Uop Lcc

Hyradix Incorporated

Ifp Energies Nouvelles

Robert J Sanger

Kurt M Vanden Bussche

William J Koves

Kishore J Doshi

Gary A Schulz

Daniel R Sioui

Gavin Paul Towler

Zhanping Xu

John Joseph Senetar

Suheil F Abdo

Christophe Boyer

Bradley P Russell

Sathit Kulprathipanja

William Yanez

Bryan James Egolf

William M Hartman

Daniel A Kauff

André Nicolle

Hadjira Iddir

Brian K Masterson

Willi Nastoll

John R Harness

Nitin Prabhakar Chitgopekar

Emadoddin Abbasi

Paul G Blommel

Andre Nicolle

Stephen M Metro

A process for on-site hydrogen reforming is disclosed. The process includes providing a combined reformer heat exchanger component in which heated air, steam, and hydrocarbon fuel react to form process gas containing hydrogen, and the process gas is cooled via the heat exchanger. The combined components enable reductions in size, materials, costs, and heat loss. Additionally, as the heat exchanger side of the component operates at a cooler temperature, an uninsulated flange for access to the catalyst chamber can be used. A combined combustion heat exchanger component is also provided with similar advantages. Process gas is processed, and hydrogen gas is produced via a purification process.

Hydrogen autothermal reforming process

Processes and apparatuses for relocating a reforming process heater service into the convection section rely on combining a flue gas recycle quench stream with the radiant section off gases entering the convection section. The uniformity of mixing influences the effectiveness of that quench stream. The more effective the quench stream is, the lower the equipment size required to manage the recycle design.

Process and apparatus for a convection charge heater having a recycle gas distributor

The present invention relates to an apparatus for gas-liquid distribution. More specifically, the present invention relates to a gas-liquid distribution device that may be used in an ionic liquid co-current gas and liquid up-flow reactor designed to distribute gas uniformly across the reactor cross section through restriction orifices on distributors located across the distribution tray.

Apparatus for vapor-liquid distribution

Methods and systems for separating para-xylene are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a method for separating para-xylene includes the steps of providing a feed stream including para-xylene and other Caromatic hydrocarbons to a first adsorbent bed within a radial flow simulated moving bed chamber and providing a desorbent stream to a second bed within the radial flow simulated moving bed chamber. The method further includes circulating the feed stream and the desorbent stream radially within the radial flow simulated moving bed chamber to third and fourth beds within the radial flow simulated moving bed chamber. Still further, the method includes withdrawing an extract stream including the para-xylene from the third bed and withdrawing a raffinate stream including the other Caromatic hydrocarbons from the fourth bed.

Methods and systems for separating para-xylene using a radial flow simulated moving bed chamber

Hydrogen generators and processes for operating hydrogen generators using partial oxidation/steam reforming of fuel are provided that can achieve desirable Net Hydrogen Efficiencies over a range of fuels and hydrogen product production rates and purities. Superheated steam for the reformer feed is provided through indirect heat exchange with the reformate and through indirect heat exchange with a flue gas. The relative portions of superheated steam from each heat exchange is adjusted to enhance Net Hydrogen Efficiency as a demand condition such as hydrogen product production rate or purity changes, and cooler oxygen-containing gas is used to avoid precombustion temperatures in the reformer feed.

Hydrogen generation processes and apparatus and control system

This invention describes a new device for controlling the radial profile of the temperature of a confined gas stream that is designed to be used as a coolant in an exchanger that is located downstream from said device.

Device for controlling the radial profile of the temperature of a confined gas stream

Apparatus and processes are provided for the generation of hydrogen which employ a reformer and water gas shift reactor. The apparatus and processes respond quickly to changes in hydrogen generation. The reformate in a region between the reformer and prior to exiting the water gas shift reactor is cooled by indirect heat exchange with water whereby substantially all the water is vaporized to steam, the steam is separated from liquid water and then introduced into the reformate.

