Abstract: A method of recovery of rich gas where the rich gas is a hydrocarbon gas comprising less than 50 mole % methane is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of gathering the low pressure gas, compressing the gathered gas, cooling the compressed gas in a condenser so that a portion of the compressed gas condenses to form a liquefied gas and liquefied gas vapour in the condenser, and discharging the liquefied gas and liquefied gas vapour from the condenser, in which the cooling of the compressed gas is performed using at least one heat exchanger (40).

Abstract: A system includes a carbon dioxide treatment system that includes a catalyst configured to treat carbon dioxide to produce a treated carbon dioxide. The system also includes a gasifier injector configured to inject the treated carbon dioxide, a fuel, and oxygen into a gasifier. The gasifier injector may be coupled to or located inside the gasifier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a four-component catalyst and a seven-component catalyst and refractory supports for use in the thermoneutral reforming of petroleum-based liquid hydrocarbon fuels.

Abstract: Methods and systems for gasifier system are provided. The system includes a two-stage particulate separator having a side draw-off connector configured as a first virtual impactor, the first virtual impactor configured to separate a substantially particulate free flow of a reaction product from a particulate laden flow of the reaction product. The two-stage particulate separator also includes a transfer line coupled downstream of said draw-off connector, a second virtual impactor coupled downstream of the transfer line, and a quench chamber coupled downstream from the second virtual impactor, such that the quench chamber is configured to receive at least the particulate laden flow of the reaction product.

Abstract: A process for partial oxidation of hydrocarbons in a reactor, in which a stream comprising the hydrocarbon and a stream comprising the oxygen are fed to the reactor, wherein both streams fed to the reactor are conducted within the reactor separately through in each case one or more spatially separate lines, these lines having turbulence generators in their interior, owing to which, as a result of the imposed deflection of the flow direction downstream of turbulence generators, a highly turbulent flow field forms, and the streams are then mixed in a mixing zone after exiting from the lines and then converted in a reaction zone.

Abstract: A method for controlling the peak temperature of a fluid gasification zone used for the gasification of carbonaceous materials to a syngas. Pulsed oxygen is used to control the peak temperature of the gasification zone and to avoid hot spots in the gasifier.

Abstract: Method of producing syngas in an IGCC system, comprising compressing and heating carbon dioxide-rich gas to produce heated compressed carbon dioxide-rich gas, mixing the heated compressed carbon dioxide-rich gas with oxygen and feedstock to form a feedstock mixture, subjecting the feedstock mixture to gasification to produce syngas, cooling the syngas in a radiant syngas cooler, contacting syngas cooled in the radiant syngas cooler with compressed carbon dioxide-rich gas to further cool the syngas, and removing an amount of carbon dioxide-rich gas from the product mixture and compressing the removed carbon dioxide-rich gas prior to mixing with oxygen and feedstock.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a gasifier having a partial moderator bypass are provided. The gasifier includes a partial oxidation reactor including an inlet and an outlet and a primary reaction zone extending therebetween, the partial oxidation reactor configured to direct a flow of products of partial oxidation including fuel gases, gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation, and unburned carbon, and a secondary reaction chamber coupled in flow communication with the partial oxidation reactor, the secondary reaction chamber is configured to mix a flow of moderator with the flow of gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation and unburned carbon such that a concentration of fuel gases is increased.

Abstract: Method of producing syngas in an IGCC system, comprising compressing and heating carbon dioxide-rich gas to produce heated compressed carbon dioxide-rich gas, mixing the heated compressed carbon dioxide-rich gas with oxygen and feedstock to form a feedstock mixture, subjecting the feedstock mixture to gasification to produce syngas, cooling the syngas in a radiant syngas cooler, contacting syngas cooled in the radiant syngas cooler with compressed carbon dioxide-rich gas to further cool the syngas, and removing an amount of carbon dioxide-rich gas from the product mixture and compressing the removed carbon dioxide-rich gas prior to mixing with oxygen and feedstock.

