A reformer tube for producing synthesis gas by steam reforming of hydrocarbon-containing feed gases, in which a structured stream reforming catalyst is used, is proposed. According to the invention, a heat exchanger tube is arranged in the interior of the structured catalyst, with the feed gas stream flowing firstly through the structured catalyst and subsequently in countercurrent through the heat exchanger tube. This improves the heat exchange between the synthesis gas product stream and the structured catalyst and the feed gas stream flowing through it, especially in the radial direction.

The present disclosure relates generally to portable energy generation devices and methods. The devices are designed to covert formic acid into released hydrogen, alleviating the need for a hydrogen tank as a hydrogen source for fuel cell power. In particular, an electricity generation device for powering a battery comprising a formic acid reservoir containing a liquid consisting of formic acid; a reaction chamber capable of using a catalyst and heat to convert the formic acid to hydrogen and carbon dioxide; a fuel cell that generates electricity; a delivery system for moving converted hydrogen into the fuel cell; and a battery powered by electricity generated by the fuel cell is provided.

A metal chloride generator is provided. The metal chloride generator is a metal chloride centrifugal reactor that can be operated under conditions sufficient to cause metal particles and chlorine in the generator to be brought into contact with one another and react using centrifugal force to form metal chloride. A process for manufacturing titanium dioxide that utilizes the metal chloride generator is also provided.

Systems and methods for making ceramic powders configured with consistent, tailored characteristics and/or properties are provided herein. In some embodiments a system for making ceramic powders, includes: a reactor body having a reaction chamber and configured with a heat source to provide a hot zone along the reaction chamber; a sweep gas inlet configured to direct a sweep gas into the reaction chamber and a sweep gas outlet configured to direct an exhaust gas from the reaction chamber; a plurality of containers, within the reactor body, configured to retain at least one preform, wherein each container is configured to permit the sweep gas to flow therethrough, wherein the preform is configured to permit the sweep gas to flow there through, such that the precursor mixture is reacted in the hot zone to form a ceramic powder product having uniform properties.

A reformer tube for producing synthesis gas by steam reforming of hydrocarbon-containing input gases is proposed where an outer shell tube is divided by means of a separating tray into a reaction chamber and an exit chamber, a dumped bed of a steam-reforming-active solid catalyst is arranged in the reaction chamber, at least one heat exchanger tube is arranged inside the reaction chamber and inside the dumped catalyst bed, whose entry end is in fluid connection with the dumped catalyst bed and whose exit end is in fluid connection with the exit chamber, the exit end of the heat exchanger tube is fed through the separating tray and opens out into a corrosion-protected inner tube which is disposed in the interior of the shell tube and is in fluid connection with a collection conduit for the synthesis gas product, and a gas-permeable thermal insulation layer is arranged between the inner wall of the shell tube and the outer wall of the inner tube.

A process is proposed for producing pure hydrogen by steam reforming of a feed gas comprising hydrocarbons, preferably natural gas or naphtha, with a simultaneously low and preferably adjustable export steam flow rate. The process includes the steam reforming of the feed gas, for which the heat of reaction required is provided by combustion of one or more fuel gases with combustion air in a multitude of burners arranged within the reformer furnace. According to the invention, the combustion air, before being introduced into the burners, is heated by means of at least one heat exchanger in indirect heat exchange with the hot flue gas to temperatures of at least 530° C.

Hydrogen generation assemblies, hydrogen purification devices, and their components, and methods of manufacturing those assemblies, devices, and components are disclosed. In some embodiments, the devices may include an insulation base having insulating material and at least one passage that extends through the insulating material. In some embodiments, the at least one passage may be in fluid communication with a combustion region.

A chemical reactor that combines a pressure vessel, heat exchanger, heater, and catalyst holder into a single device is disclosed. The chemical reactor described herein reduces the cost of the reactor and reduces its parasitic heat losses. The disclosed chemical reactor is suitable for use in ammonia (NH.sub.3) synthesis.

A heat integrated steam reformer, which incorporates a catalytic combustor, which can be used in a fuel processor for hydrogen production from a fuel source, is described. The reformer assembly comprises a reforming section and a combustion section, separated by a wall. Catalyst (21) able to induce the reforming reactions is placed in the reforming section, either in the form of pellets or in the form of coating on a suitable structured catalyst substrate such as fecralloy sheets. Catalyst (22) able to induce the combustion reactions is placed in the combustion section in the form of coating on suitable structured catalyst substrate such as fecralloy sheet. A steam and fuel mixture (30) is supplied to the reforming section (14) where it is reformed to produce hydrogen. A fuel and an oxygen (32) containing gas mixture is supplied to the combustion section where it is catalytically combusted to supply the heat for the reformer. The close placement of the combustion and reforming catalysts facilitate efficient heat transfer. Multiple such assemblies can be bundled to form reactors of any size. The reactor made of this closely packed combustion and reforming sections is very compact.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for the oxidative coupling of methane to generate hydrocarbon compounds containing at least two carbon atoms (C.sub.2+ compounds). The method can include mixing a first gas stream comprising methane with a second gas stream comprising oxygen to form a third gas stream comprising methane and oxygen and performing an oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) reaction using the third gas stream to produce a product stream comprising one or more C.sub.2+ compounds.