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

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A fuel reforming apparatus includes a reforming reaction section in which a reforming catalyst is disposed, and a reformed fuel distribution chamber. A fuel air mixture of a hydrocarbon fuel and air is reformed in the reforming reaction section. The reformed fuel is supplied from the reformed fuel distribution chamber to chambers of the engine. The adsorbent member is disposed between the reforming reaction section and the reformed fuel distribution chamber. The adsorbent member captures a non-reformed fuel.

Abstract: Hydrogen-rich reformate gas is produced by a fuel reformer (2) from fuel vapor containing hydrocarbon, which is produced by a fuel vaporizer (6), by means of a partial oxidation reaction and a steam reforming reaction. A fuel injector (8, 9) supplies fuel to the fuel vaporizer (6), and an air injector (8a) supplies air to the fuel vaporizer (6). A glow plug (13) partially oxidizes the air-fuel mixture inside the fuel vaporizer (6). By controlling the air supply amount in relation to the fuel supply amount to obtain an excess air factor corresponding to a predetermined rich air-fuel ratio, a part of the air-fuel mixture in the fuel vaporizer (6) is partially oxidized, and the remaining fuel vapor is heated by the oxidation heat. As a result, the partial oxidation reaction and steam reforming reaction in the fuel reformer (2) are performed with a favorable balance.

Abstract: A hydrogen-rich reformate gas generator (36), such as a mini-CPO, POX, ATR or other hydrogen generator provides warm, dry, hydrogen-rich reformate gas to a hydrogen desulfurizer (17) which provides desulfurized feedstock gas to a major reformer (14) (such as a CPO) which, after processing in a water-gas shift reactor (26) and preferential CO oxidizer (27) produces hydrogen-containing reformate in a line (31) for use, for instance, as fuel for a fuel cell power plant. The expensive prior art hydrogen blower (30) is thereby eliminated, thus reducing parasitic power losses in the power plant. The drier reformate provided by the small hydrogen generator to the hydrogen desulfurizer favors hydrogen sulfide adsorption on zinc oxide and helps to reduce sulfur to the parts per billion level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining combustion gases of high calorific value, wherein carbonaceous materials are allothermically gasified in a fluidized layer containing solid particles, using a gaseous gasifying agent and by supply of heat, and the gases thus produced are separated from the solid particles and withdrawn. Said method is characterized in that the solid particles are indirectly heated in a first descending bed and supplied to a second ascending fluidized bed in which the fluidized layer is formed and gasification takes place for the greatest part. The method further relates to an apparatus for performing said method.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of hydrogen and carbon monoxide rich gas by steam reforming of hydrocarbon feedstock in presence of a steam reforming catalyst supported as thin film on the wall of a reactor, comprising steps of (a) optionally passing a process gas of hydrocarbon feedstock through a first reactor with a thin film of steam reforming catalyst supported on walls of the reactor in heat conducting relationship with a hot gas stream; (b) passing effluent from the first reactor to a subsequent tubular reactor being provided with a thin film of steam reforming catalyst and/or steam reforming catalyst pellets and being heated by burning of fuel, thereby obtaining a partially steam reformed gas effluent and a hot gas stream of flue gas; (c) passing the effluent from the second reactor to an autothermal reformer; and (d) withdrawing from the autothermal reformer a hot gas stream of product gas rich in hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of generating a carburizing atmosphere stably generate a reformed gas containing carbon monoxide of high concentration that is suitably used as a carburizing atmosphere. A first reforming furnace and a second reforming furnace are connected in series. A first cooler that removes moisture in an intermediate reformed gas from the first reforming furnace and a hydrocarbon adding section that adds hydrocarbon to the intermediate reformed gas are disposed between the first and second reforming furnaces. A raw material mixed gas with a low mixture ratio of hydrocarbon is introduced into the first reforming furnace to cause a catalytic reaction, thereby generating the intermediate reformed gas. Moisture contained in the intermediate reformed gas is removed. Hydrocarbon is added to the intermediate reformed gas. The intermediate reformed gas is introduced into the second reforming furnace to cause a catalytic reaction, to generate a carburizing atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of reaction zones arranged in a common reaction chamber. The multi-step process includes: providing a fuel to the fuel processor so that as the fuel reacts and forms the hydrogen rich gas, the intermediate gas products pass through each reaction zone as arranged in the reactor to produce the hydrogen rich gas.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for increasing production of product that is formed in a reactor having a combustion section in which fuel is burned to produce heat to drive an endothermic reaction occurring within a reaction section. Production is increased by adding supplemental oxygen to air or other oxygen containing gas used to support combustion in the combustion section, thereby to generate more heat to support an increase in the endothermic reaction. Additionally, supplemental oxygen can be introduced into the reaction section to partially oxidize a reactant to generate heat and to allow an increase in the production of the product. Supplemental oxygen may be added directly to the steam-methane mixture, or to the combustion air.