Abstract: A plasma-assisted catalytic reforming apparatus includes a feeder, a plasma reactor, a reforming reactor and a pre-heater. A first reforming cavity of the reforming reactor is connected to a plasma cavity of the plasma reactor, and the reforming reactor is inside a pre-heating cavity of the pre-heater. A pre-heating pipe of the pre-heater is connected between a mixing room of the feeder and the plasma cavity and partially disposed inside the pre-heating cavity. The first reforming cavity is inside a second reforming cavity of the reforming reactor. An end of a recirculation pipe of the reforming reactor is connected to a first reforming cavity opening of the first reforming cavity and partially disposed inside the first reforming cavity. Another end of the recirculation pipe passes a second reforming cavity outlet of the second reforming cavity and partially disposed inside the pre-heating cavity. A plasma-assisted catalytic reforming method is also provided.

Abstract: A fuel processing system for heavier sulfur-laden hydrocarbon fuels, such as JP-8 and diesel fuels, having a fuel processor in which the sulfur-laden hydrocarbon fuels are reformed using steam reforming, an integrated desulfurization/methanation unit, and a solid oxide fuel cell. The heart of the system is the desulfurization/methanation unit which has a first reactor vessel and a second reactor vessel disposed within the first reactor vessel, forming an enclosed reaction space between the first reactor vessel and the second reactor vessel. A methanation catalyst is provided in the enclosed reaction space or the second reactor vessel. A desulfurization material is provided in the other of the enclosed reaction space and the second reactor vessel. During the normal course of operation, the desulfurization material will reach a saturation point at which it is no longer able to adsorb the sulfur-containing compounds.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing and preparing fast pyrolysis products from a biomass for entrained-flow pressure gasification that includes: heating of the biomass under exclusion of oxygen in a pyrolysis reactor, a temperature of between 400 to 600° C. being established for one to 50 seconds, such that the biomass reacts to form porous pyrolysis coke, pyrolysis condensate and pyrolysis gas; and drawing off the pyrolysis gas; condensing vaporous constituents of the pyrolysis condensate in a plurality of condensation stages so as to: condense, in a first condensation stage, at temperatures above the dew point of water, a low-temperature carbonization tar from the vaporous constituents; and condense and separate at temperatures between 0° C. and the dew point of water, in at least one subsequent condensation stage, an aqueous solution of oxygen containing organic compounds.

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

Abstract: A hydrogen generator having double burners and a method of operating the samewhere the hydrogen generator includes a housing, a barrier wall to divide a space in the housing into a first chamber and a second chamber, a fuel reformer installed in the first chamber, a first burner installed in the first chamber to heat a fuel reformer, a shift reactor installed in the second chamber, a second burner mounted in the barrier wall to heat the shift reactor, and a first igniter and a second igniter respectively ignite the first burner and the second burner.

Abstract: Process and system for the production of synthesis gas from a hydrocarbon feed stock comprising the steps of endothermic and/or adiabatic catalytic steam reforming and autothermal steam reforming in series, wherein the steam reforming is carried out in one or more endothermic stages in series or in one or more adiabatic steam reforming stages in series with intermediate heating of feed stock gas leaving the adiabatic reforming stages and wherein carbon monoxide containing gas characterised by having a molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon of less than 4.5 is added prior to at least one of the endothermic or adiabatic steam reforming stages and/or prior to the autothermal steam reforming step.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a gasifier having a partial moderator bypass are provided. The gasifier includes a partial oxidation reactor including an inlet and an outlet and a primary reaction zone extending therebetween, the partial oxidation reactor configured to direct a flow of products of partial oxidation including fuel gases, gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation, and unburned carbon, and a secondary reaction chamber coupled in flow communication with the partial oxidation reactor, the secondary reaction chamber is configured to mix a flow of moderator with the flow of gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation and unburned carbon such that a concentration of fuel gases is increased.

Abstract: A system for production of hydrogen comprises at least one steam reforming zone configured to receive a first fuel and steam to produce a first reformate gas stream comprising hydrogen using a steam reforming process. The system further comprises a mixed reforming zone configured to receive an oxidant to produce a second reformate gas stream comprising hydrogen, wherein the first reformate gas stream is sent to the mixed reforming zone to complete the reforming process.

