Steam reforming processes can include treatment of syngas by water gas shift, water separation, and hydrogen separation by pressure swing adsorption (PSA). Additionally, CO2 can be scrubbed from the syngas prior to the PSA. PSA tail gas, including CH4, CO, and H2, can be recompressed and recycled to the PSA for further hydrogen separation and to the steam reformer feed to convert eventually all carbon in the feedstock into CO2 for the scrubber to separate. Fuel requirements can be fulfilled by part of the hydrogen product to eliminate stack CO2 emissions.
C01B 3/38 - Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents using catalysts
B01D 53/14 - Separation of gases or vapoursRecovering vapours of volatile solvents from gasesChemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by absorption
B01D 53/78 - Liquid phase processes with gas-liquid contact
C01B 3/48 - Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents followed by reaction of water vapour with carbon monoxide
C01B 3/52 - Separation of hydrogen or hydrogen containing gases from gaseous mixtures, e.g. purification by contacting with liquidsRegeneration of used liquids
C01B 3/56 - Separation of hydrogen or hydrogen containing gases from gaseous mixtures, e.g. purification by contacting with solidsRegeneration of used solids
2.
STEAM REFORMING REACTOR WITH INTERNAL AXIAL HEATING
A steam reforming reactor may include a shell, an inner tube disposed within the shell such that an annulus is formed between the shell and the inner tube, a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the annulus, a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the annulus, a catalytic reactor disposed within the annulus, the catalytic reactor configured to allow fluid to flow through the annulus, and at least one internal heating device disposed within the inner tube, the at least one internal heating device configured to heat a fluid traveling through the annulus.
C01B 3/34 - Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents
B01J 19/24 - Stationary reactors without moving elements inside
B01J 8/04 - Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds the fluid passing successively through two or more beds
F28F 1/40 - Tubular elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only inside the tubular element
C01B 3/32 - Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air
C01B 3/38 - Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents using catalysts
F28F 13/06 - Arrangements for modifying heat transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing by affecting the pattern of flow of the heat-exchange media
Steam reforming, water separation, and hydrogen separation by membrane can be performed sequentially on a mixture of steam and a hydrocarbon. A hydrogen-rich permeate stream from the hydrogen membrane can be used as fuel for combustion heating, leaving a retentate mixture of a prescribed ratio of hydrogen to oxides of carbon. The retentate can be compressed and synthesized to methanol in a methanol synthesis reactor. The synthesized methanol can be separated into a methanol-rich stream and a tail gas stream containing the remaining outlet gas from the synthesis reactor. The methanol-rich stream can be refined. The tail gas stream can be divided into a methanol loop recycle stream, an SMR recycle stream, and a nitrogen purge stream. The methanol loop recycle stream is compressed and recycled to the methanol synthesis reactor. The SMR recycle stream is recycled as feedstock to the reformer. The nitrogen purge stream is combusted in a burner. Carbon dioxide may be separated from combustion products and sequestered.
C07C 29/151 - Preparation of compounds having hydroxy or O-metal groups bound to a carbon atom not belonging to a six-membered aromatic ring by reduction of oxides of carbon exclusively with hydrogen or hydrogen-containing gases
C07C 29/80 - SeparationPurificationStabilisationUse of additives by physical treatment by distillation
B01J 19/24 - Stationary reactors without moving elements inside
B01J 19/00 - Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in generalTheir relevant apparatus
C01B 3/34 - Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents
C01B 3/50 - Separation of hydrogen or hydrogen containing gases from gaseous mixtures, e.g. purification
4.
Support structure for structured catalyst packings
A support structure for a structured catalytic packing is disclosed. The support structure is in a fixed position relative to the reactor tube containing it. It supports catalyzed casings that are free to move relative to the support structure. The support structure and casings are inserted in the reactor tube such that the support structure is located proximate the longitudinal axis of the tube and the casings are located between the support structure and the reactor tube wall. The support structure comprises a central support tube or rod proximate to, and impervious or perforated discs perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis of the reactor tube, and may comprise spacers separating the discs.
