METHANATION WITH TURBOCHARGER

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved methanation process, wherein energy released during the methanation process is used to drive a turbocharger to drive and/or maintain the process. The present invention is further concerned with a system for the production of methane-enriched gas and power from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials comprising at least one methanation reactor and at least one turbocharger.

Claims

1. A process for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting material in a system including at least one single-stage or multi-stage methanation process, comprising the following process steps: a) providing; one methanation reactor each for the at least one single-stage or multi-stage methanation process, wherein each methanation reactor comprises an entry for the introduction of feed gas, which comprises hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials or methane-enriched gas from a previous methanation stage, and an exit for the methane-enriched product gas; a continuous gas line having an entrance for the introduction of hydrogen and carbon-containing starting material, and an exit for the removal of the methane-enriched gas from the system; and at least one turbocharger comprising a compressor and a turbine mechanically connected by a common shaft, wherein the methanation reactor(s) and the at least one turbocharger are connected via the continuous gas line; wherein the at least one compressor is connected with the continuous gas line, and is arranged in a section of the continuous gas line, which defines a path from the introduction of the starting material to the removal of the methane-enriched gas, in particular upstream, between, or downstream of the methanation reactor(s); b) introducing the hydrogen and carbon-containing starting material into the entrance of the continuous gas line; c) producing methane-enriched gas in the methanation reactor(s); and d) increasing the system pressure within the continuous gas line via the at least one compressor by using the energy released during the methanation process.

2. The process of claim 1, further comprising an additional step between steps b) and c) of injecting water or steam directly into at least one methanation reactor, or into the continuous gas line upstream of the entry for the introduction of feed gas of the at least one methanation reactor and/or turbocharger turbine.

3. The process of claim 1, wherein: in step a) a thermal power plant with a working medium conducted in thermal power plant lines is provided, the thermal power plant is coupled to at least one of the methanation reactors or a gas stream derived therefrom via at least one heat exchanger, the thermal power plant produces electrical power, and optionally the thermal power plant is a steam turbine with steam conducted in lines of a steam turbine cycle.

4. The process of claim 1, wherein the turbine of the at least one turbocharger is connected to the continuous gas line; and/or further comprising step e) of removing the methane-enriched gas at the exit of the continuous gas line from the system; and/or wherein the carbon-containing starting material is CO.sub.2 and/or CO; and/or wherein the hydrogen and the carbon-containing starting material is provided at atmospheric pressure; and/or wherein the pressure at the exit of the continuous gas line is higher than the pressure at the entrance of the continuous gas line.

5. The process of claim 1, further comprising; preheating the methanation reactor(s) prior to step b); and/or providing the compressor with external energy to facilitate the initial compression of the hydrogen and the carbon-containing starting material prior to the methanation process.

6. The process of claim 1, wherein: the one or more compressors increase the pressure within the continuous gas line at a position located between the entrance of the continuous gas line and the entry of the first methanation reactor; and/or the one or more compressors increase the pressure within the continuous gas line at a position located between the exit of the methanation reactor and the exit of the continuous gas line; and/or the turbine is located at a position upstream of the one or more compressors.

7. The process of claim 1, wherein: a plurality of turbochargers is used; or intermediate cooling or intermediate heating of the continuous gas line is performed via heat exchanger elements; and/or the at least one single-stage methanation process is adiabatic or at least one stage of the multi-stage methanation process is adiabatic.

8. The process of claim 3, wherein the at least one single-stage methanation process is isothermal or at least one stage of the multi-stage methanation process is isothermal, and wherein in the isothermal process, the temperature in the methanation reactor is controlled by the thermal power plant.

9. The process of claim 1, wherein: the turbine reduces the pressure of the gas exiting the methanation reactor.

10. The process of claim 1, wherein: the at least one turbocharger is located upstream of the methanation reactor and heat produced in the methanation reactor is supplied to the turbocharger at a location between the turbine and the compressor via at least one heat exchanger; the at least one turbocharger is located downstream of the methanation reactor and heat produced in the methanation reactor is supplied to the turbocharger at a location between the turbine and the compressor via at least one heat exchanger; or the at least one turbocharger is located between two methanation reactors, and heat produced in the methanation reactor located upstream of the turbocharger is supplied to the turbocharger prior to the turbocharger turbine inlet, preferably at a location between the turbine and the compressor, via at least one heat exchanger.

