With Preliminary Reaction To Form Hydrogen Or A Carbon Oxide Patents (Class 518/702)
  • Publication number: 20120196943
    Abstract: A system and method for providing an integrated indirectly fired reactor and steam generator are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the reactor comprises an indirect heating zone heating water and generating steam, a mixing zone mixing feedstock and the steam and providing a mixture of the feedstock and the steam, and a reaction zone comprising a first reactor and a second reactor. The first reactor converts the mixture to a first syngas at a first temperature. The second reactor converts the first syngas to a second syngas at a second temperature, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Abdelmonem Hussien Alyaser
  • Patent number: 8221687
    Abstract: A system and a method are provided for removing greenhouse gases, particulates and pollutants from the atmosphere utilizing a greenhouse gas collection apparatus. An atmospheric mixture is collected and progressively treated in first, second and third tube furnaces and a scrubber to produce an effluent for treatment in a chemical processing plant. The first tube furnace oxidizes hydrocarbons, the second tube furnace oxidizes any remaining nitrous and nitric oxides, and the third tube furnace oxidizes sulfur dioxide. The scrubber precipitates carbon dioxide as calcium carbonate. A vacuum pump draws the atmospheric mixture through tube furnaces and the scrubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Ernest John Shearing
  • Publication number: 20120172460
    Abstract: A method for producing synthetic hydrocarbons from at least one carbonaceous material is provided. The method includes evaluating the resources of the carbonaceous material available on a determined territory; determining from the resources a total production capacity of synthetic hydrocarbons; determining from the total production capacity, a number of elementary production units required for obtaining the total production capacity, each elementary production unit having an elementary production capacity between a 100 and a 1,000 barrels a day of synthetic hydrocarbons; building the number of elementary production units on the territory; transporting the carbonaceous material from the territory as far as the elementary production units; producing the synthetic hydrocarbons in the elementary production units from the transported carbonaceous material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Areva
    Inventor: Michel Lecomte
  • Publication number: 20120165416
    Abstract: A low-temperature catalytic process for converting biomass (preferably glycerol recovered from the fabrication of bio-diesel) to synthesis gas (i.e., H2/CO gas mixture) in an endothermic gasification reaction is described. The synthesis gas is used in exothermic carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions, such as Fischer-Tropsch, methanol, or dimethylether syntheses. The heat from the exothermic carbon-carbon bond-forming reaction is integrated with the endothermic gasification reaction, thus providing an energy-efficient route for producing fuels and chemicals from renewable biomass resources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Randy D. Cortright, James A. Dumesic
  • Patent number: 8198339
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the disposal and utilization of waste materials of all types, in which the waste materials are compressed in batches to form compact packets and pass through temperature treatment zones, synthesis gas being produced, and the synthesis gas is converted in a subsequent reaction into hydrocarbon molecules for the production of fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Thermoselect Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Günter H. Kiss
  • Patent number: 8198338
    Abstract: A process for producing high octane fuel from carbon dioxide and water is disclosed. The feedstock for the production line is industrial carbon dioxide and water, which may be of lower quality. The end product can be high octane gasoline, high cetane diesel or other liquid hydrocarbon mixtures suitable for driving conventional combustion engines or hydrocarbons suitable for further industrial processing or commercial use. Products, such as dimethyl ether or methanol may also be withdrawn from the production line. The process is emission free and reprocesses all hydrocarbons not suitable for liquid fuel to form high octane products. The heat generated by exothermic reactions in the process is fully utilizes as is the heat produced in the reprocessing of hydrocarbons not suitable for liquid fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: CRI EHF
    Inventors: Arthur M. Shulenberger, Fridik Ragnar Jonsson, Oddur Ingolfsson, Kim-Chinh Tran
  • Publication number: 20120142789
    Abstract: A catalytic reaction module for performing am endothermic reaction, such as steam reforming, including separator blocks. Each reactor defining a multiplicity of first and second flow channels arranged alternately within the block to ensure thermal contact between the first and second flow channels. The reactor blocks may be arranged and connected for series flow of a combustible gas mixture in the first flow channels. The reactor blocks may be arranged and connected for a gas mixture to undergo endothermic reaction in the second flow channels. Catalyst elements are provided within the flow channels and the catalyst may vary between the blocks or within a block. The catalyst may vary in chemical composition, in catalyst loading, or in active catalyst material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Compact GTL plc