Abstract: There is provided a process for preparation of synthesis gas from feedstocks containing methane and/or higher hydrocarbons having from about 2 to about 12 carbon atoms by an initial catalytic treatment of feedstock to provide a methane-containing gaseous mixture substantially free of compounds having 2 or more carbon atoms, and reforming the gaseous mixture at elevated temperatures using nickel-containing catalytic materials that are unusually active under mild conditions of conversion and resistant to deactivation. The process consists fundamentally in converting the higher hydrocarbon compounds to form the methane-containing gaseous mixture in an initial conversion zone containing a catalyst while controlling temperatures within the initial conversion zone to temperatures in a range downward from about 500° C. to about 300° C., and reforming the methane-containing gaseous mixture in a subsequent zone to form synthesis gas.

Abstract: A fuel processor for producing a hydrogen-rich product gas suitable for direct use in fuel cell applications includes a housing, an annular shift/methanator reactor vessel at least one reactor vessel wall disposed within the housing and forming an outer annular space between the at least one reactor vessel wall and the housing. A combustion chamber having at least one combustion chamber wall and forming a first inner annular space between the at least one combustion chamber wall and the at least one reactor vessel wall is disposed in the interior space formed by the annular shift/methanator reactor vessel, and a reformer reactor vessel having at least one reformer vessel wall and forming a second inner annular space between the at least one reformer vessel wall and the at least one combustion chamber wall is disposed within the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing a gas mixture containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and optionally nitrogen, from at least a hydrocarbon such as methane, propane, butane or LPG or natural gas, which comprises performing a partial catalytic oxidation of one or several hydrocarbons, at a temperature of 500° C., at a pressure of 3 to 20 bars, in the presence of oxygen or a gas containing oxygen, such as air, to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Recuperating the gas mixture, which can subsequently be purified or separated, by pressure swing adsorption, temperature swing adsorption or by permeation, to produce hydrogen having a purity of at least 80% and a residue gas capable of supplying a cogeneration unit. In another embodiment, the gas mixture can subsequently be purified of its water vapor impurities and carbon dioxide to obtain a thermal treatment atmosphere containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide and nitrogen.

Abstract: A miniature fuel reformer utilizes a metal thin film and includes a plurality of unit modules connected together.

Abstract: A gas refining method for adsorbing a reducing gas obtained by pressure gasification of coal or oil comprises introducing a reducing gas stream into an adsorbing and removing zone where it contacts an adsorbent. Sulfur-containing compounds are adsorbed onto the adsorbent and a first oxygen-containing gas stream is introduced into the adsorbing and removing zone in order to form a regeneration gas containing sulfur dioxide. The regeneration gas is contacted with a second oxygen-containing stream and a calcium-containing liquid slurry to effect absorption of sulfur dioxide by the slurry and precipitation of a gypsum compound. The temperature of the slurry is varied to cause selective precipitation of 60 -gypsum hemihydrate or gypsum dihydrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a hydrocarbon and oxygen containing gas feed stream to a product stream, such as syngas, including catalytically partially oxidizing the hydrocarbon feed stream over a catalyst bed. The catalyst bed has a downstream section which is less resistant to flow than the upstream section.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention generate a synthesis gas with a molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide of approximately 2:1 required for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Additional hydrogen produced in the steam reforming of methane beyond the requirements for the Fischer-Tropsch reaction is separated from the product gases of the reformer by the use of a hydrogen permeable membrane. Air is passed over the outside of the tube. As the hydrogen contacts the air, it is combusted with oxygen in the air to form water and release the heat necessary to drive the steam reforming reaction.