11. The process of claim 1, wherein a portion of the heat produced in the methanation process is used in the turbocharger, and another portion, which is preferably the bigger portion, is used to produce steam or power.

12. A system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting material in at least one single-stage or multi-stage methanation process, wherein the system comprises: one methanation reactor each for the at least one single-stage or multi-stage methanation process, wherein each methanation reactor comprises an entry for the introduction of feed gas, which comprises hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials or methane-enriched gas from a previous methanation stage, and an exit for the methane-enriched product gas; a continuous gas line having an entrance for the introduction of hydrogen and carbon-containing starting material, and an exit for the removal of the methane-enriched gas from the system; and at least one turbocharger comprising a compressor and a turbine mechanically connected by a common shaft; wherein the at least one compressor is connected with the continuous gas line, and is arranged in a section of the continuous gas line which defines a path from the introduction of the starting material to the removal of the methane-enriched gas, in particular upstream, between, or downstream of the methanation reactor(s).

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a water/steam injection unit for directly injecting water or steam into the at least one methanation reactor, or into the continuous gas line upstream of the entry for the introduction of feed gas.

14. The system of claim 12, further comprising a thermal power plant with a working medium conducted in thermal power plant lines, in particular a steam turbine with lines of a steam turbine cycle, wherein the methanation reactor(s) and the at least one turbocharger are connected via the continuous gas line, wherein the thermal power plant is coupled to at least one of the methanation reactors or a gas stream derived therefrom via at least one heat exchanger, and wherein the thermal power plant is configured to produce electrical power.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the at least one turbine is connected to the continuous gas line.

16. A method, comprising: using the system of claim 12 for the process of claim 1.

17. The process of claim 3, wherein the turbine reduces the pressure of the working medium conducted in thermal power plant lines used to control the temperature of a methanation reactor.

18. The process of claim 3, wherein the heat exchanger is a recuperator, the recuperator transferring heat from the gas exiting the turbine to the hydrogen and the carbon-containing starting material prior to the hydrogen and the carbon-containing starting material entering the methanation reactor.

19. The system of claim 3, wherein the turbine of the at least one turbocharger is connected to one of the thermal power plant lines.

20. The system of claim 14, wherein the at least one turbocharger turbine is connected to one of the thermal power plant lines.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention. The system comprises a turbocharger (2) and an integrated adiabatic methanation reactor (1).

[0029] FIG. 2 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention. The system comprises a turbocharger, an integrated adiabatic methanation reactor and a heat exchanger (8). The heat exchanger is a recuperator, wherein the produced methane-enriched gas heats the hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials exiting the compressor (3).

[0030] FIG. 3 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention. The system comprises a turbocharger, a methanation reactor (1) arranged downstream of the turbocharger, and a heat exchanger (8). The heat exchanger is a recuperator, wherein the produced methane-enriched gas heats the hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials exiting the compressor.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention. The system comprises a turbocharger, and a methanation reactor (1) arranged upstream of the turbocharger. The system further comprises two heat exchangers (8).

[0032] FIG. 5 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention. The system is similar to the system shown FIG. 4. Heat flow (10) from the methanation reaction is used for recuperation of the produced methane-enriched gas exiting the compressor prior to entering the turbine.

[0033] FIG. 6 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention. The system comprises a turbocharger with an inverted flow of the produced methane-enriched gas, which enters the turbine prior to entering the compressor of the turbocharger.

[0034] FIG. 7 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention similar to the system of FIG. 1. It further comprises an injection of water (11), which is pressurized by pump (12) and pre-heated and/or partly or fully evaporated in pre-heating element/evaporator (8c/8d) into the methanation reactor for controlling the temperature and increasing the mass flow.

[0035] FIG. 8 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention similar to the system of FIG. 7, but comprising two methanation reactors. The first methanation reactor is an adiabatic methanation reactor; the second is an isothermal methanation reactor.