    Inventors: Ross Alexander Morgan, Robert Peat, Tuan Quoc Ly
  • Patent number: 8182771
    Abstract: A system comprising a multi-stage reactor. The multi-stage reactor may include a water gas shift (WGS) reactor and a sour methanation reactor configured to generate methane without prior removal of acid gas. Furthermore, the multistage reactor may be a single unit having both the WGS reactor and the methanation reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Arnaldo Frydman, Ke Liu
  • Patent number: 8168143
    Abstract: A process and system for producing hydrocarbon compounds or fuels that recycle products of hydrocarbon compound combustion—carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide, or both, and water. The energy for recycling is electricity derived from preferably not fossil based fuels, like from nuclear fuels or from renewable energy. The process comprises electrolysing water, and then using hydrogen to reduce externally supplied carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide, then using so produced carbon monoxide together with any externally supplied carbon monoxide and hydrogen in Fischer-Tropsch reactors, with upstream upgrading to desired specification fuels—for example, gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene, diesel fuel, and others. Energy released in some of these processes is used by other processes. Using adiabatic temperature changes and isothermal pressure changes for gas processing and separation, large amounts of required energy are internally recycled using electric and heat distribution lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Alexander J. Severinsky
  • Patent number: 8168684
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing liquid hydrocarbons, preferably internal combustion engine fuels, using feedstocks of coal or methane. Depending on the nature of the feedstock it is subjected to a gasification and/or reforming process and/or water gas shift process which produces a syngas that is rich in carbon dioxide and hydrogen rather than carbon monoxide and hydrogen as in the conventional process. The carbon dioxide and hydrogen are combined in a Fischer Tropsch process to produce desired hydrocarbons and water. The energy requirements of the gasification/reforming process to produce a syngas that is rich in carbon dioxide and hydrogen is considerably less than the energy requirements for gasification/reforming process for producing the conventional carbon monoxide rich syngas. This reduction in energy consumption reduces considerably the quantities of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere compared to conventional processes that are based on carbon monoxide rich syngas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
    Inventors: Diane Hildebrandt, David Glasser, Bilal Patel, Brendon Patrick Hausberger
  • Publication number: 20120088850
    Abstract: A method and system for co-production of electric power, fuel, and chemicals in which a synthesis gas at a first pressure is expanded using a turbo-expander, simultaneously producing electric power and an expanded synthesis gas at a second pressure after which the expanded synthesis gas is converted to a fuel and/or a chemical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GAS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Iosif K. Rabovitser, Arunabha Basu
  • Patent number: 8153698
    Abstract: A low-temperature catalytic process for converting biomass (preferably glycerol recovered from the fabrication of bio-diesel) to synthesis gas (i.e., H2/CO gas mixture) in an endothermic gasification reaction is described. The synthesis gas is used in exothermic carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions, such as Fischer-Tropsch, methanol, or dimethylether syntheses. The heat from the exothermic carbon-carbon bond-forming reaction is integrated with the endothermic gasification reaction, thus providing an energy-efficient route for producing fuels and chemicals from renewable biomass resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignees: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, Virent, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy D. Cortright, James A. Dumesic
  • Patent number: 8148435
    Abstract: An integrated coal-to-liquids process is provided to minimize carbon dioxide emissions and efficiently make use of carbon resources, by recovering carbon dioxide emissions from Coal-to-Liquids (CTL) facilities, using the recovered carbon dioxide in at least one carbonylation reaction step for converting ammonia to urea and then converting urea into dimethyl carbonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Accelergy Corporation
    Inventor: Rocco A. Fiato
  • Patent number: 8142530
    Abstract: This invention features methods and apparatus for producing syngas from any carbon-containing feed material. In some embodiments, a substoichiometric amount of oxygen is used to enhance the formation of syngas. In various embodiments, both oxygen and steam are added during the conversion of the feed material into syngas. The syngas can be converted to alcohols, such as ethanol, or to other products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Range Fuels, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Klepper, Arie Geertsema, Shakeel H. Tirmizi, Heinz Juergen Robota, Francis M. Ferraro, Ronald C. Stites
