Abstract: Disclosed herein are multiple embodiments of a hydrogen generator (10) that measures, transports or stores a single dose of a viscous fuel component from first fuel chamber (12) in storage area (38) when the internal hydrogen pressure (44, 44?) of the hydrogen generator is high, and transports this single dose to a metal hydride fuel component in second fuel chamber (14) when the internal pressure is low, so that the viscous liquid and metal hydride fuel components react together to generate more hydrogen and to restart the cycle. The viscous fuel component can be water or alcohol, such as methanol, in liquid or gel form, and the metal hydride fuel component can be sodium borohydride or other metal hydride that chemically reacts with the viscous fuel to produce hydrogen. The metal hydride fuel component can be in solid or viscous form, e.g., aqueous form.

Abstract: A process for the production, treatment and combustion of synthesis gas for the purpose of generating electric power is disclosed. The synthesis gas is produced from a solid, carbon-containing fuel with the aid of an oxygen-containing gas and treated by a slag-separating device and a device separating alkalis. Subsequently, the synthesis gas produced is fed to an expansion turbine where the pressure energy is used for generating power. On account of the treatment and separation of alkalis the expansion turbine is protected from corrosion and mechanical impact. The expanded synthesis gas is then burnt under pressure and the combustion is used in a combined-cycle process using a gas turbine, steam generator and steam turbine for generating power. The process thus has an increased efficiency. Apparatus for use of the process is also described.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a fuel gasification system includes optimizing a conversion of solid components in the fuel to gaseous fuel components, controlling the flux of solids entrained in the product gas through equipment downstream of the gasifier, and maximizing the overall efficiencies of processes utilizing gasification. A combination of models, when utilized together, can be integrated with existing plant control systems and operating procedures and employed to develop new control systems and operating procedures. Such an approach is further applicable to gasification systems that utilize both dry feed and slurry feed.

Abstract: The present application thus provides a gasifier cooling system for cooling a flow of hot syngas from a gasifier. The gasifier cooling system may include a radiant syngas cooler, a quench chamber, and a convective syngas cooler such that the flow of syngas flows through the quench chamber or the convective syngas cooler.

Abstract: Biomass gasification systems including a biofilter assembly adapted to be disposed within a filter unit of a biomass gasification system are provided. The biofilter assemblies may be adapted to filter particulate matter from a producer gas flowing through the filter unit while allowing a remainder of the producer gas to pass through the biofilter assembly. The biofilter assembly may include a support structure and a biofilter disposed on the support structure and including a biomaterial adapted to be gasified in a biomass gasification reactor of the biomass gasification system.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating hydrogen for fuel cells is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, a button, a first separating plate, a solid state reactant, and a separating membrane. The housing has an opening and a reservoir. The button connected to the housing covers the opening. The first separating plate disposed in the housing divides the reservoir into first and second sub-rooms. The opening communicates with the first sub-room and the first sub-room is suitable for storing a liquid reactant. The first separating plate has a through hole opposite to the button. The solid state reactant is disposed in the second sub-room. The separating membrane disposed on the through hole separates the first sub-room from the second sub-room. When the button is pushed, the button damages the separating membrane. Therefore, the liquid reactant flows to the second sub-room and reacts with the solid state reactant to generate hydrogen.

Abstract: A char 7 feed rate at a rated point determined from a relationship between a current water vapor 3 flow rate and a current raw material 5 charge rate to a gasification furnace 1 is multiplied by a proper number determined from a relationship between a current gasification furnace 1 temperature and a current bed material 4 circulated rate to calculate an actual char 7 feed rate. A subtraction is performed between a gross heat value of the char 7 flowing into the combustion furnace 2 determined on the basis of the calculated char 7 feed rate and a heat value required for keeping a top of the combustion furnace 2 at a commanded temperature determined from a relationship between the commanded temperature and an air flow rate in the furnace 2 to determine a heat value required for keeping the combustion furnace 2 at the commanded temperature.