[0036] FIG. 9 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas and power from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention comprising two methanation reactors. The first methanation reactor is cooled by a boiling water cooler. The methanation process in the first methanation reactor is isothermal. The second methanation reactor is an adiabatic methanation reactor.

[0037] FIG. 10 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention similar to the system of FIG. 1, but comprising two turbochargers, wherein an intermediate cooling element (8b) is arranged between the compressors of the respective turbochargers.

[0038] FIG. 11 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas and power from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention similar to the system of FIG. 10, but comprising a second adiabatic methanation reactor arranged between the turbines of the respective turbochargers.

[0039] FIG. 12 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention similar to the system of FIG. 11, but comprising an additional recuperator.

[0040] FIG. 13 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas and power from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention similar to the system of FIG. 12, but comprising a third methanation reactor, wherein an isothermal methanation process occurs, and a thermal power plant for production of power.

[0041] FIG. 14 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention comprising two turbochargers, wherein both turbochargers are arranged upstream of an adiabatic methanation reactor and heat is transferred from the product gas to the feed gas with a recuperator before entering the first turbine.

[0042] FIG. 15 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention similar to the system of FIG. 14, but comprising an additional adiabatic methanation reactor and an additional recuperator.

[0043] FIG. 16 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention comprising a two-stage methanation process with recuperation and turbochargers, which are located downstream of their respective methanation reactors, wherein the methane-enriched gas produced in each methanation reactor enters the turbine prior to entering the compressor (inverted flow).

[0044] FIG. 17 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas and power from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention, which is a combination of a first stage corresponding to the system of FIG. 1, a second stage with an inverted flow of the methane-enriched gas produced in the second methanation reactor in a downstream turbocharger, a third stage comprising a third methanation reactor with an isothermal methanation process controlled by a steam circuit, and a fourth methanation reactor as polished to obtain a very high methane content in the methane-enriched gas exiting the system.

[0045] FIG. 18 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention, comprising a turbocharger located downstream of the methanation reactor.

[0046] FIG. 19 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention similar to the system of FIG. 18 comprising an additional recuperator arranged between the compressor and the heat exchanger using the heat flow of the methanation reactor.

[0047] FIG. 20 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas and power from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention similar to the system of FIG. 18 comprising an additional methanation stage.

[0048] FIG. 21 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention similar to the system of FIG. 18, but comprising an adiabatic methanation reactor and a downstream recuperator.

[0049] FIG. 22 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas and power from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention similar to the system of FIG. 21 comprising an additional isothermal methanation stage and a thermal power plant.

[0050] FIG. 23 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas and power from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention similar to the system of FIG. 16, comprising an additional third methanation stage.

[0051] FIG. 24 shows a schematic for a complex exemplary system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention, which combines several advantages of the systems shown in previous figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] The present invention concerns a process for the production of methane-enriched gas or methane and optionally power from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting material in a system comprising at least one single-stage or multi-stage methanation process, comprising the following process steps: [0053] a) providing [0054] one methanation reactor (1) each for the at least one single-stage or multi-stage methanation process, wherein each methanation reactor comprises an entry for the introduction of feed gas, which comprises hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials or methane-enriched gas from a previous methanation stage, and an exit for the methane-enriched product gas; [0055] a continuous gas line having an entrance (6) for the introduction of hydrogen and carbon-containing starting material, and an exit (7) for the removal of the methane-enriched gas from the system; and [0056] at least one turbocharger (2) comprising a compressor (3) and a turbine (4) mechanically connected by a common shaft (5), wherein the methanation reactor(s) and the at least one turbocharger are connected via the continuous gas line; [0057] wherein the at least one compressor is connected with the continuous gas line, and is arranged in a section of the continuous gas line, which defines a path from the introduction of the starting material to the removal of the methane-enriched gas, in particular upstream, between, or downstream of the methanation reactor(s); [0058] b) introducing the hydrogen and carbon-containing starting material into the entrance of the continuous gas line, [0059] c) producing methane-enriched gas in the methanation reactor(s); and [0060] d) increasing the system pressure within the continuous gas line via the at least one compressor by using the energy released during the methanation process.