  • Patent number: 8138381
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for recovering a natural gas contaminated with high levels of carbon dioxide. A gas containing methane and carbon dioxide is extracted from a reservoir containing natural gas, where carbon dioxide comprises greater than 40 vol. % of the extracted gas. The extracted gas is scrubbed with a wash effective to produce a washed extracted gas containing less carbon dioxide than the extracted gas and at least 20 vol. % carbon dioxide. The washed extracted gas is oxidized with an oxygen containing gas in the presence of a partial oxidation catalyst to produce an oxidation product gas containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. The oxidation product gas is then utilized to produce a liquid methanol product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Mahendra Ladharam Joshi, Jingyu Cui, Frederik Arnold Buhrman, Scott Lee Wellington, Stanley Nemec Milam, Rogier Maarten Kamerbeek
  • Publication number: 20120065278
    Abstract: A new method of producing liquid transportation fuels from coal and other hydrocarbons that significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions by combining Fischer-Tropsch synthesis with catalytic dehydrogenation is claimed. Catalytic dehydrogenation (CDH) of the gaseous products (C1-C4) of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) can produce large quantities of hydrogen while converting the carbon to multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Incorporation of CDH into a FTS-CDH plant converting coal to liquid fuels can eliminate all or most of the CO2 emissions from the water-gas shift (WGS) reaction that is currently used to elevate the H2 level of coal-derived syngas for FTS. Additionally, the FTS-CDH process saves large amounts of water used by the WGS reaction and produces a valuable by-product, MWCNT.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Gerald P. Huffman
  • Patent number: 8133925
    Abstract: A method for forming C2+ hydrocarbons by forming a dispersion comprising synthesis gas bubbles dispersed in a liquid phase comprising hydrocarbons in a high shear device, wherein the average bubble diameter of the synthesis gas bubbles is less than about 1.5 ?m, introducing the dispersion into a reactor, and removing a product stream comprising C2+ hydrocarbons from the reactor. A system for converting carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas into C2+ hydrocarbons including at least one high shear mixing device comprising at least one rotor and at least one stator separated by a shear gap, wherein the high shear mixing device is capable of producing a tip speed of the at least one rotor of greater than 22.9 m/s (4,500 ft/min), and a pump configured for delivering a fluid stream comprising liquid medium to the high shear mixing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: H R D Corporation
    Inventors: Abbas Hassan, Ebrahim Bagherzadeh, Rayford G. Anthony, Gregory Borsinger, Aziz Hassan
  • Patent number: 8129436
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for simplifying manufacture of a mixed alcohol or mixed oxygenate product from synthesis gas. The mixed alcohol or mixed oxygenate product contains ethanol and other oxygenates with two or more carbon atoms per molecule. The method includes stripping a portion of carbon dioxide and inert gases contained in a mixed alcohol synthesis reaction product using a methanol-containing stream, such as one produced as part of the method, as a medium to absorb said carbon dioxide and inert gases and recycling light products and heavy products to one or more of synthesis gas generation, mixed alcohol synthesis and separation of desired mixed alcohol or mixed oxygenate products from other components of a mixed alcohol synthesis stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Max M. Tirtowidjojo, Barry B. Fish, Hendrik L. Pelt, Dennis W. Jewell, Mark D. Bearden, John G. Pendergast, Jr., Jon H. Siddall, Brien A. Stears, Haivan D. Tran, Jan W. Verwijs, Aaltje Verwijs-van den Brink, legal representative, Lena Verwijs, legal representative, Hendrika Gerrita Verwijs, legal representative, Richard M. Wehmeyer
  • Publication number: 20120051953
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for the conversion of a hydrocarbonaceous assets into gasoline. The hydrocarbonaceous assets are converted at a first methanol production facility into methanol by processes comprising gasification and methanol synthesis. At least a portion of the methanol is shipped to a second gasoline production facility that is at least 10 miles in distance from the first location. At the second gasoline production facility, at least a portion of the methanol is converted by a MTG process to produce a gasoline and LPG components and steam. At least a portion of the methanol may also be used in a methanol to olefin process to produce olefins and steam. The olefins may be alkylated with olefins to produce alkylates which may mixed with the gasoline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Dennis J. O'Rear
  • Patent number: 8123827
