a supply and delivers at least one feed stream containing the feedstock(s) to a fuel processor, such as to the hydrogen-producing region thereof. The feedstock delivery system further includes a recycle conduit that establishes a fluid flow path for the liquid feedstock(s) from a location downstream of the pump back to a location upstream of the pump. In some embodiments, the feedstock delivery system further includes a flow restrictor associated with the recycle conduit and a pressure-actuated valve that selectively permits the recycled feedstock to bypass the flow restrictor. In some embodiments, the pump is configured to draw a greater flow rate of the feed stream from the supply than is delivered to the fuel processor.

Abstract: Feedstock delivery systems and hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies and fuel cell systems containing the same. The feedstock delivery systems include a liquid pump that draws at least one liquid feedstock from a supply and delivers at least one feed stream containing the feedstock(s) to a fuel processor, such as to the hydrogen-producing region thereof. The feedstock delivery system further includes a recycle conduit that establishes a fluid flow path for the liquid feedstock(s) from a location downstream of the pump back to a location upstream of the pump. In some embodiments, the feedstock delivery system further includes a flow restrictor associated with the recycle conduit and a pressure-actuated valve that selectively permits the recycled feedstock to bypass the flow restrictor. In some embodiments, the pump is configured to draw a greater flow rate of the feed stream from the supply than is delivered to the fuel processor.

Abstract: Feedstock delivery systems and hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies and fuel cell systems containing the same. The feedstock delivery systems include a liquid pump that draws at least one liquid feedstock from a supply and delivers at least one feed stream containing the feedstock(s) to a fuel processor, such as to the hydrogen-producing region thereof. The feedstock delivery system further includes a recycle conduit that establishes a fluid flow path for the liquid feedstock(s) from a location downstream of the pump back to a location upstream of the pump. In some embodiments, the feedstock delivery system further includes a flow restrictor associated with the recycle conduit and a pressure-actuated valve that selectively permits the recycled feedstock to bypass the flow restrictor. In some embodiments, the pump is configured to draw a greater flow rate of the feed stream from the supply than is delivered to the fuel processor.

Abstract: A gas supplying system for fuel cell includes a reformer generating a reformed gas by reforming a mixed raw material including a fuel and a first water, a piping network distributing the reformed gas to fuel cell systems each of which is installed in different rooms or buildings, a drain recovery unit recovering a water condensed from the reformed gas in the piping network. The piping network has a circulating route. By the circulation route, the reformed gas does not stay in the piping network so that the water condensation in the piping is suppressed. The water in the piping is removed by the drain recovery unit. According to this configuration, the clogging and corrosion of the piping caused by the condensed water is avoided.

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 pressure maintaining system for a hydrogen storage system includes a hydrogen supply feed that enables a hydrogen flow from the hydrogen storage system. A liquid phase hydrogen feed enables a liquid phase hydrogen flow to the hydrogen supply feed. A gas phase hydrogen feed enables a gas phase hydrogen flow to the hydrogen supply feed. A check valve enables fluid communication from the hydrogen supply feed to the liquid phase hydrogen feed when a pressure within the hydrogen supply feed is greater than a threshold pressure.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas station is disclosed comprising, a reformer configured to generate a hydrogen-rich reformed gas through reforming reaction of an organic compound, a gas supply port configured to communicate with a gas supply pipe to supply the reformed gas to a plurality of fuel cells, and a gas recovery port configured to communicate with a gas recovery pipe to receive an off gas containing hydrogen unconsumed from the fuel cells, the hydrogen gas station being configured to consume the off gas.

Abstract: A mixture formation means for the reformer of a fuel cell system or for a heater. The fuel feed includes a pressure impulse injection means and the mixture formation area is a swirl chamber having a discharge nozzle connected to the pressure impulse injection device. Also included is a fuel heater for preheating the fuel before injection in order to achieve complete vaporization of the fuel, such as diesel fuel.

Abstract: A fuel reforming system comprises a reforming catalyst section (4) performing reformate reactions on supplied fuel gas, a membrane hydrogen separator (5) extracting hydrogen from the reformate gas, a supply device (8–14) supplying combustion gas for heating the membrane reactor (2), a sensor (16) for detecting the temperature of the membrane hydrogen separator (5) and a controller. The supply device supplies combustion gas to the membrane reactor (2) before the reforming catalyst section starts reformate reactions during startup of the membrane reactor (2). Furthermore the supply device stops supply of combustion gas to the membrane reactor (2) when the temperature of the membrane hydrogen separator (5) is greater than or equal to a target temperature. Thereafter the fuel supply device supplies fuel to the fuel reforming catalyst section (4). In this manner, hydrogen embrittlement in the membrane hydrogen separator can be avoided.