[0061] The present invention is also concerned with a system for the production of methane-enriched gas or methane and optionally power from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials in at least one single-stage or multi-stage methanation process. The present invention is also concerned with a system for maintaining the production of methane-enriched gas or methane and power from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials in at least one single-stage or multi-stage methanation process.

[0062] The system is used in the process of the present invention and comprises: [0063] one methanation reactor (1) each for the at least one single-stage or multi-stage methanation process, wherein each methanation reactor comprises an entry for the introduction of feed gas, which comprises hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials or methane-enriched gas from a previous methanation stage, and an exit for the methane-enriched product gas; [0064] a continuous gas line having an entrance (6) for the introduction of hydrogen and carbon-containing starting material, and an exit (7) for the removal of the methane-enriched gas from the system; and [0065] at least one turbocharger (2) comprising a compressor (3) and a turbine (4) mechanically connected by a common shaft (5); [0066] wherein the at least one compressor is connected with the continuous gas line, and is arranged in a section of the continuous gas line which defines a path from the introduction of the starting material to the removal of the methane-enriched gas, in particular upstream, between, or downstream of the methanation reactor(s).

[0067] Another aspect of the present invention is the use of the system of the present invention for the methanation process of the present invention.

[0068] With the process or system of the present invention, a methanation process can be maintained efficiently by using the heat generated in the methanation reactor to drive a turbocharger to increase the pressure in the system. Therefore, the present invention can also be described as being a process or system for maintaining the production of methane-enriched gas or methane and optionally power from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials in a system comprising at least one single-stage or multi-stage methanation process as described above.

[0069] A feed gas in the context of the present invention is the gas that enters the methanation reactor, and, prior to the first methanation stage, the feed gas entering the methanation reactor comprises hydrogen and the carbon-containing starting materials. The feed gas in subsequent methanation stages comprises the product gas of the previous methanation stage, which is the methane-enriched gas produced in the previous methanation stage. The product gas in the context of the present invention is the gas exiting a methanation reactor. The product gas is methane-enriched or methanized gas, wherein the content of methane is increases compared to the feed gas entering the same methanation reactor. Depending on the composition of the feed, gas, for example the content of methane in the feed gas, and the reaction condition in the methanation reactor, the methane-enriched product gas can have a methane concentration of more than about 97%. The carbon-containing starting materials are preferably CO.sub.2 and/or CO.

[0070] The process and the system can be operated with the parameters used by the person skilled in the art.

[0071] The carbon-containing starting materials are preferably provided at atmospheric pressure. By using the compressor according to the invention, the pressure at the exit of the continuous gas line is higher than the pressure at the entrance of the continuous gas line. Preferably, the pressure can range from 0.1-100 bar, more preferably from 1.5-25 bar and even more preferably from 2-8 bar. In a generic setting, the compressor of a turbocharger increases the pressure by a factor of 2 to 8, and the turbine reduces the pressure by a factor of 1.5 to 3. The specific performance depends on the quality of the turbocharger. With every turbocharger stage, a pressure increase of a factor of about 1.5 to 3 can be expected. In the system shown in Example 1 and FIG. 1, the entry pressure is 1 bar. After the compressor, the pressure is increased to 3 bar. The methanation process occurs at 3 bar. In the turbine, the pressure decreases to 1.5 bar. The product gas exits the system with a pressure of 1.5 bar.

[0072] In a two-stage system such as shown in Example 12 and FIG. 12, the pressure of 3 bar after the first compressor increases to 9 bar after the second compressor (factor of 3 for each stage). The first methanation process occurs at 9 bar. In the first turbine, the pressure decreases to 4.5 bar. The second methanation process occurs at 4.5 bar at decreased temperature. In the second turbine, the pressure decreases to 2.25 bar. The product gas exits the system with a pressure of 2.25 bar.