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: A gas generator with the sole input of air, water and coal that continuously produces hydrogen and carbon monoxide and further reacts these two gases into alcohol. This gas generator/reactor is using its own by-products and is therefore also self sustaining.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fuel reforming apparatus for producing a carbon-monoxide free reformed fuel gas comprising hydrogen. More particularly, this invention relates to nonthermal plasma reactors for removing carbon monoxide from a reformed fuel gas produced from a fuel containing bonded atoms of hydrogen exiting a reformer. More particularly, this invention relates to nonthermal plasma reactors for reforming a fuel containing bonded atoms of hydrogen into a reformed fuel gas. This invention relates further to hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells, which comprise a fuel reformer for reforming a fuel into a reformed fuel gas comprising hydrogen, a carbon monoxide remover for removing carbon monoxide in the reformed fuel gas and supplying the reformed fuel gas to the fuel cell.

Abstract: A method for the autothermal reforming of a hydrocarbon, in particular of diesel, includes introducing a combustible mixture of the hydrocarbon to be reformed and an oxygen-containing medium into a first reaction zone of a reformer, A gas-phase reaction is ignited. After an operating temperature required for the autothermal reforming process is reached, water or a water-containing medium is introduced into the first reaction zone, and the water content is increased until the conditions for the reforming process of the hydrocarbon prevail. The reforming process then takes place predominantly in a second reaction zone.

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

Abstract: A process and a device are provided for producing hydrogen gas from water and carbon. The process includes introducing steam and powdered carbon in stoichiometric ratio of carbon to water into a preheated oxidization chamber in such a way that a gas plasma is produced in which the steam is decomposed into its hydrogen and oxygen gas components and oxygen is combined with carbon to form carbon dioxide gas in an exothermic reaction at temperatures above 2000° C., and separating the carbon dioxide gas from the hydrogen gas. The device for conducting this process has an oxidization chamber defined in a hollow body and being provided with a preheater and having at least one inlet port for introducing steam into the oxidization chamber, at least one inlet port for introducing powdered carbon into the oxidization chamber, and at least one exit port for carrying off generated hydrogen gas and/or generated carbon dioxide gas from the oxidization chamber.

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: An apparatus which is capable of supporting a process for gasifying a variety of hydrocarbon-containing materials. The resulting hydrogen-containing gas is suitable for use in various combustion processes and for petrochemical processes. A hydrocarbon-containing material is mixed with natural gas (or other suitable hydrocarbon gas) under pressure. The suspended material and gas are then injected under pressure into an acceleration/gasification tube. Intense heat (provided by an external energy source) is applied to the mixture as it travels through this tube, resulting in the cracking of the hydrocarbon chains and the release of additional energy. The released bond energy, along with the addition of the external energy, rapidly expands the gas and causes the velocity of the moving mixture to rise sharply as it proceeds down the tube. The acceleration/gasification tube is connected to a diffuser, which is essentially an expansion nozzle with a series of heat exchangers to cool the rapidly expanding gas.

Abstract: A method for producing fuels based on solid carbonaceous natural fuels which are particularly suited for non-polluting thermal power generation with gas and steam turbines in a combined cycle which is characterized in that the flow of finely-divided natural fuel is pyrolyzed at superatmospheric pressure, suitably 5 to 20 bar, and >700.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention is a process for quenching a first synthesis gas mixture containing synthesis gas, molten flyash, water, and carbon dioxide and producing additional synthesis gas consisting of (a) passing the first synthesis gas mixture into a first quench zone; (b) introducing into the quench zone a mixture of a liquid carbonaceous quenching medium in a nitrogen or carbon dioxide carrier gas; (c) endothermically reacting the liquid carbonaceous quenching medium with the water and the carbon dioxide in the synthesis gas mixture, thus producing additional synthesis gas consisting of hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and wherein the additional synthesis gas is admixed with the first synthesis gas mixture to form a second synthesis gas mixture; (d) passing the second synthesis gas mixture to a second quench zone; (e) introducing into the second quench zone a cooling gas for admixture with the second synthesis gas mixture, thus cooling the second synthesis gas mixture, where the molten flyash is solidified, and thus for