B01J 8/06 - Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds in tube reactorsChemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds the solid particles being arranged in tubes
B01J 8/02 - Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds
B01J 8/04 - Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds the fluid passing successively through two or more beds
B01J 19/24 - Stationary reactors without moving elements inside
B01J 19/32 - Packing elements in the form of grids or built-up elements for forming a unit or module inside the apparatus for mass or heat transfer
B01J 35/56 - Foraminous structures having flow-through passages or channels, e.g. grids or three-dimensional monoliths
Syngas is produced by a steam reforming unit with at least one of a bayonet reactor for reforming steam and a hydrocarbon, a recuperative burner, and a regenerative burner such that the steam reforming unit produces little or no steam in excess of the steam reforming process requirements. The syngas is then converted to methanol in a methanol synthesis unit. Compressors for the synthesis unit are driven by higher efficiency drivers than are possible using the low temperature steam conventionally exported from a steam reforming unit.
C07C 29/151 - Preparation of compounds having hydroxy or O-metal groups bound to a carbon atom not belonging to a six-membered aromatic ring by reduction of oxides of carbon exclusively with hydrogen or hydrogen-containing gases
C01B 3/34 - Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents
Syngas is produced by a steam reforming unit with at least one of a bayonet reactor for reforming steam and a hydrocarbon, a recuperative burner, and a regenerative burner such that the steam reforming unit produces little or no steam in excess of the steam reforming process requirements. The syngas is then converted to methanol in a methanol synthesis unit. Compressors for the synthesis unit are driven by higher efficiency drivers than are possible using the low temperature steam conventionally exported from a steam reforming unit.
C07C 29/78 - SeparationPurificationStabilisationUse of additives by physical treatment by condensation or crystallisation
C07C 29/92 - SeparationPurificationStabilisationUse of additives by treatment giving rise to a chemical modification of at least one compound by a consecutive conversion and reconstruction
C01B 3/34 - Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents
7.
SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR STRUCTURED CATALYST PACKINGS
A support structure for a structured catalytic packing is disclosed. The support structure is in a fixed position relative to the reactor tube containing it. It supports catalyzed casings that are free to move relative to the support structure. The support structure and casings are inserted in the reactor tube such that the support structure is located proximate the longitudinal axis of the tube and the casings are located between the support structure and the reactor tube wall. The support structure comprises a central support tube or rod proximate to, and impervious or perforated discs perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis of the reactor tube, and may comprise spacers separating the discs.
B01J 8/06 - Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds in tube reactorsChemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds the solid particles being arranged in tubes
B01J 19/30 - Loose or shaped packing elements, e.g. Raschig rings or Berl saddles, for pouring into the apparatus for mass or heat transfer
8.
Support structure for structured catalyst packings
A support structure for a structured catalytic packing is disclosed. The support structure is in a fixed position relative to the reactor tube containing it. It supports catalyzed casings that are free to move relative to the support structure. The support structure and casings are inserted in the reactor tube such that the support structure is located proximate the longitudinal axis of the tube and the casings are located between the support structure and the reactor tube wall. The support structure comprises a central support tube or rod proximate to, and impervious or perforated discs perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis of the reactor tube, and may comprise spacers separating the discs.
B01J 8/06 - Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds in tube reactorsChemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds the solid particles being arranged in tubes
B01J 19/24 - Stationary reactors without moving elements inside
B01J 19/32 - Packing elements in the form of grids or built-up elements for forming a unit or module inside the apparatus for mass or heat transfer
B01J 8/02 - Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds
B01J 8/04 - Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds the fluid passing successively through two or more beds
High purity hydrogen is produced by a steam reforming hydrogen production unit with at least one of a bayonet reactor for reforming steam and a hydrocarbon, a recuperative burner, and a regenerative burner such that the steam reforming unit produces little or no steam in excess of the steam reforming process requirements. High purity hydrogen is separated from the syngas exiting the reformer via a pressure swing adsorption unit and combined with high purity nitrogen from an air separation unit as feedstock to a Haber process ammonia synthesis unit. Compressors for the ammonia synthesis unit are driven by higher efficiency drivers than are possible using the low temperature steam conventionally exported from a steam reforming unit. Compression power requirements are reduced.