Abstract: A method for starting a fast light-off catalytic reformer for producing hydrogen-rich reformate fuel from hydrocarbon fuel and air, the reformer having means for receiving flows of fuel and air, a reforming catalyst for reforming the fuel and air mixture, and an ignition device. A control system selects fuel and air flow rates to form a lean fuel/air mixture and operates the ignition device to ignite the lean mixture to produce hot exhaust gases that flow over and heat the reforming catalyst for a first length of time. Fuel flow is then stopped temporarily for a second length of time, and further ignition is terminated. Fuel flow is then restarted and adjusted to provide a rich fuel/air mixture which is directed to the heated catalyst for reforming into reformate fuel. Air flow may also be adjusted in setting the lean and/or rich fuel/air mixtures.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of fueling gas turbines from natural gas reserves with relatively low methane concentrations. The invention permits the use of such reserves to be used to fuel gas turbines to generate electric power. The method of the invention includes providing a natural gas comprising not more than about 40 percent methane on a volume basis and mixing the methane of the natural gas with hydrogen gas to provide a hydrogen enhanced methane/hydrogen gas blend which has sufficient hydrogen to provide flame stability during burning. Thereafter, if required, the hydrogen enhanced methane/hydrogen gas blend is dehydrated to remove a sufficient amount of water to provide a flame stable hydrogen enhanced dehydrated methane/hydrogen gas blend. The hydrogen enhanced natural gas blend is used to fuel gas turbine generators.

Abstract: An autothermal reactor and method for producing synthesis gas in which a heated oxygen containing stream is expanded into a mixing chamber to entrain a hydrocarbon containing stream to form a reactant stream without reaction of the oxygen and hydrocarbon contents of the streams. The reactant stream is reacted in a series of sequential catalytic reaction zones to react the hydrocarbon and oxygen contained in the reactant stream to form the synthesis gas. The sequential catalytic reaction zones are configured such that an initial partial oxidation reaction occurs that is followed by endothermic reforming reactions having ever decreasing temperatures. The sequential catalytic reaction zones in which the endothermic reforming reactions occur contain a precious metal catalyst supported on ceramic supports that have successively greater surface areas to compensate for the temperature decrease while remaining stable and without a transform in state.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for rapidly heating fuel processor components during startup of a fuel cell powered vehicle. Rapid heating is achieved by placing a water adsorbent downstream of the fuel processor's primary reactor, which converts a hydrocarbon-based fuel to a hydrogen-rich fuel. In addition to hydrogen, the reformed fuel (reformate) includes carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and water. The water adsorbent, which has a high heat of adsorption, produces heat as it adsorbs water in the reformate. Heat generated by water adsorption enhances the rate at which fuel processor components, such as a water-gas-shift reactor, reach their operating temperatures. In addition, water adsorption reduces water condensation on the water-gas-shift reactor catalyst. Once the fuel processor components attain their operating temperatures, water desorbs from the adsorbent and is available for converting carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and hydrogen in the water-gas-shift reactor.

Abstract: Process for the production of synthesis gas, by means of catalytic partial oxidation or autothermal reforming of light hydrocarbons, which comprises partially oxidizing the hydrocarbon with oxygen coming from the reduction of at least one metal oxide selected from hexavalent chromium oxide, supported on an inert carrier and modified with an alkaline and/or earth-alkaline metal, and metal oxides capable of autonomously sustaining the catalytic partial oxidation reaction by means of redox cycles.

Abstract: A steam/hydrocarbon reformer employing a convection-heated pre-reformer is disclosed. The pre-reformer comprises catalyst-filled tubes disposed in the transition section between the radiant and convection sections. The pre-reformer tubes are transverse to the flow of flue gas from the radiant section. The pre-reformer achieves 10-20% of the total reforming load, and can be installed as a module or modules between the radiant and convection sections without increasing the size of the reformer.

Abstract: Experiments were conducted to investigate the reforming of organic compounds (primarily methanol) in supercritical water at 550° C.-700° C. and 27.6 MPa in a tubular Inconel® 625 reactor. The results show that methanol can be completely converted to a product stream that is low in methane and near the equilibrium composition of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. The effect of reactor temperature, feed concentration of methanol, and residence time on both conversion and product gas composition are presented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved catalyst compositions, as well as methods of making and using such compositions. In particular, preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise rare earth catalyst supports, catalyst compositions having rare earth supports, and methods of preparing and using the catalysts and supports. Accordingly, the present invention also encompasses an improved method for converting a hydrocarbon containing gas and an oxygen containing gas to a gas mixture comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide, i.e., syngas, using the rare earth catalyst supports in accordance with the present invention. In addition, the present invention contemplates an improved method for converting hydrocarbon gas to liquid hydrocarbons using the novel syngas catalyst supports and compositions described herein.

Abstract: A plasma fuel reformer reforms hydrocarbon fuels to produce a reformed gas which is supplied to the intake of an internal combustion engine, an emission abatement device, or a fuel cell. The plasma fuel reformer includes a catalytic substrate positioned in the reaction chamber of the plasma fuel reformer to facilitate the reforming process of gas exiting the plasma-generating assembly of the reformer. A method of operating a plasma fuel reformer is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a fuel reforming apparatus having a reformer for reforming a raw fuel containing a hydrocarbon-containing compound so as to produce a hydrogen-rich fuel gas for use in a fuel cell, a carbon removal process for removing carbon deposited on a reforming catalyst contained in the reformer is executed by controlling the amount of the raw fuel supplied to the reformer and the amount of the oxygen supplied to the reformer so that a ratio of the number of oxygen atoms O supplied to the reformer to the number of carbon atoms supplied to the reformer becomes larger than an appropriate range of the O/C ratio that is to be established during a normal operation of the reformer.

Abstract: According to an apparatus and method for determining degradation of a reforming catalyst degradation which reforms a mixture of air and fuel, in a reformer that supplies a reformate gas to an engine of a vehicle, a temperature sensor detects a temperature of a reforming reaction portion in which is provided a reforming catalyst. An ECU then determines the extent of degradation of the reforming catalyst based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: An improved fuel processor thermal management system for use with a fuel cell is disclosed. The process includes supplying an air stream and a fuel stream into a auto thermal reactor (ATR) and forming reformate gas therein. Then, preferentially oxidizing the reformate gas and the air stream in the preferential oxidizer reactor (PrOx). The temperature of the preferential oxidizer reaction is controlled with a water stream by vaporizing the water stream to form a first portion of vaporized water. Then, reacting the air stream with the reformate gas exiting the PrOx is reached in a fuel cell to form an anode exhaust stream which is subsequently combined with the air stream to heat the water stream to form a second portion of vaporized water. The first portion of vaporized water and the second portion of vaporized water form a steam fluid.

Abstract: A method for start-up and shut down of a fuel processor including an autothermal reformer employing a non-pyrophoric shift catalyst is disclosed. Also disclosed are a computer programmed to start-up or shut down a fuel processor including an autothermal reformer employing a non-pyrophoric shift catalyst or a program storage medium encoded with instruction that, when executed by a computer, start-up or shut down a fuel processor including an autothermal reformer employing a non-pyrophoric shift catalyst.

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

Abstract: This invention relates to a compact apparatus for generating hydrogen. More particularly, this invention relates to a compact hydrogen generating apparatus suitable for use in conjunction with a fuel cell. The compact hydrogen generating apparatus comprises a fuel processor reactor having an integrated pre-reforming zone embedded within a secondary reforming zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for a hydrocarbon reforming process includes a combustion chamber, a convection chamber in fluid communication with the combustion chamber, at least one burner disposed in the combustion chamber, a reaction chamber, a means for flowing a first mixed-feed through a first part of the reaction chamber, and a means for flowing a second mixed-feed through an annular portion of a second part of the reaction chamber, the second part being a tube-in-tube in fluid communication with the first part. The burner(s) generates a flow of a flue gas having a sensible heat from the combustion chamber to the convection chamber. The flow of the flue gas in the convection chamber is counter-currently with the flow of the second mixed-feed.

Abstract: A method and catalysts for producing a hydrogen-rich syngas are disclosed. According to the method a CO-containing gas contacts a water gas shift (WGS) catalyst, in the presence of water, preferably at a temperature of less than about 450° C. to produce a hydrogen-rich syngas.