Abstract: An arrangement and a method are provided for generating hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuel, wherein hydrocarbon fuel is supplied to a fuel reformer for producing hydrogen rich gas including hydrogen, carbon monoxide and possibly unconverted fuel compounds, wherein the amount of carbon monoxide and/or the unconverted fuel compounds is reduced with the help of a molten salt reactor arranged downstream the fuel reformer. An auxiliary power unit including such an arrangement is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hydrogen generator for producing hydrogen by the steam-reforming reaction of hydrocarbons, in which a pressure loss induction structure for artificially reducing the pressure of exhaust gas is provided between a combustion unit and an exhaust gas discharge pipe, thus improving the uneven distribution of exhaust gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for using oxygen for the thermochemical gasification of biomass in at least one fluidized-bed reactor, a heating system being located in the fluidized bed of said reactor and the fluidized-bed reactor being heated by the at least partial oxidation of a combustible gas using oxygen.

Abstract: The mass flow rate of a first reactant stream supplied to a fuel processor is controlled based on a combined feed-forward and feedback control regime. The method is particularly applicable for actively controlling the fuel supply to a fuel processor in a system comprising a combustion engine, in which the fuel processor is fluidly connected to receive at least a portion of an engine exhaust stream from the engine. In embodiments of the system and method, the supply of fuel is controlled based on three mass flow factors.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator including a reactor chamber having a feedstock inlet and an inlet seal positioned at the feedstock inlet. At least one pair of feed rollers is positioned to draw a feedstock through the inlet seal and into the reactor chamber. At least one pair of distressing rollers is positioned in line with the feed rollers to produce stress in the feedstock. Steam is provided to the reactor chamber through a steam inlet and hydrogen is collected from a hydrogen outlet.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus and process for the reformation of hydrogen containing fluids to hydrogen and other constituents, more particularly, the reformation of hydrocarbons or mixtures of hydrocarbons in a cyclic flow inert porous media reactor for the production of hydrogen and other constituents. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus and process can be used for the reformation of hydrogen sulfide to produce hydrogen and sulfur. The cyclic flow reactor comprises a reaction chamber filled with a porous media matrix containing an unconstrained reaction zone located in any portion of the reactor chamber. This reactor system employs valves to canalize the reactant mixture and product mixture during flow cycling channeling the reactant mixture through the porous media matrix, and reacting the reactant mixture.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for actively controlling the steam-to-carbon ratio in hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems that include a feedstock delivery system. The feedstock delivery system supplies a combined feedstock stream including steam and carbon-containing feedstock to a hydrogen-producing region, which produces a mixed gas stream including hydrogen gas as a majority component therefrom. The systems and methods may include measuring a thermodynamic property of a steam stream, a carbon-containing feedstock stream, and/or the combined feedstock stream and controlling the flow rate and/or pressure of a water stream, the steam stream, and/or the carbon-containing feedstock stream based on a desired steam-to-carbon ratio in the combined feedstock stream and/or a desired flow rate of the mixed gas stream and may include feedforward and/or feedback control strategies.

Abstract: A method for producing hydrogen comprising the steps of: i) contacting a compound (C) comprising one or more groups Si—H with an amine based catalyst in a solvent selected from an alcohol or an aqueous solution, thereby forming hydrogen and a by-product (C1); wherein said amine based catalyst is as defined in claim 1; ii) recovering the obtained hydrogen.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a gas-generating apparatus. Hydrogen is generated within the gas-generating apparatus and is transported to a fuel cell. The first fuel component is introduced into the second fuel component through a conduit which punctures a septum separating the reaction chamber and the first fuel component reservoir, and the fuel conduit introduces the first fuel component to different portions of the second fuel component to produce hydrogen.