Abstract: A fuel supply apparatus reduces fuel vaporization and leakage the positions of vaporization and leakage and their amount in the fuel tank and the fuel pipe is detected properly in case of using a low boiling point fuel having a vapor phase in the normal temperatures and atmospheric pressures, and the fuel state is controlled based on those detected values. By providing another container made of elastomatic material having an expandable mechanical characteristic inside the fuel storing container, the low boiling point fuel is stored in the separate container. A flow rate controlling apparatus heat or cools the fuel pipe leading the low boiling point fuel stored in the fuel storing container to the engine. A flow rate controlling apparatus adjusts the flow rate of the fuel in the fuel pipe for leading the low boiling point fuel stored in the fuel storing container to the engine.

Abstract: A process for heating fuel gas under high pressure before it is expanded. The gas is directly heated by burning part of the gas in the gas pipeline.

Abstract: A pressure regulator for a fuel cell unit includes a membrane that separates the pressure regulator into an anode-side region and a cathode-side region. The membrane is acted in the anode-side region by the pressure of the anode side of the fuel cell unit and in the cathode-side region by the pressure of the cathode side of the fuel cell unit. The pressure regulator further includes an actuator connected to the membrane, wherein the actuator sets a predetermined pressure on at least one of the anode and cathode sides.

Abstract: The invention concerns, as can be seen from FIG. 2, a device and a process for heating fuel gas under high pressure before it is expanded. The gas is directly heated by burning part of the gas in the gas-containing container.

Abstract: Initially, a ship containing LNG sails to an existing offshore natural gas pipeline. Such pipelines are often found on offshore natural gas platforms. The ship containing LNG then connects to a gasification device, which may be located on the ship, the platform, or on another ship (e.g., a barge). This gasification device, in turn, connects to the pipeline and supplies the pipeline with natural gas. In this manner, natural gas can be supplied to an existing pipeline without involving a land-based gasification device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas pressure safety device used in the natural gas distribution systems leading to homes or other customers. This safety device is connected to a gas venting device that allows excess gas to exit therefrom. The safety device is made up of a needle valve, a pressure sensing pilot and a spring-diaphragm actuator. The needle valve is used to restrict the rate of gas flow into the actuator to a rate less than that that can be vented by the pressure sensing pilot. When an excess pressure is generated in the distribution system, the pressure sensing pilot senses when to exhaust the excess gas through the actuator and out of the gas venting device to the atmosphere.

Abstract: The gas distribution system has a main gas line in gas flow connection with several components including a gas pressure safety structure. A pressure regulator is located on a front or forward portion of the main gas line and reduces the gas pressure at a point in the main gas line subsequent to the pressure regulator. There is an auxiliary gas line that extends from a point on the main line before the gas pressure regulator to the gas pressure safety structure. The gas pressure safety structure has in gas flow connection a source pressure regulator, as inspirator and a pressure sensing pilot all in gas flow connection with a gas venting device. Upon overpressurization the pressure sensing pilot will be activated and the inspirator will cause a vacuum to be formed in its connection with the gas venting device. This vacuum will open the gas venting device to permit the excess gas to be vented to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for regulating the pressure of a gas produced in a reactor and withdrawn from the reactor continuously by means of a gas compressor lying in a gas withdrawal path, to a substantially constant pressure value in the reactor, in which a first setting member influencing the gas withdrawal rate through the gas withdrawal path is controlled in dependence upon the pressure of the gas in the reactor by way of a first regulating section, characterized in that in dependence upon the pressure of the gas in the reactor moreover by way of a second regulating section a second setting member which influences the gas return rate in a gas return path connecting the gas withdrawal path downstream of the gas compressor with the gas withdrawal path upstream of the gas compressor or with the reactor is controlled, the controlling of the second setting member taking place with less inertia than the controlling of the first setting member.

Abstract: A pneumatically controlled system is provided for detecting and isolating a rupture in one or more lines of a parallel looped gas transmission network employing valve controlled equalizing lines at intervals. When the gas transmission network incorporates three or four mainlines the direction and magnitude of flow in the equalizing lines is sensed pneumatically and a pneumatic signal representing such flow is transmitted to a control module. The control module is effective to close selected mainline valves and equalizing line valves to isolate a ruptured pipeline section while permitting other valves to remain open thus continuing gas transmission in other portions of the transmission system.