Abstract: Low-energy hydrogen production is disclosed. A reforming exchanger is placed in parallel with a partial oxidation reactor in a new hydrogen plant with improved efficiency and reduced steam export, or in an existing hydrogen plant where the hydrogen capacity can be increased by as much as 20-30 percent with reduced export of steam from the hydrogen plant.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of reaction zones arranged in an insulated, box-shaped, compact fuel processor. The multi-step process includes preheating the hydrocarbon fuel utilizing integration with the inherent exothermic processes utilized with the fuel processor, reacting the preheated hydrocarbon fuel to form the hydrogen rich gas, and purifying the hydrogen rich gas to produce a gas that is suitable for consumption in a fuel cell.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for steam reforming a sulfur-containing hydrocarbon fuel, such as a diesel hydrocarbon fuel. The apparatus includes a desulphurization unit, a pre-reformer, and a steam reforming unit. A carbon dioxide fixing material is present in the steam reforming catalyst bed to fix carbon dioxide that is produced by the reforming reaction. The carbon dioxide fixing material is an alkaline earth oxide, a doped alkaline earth oxide or a mixture thereof. The fixing of carbon dioxide within the steam reforming catalyst bed creates an equilibrium shift in the steam reforming reaction to produce more hydrogen and less carbon monoxide. Carbon dioxide fixed in the catalyst bed can be released by heating the carbon dioxide fixing material or catalyst bed to a temperature in excess of the steam reforming temperature. Fuel processors having multiple catalyst beds and methods and apparatus for generating electricity utilizing such fuel processors in conjunction with a fuel cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation apparatus includes controls for delivering a feedstock to a reactor and a water gas step membrane reactor operating at a lower temperature than the reactor so as to efficiently produce purified hydrogen and manage heat within the apparatus. Catalytic combustion of feedstock in the presence of a combustible gas based on a computer controller facilitates operation. Flat plate heat exchangers in various configurations are contemplated as a reactor, water gas step membrane reactor, and purifier. Catalytic burning of feedstock in the presence of a combustible gas enhances apparatus efficiency.

Abstract: A hydrogen-rich reformate gas generator (36), such as a mini-CPO, POX, ATR or other hydrogen generator provides warm, dry, hydrogen-rich reformate gas to a hydrogen desulfurizer (17) which provides desulfurized feedstock gas to a major reformer (14) (such as a CPO) which, after processing in a water-gas shift reactor (26) and preferential CO oxidizer (27) produces hydrogen-containing reformate in a line (31) for use, for instance, as fuel for a fuel cell power plant. The expensive prior art hydrogen blower (30) is thereby eliminated, thus reducing parasitic power losses in the power plant. The drier reformate provided by the small hydrogen generator to the hydrogen desulfurizer favors hydrogen sulfide adsorption on zinc oxide and helps to reduce sulfur to the parts per billion level.

Abstract: A primary reactor for a fuel processor system that employs steam and air to convert a liquid hydrocarbon fuel into a hydrogen-rich gas stream. The liquid fuel and an air-steam mixture are mixed in a mixing region within the reactor. The fuel mixture is then directed through an electrically heated catalyst region that heats the mixture to the operation temperature of a light-off catalyst at system start-up. The heated fuel mixture is then directed through a light-off catalyst monolith where the hydrocarbon fuel is dissociated. Once the fuel mixture is heated to the operating temperature of the light-off catalyst, the electrically heated catalyst region is turned off because the exothermic reaction in the light-off catalyst monolith generates the heat necessary to sustain the catalytic reaction.

Abstract: A method for generating syngas having a H2:CO ratio of less than 2:1 including selecting a predetermined desired syngas H2:CO molar ratio, selecting a hydrocarbon with a natural H2:CO molar ratio less than the desired ratio, selecting a hydrocarbon with a natural H2:CO molar ratio greater than the desired ratio, mixing the two hydrocarbons such that the natural H2:CO molar ratio of the mixture is the desired ratio, and catalytically partially oxidizing the mixture to produce syngas with the desired ratio.