C01B 3/24 - Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen by decomposition of gaseous or liquid organic compounds of hydrocarbons
C01B 3/56 - Separation of hydrogen or hydrogen containing gases from gaseous mixtures, e.g. purification by contacting with solidsRegeneration of used solids
C01B 3/04 - Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen by decomposition of inorganic compounds, e.g. ammonia
A bayonet reactor including a catalytic reactor in the form of an annular structured packing is provided with increased surface area for the transfer of heat between annulus gas and return gas, an increased coefficient of heat transfer between the annulus and return gases, and a reduced overall pressure drop relative to conventional reactors. The reactors of the present technology can enable intensified catalytic processing.
B01J 8/00 - Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes
B01J 8/02 - Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds
B01J 8/04 - Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds the fluid passing successively through two or more beds
B01J 8/06 - Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds in tube reactorsChemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds the solid particles being arranged in tubes
B01J 19/00 - Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in generalTheir relevant apparatus
B01J 19/24 - Stationary reactors without moving elements inside
B01J 19/30 - Loose or shaped packing elements, e.g. Raschig rings or Berl saddles, for pouring into the apparatus for mass or heat transfer
B01J 19/32 - Packing elements in the form of grids or built-up elements for forming a unit or module inside the apparatus for mass or heat transfer
11.
Steam methane reformer system and method of performing a steam methane reforming process
An apparatus includes a furnace having at least one bayonet reforming tube. The furnace is adapted to receive a gas including a hydrocarbon and at least one of steam and carbon dioxide via the bayonet reforming tube, heat and catalytically react the gas to form syngas at a first temperature, cool the syngas to a second temperature lower than the first temperature, and eject the syngas from the tube. The furnace has a first effluent stream including flue gas and a second effluent stream including syngas. The apparatus also includes a first heat recovery section adapted to transfer heat from the first effluent stream to a first heat load including one of air, water, and steam, and a second heat recovery section adapted to transfer heat from the second effluent stream to a second heat load.
C01B 3/34 - Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents
B01J 8/00 - Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes
B01J 19/18 - Stationary reactors having moving elements inside
C01B 3/38 - Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents using catalysts
B01J 8/06 - Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds in tube reactorsChemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds the solid particles being arranged in tubes
12.
STEAM METHANE REFORMER SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PERFORMING A STEAM METHANE REFORMING PROCESS
An apparatus includes a furnace having at least one bayonet reforming tube. The furnace is adapted to receive a gas including a hydrocarbon and at least one of steam and carbon dioxide via the bayonet reforming tube, heat and catalytically react the gas to form syngas at a first temperature, cool the syngas to a second temperature lower than the first temperature, and eject the syngas from the tube. The furnace has a first effluent stream including flue gas and a second effluent stream including syngas. The apparatus also includes a first heat recovery section adapted to transfer heat from the first effluent stream to a first heat load including one of air, water, and steam, and a second heat recovery section adapted to transfer heat from the second effluent stream to a second heat load.
B01J 8/06 - Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds in tube reactorsChemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds the solid particles being arranged in tubes
C01B 3/38 - Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents using catalysts
13.
Engineered packing for heat exchange and systems and methods constructing the same
An apparatus includes an inlet, an outlet, and a sheet disposed proximate a heat transfer surface, wherein the sheet is oriented in a sheet plane that is displaced from a plane of the heat transfer surface by an angle of at least 10 degrees. The apparatus also includes a plurality of tabs attached to the sheet, the tabs lying in respective tab planes, wherein the tab planes and the sheet plane intersect forming respective intersections. The intersections of the tab planes and the sheet plane are substantially parallel. The intersections of the tab planes and the sheet plane are at an angle of less than 88° to the heat transfer surface, and the plurality of tabs collectively form channels directing a fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet to impinge the heat transfer surface.