    Abstract: The present invention provides processes for making syngas-derived products. For example, one aspect of the present invention provides a process for making a syngas-derived product, the process comprising (a) providing a carbonaceous feedstock; (b) converting the carbonaceous feedstock in a syngas formation zone at least in part to a synthesis gas stream comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide; (c) conveying the synthesis gas stream to a syngas reaction zone; (d) reacting the synthesis gas stream in the syngas reaction zone to form the syngas-derived product and heat energy, a combustible tail gas mixture, or both; (e) recovering the syngas-derived product; and (f) recovering the heat energy formed from the reaction of the synthesis gas stream, burning the combustible tail gas mixture to form heat energy, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Greatpoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Earl T. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20120041083
    Abstract: A method for providing storable and transportable energy carriers (103, 104) is described. In one step, a transformation of silicon-dioxide-containing or metal-oxide-containing starting material (101) to silicon (103) or a metal occurs in a reduction process (105), wherein the primary energy for this reduction process (105) is provided from a renewable energy source. Then, a portion of the reaction products (102) from the reduction process (105) is applied in a process (106) for generating methanol, wherein (106) a synthesis gas (110) composed of carbon monoxide and hydrogen is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: SILICON FIRE AG
    Inventor: Peter Grauer
  • Patent number: 8114916
    Abstract: A process and system for producing hydrocarbon compounds or fuels that recycle products of hydrocarbon compound combustion—carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide, or both, and water. The energy for recycling is electricity derived from preferably not fossil based fuels, like from nuclear fuels or from renewable energy. The process comprises electrolysing water, and then using hydrogen to reduce externally supplied carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide, then using so produced carbon monoxide together with any externally supplied carbon monoxide and hydrogen in Fischer-Tropsch reactors, with upstream upgrading to desired specification fuels—for example, gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene, diesel fuel, and others. Energy released in some of these processes is used by other processes. Using adiabatic temperature changes and isothermal pressure changes for gas processing and separation, large amounts of required energy are internally recycled using electric and heat distribution lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Fuelcor, LLC
    Inventor: Alexander J. Severinsky
  • Patent number: 8114363
    Abstract: A system for and method of conversion of electrical energy into gaseous and liquid fuels, comprising steps of and means for provide a hydrocarbon fuels, including a collector for collecting carbon dioxide gas from a carbon dioxide gas source, a means for reducing at least a portion of the collected carbon dioxide gas to carbon monoxide, a means for producing hydrogen from a hydrogen source and a vessel for thermo-chemically reacting the hydrogen gas with carbon dioxide in a Fischer-Tropsch type process in the presence of a catalyst and heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ergenics Corporation
    Inventor: P. Mark Golben
  • Patent number: 8105403
    Abstract: A novel method of combining the CTL fuel plant and IGCC electrical plant by sharing the systems of coal intake, coal preparation, gas separation, and water units is described herein. This configuration allows for the combined facility to offer advantages in efficiencies of production, operational flexibility, scalability, and reliability by a multi-path integration of the processing units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Rentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Regnery, Richard O. Sheppard
  • Publication number: 20120022172
    Abstract: A method for providing storable and transportable energy carriers (103, 104) is described. In one step, a transformation of a silicon-dioxide-containing starting material (101) to silicon (103) occurs in a reduction process (105), wherein the primary energy for this reduction process (105) is provided from a renewable energy source. A portion of the reaction products (102) of the reduction process (105) is then applied in a process (106) for generating methanol, wherein a synthesis gas (110) composed of carbon monoxide and hydrogen is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Silicon Fire AG
    Inventor: Peter Grauer
  • Publication number: 20120022171
    Abstract: Low water-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oils and processes for producing them are provided. The process includes condensing pyrolysis gases including condensable pyrolysis gases and non-condensable gases to separate the condensable pyrolysis gases from the non-condensable gases, the non-condensable gases having a water content, drying the non-condensable pyrolysis gases to reduce the water content of the-non-condensable gases to form reduced-water non-condensable pyrolysis gases, and providing the reduced-water non-condensable pyrolysis gases to a pyrolysis reactor for forming the biomass-derived pyrolysis oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Stanley J. Frey