Abstract: A process for the discharge of slag and ash from a gasification reactor is disclosed. These solids are directed from the gasification reactor into a water bath housed with the gasification reactor in a pressure vessel. There are at least two lock hoppers underneath the water bath which are fed with a stream of water/solids via a pipe and a flow divider element, it being possible to supply the lock hoppers individually and in a controlled manner with a stream of water/solids via shut-off devices. The filling is performed in a manner that encourages the sett-ling process by withdrawing a stream of liquid from the lock hopper being filled, the filling time being controlled so as to prevent the solids settling above the valves and lock hoppers. Also disclosed is an apparatus with at least two lock hoppers underneath the water bath of a gasification reactor, there being, in an advantageous embodiment, a flow divider element and shut-off devices between the water bath and the lock hoppers.

Abstract: There are provided methods and apparatus allowing effective production of high purity hydrogen and recovery of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A fluidized bed apparatus having a plurality of inlet holes for the introduction of fluidizing medium into a fluidized bed, wherein at least two, and preferably more, of the inlet holes have different cross sectional areas.

Abstract: The goal of the invention consists in making available a method for supplying fuel to a pressurized gasification system, which ensures, in economically efficient manner, that the emission of pollutants from the coal transfer and the transport is minimized or completely avoided. This is achieved in that a gas that contains at least 10 ppm vol. CO is used for transfer and/or conveying, whereby a gas that contains oxygen is mixed into this gas, and that this gas mixture is heated to a temperature that oxidizes at least 10% of the pollutants contained in the gas.

Abstract: A spray ring, for wetting char and/or slag in a water bath with a wetting fluid. The spray ring comprises a loop conduit arranged in a loop-line. The loop conduit is at an inlet point provided with an inlet for feeding the wetting fluid into the loop conduit in an inlet flow direction. The loop-line has a plurality of outlet openings for spraying the wetting fluid out of the loop conduit. The inlet flow direction has a component that is tangential to a loop-line flow direction of the wetting fluid through the loop conduit at the inlet point.

Abstract: In the case of a device for gasification of carbonaceous fuels, having a discharge for slags into a slag bath, a solution is supposed to be created with which the gasifier discharge opening is reliably kept at a temperature that guarantees that the slag will flow out. This is achieved in that the gasifier discharge opening (6) is equipped with a ceramic drip edge (7) that can be electrically heated.

Abstract: A gasification reactor comprising a gasifier with a tubular gastight wall arranged within a pressure vessel. The gasification reactor comprises one or more pressure responsive devices comprising a sleeve with a cooled section extending outwardly from an opening in the gastight wall. The pressure responsive devices can, e.g., include a pressure measurement device and/or a pressure equalizer. Method of using a pressure responsive device with such a gasifier, wherein a heat sluice is used formed by a sleeve with a cooled section extending outwardly from an opening in the gastight wall.

Abstract: A method for generating and purifying syngas and to an apparatus for generating and purifying syngas is presented.

Abstract: A system, including, a gasifier, including: a gasification region, an inner wall surrounding the gasification region, and a first fuel path extending along the inner wall, wherein the first fuel path is configured to flow a first fuel to cool the gasifier, and the gasifier is configured to inject the first fuel from the first fuel path into the gasification region.

Abstract: A mobile horizontal gasifier system for the efficient gasification of organic material to produce syngas and biochar without a large amount of ash or other byproducts. The gasifier system generally includes a hopper, vertical feeder, horizontal transfer members and a heating chamber. Biomass fed into the hopper and feeder is conveyed through each of the transfer members by drive assembles. The transfer members extend through the heating chamber and biomass will be baked to produce both syngas and biochar. A portion of the syngas produced will be reintroduced into the heating chamber via syngas return lines so that the present invention may be self-sustaining. Syngas ports and a biochar collection chamber are provided for separating and extracting any produced syngas and/or biochar. All components are generally positioned on a mobile trailer having a hitch to allow the present invention to be easily transferred from one location to another.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for catalytic primary reformation of hydrocarbons with steam at elevated pressure by means of a split tube reactor and a firing chamber. In the split tube system which can use a catalyst material, hydrocarbons to be reformed are converted by water steam to synthesis gas. The split tube system is heated by a plurality of firing facilities between the split tubes which include a plurality of burners arranged in series, the burners generating mainly downwardly directed flames. The relevant firing facilities are supplied with fuel and air, with the air being withdrawn from the relevant feeders. The flue gas thus evolving passes through the firing chamber from top to bottom and enters in the lower area of the firing chamber into horizontally arranged ceramic flue gas tunnels extending in parallel to each other and perpendicular to the vertical split tubes and being allocated to one firing facility each. The flue gas enters through apertures in the lateral walls of the flue gas tunnels.

