Reforming hydrocarbons with a Chemical Reactor (new invention from HALDOR TOPSØE A/S 01/04/2022)

Overview

What is this invention?

CO rich synthesis gas production

The HALDOR TOPSØE A/S invention has the ability to produce CO rich synthesis gas at low S/C conditions. This is significant due to the fact that it allows for a more efficient and cheaper production of petrochemicals. The reformer tubes in this system are arranged such that they house catalyst material which then helps to catalyze the two reforming reactions taking place within the tube. This results in a high level of conversion efficiency, as well as minimal emissions.

The reformer tubes in this invention are arranged to house catalyst material. This catalysts helps to react the hydrocarbon gas and steam into CO rich synthesis gas. The heat source is used to help get this reaction started, but it's only contact with the catalyst material that really does the work here. In order for these reactions to take place efficiently, it's important that all of the feed streams enter and exit the reformer tube at different points so as not to mix them up too much.

What are some key features of the invention?

  • Reactor tubes with a heat source

  • Heating the reformer tube by the heat source

  • Catalyst material in the reformer tube

  • Contacting only catalyst material in the second reforming reaction zone

What are some similar inventions on the market?

One similar product on the market is the KEROSAN® reactor and reformer tubes (produced by Halcrow). This system also uses a shell with a heat source to house the reactor, one or more reformer tubes, and catalyst material. However, this system does not have the ability to produce CO rich synthesis gas at low S/C conditions.

How could this be used?

The invention relates to a chemical reactor and reformer tubes for reforming a first feed stream comprising a hydrocarbon gas and steam. The shell of the reactor is arranged with one or more heat sources which can be used to create energy needed for the reaction process taking place in the reactor. The reformer tube housed within this shell is designed specifically for reforming this first feed stream into two separate streams: one containing CO, and anothercontaining H2O vapor.

The reformed gases are then routed through additional equipment where they are processed into useful products like gasoline, diesel fuel, LPGs etc. In order to achieve these goals at low S/C conditions - meaning low oxygen concentrations - the reformer tube must operate under very strict pressure limitations so as notto exceed its safe operating limits!

What are some things to look out for with this?

One potential risk to using this type of reformer is that the catalyst could deteriorate over time, which would stop the reaction from taking place. Additionally, if there was a leak in the system, it could cause poisonous gas to be released.

What are the overall impressions of this invention?

Overall, I am impressed with the product. It offers a high level of flexibility and customization, which can be valuable in certain applications. Additionally, the system is relatively easy to set up and use, which could make it a popular option for those looking to start producing synthesis gas at low S/C conditions.

Final comment expressed in a poem (written by an A.I.)

There once was a hydrocarbon gas
That went through a chemical reactor
With some steam and catalyst material
It became synthesis gas, quite rich in CO

Who owns this patent?

HALDOR TOPSØE A/S

Document Number: 11213794

USPTO Abstract > The invention relates to a chemical reactor and reformer tubes for reforming a first feed stream comprising a hydrocarbon gas and steam. The chemical reactor comprises a shell with a heat source and one or more reformer tubes. The reformer tube is arranged to house catalyst material and is arranged to being heated by the heat source. The reformer tube comprises a first inlet for feeding said first feed stream into a first reforming reaction zone of the reformer tube, and a feed conduct arranged to allow a second feed stream into a second reforming reaction zone of the reformer tube. The second reforming reaction zone is positioned downstream of the first reforming reaction zone. The feed conduct is configured so that the second feed stream is only in contact with catalyst material in the second reforming reaction zone. The invention also relates to a process of producing CO rich synthesis gas at low S/C conditions.The invention relates to a chemical reactor and reformer tubes for refor...
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