  • Publication number: 20120010305
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and facility systems (100) for providing storable and transportable carbon-based energy carriers (108) by application of carbon dioxide (101) as a carbon supplier and by application of electric energy (E1, E2). The facility system (100) comprises a plant (300, 301; 400) for providing a first portion of energy in the form of direct current energy (E1) from renewable energy sources. In addition, a power supplies facility (501) is provided for tying the facility system (100) to a mixed network (500), wherein the power supplies facility (501) produces a second portion of energy in the form of direct current energy (E2) from an alternating current voltage of the mixed network (500). A device (102, 105) is adapted to provide hydrogen (103), wherein a part of the energy requirement of this device (102, 105) is covered by said first portion of energy and another part is covered by said second portion of energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: SILICON FIRE AG
    Inventors: Peter Grauer, Roland Meyer-Pittroff
  • Patent number: 8093306
    Abstract: A method and system for reforming a carbonaceous feedstock comprising the steps, reforming the feedstock produce a first synthesis gas, subjecting a portion of the first synthesis gas to catalytic conversion, separating from the synthesis gas conversion product at least one byproduct, and utilizing at least a portion of the at least one byproduct during reforming of additional carbonaceous material. In certain instances, the method and system may be used to produce a liquid fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Rentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Blevins, Joshua B. Pearson, Harold A. Wright
  • Patent number: 8088187
    Abstract: A method of utilizing hydrogen in synthesis gas production by forming synthesis gas from one or more carbonaceous materials, the synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide; separating a hydrogen-rich product and a hydrogen-lean product from the synthesis gas to yield an adjusted synthesis gas product; and activating a hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst with at least a portion of the hydrogen-lean product. A system for carrying out the method is also provided, the system including at least one hydrogen extraction unit and an activation reactor operable to activate hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst, wherein the activation reactor comprises an inlet fluidly connected with the at least one hydrogen extraction unit whereby at least a portion of a hydrogen-lean gas stream, at least a portion of a hydrogen-rich gas stream, or at least a portion of both may be introduced into the activation reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Rentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio Mohedas, Mark Ibsen
  • Patent number: 8088832
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesizing ethanol using synthetic routes via synthesis gas are disclosed. A method and apparatus for gasifying biomass, such as biomass, in a steam gasifier that employs a fluidized bed and heating using hot flue gases from the combustion of synthesis gas is described. Methods and apparatus for converting synthesis gas into ethanol are also disclosed, using stepwise catalytic reactions to convert the carbon monoxide and hydrogen into ethanol using catalysts including iridium acetate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Woodland Biofuels Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Jack Melnichuk, Karen Venita Kelly, Robert S. Davis
  • Patent number: 8084508
    Abstract: A method of producing fuel by converting an alcohol stream comprising at least one alcohol into synthesis gas; providing a first synthesis gas stream, wherein at least a portion of the first synthesis gas stream comprises synthesis gas obtained from the alcohol conversion; converting a feed comprising synthesis gas via Fischer-Tropsch into a Fischer-Tropsch product comprising hydrocarbons, wherein at least a portion of the feed comprises synthesis gas from the first synthesis gas stream; and converting at least a portion of the Fischer-Tropsch product into fuel. A diesel fuel comprising hydrocarbons formed by Fischer-Tropsch conversion of synthesis gas derived from an alcohol stream comprising at least one alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Rentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Yakobson, Harold A. Wright, Richard Penning
  • Publication number: 20110313064
    Abstract: A process for producing methanol, where a hydrocarbon feedstock (1) is reformed and a make-up syngas is reacted in a synthesis loop, obtaining crude methanol which is further treated to obtain high-grade methanol, and where the carbon dioxide dissolved in the crude methanol is recycled to the reforming section in order to adjust the stoichiometric number of the make-up syngas. In a preferred embodiment, a flash gas (9) separated from the crude methanol (8) and light ends (10) coming from distillation are recycled to a compressor (106) and fed to a primary reformer (100); further carbon dioxide can be recycled from the flue gas (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Methanol Casale S.A.
