Steam reformer with internal hydrogen purification
OwnerDavid J. Edlundinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A steam reformer with internal hydrogen purification includes internal bulk hydrogen purification, internal hydrogen polishing to remove trace levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, an integrated combustion method utilizing waste gas to heat the reformer, efficient integration of heat transfer, and a compact design. The steam reformer shown includes a concentric cylindric architecture nesting an annular combustion region, an annular reforming region, an annular hydrogen transport region, and a cylindrical polishing region.
Claims21
A process for the production of hydrogen containing concentrations of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide below a given level, comprising:
- reacting steam and at least one of an alcohol vapor and a hydrocarbon vapor at a temperature approximately in the range of 200 degrees C. to 600 degrees C. and a total pressure of at least two atmospheres to produce product hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide;
- conducting said reacting step in the vicinity of a hydrogen-permeable and hydrogen-selective membrane whereby said product hydrogen permeates said membrane and concentrations of said carbon monoxide and said carbon dioxide above said given level permeate said membrane;
- placing a methanation catalyst bed containing a methanation catalyst at the permeate side of said membrane;
- providing means to heat the methanation catalyst to a temperature approximately in the range of 200 degrees C. to 600 degrees C. whereby said carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide permeating through said membrane convert to methane and yield a product hydrogen stream with concentrations of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide below said given level;
- and
- withdrawing said product hydrogen stream from said methanation catalyst bed.
A steam reformer comprising:
- a tubular hydrogen-permeable and hydrogen-selective membrane;
- a first bed comprising a reforming catalyst and surrounding at least part of said membrane;
- an inlet to said first bed receiving a mixture of steam and at least one of an alcohol vapor and a hydrocarbon vapor;
- an outlet from said first bed releasing reforming byproduct gasses;
- a heating element heating said first bed to an operating temperature approximately between 200 degrees C. and 600 degrees C.;
- a second bed comprising a methanation catalyst placed at the permeate side of said membrane;
- and
- a reformer outlet withdrawing hydrogen gas from said second bed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.