[0073] The process and the system of the present invention are particularly efficient in maintaining an ongoing methanation process. They can however also be used when a new methanation reaction is started. To start a new methanation reaction, the process of the present invention can further comprise preheating the methanation reactor(s) prior to introducing the hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials into the entrance of the continuous gas line. The temperature range of the starting materials at the entrance of the continuous gas line can range from ambient temperature, such as room temperature, up to 100° C. The temperature at the entrance of the first methanation reactor is preferably at least about 130 to 150° C., as at this temperature range the exothermic reaction in the reactor maintains itself. The methanation process starts with a reactor temperature of about 200° C., more preferably of about 250° C. The feed gas comprising the hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials is heated electrically to about 200° C. and fed into the system, which allows the process to start.

[0074] The process of the present invention can further comprise an additional step between steps b) and c) of injecting water or steam directly into at least one methanation reactor, or into the continuous gas line upstream of the entry for the introduction of feed gas of the at least one methanation reactor. This provides the advantage of increasing the mass flow in the turbine compared to the compressor, allowing the compressor to provide an increased pressurizing ratio. Furthermore, the temperature in the reactor can be limited if desired by injection of steam or water into the methanation reactor directly or prior to the entry of the methanation reactor. In these embodiments comprising a water/steam injection step, the system of the present invention comprises a water/steam injection unit for directly injecting water or steam into the at least one methanation reactor, or into the continuous gas line upstream of the entry for the introduction of feed gas. The water/steam injection unit comprises a line carrying water and/or steam. The water is pumped by a pump towards the methanation reactor or the continuous gas line at location prior to the entry of the methanation reactor. The water is converted to steam or hot water in a heat exchanger element using the heat provided by the product gas prior to the product gas exiting the system.

[0075] The process of the present invention can further comprise, additionally or alternatively, providing the compressor with external energy to facilitate the initial compression of the hydrogen and the carbon-containing starting materials prior to the start of the methanation process.

[0076] The location of the compressor in the process and system of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as the compressor is located at a position where it can pressurize gas in the continuous gas line. In one alternative, the compressor increases the pressure within the continuous gas line at a position located between the entrance of the continuous gas line and the entry of the methanation reactor, i.e. the compressor can be located at a position in the continuous gas line, which is located prior to the methanation reactor(s). This provides the advantage of having the methanation process occurring at an increased pressure level. In another alternative, the compressor increases the pressure within the continuous gas line at a position located between the exit of the methanation reactor and the exit of the continuous gas line, i.e. the compressor can also be located at a position in the continuous gas line, which is located after the methanation reactor(s). This provides the advantage that the volume flow in the compressor is reduced. In the methanation reaction, four molecules H.sub.2 and one molecule CO.sub.2 are reacted to two molecules water and one molecule methane, which corresponds to a reduction in volume to about ⅗. Reduction of volume flow in the compressor allows increase of the compressor performance.

[0077] In another alternative, the turbine can be located at a position upstream of the compressor. This provides the advantage of reducing the volume flow in the compressor further. The gas leaving the turbine can be cooled and water vapor can be condensed and removed prior to the gas entering the compressor. Thereby the gas volume is further reduced, particularly when comparing gas volume in the turbine and gas volume in the compressor.

[0078] In embodiments with more than one turbocharger, one compressor can be located prior to the first methanation reactor, and another compressor can be located after the last methanation reactor. One or more compressors can also be located between any two methanation reactors.

[0079] In the process or system of the present invention, the at least one turbocharger can be located upstream of the methanation reactor and heat produced in the methanation reactor can be supplied to the turbocharger at a location between the turbine and the compressor via at least one heat exchanger. Alternatively, the at least one turbocharger can be located downstream of the methanation reactor and heat produced in the methanation reactor can be supplied to the turbocharger at a location between the turbine and the compressor via at least one heat exchanger. The heat exchanger ensures that heat can be transferred to the turbocharger between its compressor and turbine components even in cases where the turbocharger is located upstream or downstream of the methanation reactor. Alternatively, the at least one turbocharger can be located between two methanation reactors, and heat produced in the methanation reactor located upstream of the turbocharger is supplied to the turbocharger prior to the turbocharger turbine inlet, preferably at a location between the turbine and the compressor, via at least one heat exchanger.

[0080] The process or system of the present invention comprise at least one turbocharger. They can also comprise a plurality of turbochargers. In certain embodiments 2, 3, or more turbochargers can be used. With every additional turbocharger stage, the pressure in the system can be increased.

[0081] The process or system of the present invention can further be controlled by intermediate cooling or intermediate heating of the continuous gas line via heat exchanger elements.

[0082] The term “heat exchanger element/heat exchanger” as used in this description can refer to an intermediate cooling element, an intermediate heating element, a recuperator, a gas cooling element, a pre-heating element, a condenser, and/or an evaporator. In a preferred embodiment, the heat exchanger can be a recuperator, wherein the recuperator transfers heat from the gas exiting the turbine to the hydrogen and the carbon-containing starting material to enter the methanation reactor.

[0083] In the process or system of the present invention, the at least one single-stage methanation process can be adiabatic or at least one stage of the multi-stage methanation process can be adiabatic. In an adiabatic process the gas temperature increases, which enhances the performance of the turbine. In a preferred embodiment, the first stage is performed in an adiabatic methanation reactor, leading to a maximum temperature in the system. The maximum temperature reached in the reactor can range from 350 to 800° C., such as from 500 to 800° C., and depends on the composition of the gas and the pressure. A preferred maximum temperature ranges from about 430 to about 720° C., such as from 630 to about 720° C. An adiabatic process is preferably used because it allows using the heat flow generated in the adiabatic process to drive the turbocharger, and particularly the compressor of the turbocharger. Further stages can also be adiabatic.

[0084] In the process or system of the present invention, the at least one single-stage methanation process can be isothermal or at least one stage of the multi-stage methanation process can be isothermal. The isothermal reaction occurs at a lower temperature range of about 200 to 300° C. and provides the advantage of the providing a better gas composition that can be used in downstream applications without further processing. A better gas composition means that more of the starting materials are reacted to methane. The product gas of an isothermal process comprises more methane than the product gas of an adiabatic process using the same starting materials. This is the case because the reaction balance at the high temperatures reached in an adiabatic process for the reaction to methane is not optimal.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the process or the system comprise a combination of at least one adiabatic process and at least one isothermal process to benefit from the advantages provided by both of these processes. The number of methanation stages can be chosen by the person of skill in the art depending on the requirements for the methane-enriched gas to be produced in the system. Further stages allow increasing the concentration of methane in the product gas.

[0086] In the isothermal methanation process of the invention, the temperature in the methanation reactor is controlled by a thermal power plant.

[0087] A thermal power plant in the context of the present invention is a system in which heat energy can be converted to electric power. When the thermal power plant is present in the system or process of the present invention, the system or process of the invention can be used to produce methane-enriched gas and power. For example, a steam-driven turbine can convert heat to mechanical power as an intermediate to electrical power. The steam turbine is connected to thermal power plant lines, in which a working medium is conducted. In preferred embodiments, the working medium is water and/or steam.

[0088] Alternatively, the working medium can be thermal oil or molten salt. Thermal oil or molten salt are generally used in intermediate circuits to store heat. The heat stored in the thermal oil/molten salt circuit is then transferred to a steam circuit. Therefore, the system will comprise an additional circuit compared to a system, which uses direct cooling with water/steam, making the system more complex. On the other hand, with indirect cooling via a thermal oil/molten salt circuit, the reactor does not need to be designed to work with high pressure such as up to 80 bar, as can be the case for direct cooling with a water/steam circuit. This is the case because a thermal oil circuits does not require pressure.

[0089] In the thermal power plant, the working medium, such as water, is heated, turns into steam and drives a steam turbine, which can drive an electrical generator. In several embodiments of the present invention, the heat flow generated in an isothermal methanation reactor can be used to heat the working medium in the thermal power plant system. Additionally, the working medium can be preheated in a heat exchanger element, wherein the heated methanized gas preheats the working medium prior to the methanized gas exiting the system. After the steam passes through the turbine, the steam is condensed in a condenser and recycled to where it was heated.

[0090] In the process or system of the present invention, the turbine of the turbocharger can reduce the pressure of the gas exiting a methanation reactor. Additionally or alternatively, the turbine can be located in the steam circuit of the thermal power plant and reduce the pressure of the working medium conducted in thermal power plant lines used to control the temperature of another methanation reactor.