Abstract: It is supposed to be possible to achieve an essentially uniform water film protecting the corresponding metal panels, in a gasification reactor for producing crude gas containing CO or H2, by gasification of ash-containing fuel with oxygen-containing gas, at temperatures above the melting temperature of the ash, wherein a reaction chamber formed by a membrane wall through which cooling medium flows, a transition area as well as a quench chamber with a slag collection container that follows in the direction of gravity are provided within a pressure container. This is achieved in that, in addition to a device (14, 15) forming a water film (16) in the quench chamber (11), at least a part of the cylinder forming the quench chamber wall (17) is designed with a double wall and with a coolant overflow (21) for additionally wetting (18) the inner surface of the quench chamber wall (17), and a tangential coolant supply (20) in the bottom area of the double walled cylinder (19) which is closed at the bottom.

Abstract: A multiple adiabatic bed reforming apparatus and process involving stage-wise combustion and multiple reforming chambers. Co-flow and cross-flow occurs under laminar flow conditions. A reformer suitable for small scale production as well as large scale production. A passive stage-by-stage fuel distribution network suitable for low pressure fuel wherein the resistances in successive fuel distribution lines control the amount of fuel delivered to each combustion stage. Heat is captured from reforming syngas product to preheat gases before entering the reformer. Conditions that would produce unwanted coking or metal dusting are avoided or localized away from the heat exchangers to locations which can be cost effectively protected. A chemical reactor which has a core composed of a stack of metal plates that are diffusion bonded in face-to-face relationship.

Abstract: A fuel reformulation system for an engine comprising an annular body for a flow of fluids therethrough connected to the engine, a source of fuel for flowing through at least a portion of the annular body, and a catalytic member connected to the annular body for the flow of any fluids thereacross from the annular body.

Abstract: A fuel reformer which can easily achieve high weight energy density and high volume energy density, and a method for producing the fuel reformer with ease and high efficiency as well as an electrode for electrochemical device, such as a fuel cell, and an electrochemical device are provided. The present invention is to feed hydrogen obtained from a fuel reformer having a catalyst layer containing Pt for taking out hydrogen from a liquid fuel, such as methanol, and a hydrogen permeable layer, such as a Pd thin film, which is impermeable to liquid and permeable to hydrogen to an electrochemical device such as a fuel cell, which comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode and a proton conductive film sandwiched therebetween. The present invention provides a method of producing the hydrogen permeable layer in the reformer 1 by forming the hydrogen permeable layer and the catalyst layer on a base layer comprising Al or the like, and removing the base layer by dissolution.

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: The invention provides an integrated catalyst and membrane reactor for the production a predetermined gas such as hydrogen. The reactor comprises a gas flow channel, comprising a plurality of alternating catalyst sections and membrane sections, wherein each catalyst section comprises a catalyst bed and each membrane section comprises a plurality of membranes, and wherein the membranes are selectively permeable for the predetermined gaseous species.

