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Steam reformer with internal hydrogen purification

DC
  • US 5,861,137 A
  • Filed: 10/30/1996
  • Issued: 01/19/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/30/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. 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.

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