F28F 13/12 - Arrangements for modifying heat transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing by affecting the pattern of flow of the heat-exchange media by creating turbulence, e.g. by stirring, by increasing the force of circulation
B01J 19/24 - Stationary reactors without moving elements inside
F28F 13/02 - Arrangements for modifying heat transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing by influencing fluid boundary
B01J 19/32 - Packing elements in the form of grids or built-up elements for forming a unit or module inside the apparatus for mass or heat transfer
14.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONSTRUCTING ENGINEERED PACKING FOR HEAT EXCHANGE
An apparatus includes an inlet, an outlet, and a sheet disposed proximate a heat transfer surface, the sheet being oriented in a sheet plane that is displaced from a plane of the heat transfer surface by an angle of at least 10 degrees. The apparatus also includes a plurality of tabs attached to the sheet, the tabs lying in respective tab planes, wherein the tab planes and the sheet plane intersect forming respective intersections, the intersections of the tab planes and the sheet plane are substantially parallel, the intersections of the tab planes and the sheet plane are at an angle of less than 88o to the heat transfer surface, and the plurality of tabs collectively form channels directing a fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet to impinge the heat transfer surface.
B21D 53/04 - Making other particular articles heat exchangers, e.g. radiators, condensers of sheet metal
B21D 53/08 - Making other particular articles heat exchangers, e.g. radiators, condensers of both metal tubes and sheet metal
F28F 13/12 - Arrangements for modifying heat transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing by affecting the pattern of flow of the heat-exchange media by creating turbulence, e.g. by stirring, by increasing the force of circulation
A heat exchanger includes a packing comprising at least one external oblique fin having a surface, and a plurality of tubes, each tube having an inlet, an outlet, a wall, an outer surface, and an axis. The plurality of tubes are substantially parallel and separate from each other. The packing may include a plurality of fins arranged in a plurality of columns. Each column includes a plurality of external oblique fins associated with a respective tube disposed along at least part of a length of the respective tube, and first fins in a first column have substantially the same first orientation. The first orientation of the first fins in the first column is different from a second orientation of second fins in a second column.
F28F 1/10 - Tubular elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses
F28F 1/34 - Tubular elements or assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element and extending obliquely
A structured packing for insertion in a reactor having an inlet, an outlet, a wall and an axis. The packing comprises a first part, i.e., a reactor core and a second part, i.e., a reactor casing. The second part is free to move relative to the first part. The first part and the second part are inserted in the reactor such that the first part is located proximate the axis and the second part is located between the first part and the reactor wall. In general, the second part will be in contact with the reactor wall.
A non-adiabatic catalytic reactor for reacting a fluid includes a tube comprising an inlet, an outlet, a first wall, a diameter, a length, and a tube axis. The reactor also includes a plurality of structured packings disposed within the tube, and a plurality of mixing regions disposed within the tube. The structured packings and the mixed regions are arranged in an alternating pattern. Each structured packing includes one or more second walls defining channels for fluid flow through the structured packing, the channels being substantially parallel to the tube axis, the one or more second walls of the structured packing including a catalyst. At least one of the mixing regions permits mixing of first fluid proximate the first wall with second fluid farther from the first wall than the first fluid.
B01J 8/02 - Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds
B01J 8/06 - Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds in tube reactorsChemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds the solid particles being arranged in tubes
B01J 19/24 - Stationary reactors without moving elements inside
A structured packing for insertion in a reactor having an inlet, an outlet, a wall and an axis. The packing comprises a first part, i.e., a reactor core and a second part, i.e., a reactor casing. The second part is free to move relative to the first part. The first part and the second part are inserted in the reactor such that the first part is located proximate the axis and the second part is located between the first part and the reactor wall. In general, the second part will be in contact with the reactor wall.
A structured packing for a reactor is formed from a metal sheet to promote heat and mass transfer near the wall of the reactor. The structured packing causes lateral flow of fluids flowing through the packing such that jet impingement of at least one reactor wall is promoted. The packing may be used in a cylindrical, annular or plate-type reactor, e.g., a catalytic reactor, or a heat exchanger.
A catalytic reactor containing a core structure near the reactor axis and a casing structure near the reactor wall, the two structures differing from each other to promote catalysis and heat transfer, respectively. The casing contains a multiplicity of first devices for directing fluid centrifugally to impinge a reactor wall and second devices for permitting fluid to flow away from a reactor wall as the fluid flows from the inlet to the outlet of the reactor.
patents