Abstract: A system for treating natural gas from a gas source, such as a gas well, to make it suitable for safe transport in high tensile strength pressure vessels at pressures in excess of 2000 psi. The system comprises suitable pipes and valves for taking gas from a gas well. A separator is provided for removing free liquids from the gas fed thereto from the gas well to provide a substantially liquid-free gas. A compressor compresses the substantially liquid-free gas to a higher pressure to reduce the volume of the gas for storage in the pressure vessels. A cooler is further provided to reduce the volume of gas and to recondition the gas for dehydration. A dehydrator substantially lowers the water vapor content in the gas to a concentration of less than 0.1 lb H.sub.2 O/mmscf of gas to prevent the formation of free water within the pressure vessels when transporting and unloading the gas and which water would cause internal corrosion and failure of the pressure vessels.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulation feed for gas consumption from a source with a variable gas production. The apparatus is characterized by two chambers (1, 2). These communicate in their lower parts with each other. At least the first chamber (1) is closed in its upper end. The lower part of the chambers (1, 2) is provided with a gas inlet (3) from said source for gas production and a gas outlet (5) to said consumer. In the second chamber (2) there is provided a means (15) regulated by the liquid level for starting and shutting off the gas consumer.

Abstract: A pneumatic power supply for use in powering servo controls and actuators s a filament wound composite and aluminum ultra-high pressure vessel containing helium within which there is mounted an internal pyrotechnic heat generating element to provide thermal energy to the system. The heater compensates for adiabatic cooling of the gas inventory during blow down, i.e., during delivery of high pressure gas to power pneumatic servo controls and actuators in missiles. At the beginning of the blowdown, the heater element burns at a predetermined rate which adds heat to the compressed gas so that the gas temperature remains relatively constant, effectively increasing run time. The pressurized gas is delivered by means of a pressure regulator from the pressure vessel to the delivery system for use in the pneumatic control system.

Abstract: A combined cycle coal gasification power plant includes a coal gasifier which generates low BTU coal gas for consumption by a gas turbine. Before being applied to the gas turbine, the coal gas is passed through a clean-up system which removes undesirable constituents from the coal gas. Efficient operation of the clean-up system requires that a predetermined discharge pressure of clean coal gas leaving the clean-up system must be maintained. A control system controls the coal gasifier according to either one of the discharge pressure of clean coal gas and the turbine power output requirement while maintaining the clean coal gas discharge pressure and power output at predetermined values.

Abstract: A method of cooling natural gas in a system in which the natural gas contains components other than methane which are separable by dewpoint condensation and the natural gas is available from a source, e.g. a well, at an elevated pressure. In accordance with the present invention, the natural gas is initially expanded in a work-producing expansion turbine to cool the natural gas to a temperature below the dew point of the components to be separated and the portion of the natural gas remaining after separating these components is compressed in a compressor which can in part be driven by the turbine so that at least a portion of the work output of the turbine is at least in some cases utilized for compressing the methane-containing portion which can be forced under pressure into a pipeline.

Abstract: A control valve automatically regulating the flow of gas fuel to the inlet of a gas fuel compressor to maintain the pressure in a gas fuel line, leading to an appliance, above a minimum predetermined level.

Abstract: A regulator installation, for controlling the pressure and/or flow of gas in a gas transmission or distribution system, comprising a compact module (10) having an inlet (32) and an outlet (33) adapted to be fitted in a pipeline (1) and containing within its outer shell (21,22,23) a removable assembly secured by locking means (29,30) and which carries the essential elements (2 to 9 and 43 to 45) of the regulator installation such that the gas flow path from the inlet (32) passes through the elements (2 to 5) to the outlet (33). The shell is provided with a removable cover (23) for gaining access to the control elements (6 to 9 and 43 to 45) and to the locking means (30) for enabling the assembly (31) to be removed for servicing and replacement.FIG. 2 is suggested as the drawing to accompany the Abstract.

Abstract: In a fuel gas distribution system, at least one fuel gas stream is mixed with air to achieve a heating value equivalency which is the same as that of another fuel gas having a different heating value and specific gravity. The heating value equivalency is defined as the heating value of a fuel gas in heat units per unit of volume divided by the square root of the specific gravity of the gas. A control system is employed to measure the specific gravity, pressure, temperature and flow rate of the first gas in a first gas stream, and the pressure, temperature and flow rate of air in a second stream, and to control the flow rate of the gas from the first stream and air from the second stream such that the resulting mixture from the two streams has the same heating value equivalency as that of a third gas which was used to adjust the gas burners for use in that system.

Abstract: Apparatus for limiting fuel gas fed to the gas flare unit in a coal pressure gasification unit provided with a gas-steam turbine power plant connected thereto. Safety valves and a pressure orifice minimize atmospheric pollution.

Abstract: A metal hydride fuel system incorporating a plurality of storage elements that may be individually replaced to provide a hydrogen fuel system for combustion engines having a capability of partial refueling is presented.