Abstract: A circulating fluidized bed gasification furnace has a combustion furnace 1, a cyclone collector 4 to which a combustion exhaust gas 3 from the combustion furnace 1 is introduced to collect a circulating medium 5, a fluidized bed gasification furnace 8 for formation of a fluidized bed 10 by introducing the circulating medium 5 collected in the cyclone collector 4 through a downcomer 7 and by supplying a gasification agent 9 from below and for gasification of a raw material 12 by supplying the same to a freeboard 11, and a circulation flow passage 14 for return of the circulating medium and unreacted char not gasified in the gasification furnace 8 to the combustion furnace 1. The downcomer 7 connected to the collector 4 has a lower end connected through a sealer 18 to the freeboard 11 in the gasification furnace 8. A raw material supply unit 20 is arranged to supply the raw material 12 to the circulating medium 5 between the sealer 18 and the freeboard 11.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating hydrogen gas from a replaceable aluminum pack comprising an aluminum and hydride mixture encased in a breathable membrane that is raised and lowered into a fluid contained within an enclosed tank wherein contact with the fluid releases hydrogen gas from the aluminum. A pressure transducer and microprocessor chip are provided for monitoring and regulating the rate of hydrogen production by engaging and disengaging a reversible motor that raises and lowers an inner tray on which the aluminum pack resides accordingly.

Abstract: A throat plug for a gasifier vessel includes at least one first cavity being receptive to at least one device located in the at least one first cavity, and at least one second cavity being receptive to a fuel injector.

Abstract: A gasification system reduces volume of a bulky carbonaceous feedstock by pyrolysis to bring about a significant reduction in volume. The system includes a pyrolysis chamber, a reformer, a syngas burner, and a syngas storage tank. Flue gas is provided from the chamber to the reformer. Hot gases are introduced to the reformer from the syngas burner. The pyrolysis reaction occurs in the reformer to produce syngas of at least 1200° C. Some of the produced syngas is used to heat the pyrolysis chamber and the rest returns to the reformer with the flue gas. The syngas burner is situated horizontally at the bottom of the reformer, while the pyrolysis chamber is situated vertically at the top of the reformer. The reformer is inclined relative to each of the syngas burner and the pyrolysis chamber.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a fuel gasification system includes optimizing a conversion of solid components in the fuel to gaseous fuel components, controlling the flux of solids entrained in the product gas through equipment downstream of the gasifier, and maximizing the overall efficiencies of processes utilizing gasification. A combination of models, when utilized together, can be integrated with existing plant control systems and operating procedures and employed to develop new control systems and operating procedures. Such an approach is further applicable to gasification systems that utilize both dry feed and slurry feed.

Abstract: A coal feed system to feed pulverized low rank coals containing up to 25 wt % moisture to gasifiers operating up to 1000 psig pressure is described. The system includes gas distributor and collector gas permeable pipes imbedded in the lock vessel. Different methods of operation of the feed system are disclosed to minimize feed problems associated with bridging and packing of the pulverized coal. The method of maintaining the feed system and feeder device exit pressures using gas addition or extraction with the pressure control device is also described.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a membrane of proton-electron conducting ceramics that is useful for the conversion of a hydrocarbon and steam to hydrogen has a porous support of M?-Sr1-z?M?z?Ce1-x?-y?Zrx?M??y?O3-?, Al2O3, mullite, ZrO2, CeO2 or any mixtures thereof where: M? is Ni, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Nb, Mo, W, Zn, Pt, Ru, Rh, Pd, alloys thereof or mixtures thereof; M? is Ba, Ca, Mg, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, or Yb; M?? is Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Nb, Mo, W, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, or Yb; z? is 0 to about 0.5; x? is 0 to about 0.5; y? is 0 to about 0.5; and x?+y?>0; for example, Ni—SrCe1-x?Zrx?O3-?, where x? is about 0.1 to about 0.3. The porous support is coated with a film of a Perovskite-type oxide of the formula SrCe1-x-yZrxMyO3-? where M is at least one of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Nb, Mo, W, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb, x is 0 to about 0.15 and y is about 0.1 to about 0.3.

Abstract: A downdraft gasifier (1) has an oxidant inlet (3), a biomass injector (2), a grate (9), a gas exit port (7), and an ash removal system (11). A sensor (10) maintains the height of the bed and a rotating paddle (5) maintains the top of the bed (4) at an even height. The grate arrangement (9) is preferably a sliding grate arrangement which actively moves ash material through the grate. An in-bed oxidant distributor (6) injects oxidant within the bed.