Compact reformer and water gas shift reactor for producing varying amounts of hydrogen

Hydrogen generators and integrated hydrogen generator/fuel cells systems are operated by determining the condition of the hydrogen generator and the condition of the fuel to the hydrogen generator for selection of predetermined flow rates for each of the externally-provided raw materials. The processes of the invention can provide rapid transitions between hydrogen production rates while enabling enhanced efficiency and stability during transient operations.

Feedforward control processes for variable output hydrogen generators

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

Fuel processor reactor with integrated pre-reforming zone

A process and arrangement for contacting a moving bed of compact particulate material, usually catalyst, with a radial flow of fluid maintains an unconfined surface of catalyst particles in place by passing fluid axially into the upper surface of the bed and maintaining radial gas flow across an inlet screen at an elevation that is above the upper most elevation of perforations for withdrawing gas flow from the particulate bed. Two vertical screens confine the bed of catalyst. Perforations cover substantially the entire length of the inlet screen. The outlet portion of the screen has perforations that end below the top of the free surface of the catalyst bed and define an upper bed portion therebetween. The inlet screen directs gas flow radially across the inlet screen into an upper portion of the bed and causes at least partial axial flow of gas through the upper portion of the particle bed. The axial gas flow through the upper portion of the particle bed holds the surface of the catalyst in place while also cause the gas to preheat the relatively cold catalyst as it initially enters the particulate bed. Heating of the catalyst in an upper portion moderates transient temperature spikes and depressions that fatigue a critical junction between perforated and unperforated portions of the outlet screen. The preheating of the catalyst in by this method and seal arrangement reduces damage temperature swings on equipment while providing an overall simplified arrangement for a upper seal zone in a bed of compact moving particles.

Apparatus to alleviate thermal cycles in moving bed radial flow reactor

An apparatus is provided which comprises two burner zones using a single igniter separated by a heat transfer zone for use in low-cost hydrogen generation units. When used in conjunction with a control system which limits the effluent temperature to less than about 700&deg; C., the apparatus can be constructed of materials such as carbon steel and stainless steel rather than more exotic materials. This simplified structure and the use of less exotic materials provides an efficient, low-cost combined partial oxidation reactor for small-scale hydrogen production systems, especially for hydrogen production systems associated with fuel cell operation for the production of electricity.

Apparatus for providing a pure hydrogen stream for use with fuel cells

A process and arrangement for contacting a moving bed of compact particulate material, usually catalyst, with a radial flow of fluid maintains an unconfined surface of catalyst particles in place by passing fluid axially into the upper surface of the bed and maintaining radial gas flow across an inlet screen at an elevation that is above the upper most elevation of perforations for withdrawing gas flow from the particulate bed. Two vertical screens confine the bed of catalyst. Perforations cover substantially the entire length of the inlet screen. The outlet portion of the screen has perforations that end below the top of the free surface of the catalyst bed and define an upper bed portion therebetween. The inlet screen directs gas flow radially across the inlet screen into an upper portion of the bed and cause at least partial axial flow of gas through the upper portion of the particle bed. The axial gas flow through the upper portion of the particle bed holds the surface of the catalyst in place while also cause the gas to preheat the relatively cold catalyst as it initially enters the particulate bed. Heating of the catalyst in an upper portion moderates transient temperature spikes and depressions that fatigue a critical junction between perforated and unperforated portions of the outlet screen. The preheating of the catalyst in by this method and seal arrangement reduces damage temperature swings on equipment while providing an overall simplified arrangement for a upper seal zone in a bed of compact moving particles.

Method to alleviate thermal cycles in moving bed radial flow reactor

A flow cell for fiber optics spectroscopy having a radiation transparent window for the transmission of radiation uses a dual O-ring arrangement to prevent leakage of a medium undergoing evaluation around the window and a vent for indicating leakage between the O-rings. The arrangement also provides for the use of an O-ring to urge the window against a retainer that holds a lens to direct radiation into the window. Biasing of the window against the lens retainer and the use of a radial O-ring arrangement allows precise control of the separation between windows in the total path length for radiation travel across a fluid sample.

Growing community of inventors

Chicago, IL, United States of America

Robert J Sanger