    Inventors: Sergio Panza, Giovanni Luigi Capetti
  • Publication number: 20110306684
    Abstract: Chemical production processes are described herein. The chemical production processes generally include providing municipal solid waste; subjecting the municipal solid waste to plasma pyrolysis to form an intermediate for chemical production, wherein the intermediate includes carbon monoxide and hydrogen; and transferring the intermediate from the plasma pyrolysis to a chemical or liquid fuel production process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: FINA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: James N. Waguespack, James R. Butler
  • Publication number: 20110305961
    Abstract: A process for treating a flue gas is provided. The process comprises burning an amount of elemental magnesium in the flue gas, optionally to produce magnesium oxide and elemental carbon. A process for regenerating elemental magnesium from magnesium oxide is also provided, in addition to processes for producing energy from the elemental carbon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Petr GLADKOV
  • Publication number: 20110301252
    Abstract: A process for synthesis of methanol, where make-up syngas is reacted in a synthesis loop (10) obtaining crude methanol, and where a purge gas (20) taken from said synthesis loop is heated to 200-500° C. by indirect heat exchange with a high-temperature heat source, the heated purge gas (33) being expanded in a gas expander (34) to recover energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Raffaele Ostuni, Ermanno Filippi
  • Publication number: 20110294906
    Abstract: A method for producing liquid fuels includes the steps of gasifying a starting material selected from a group consisting of coal, biomass, carbon nanotubes and mixtures thereof to produce a syngas, subjecting that syngas to Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) to produce a hyrdrocarbon product stream, separating that hydrocarbon product stream into C1-C4 hydrocarbons and C5+ hydrocarbons to be used as liquid fuels and subjecting the C1-C4 hydrocarbons to catalytic dehydrogenation (CDH) to produce hydrogen and carbon nanotubes. The hydrogen produced by CDH is recycled to be mixed with the syngas incident to the FTS reactor in order to raise the hydrogen to carbon monoxide ratio of the syngas to values of 2 or higher, which is required to produce liquid hydrocarbon fuels. This is accomplished with little or no production of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Gerald P. Huffman
  • Publication number: 20110288184
    Abstract: The invention relates to a so-called zero emission ‘AST-CNR/ITM system’ modular plant for removal of pollutants from flue gases produced by industrial processes. The plant comprises prefabricated modular elements with programmed and automatic operation, easy to mount and assemble on site without undergoing expensive plant stoppage. Each module or ‘reaction tower’ comprises a plurality of sections vertically arranged on top of one another, which carry out the following functions: Removal of particulate matter with treatment and removal of chemical pollutants, such as heavy metals, chlorides, fluorides Treatment and removal of SOx Treatment and removal of NOx Capture of CO2 Production of hydrogen Production of methanol The various sections may be combined according to the requirements of the plant and of the flue gases to be treated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicants: CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE, AST ENGINEERING S.R.L.
    Inventors: Tommaso Nardo, Antonio Maria Nardo, Angelo Basile, Fausto Gallucci
  • Patent number: 8053481
    Abstract: A Fischer-Tropsch process for producing diesel fuel or diesel blending stock with a high cetane number, in a concentration of 65-90 wt % at pressures below 200 psia, using a cobalt catalyst with a rhenium and/or ruthenium promoter. The catalyst is a cobalt catalyst with crystallites having an average diameter greater than 16 nanometers, and the resulting hydrocarbon product after a rough flash, contains less than 10 wt % waxes (>C23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: WM GTL, Inc.
    Inventor: Conrad Ayasse
  • Publication number: 20110257275
    Abstract: System and method for sustainable economic development which includes hydrogen extracted from substances, for example, sea water, industrial waste water, agricultural waste water, sewage, and landfill waste water. The hydrogen extraction is accomplished by thermal dissociation, electrical dissociation, optical dissociation, and magnetic dissociation. The hydrogen extraction further includes operation in conjunction with energy addition from renewable resources, for example, solar, wind, moving water, geothermal, or biomass resources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Publication number: 20110237689
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for methanol synthesis using synthesis gas obtained from reforming of natural gas with carbon dioxide. First, synthesis gas is obtained from steam carbon dioxide reforming of methane, in which steam reforming of natural gas is carried out simultaneously with carbon dioxide reforming of methane, by using a catalyst (Ni/Ce/MgAlOx, or Ni/Ce—Zr/MgAlOx) and processing condition capable of maintaining a predetermined ratio of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen [H2/(2CO+3CO2)=0.85-1.15] Next, methanol synthesis is carried out by using the obtained synthesis as and a catalyst system suitable for methanol synthesis with minimum byproduct formation (a catalyst system including a Cu—Zn—Al oxide containing CuO, ZnO, and Al2O3 at a predetermined ratio in combination with a cerium-zirconium oxide obtained by a sol-gel process).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Jong Wook Bae, Jong Hyeok Oh, Ki Won Jun, Yun Jo Lee, Jun-ho Ko, Seok-Lyong Song, Keh-Sik Min
  • Publication number: 20110230573
