Method for producing synthesis gas
First Claim
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1. A process for producing synthesis gas, which comprises:
- passing a feed stream composed substantially of a lower alkane having from one to four carbon atoms and an influent oxidant stream which includes a molten metal oxide through a combustion zone to produce an oxidized product stream which includes carbon dioxide and water and an effluent oxidant stream which includes relatively less of the metal oxide as compared to the influent oxidant stream;
passing the effluent oxidant stream and a regenerant stream including oxygen and nitrogen through an exothermic regeneration zone to produce a regenerated oxidant stream and an exhaust stream; and
passing the oxidized product stream to an endothermic reforming zone containing a reforming catalyst to produce a synthesis gas stream which includes carbon monoxide and hydrogen;
wherein at least a portion of the heat liberated in the regeneration zone is transferred to the reforming zone.
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Abstract
The invention provides an improved method for producing synthesis gas from lower alkanes which utilizes molten baths as reactors. A molten metal oxide bath delivers oxygen to a feed stream containing lower alkanes and enhances oxidation of the lower alkanes to produce carbon dioxide and a molten elemental metal. In a molten metal bath, the metal is regenerated to metal oxide by contact with a regenerant such as air. Heat evolved in the molten baths is transferred to an endothermic reactor where a portion of the carbon dioxide is converted to a mixture of carbon oxides and hydrogen.
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20 Claims
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1. A process for producing synthesis gas, which comprises:
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passing a feed stream composed substantially of a lower alkane having from one to four carbon atoms and an influent oxidant stream which includes a molten metal oxide through a combustion zone to produce an oxidized product stream which includes carbon dioxide and water and an effluent oxidant stream which includes relatively less of the metal oxide as compared to the influent oxidant stream; passing the effluent oxidant stream and a regenerant stream including oxygen and nitrogen through an exothermic regeneration zone to produce a regenerated oxidant stream and an exhaust stream; and passing the oxidized product stream to an endothermic reforming zone containing a reforming catalyst to produce a synthesis gas stream which includes carbon monoxide and hydrogen; wherein at least a portion of the heat liberated in the regeneration zone is transferred to the reforming zone. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A continuous process for producing synthesis gas which comprises:
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passing a feed stream composed substantially of a lower alkane and an influent oxidant stream which includes a molten metal oxide through a combustion zone to produce a substantially oxidized product stream which contains carbon dioxide and water and an effluent oxidant stream which includes relatively less of the metal oxide as compared to the influent oxidant stream; mingling the effluent oxidant stream and an air stream which reacts exothermically with the effluent oxidant stream to produce heat, an exhaust stream, and an at least partially regenerated oxidant stream; transferring heat from the regenerated oxidant stream to the oxidized product stream through a heat exchanger having a relatively warmer heat transfer surface exposed to the regenerated oxidant stream and a cooler heat transfer surface exposed to the oxidized product stream; passing the oxidized product stream to a reforming zone which contains a reforming catalyst to produce a synthesis gas stream by an endothermic chemical reaction; and passing the regenerated oxidant stream to the combustion zone. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification