Abstract:
A method and apparatus for upgrading heavy oil is described, having a symbiotic relationship between a cracking reactor vessel and a steam reformer vessel. A first portion of an uncracked residue oil stream from the cracking reactor vessel is passed through a heat exchanger positioned within the steam reformer vessel and back to the cracking reactor vessel, such that a heat exchange takes place which heats the uncracked residue oil stream to promote cracking. A second portion of the uncracked residue oil stream from the cracking reactor vessel is injected directly into the steam reformer vessel. That portion of the uncracked residue oil stream not vaporized in the steam reformer vessel is converted into coke which becomes deposited in a fluidized bed of the steam reformer vessel. The fluidized bed activates steam which reacts with the coke to generate hydrogen. Hydrogen from the steam reformer vessel is directed into the cracking reactor vessel to assist with cracking.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for upgrading heavy oil is described, having a symbiotic relationship between a cracking reactor vessel and a steam reformer vessel. A first portion of an uncracked residue oil stream from the cracking reactor vessel is passed through a heat exchanger positioned within the steam reformer vessel and back to the cracking reactor vessel, such that a heat exchange takes place which heats the uncracked residue oil stream to promote cracking. A second portion of the uncracked residue oil stream from the cracking reactor vessel is injected directly into the steam reformer vessel. That portion of the uncracked residue oil stream not vaporized in the steam reformer vessel is converted into coke which becomes deposited in a fluidized bed of the steam reformer vessel. The fluidized bed activates steam which reacts with the coke to generate hydrogen. Hydrogen from the steam reformer vessel is directed into the cracking reactor vessel to assist with cracking.
Abstract:
Computer instructions in communication with at least one processor having data storage. The processor is in communication with a hydrogen generation network. The computer instructions instruct the processor to form a dynamic information database in the data storage, receive and store at least one hydrogen generating device identification and/or discretionary power consumption information, and receive and store dispatchable power source information and/or non-dispatchable power source information. The computer instructions instruct the processor to receive at least one message input using an administrator interface and transmit the message to the hydrogen generation network. The computer instructions instruct the processor to receive at least one response from the hydrogen generation network for regulating hydrogen production and store the response in the dynamic information database.
Abstract:
A composition is provided that can be used, for example, in a fuel processor for a fuel cell system. The composition includes a first material such as a catalyst, and a second material such as a desiccant. The second material is capable of sorbing and desorbing a heat transfer material such as water, and is present in an amount sufficient to sorb an amount of the heat transfer material sufficient to remove a portion of the heat generated when the first material undergoes an exothermic reaction.
Abstract:
A method for the thermal management of a fuel cell, which method comprises: processing a fuel supply stream in an autothermal reformer to produce a fuel cell supply stream comprising a concentration of methane; and reforming within the fuel cell methane present in the fuel cell supply stream, wherein the concentration of methane in the fuel cell supply stream is controlled by operation of the autothermal reformer in order to achieve a desired level of reforming of methane within the fuel cell.
Abstract:
A composition is provided that can be used, for example, in a fuel processor for a fuel cell system. The composition includes a first material such as a catalyst, and a second material such as a desiccant. The second material is capable of sorbing and desorbing a heat transfer material such as water, and is present in an amount sufficient to sorb an amount of the heat transfer material sufficient to remove a portion of the heat generated when the first material undergoes an exothermic reaction.
Abstract:
Hydrogen generation assemblies and methods of generating hydrogen are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method may include receiving a feed stream in a fuel processing assembly of the hydrogen generation assembly; and generating a product hydrogen stream in the fuel processing assembly from the received feed stream. Generating a product hydrogen stream may, in some embodiments, include generating an output stream in a hydrogen generating region from the received feed stream, and generating the product hydrogen stream in a purification region from the output stream. The method may additionally include receiving the generated product hydrogen stream in a buffer tank of the hydrogen generation assembly; and detecting pressure in the buffer tank via a tank sensor assembly. The method may further include stopping generation of the product hydrogen stream in the fuel processing assembly when the detected pressure in the buffer tank is above a predetermined maximum pressure.
Abstract:
A self-started OSRM (oxidative steam reforming of methanol) process at room temperature for hydrogen production is disclosed. In the process, an aqueous methanol and oxygen are pre-mixed. The mixture is then fed to a Cu/ZnO-based catalyst to initiate an OSRM process at room temperature. The temperature of the catalyst bed, with suitable thermal isolation, may be raised automatically by the exothermic OSRM to enhance the conversion of methanol. A hydrogen yield of 2.4 moles per mole methanol from the process may be obtained.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to systems and processes for producing syngas in steam methane reformer (SMR)-based plants, particularly to the use of a high space velocity, dual mode catalytic reactor to pre-reform plant feedstock. The dual mode reactor has the capability to operate in two modes: either without oxygen addition in a reforming mode or with oxygen addition in a partial oxidation-reforming mode. The dual mode reactor allows the syngas production rate of the plant to be manipulated without the added capital expense of a reheat coil and with reduced impact on export steam production.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for converting hydrocarbon fuels to hydrogen-rich reformate that incorporate a carbon dioxide fixing mechanism into the initial hydrocarbon conversion process and for providing a continuous supply of hydrogen-rich reformate. The apparatus includes a reforming reactor that has a catalyst bed comprising a reforming catalyst, a carbon dioxide fixing material and an optional water gas shift catalyst; a hydrogen storage device for storing reformate; and a controller for controlling the delivery of reformate from the reactor and/or storage device to an outlet. Optionally, the apparatus can include a heating device for heating the catalyst bed and a polishing unit for removing impurities from the reformate. The reforming reactor is operable in reforming and non-reforming modes. During non-reforming modes, the hydrogen storage device provides reformate to the outlet so as to maintain a continuous supply of reformate. A method for providing a continuous supply of hydrogen-rich reformate for use in a hydrogen-consuming device or process is also provided.