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for atomizing a liquid hydrocarbon feed and injecting it into a reaction zone, such as a riser conversion zone or a dense fluid bed reactor of a fluid catalytic cracking unit, is disclosed. The hydrocarbon feed passes through a central passage with steam flowing concurrently in a concentrically aligned passage. By providing a flow restriction means in each hydrocarbon passage and each steam passage, substantially equal quantities of hydrocarbon and steam can be supplied to each of a plurality of hydrocarbon-steam nozzles so as to provide a uniform dispersion of small droplets of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A sulfur-containing fuel is passed into a first fluidized bed (13) containing CaSO.sub.4 and CaO and an oxygen-transfer mediator (e.g. H.sub.2) whereby the fuel is converted to combustible gas (18), some CaSO.sub.4 being reduced to CaS and sulfur being fixed as CaS by reaction with CaO. Bed particles pass from the bottom layer of the first bed (13) into the bottom layer of the second bed (14) which is fluidized by air at conditions such that some, but not all of the CaS is selectively oxidized to CaSO.sub.4 with no liberation of sulfur moieties. Bed particles pass from the bottom layer of the second bed (14) to the bottom layer of a third bed (15) optionally after passage via a fourth bed (60, FIG. 2) between the second and third beds. In the third bed (15), particles are fluidized with air to convert CaS selectively to CaSO.sub.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide replaces a portion of the water required to suppress the formation of carbon in gas phase catalytic reforming and hydrocracking of hydrocarbons, particularly aromatics. Hydrogen is present to prevent carbon formation from the aromatic hydrocarbons. The support used for the catalyst is a gamma alumina, delta alumina, theta alumina or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Process for converting a relatively high boiling point crude oil fraction, such as a 500.degree.+F. initial boiling point topped crude to synthetic natural gas. In the process, a lower boiling point fraction of the feedstock is hydrogasified while a residual oil fraction of the feedstock is partially oxidized to produce hydrogen for use in the process. A mid-cut fraction between the gasification fraction and the partial oxidation fraction is converted in a combined steam reforming-methanation stage, along with some by-product aromatics, to produce additional synthetic natural gas products.

Abstract: The invention relates to the conversion of fuel (solid and/or liquid) to reducing and/or synthesis gas by contacting the fuel in a fluidized conversion bed (13) with a solid oxygen donor (e.g. CaSO.sub.4) at a fuel conversion temperature (e.g. 850.degree. to 1150.degree. C.) in the presence of at least one gas/vapor phase substance such as H.sub.2 and/or H.sub.2 O and/or CO and/or CO.sub.2 which serves to promote and or mediate the transfer of oxygen from the donor to the fuel and preferably in the absence of non-reactive gases (e.g. N.sub.2) whereby the fuel is converted to a reducing and/or synthesis gas product by (inter alia) partial oxidation employing the oxygen of the solid oxygen donor, the latter being reduced (e.g. CaS). The reduced donor is exothermically oxidized in a fluidized oxidation bed (35) by contact with an oxygen-containing gas (e.g. air) and re-used for converting further quantities of fuel. Moieties (e.g.

Abstract: Process for producing synthetic fuel gas from either naturally occurring or synthetic liquid hydrocarbons by reacting the liquid hydrocarbons with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to produce methane. The catalyst comprises an interspersed mixture of metals selected from Groups IV(B), V(B), or VI(B) in combination with two Group VIII metals, composited with an inorganic refractory oxide support.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preventing adhesion or caking of raw materials such as oil as it is subjected to hydrogenation gasification while being heated to above 700.degree. K. as it passes downwardly through a reaction vessel. The particles of raw materials as they pass through the vessel in a temperature zone of about 600.degree. to 700.degree. K. directly contact a medium at a temperature above 1000.degree. K. to rapidly heat the surfaces of the particles to above 700.degree. K. by direct contact with the hot medium alone, in the absence of combustion reaction, to cause the particles to become non-caking in its further downward passage through the reaction vessel.

Abstract: Methanation catalysts and process for preparing and using the same are disclosed; said methanation catalysts being especially suitable for producing synthetic fuel gas, from either naturally occurring liquid hydrocarbons or synthetic liquid hydrocarbons produced from solid carbonaceous materials, the product gas having substantially the same heating value and density as natural gas and which may be intermingled therewith and distributed through the same pipe lines.The methanation catalyst comprises an interspersed mixture of metals selected from Groups IV(B), V(B), VI(B) and VIII metals of the Periodic Table, composited with an inorganic refractory oxide support or matrix.

