Process and apparatus for conversion of water vapor with coal or hydrocarbon into a product gas

US4713234A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Kernforschungsanlage Lulich Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung · DE

Inventors

• Walter Weirich · Dortmund, DE
• Heiko Barnert · Jülich, DE
• Michael Oertel · Dresden, DE
• Rudolf Schulten · Aachen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 1, 1985
• Grant date: Dec 15, 1987
• Expiry date: Jul 1, 2005

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S48/05
• WIPO field: Basic materials chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A process and apparatus for convertion of steam and hydrocarbon, or steam and coal, into a product gas which contains hydrogen. The conversion rate is augmented by effective extraction and removal of hydrogen as and when hydrogen is generated. Within a reaction vessel wherein the conversion takes place, a chamber for collection of hydrogen is formed by the provision of a hydrogen-permeable membrane. The chamber is provided with a hydrogen extraction means and houses a support structure, for example, in the form of a mesh providing structural support to the membrane. The membrane may be of a pleated or corrugated construction, so as to provide an enlarged surface for the membrane to facilitate hydrogen extraction. Also, to further facilitate hydrogen extraction, a hydrogen partial pressure differential is maintained across the membrane, such as, for example, by the counter pressure of an inert gas. A preferred configuration for the apparatus of the invention is a tubular construction which houses generally tubular hydrogen extraction chambers.