Abstract: A power plant for connection to a main pipe conveying a pressure medium such as natural gas, includes a branch pipe connected to the main pipe, an energy conversion device such as a turbine or a piston pump connected to receive pressure medium from the branch pipe and operable to convert pressure energy of the medium into usable energy, and an intermediate buffer reservoir connected to receive pressure medium from the conversion device and supplying the pressure medium from the reservoir to a load which consumes pressure medium.

Abstract: A system for generating and delivering vapors to a vapor deposition station is disclosed which comprises a bubbler 10 adapted to contain a supply of liquid, a bubbler heater 14 thermally coupled with the bubbler and electrically coupled with a heater controller, a temperature controlled chamber 23 located above the bubbler, and means 58,59 for heating the space within the temperature controlled chamber. A carrier gas intake conduit 27,28 extends through the temperature controlled chamber and down into the bubbler through which carrier gas may be introduced into the bubbler. A vapor exhaust conduit 41,49 extends upwardly from the bubbler and through the temperature controlled chamber through which vapors may be carried from the bubbler entrained with the carrier gas to the vapor deposition station. A sensor 52 is positioned within that portion of the vapor exhaust conduit located within the temperature controlled chamber and operatively coupled with the bubbler heater controller.

Abstract: A system for supplying hydrogen to an apparatus which utilizes hydrogen, contains a metal hydride hydrogen supply component and a microcavity hydrogen storage hydrogen supply component which in tandem supply hydrogen for the apparatus. The metal hydride hydrogen supply component includes a first storage tank filled with a composition which is capable of forming a metal hydride of such a nature that the hydride will release hydrogen when heated but will absorb hydrogen when cooled. This first storage tank is equipped with a heat exchanger for both adding heat to and extracting heat from the composition to regulate the absorption/deabsorption of hydrogen from the composition. The microcavity hydrogen storage hydrogen supply component includes a second tank containing the microcavity hydrogen supply. The microcavity hydrogen storage contains hydrogen held under high pressure within individual microcavities. The hydrogen is released from the microcavities by heating the cavities.

Abstract: A method of conveying a gas such as natural gas over long distances through a pipeline having a number of sections in series with intermediate compressor stations the pressure and temperature of the gas at entry to each pipeline section being such that the drop in pressure of the gas in each pipe section creates a drop in gas temperature and this low temperature gas is used to recool the gas heated by compression before it enters the next pipeline section.

Abstract: There is disclosed an installation and process for "blowing down" a pipeline containing either a high pressure flammable gas or a high pressure flammable liquid which vaporizes upon the reduction of pressure. The installation includes a pipe section for connection to the pipeline, a throttling valve for creating a pressure drop downstream thereof, and a manifold delivering throttled gas to a plurality of flare units for burning the gas from the pipeline.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating acetylene gas by reacting water and calcium carbide wherein a tank containing water is pressurized by a pump in a manner feeding the water to another vessel wherein it reacts with particulate calcium carbide to generate acetylene gas. A portion of the acetylene gas is returned through a pressure regulator to the water tank in a manner maintaining regulated system operating pressure on the water to sustain the reaction without overproduction of the gas. The apparatus can be located in a vehicle for on board generation of acetylene gas as fuel for the internal combustion engine thereof.

Abstract: A method of controlling the capacity of a gas blower for pumping gas at a given discharge pressure involving cooling the gas at the suction side of the blower. The method is especially useful for controlling the pressure in a liquefied gas storage tank so as to maintain it substantially constant. The boil-off gas in the tank is exhausted by a gas blower and liquefied gas is injected into the boil-off gas exhausted from the tank at a point on the suction side of the blower for cooling the boil-off gas exhausted from the tank prior to its being pumped by the blower. The amount of liquefied gas injected into the boil-off gas is proportional to the pressure of the boil-off gas in the storage tank.

Abstract: A method of distributing natural gas by pipeline comprising pumping liquefied natural gas (LNG) for a predetermined portion of the desired distance, applying processes in which the refrigeration value of the gas is utilized and the high boiling point components are separated, and then vaporizing the remaining liquid prior to its being further transported by pipeline in the gaseous phase.

Abstract: A flash back arrestor for use in gas supply lines. The arrestor includes an elongated passageway through which the gases flow in one direction and through which the flash back must pass in the reverse direction. A pressure-actuated valve at the inlet end of the passageway is actuated by pressures from the flash back at the discharge end of the passageway. The valve consists of a valve member in the form of a piston freely movable under the influence of flash back pressures against a valve seat at the inlet to the passageway. The valve member carries a locking arrangement which moves under the influence of the flash back to latch the valve member with a biasing force to the closed position after a flash back occurs. Additionally, a second valve is provided actuated by the flash back to vent the flash back to the atmosphere. A separate flow actuated check valve prevents backflow to the gas supply tank in the event the flow direction should reverse, not caused by a flash back.