Abstract: A method of producing reducing gases from oxide ores, particularly iron ores, which contain mainly carbon monoxide and hydrogen and which are employed in the reduction process with a two to three fold excess with regard to the stoichiometric requirement of the ore to be reduced, comprising, mixing a hot moist fresh reducing gas and a preheated recycled gas, both of which are used in reducing iron ores and mainly contain carbon monoxide and hydrogen, directing the mixed gases in counterflow heat exchange with iron sponge in a desulfurizer to treat the sponge, thereafter, directing the treated sponge into an oxidizer and circulating preheated air thereover to lightly oxidize the iron sponge, and subsequently, directing the lightly oxidized iron sponge into a reducing shaft along with the mixed gases which are taken out of the desulfurizer.

Abstract: A catalyst for production of methane-containing gases which is formed from a catalyst precursor composed of a mixed precipitate of hydroxides and/or carbonates of nickel and/or cobalt, lanthanum and/or cerium and aluminum, which is obtained by stepwise addition of solutions of alkaline substances to a solution of an aluminum salt, to a solution of a lanthanum salt and/or a cerium salt and to a nickel salt and/or a cobalt salt is disclosed.

Abstract: A process, having high thermal efficiency, is provided for the production of substitute natural gas from fossil fuels such as crude oil, by non-catalytic hydrogenation. High thermal efficiency is obtained by using cryogenic systems for separating hydrogen from (a) the product of the hydrogenation reaction and (b) from products produced by partial oxidation in the production of hydrogen required for the hydrogenation reactions. Other products from the partial oxidation reaction may be used either as fuel or as feedstocks for catalytic steam reforming to produce SNG.

Abstract: A method for vaporization of liquid hydrocarbon fuel wherein liquid hydrocarbon fuel is mixed with vapor to provide a vapor product which is heated. The heated vapor product is mixed with additional liquid hydrocarbon fuel to provide a second vapor product comprising vaporized hydrocarbon fuel. The heating of vapor product and mixing of additional liquid hydrocarbon fuel can be done until a desired amount of liquid hydrocarbon fuel is vaporized.

Abstract: A method of and a catalyst for the conversion of petroleum distillate fractions to high heating value fuel gases suitable for use as town gas or pipeline gas by reacting a petroleum derived feedstock containing paraffins with hydrogen in the presence of a lanthanum-cobalt/Y zeolite catalyst at elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A multiple-stage steam reforming process for producing a substitute natural gas from kerosene boiling range hydrocarbons. Initially, a lower-boiling feedstock is steam reformed and a portion of the effluent is subjected to hydrogen-producing conditions to provide a vaporous phase enriched in hydrogen content. This vaporous phase is utilized throughout the reaction zone circuit to decrease the extent to which carbon becomes deposited upon the various catalytic composites, and especially with respect to those reaction zones in which the kerosene boiling range hydrocarbons are processed. Gasification of the kerosene fractions is effected at a minimum catalyst temperature of about 840.degree. F. (448.9.degree. C.) and a maximum catalyst temperature of about 1,000.degree. F. (537.8.degree. C.).

Abstract: Apparatus and a process are provided whereby constituents of liquid mixtures eg non-distillate oils are vaporized under non-decomposing conditions in the presence of gases. Liquid components form a stream comprising the gas, vaporized and liquid constituents of the mixture are removed from the stream. Process may be employed to provide a vaporized feedstock for the non-catalytic thermal hydrogenation of hydrocarbon-based materials in the production of methane containing gases wherein the gas used for vaporization is the same as that used for the subsequent hydrogenation steps.

Abstract: Methane and carbon dioxide are produced by reacting steam with a carbonaceous feed material at a reaction temperature between about 1000.degree. F. and about 1500.degree. F. and a reaction pressure in excess of about 100 psia in the presence of a carbon-alkali metal catalyst and equilibrium quantities of added hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The raw product gas withdrawn from the reaction zone is treated for removal of the carbon dioxide, product methane is recovered from the treated gas, and the remaining hydrogen and carbon monoxide can be recycled to supply the added hydrogen and carbon monoxide needed in the reaction zone.