Abstract: A method of operating a combustion apparatus such as an internal combustion engine is described, in which the apparatus includes at least one combustion chamber with an inlet port for primary combustion air, an apparatus to introduce into the combustion chamber primary fuel for combustion with the primary air, an exhaust port for combustion products, and an exhaust system for exhausting the combustion products to atmosphere, the method including introducing into the exhaust system secondary air, mechanically acting upon the secondary air and products of combustion in the exhaust system in the presence of a catalyst, to produce a reformed fuel, introducing the reformed fuel into the combustion chamber for combustion with primary fuel and primary air.

Abstract: A cylindrical steam reforming unit comprising a plurality of cylindrical bodies consisting of a first cylindrical body, a second cylindrical body and a third cylindrical body of successively increasing diameters disposed in a concentric spaced relation, a radiation cylinder disposed within and concentrically with the first cylindrical body, a burner disposed in the radial central portion of the radiation cylinder, and a reforming catalyst layer with a reforming catalyst filled in a gap between the first and second cylindrical bodies, wherein a CO shift catalyst layer and a CO removal catalyst layer are disposed in a gap between the second and third cylindrical bodies, the CO shift catalyst layer being formed in a gap with the direction of flow reversed at one axial end of the reforming catalyst layer and through a heat recovery layer of predetermined length.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A fuel conversion reactor includes a shell-and-tube heat exchanger for controlling the temperature of a hot gaseous mixture produced by catalytic or non-catalytic reaction of a fuel with a gaseous fluid, and for controlling the temperature of the gaseous fluid and/or the fuel prior to the reaction. The reactor is either a catalytic or non-catalytic burner, or a fuel reformer for converting a fuel to hydrogen. A preferred reactor includes an outer shell having first and second ends and an inner surface, a primary inner shell extending into the outer shell, the primary inner shell defining a heat exchanging chamber and having primary and secondary ends, and a secondary inner shell having a first end located adjacent the secondary end of the primary inner shell. One or more outlet apertures are formed between the two inner shells for passage of the gaseous fluid out of the heat exchanging chamber.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A device and method for separating water into hydrogen and oxygen is disclosed. A first substantially gas impervious solid electron-conducting membrane for selectively passing protons or hydrogen is provided and spaced from a second substantially gas impervious solid electron-conducting membrane for selectively passing oxygen. When steam is passed between the two membranes at dissociation temperatures the hydrogen from the dissociation of steam selectively and continuously passes through the first membrane and oxygen selectively and continuously passes through the second membrane, thereby continuously driving the dissociation of steam producing hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen is thereafter reacted with methane to produce syngas which optimally may be reacted in a water gas shift reaction to produce CO2 and H2.

Abstract: A synthetic gas manufacturing plant includes a reformer having a reaction tube, a combustion radiation unit arranged around the reaction tube to heat the reaction tube, and a convection unit communicating with the combustion radiation unit, a source gas supply passageway to supply a natural gas to the reformer, a steam supply passageway to supply steam to the source gas supply passageway, a carbon dioxide recovery apparatus to which a total amount of combustion exhaust gas flowing through the convection unit of the reformer is supplied, and which recovers carbon dioxide from the combustion exhaust gas, a compressor to compress the recovered carbon dioxide, and a return passageway to supply part or the whole of the compressed carbon dioxide from the compressor to the source gas supply passageway.

Abstract: A reactor vessel for the catalytic reforming of air and steam-fuel mix into a hydrogen rich output gas is designed to relevant pressure code requirements. The steam-fuel mix and/or air provided to the vessel may be internally pre-heated prior to contacting the catalyst. Reformate is selectively directed into a recuperator to accomplish such heating. A bypass valve to divert reformate around the recuperator is also provided to allow control of the reaction conditions. Notably, this control may be performed manually or by way of an automated system. The resulting vessel enhances the safety and performance of the vessel, and it is more easily integrated into a complete fuel processor system. A method for achieving these goals is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator, especially for generating treatment gas containing CO and H2, for heat treating metallic material at high temperatures. Said gas generator comprises at least one catalytic retort and has means for heating at least partial areas of the catalytic retort(s). According to the invention, the catalytic retort is divided into at least two retort areas (1, 2a, 2b, 2e) and at least one of the retort areas (1), preferably the retort area (1) located first in the direction of flow-through, is configured so that it can be removed from the gas generator.