    Abstract: Reactor vessels with pressure and heat transfer features for producing hydrogen-based fuels and structural elements, and associated systems and methods. A representative reactor system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a first reaction zone and a heat path positioned to direct heat into the first reaction zone, a reactant source coupled to the first reaction zone, and a first actuator coupled to cyclically pressurize the first reaction zone. The system can further include a second reaction zone in fluid communication with the first, a valve coupled between the first and second reaction zones to control a flow rate therebetween, and a second actuator coupled in fluid communication with the second reaction zone to cyclically pressurize the second reaction zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Publication number: 20110203277
    Abstract: The invention relates to producing liquid hydro carbonaceous product (1) from solid biomass (2). In the invention solid biomass (2) is gasified in a gasifier (6) to produce raw synthesis gas (3). The raw synthesis gas (3) is conditioned to purify the raw synthesis gas (3) to obtain purified synthesis gas (4), the conditioning comprising lowering the temperature of the raw synthesis gas (3) in a cooler (19) producing saturated steam (51). Then the purified gas (4) is subjected to a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis in a Fischer-Tropsch reactor (5) to produce liquid hydro carbonaceous product (1). In the invention the saturated steam (51) produced by the cooler (19) is further superheated in a superheating boiler (50) for producing superheated steam (52).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: UPM-KYMMENE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Petri Kukkonen, Pekka Knuuttila, Pekka Jokela
  • Publication number: 20110201698
    Abstract: Techniques, systems, apparatus and material are disclosed for regeneration or recycling of carbon dioxide into renewable liquid fuel. In one aspect, a method of recycling carbon to produce a renewable fuel can include harvesting carbon dioxide emitted from an industrial process. Biomass waste is dissociated under an anaerobic reaction to produce hydrogen. The harvested carbon dioxide is reacted with the biomass waste produced hydrogen under pressure and heat to generate a renewable fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Publication number: 20110201700
    Abstract: Facilities and processes for generating ethanol from municipal solid waste (MSW) in an economical way via generating a syngas, passing the syngas through a catalytic synthesis reactor, separating fuel grade ethanol, extracting energy at particular strategic points, and recycling undesired byproducts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Stephen H. Lucas, Peter G. Tiverios, James R. Jones, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110201701
    Abstract: Facilities and processes for generating ethanol from municipal solid waste (MSW) in an economical way via generating a syngas, passing the syngas through a catalytic synthesis reactor, separating fuel grade ethanol, extracting energy at particular strategic points, and recycling undesired byproducts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Stephen H. Lucas, Peter G. Tiverios, James R. Jones, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110201699
    Abstract: Facilities and processes for generating ethanol from municipal solid waste (MSW) in an economical way via generating a syngas, passing the syngas through a catalytic synthesis reactor, separating fuel grade ethanol, extracting energy at particular strategic points, and recycling undesired byproducts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Stephen H. Lucas, Peter G. Tiverios, James R. Jones, JR.
  • Patent number: 7989507
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for utilizing CO2 waste comprising recovering carbon dioxide from an industrial process that produces a waste stream comprising carbon dioxide in an amount greater than an amount of carbon dioxide present in starting materials for the industrial process. The method further includes producing hydrogen using a renewable energy resource and producing a hydrocarbon material utilizing the produced hydrogen and the recovered carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Bruce W. Rising
  • Patent number: 7989511
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for preparing a synthesis gas suitable for feeding to a suitable hydrocarbon production reactor, such as a Fischer Tropsch reactor is described. According to one aspect, the process and apparatus utilize heat exchangers that thermally integrate the reaction steps such that heat generated by exothermic reactions, e.g., combustion, are arranged closely to the heat sinks, e.g., cool methane, water and air, to minimize heat loss and maximize heat recovery. Effectively, this thermal integration eliminates excess piping throughout, reduces initial capital and operating costs, provides built-in passive temperature control, and improves synthesis gas production efficiencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Glenn Casey, Lixin You, Curtis Lee Krause, Kevin Hoa Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7989509
    Abstract: In various implementations, various feed gas streams which include hydrogen and carbon monoxide may be processed for conversion to product streams. For example, the feed gas stream may be processed using the Fischer-Tropsch process. Unconverted hydrogen and carbon monoxide can be recycled using an off-gas catalytic reformer and a gas turbine exhaust gas heat exchanger that will perform preheating duties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: GTLpetrol LLC
    Inventor: Rodney J. Allam
  • Publication number: 20110178185
    Abstract: A method and system for reforming a carbonaceous feedstock comprising the steps, reforming the feedstock produce a first synthesis gas, subjecting a portion of the first synthesis gas to catalytic conversion, separating from the synthesis gas conversion product at least one byproduct, and utilizing at least a portion of the at least one byproduct during reforming of additional carbonaceous material. In certain instances, the method and system may be used to produce a liquid fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: CLEARFUELS TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Randy BLEVINS, Joshua B. PEARSON, Harold A. WRIGHT