Abstract: Synthetic natural gas and high octane motor fuel blending stock is produced by catalytically reforming naphtha at low severity to maximize production of aromatics and minimize hydrocracking, and then converting the remaining paraffins to methane in a methanation zone. The effluent from the methanation zone is separated into synthetic natural gas and motor fuel blending stock.

Abstract: A process for producing high calorific value fuel gas by catalytically hydrocracking a hydrocarbon is characterized in that the catalyst used comprises 10 to 70 weight percent of molybdenum oxide and 3 to 15 weight percent of at least one of nickel oxide, cobalt oxide and chromium oxide respectively supported on a solid carrier, the proportion of the latter metal oxide to the former metal oxide being in the range of 9 to 60 weight percent.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating raw material comprises a mixing chamber having fuel and air inlets for admitting therein fuel and air which are mixed to produce a combustible mixture. A combustion chamber receives the combustible mixture and burns the same to evolve hot products of combustion which are fed directly into an adjoining conditioning chamber. Additional gas is supplied to the conditioning chamber and mixed with the products of combustion to form a conditioned treating gas having a prescribed temperature and composition. To promote rapid and uniform mixing of the gases and hence form a uniform treating gas, the conditioning chamber is connected directly to and has a volume one and one-half to six times greater than that of the combustion chamber. A treating chamber disposed downstream from the conditioning chamber receives both the preconditioned treating gas and the raw material to be treated and the raw material is acted thereon by the treating gas while temporarily stored in the treating chamber.

Abstract: A method for treating raw material comprises mixing fuel and air in a mixing chamber to produce a combustible mixture, ejecting the combustible mixture into a combustion chamber and burning it therein to evolve hot products of combustion which are fed directly into an adjoining conditioning chamber. Additional gas is supplied to the conditioning chamber and mixed with the products of combustion to form a conditioned treating gas having a prescribed temperature and composition. To promote rapid and uniform mixing of the gases and hence form a uniform treating gas, the conditioning chamber is connected directly to and has a volume 11/2 to 6 times greater than that of the combustion chamber. A treating chamber disposed downstream from the conditioning chamber receives both the preconditioned treating gas and the raw material to be treated and the raw material is acted thereon by the treating gas while temporarily stored in the treating chamber.

Abstract: A pre-engine catalytic converter for use with fuels which are mixtures of hydrocarbons and oxygenated organic compounds, such as alcohols, ethers and ketones, convertible to carbon monoxide and H.sub.2. The converter comprises two catalyst beds arranged in series, the first containing a catalyst suitable for the decomposition of organic oxygenates to CO and H.sub.2 and the second containing a cracking catalyst of the ZSM-5 zeolite type to convert the liquid hydrocarbon fuel to gaseous hydrocarbon fuel. Energy is extracted from the engine exhaust by heat exchange and utilized to support the catalytic reactions whereby the heating value and the octane rating of the fuel are increased. The performance and fuel economy of the engine are substantially improved.

Abstract: A catalyst composition consisting of elemental nickel, nickel oxide or mixtures thereof on a zirconia carrier and promoted with elemental cobalt, a cobalt oxide or mixtures thereof in which the total content of nickel and cobalt, expressed as oxide, is desirably at least 1 weight percent of the total weight of the composition and the weight ratio of nickel to cobalt in the catalyst is preferably between 1:10 and 6:1. This invention also concerns the method of reforming hydrocarbons in the presence of said catalyst to selectively produce hydrogen, hydrogen containing products, such as Town's gas, or an oxide of carbon or mixtures thereof, while avoiding substantial carbon accumulation on the catalyst at relatively low steam to carbon ratios.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon feedstock is first vaporized in the presence of hydrogen and then the vaporized hydrocarbon feedstock together with excess hydrogen, is gasified to form an effluent gas consisting essentially of methane and aromatic hydrocarbons together with hydrogen and minor amounts of hydrogen sulfide. The process is suitable for the production of a pipeline gas having a heating value of approximately 1,000 BTU/SCF by further processing the effluent, after separation of the aromatic fraction and hydrogen sulfide from the gasifier effluent; the effluent is subject to cryogenic separation of the hydrogen with the hydrogen being recycled to the gasification step and the methane being discharged into a product pipeline. The overall process contemplates revaporization of the aromatic fraction separated from the effluent and regasification to extinction of this fraction.