Abstract: A gasification system including a gasifier, a feed injector, and a fuel feed system that includes a first feed line, a second feed line, and a controller that includes a processor. The processor is programmed to enable the first feed line to supply a fuel gas into the feed injector, enable the second feed line to supply oxygen into the feed injector, receive instructions to add a slurry to the gasifier, prevent the first feed line from supplying the fuel gas into the feed injector, enable the first feed line to supply the slurry into the feed injector, enable the second feed line to simultaneously supply the oxygen and the inert gas into the feed injector, and prevent the second feed line from supplying the inert gas into the feed injector.

Abstract: A gasification reactor including a gasifier with a tubular gastight wall arranged within a pressure vessel. The tubular gastight wall is provided with one or more pressure relief passages sealed by a rupture element. The pressure relief passages can be provided with a cooled section, such as a double walled section confining a coolant channel.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for the creation of parahydrogen and atomic hydrogen, and for mixing of atomic hydrogen with gas for fuel are disclosed.

Abstract: A syngas cooler for use in a gasification system is described that includes a head portion including a plurality of conduit headers. The syngas cooler also includes an annular shell portion including a plurality of conduits, the plurality of conduits configured to be coupled in flow communication with the plurality of conduit headers. The syngas cooler also includes a quench portion configured to remove particulates entrained in a flow of syngas flowing through the syngas cooler. The head portion and the shell portion are configured to be coupled together with a circumferential seam weld.

Abstract: Reactor systems and methods are provided for the catalytic conversion of liquid feedstocks to synthesis gases and other noncondensable gaseous products. The reactor systems include a heat exchange reactor configured to allow the liquid feedstock and gas product to flow concurrently in a downflow direction. The reactor systems and methods are particularly useful for producing hydrogen and light hydrocarbons from biomass-derived oxygenated hydrocarbons using aqueous phase reforming. The generated gases may find used as a fuel source for energy generation via PEM fuel cells, solid-oxide fuel cells, internal combustion engines, or gas turbine gensets, or used in other chemical processes to produce additional products. The gaseous products may also be collected for later use or distribution.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel exchanger-reactor intended to implement highly endothermic reactions such as natural gas or naphtha steam reforming, using in situ porous burners.

Abstract: A system comprises an injection well for accessing an underground reservoir having a first temperature. The reservoir is located below a caprock and is accessible without using large-scale hydrofracturing. The injection well includes an injection well reservoir opening in fluid communication with the reservoir. The system also includes a production well having a production well reservoir opening in fluid communication with the reservoir. A working-fluid supply system provides a non-water based working fluid to the injection well at a second temperature lower than the first temperature. Exposure of the non-water based working fluid to the first temperature produces heated non-water based working fluid capable of entering the production well reservoir opening. An energy converting apparatus connected to the productions well converts thermal energy contained in the heated non-water based working fluid to electricity, heat, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A hydrogen generating device is adapted for a fuel cell. The hydrogen generating device includes a casing, a button, a solid reactant, a bag-shaped body, and at least one flexible element. The casing has a containing space and an opening. The button is integrally formed and connected to the casing to seal the opening. The solid reactant is disposed in the casing. The bag-shaped body is disposed in the casing and contains a liquid reactant. The flexible element is connected to the casing and is located in the containing space. The flexible element includes a bending end, wherein the flexible element is aligned to the button and is located between the button and the bag-shaped body. When the button is pressed, the button pushes the flexible element so the bending end pierces the bag-shaped body, and the liquid reactant flows out and reacts with the solid reactant to generate hydrogen.

Abstract: Methods for carrying out high temperature reactions such as biomass pyrolysis or gasification using solar energy. The biomass particles are rapidly heated in a solar thermal entrainment reactor. The residence time of the particles in the reactor can be 5 seconds or less. The biomass particles may be directly or indirectly heated depending on the reactor design. Metal oxide particles can be fed into the reactor concurrently with the biomass particles, allowing carbothermic reduction of the metal oxide particles by biomass pyrolysis products. The reduced metal oxide particles can be reacted with steam to produce hydrogen in a subsequent process step.