[0091] In the process or system of the present invention, a portion of the heat produced in the methanation process can be used in the turbocharger, and another portion, which is preferably the bigger portion, can be used to produce steam or power. As it is thermodynamically impossible to use all of the heat produced in the methanation process in the turbocharger, it is advantageous to use the remaining heat for the generation of power.

[0092] This makes the process and system more efficient.

[0093] The invention is further illustrated in the following examples.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

[0094] One example for a system and process of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1.

[0095] FIG. 1 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention. The system comprises a turbocharger comprising a compressor (3) and a turbine (4) mechanically connected by a common shaft (5), and an adiabatic (uncooled) methanation reactor (1) arranged between the compressor and the turbine. The inlet pressure is 1 bar (a), the temperature 20° C. The feed gas consists e.g. of 4 mol/s H.sub.2 and 1 mol/s CO.sub.2. The hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials pass through the compressor. The pressure at the outlet of the compressor is e.g. 3 bar (a). The isentropic efficiency of the compressor and turbine is assumed to be 90%. Then, in the adiabatic methanation reactor at 3 bar (a), methanized gas with approx. 0.48 mol/s methane and an outlet temperature of 628° C. is generated. The produced methane-enriched gas exits the methanation reactor and enters the turbine. The gas is expanded in the turbine to approx. 1.5 bar (a) in order to drive the compressor. About 17.5 kW of power is transmitted via the shaft of the turbocharger. The expanded methane-enriched gas then exits the system. In order to achieve a complete conversion of the starting material gases, at least one further methanation reactor can be added after the turbine in the example shown, which e.g. could be operated isothermally at 280° C., wherein the temperature in the methanation is controlled via a thermal power plant.

Example 2

[0096] FIG. 2 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention. The system comprises a turbocharger (2) comprising a compressor (3) and a turbine (4) mechanically connected by a common shaft (5), and an adiabatic methanation reactor (1) arranged between the compressor and the turbine. The system further comprises a heat exchanger (8). The heat exchanger is a recuperator, wherein the produced methane-enriched gas heats the hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials exiting the compressor. The recuperator (50 K Pinch) increases the temperature at the entrance into the methanation reactor to about 513° C. (compared to about 131° C. in the system shown in FIG. 1). The methanized gas leaving the reactor has a temperature of about 702° C. (compared to about 628° C. in the system shown in FIG. 1). This leads to a decrease in the methane production (0.26 mol/s methane at the exit of the reactor. The increased temperature however allows the turbine to work with a decreased pressure difference to drive the compressor. Therefore, the methane-enriched gas can be provided with an increased pressure of 1.7 bar (compared to 1.5 bar in the system shown in FIG. 1). The methane-enriched gas exiting the system after passing the recuperator has a temperature of about 181° C.

Example 3

[0097] FIG. 3 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention. The system comprises a turbocharger comprising a compressor (3) and a turbine (4) mechanically connected by a common shaft (5), and a methanation reactor (1) arranged downstream of the compressor and the turbine. The system further comprises a heat exchanger (8). The heat exchanger is a recuperator, wherein the produced methane-enriched gas heats the hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials exiting the compressor.

Example 4

[0098] FIG. 4 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention. The system comprises a turbocharger comprising a compressor (3) and a turbine (4) mechanically connected by a common shaft (5), and a methanation reactor (1) arranged upstream of the compressor and the turbine. The system further comprises two heat exchangers (8/8a). The produced methane-enriched gas passes through one heat exchanger, which is a recuperator (8) arranged between compressor and turbine, wherein the produced methane-enriched gas exiting the compressor counter-flows the produced methane-enriched gas exiting the methanation reactor. Steam produced in the reaction is condensed in a further heat exchanging element, a gas cooling element (8a), resulting in condensate (9) exiting the system prior to the methane-enriched gas entering the compressor.

Example 5

[0099] FIG. 5 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention. The system is similar to the system shown FIG. 4. Heat flow (10) from the methanation reaction is used for recuperation of the produced methane-enriched gas exiting the compressor prior to entering the turbine.

Example 6

[0100] FIG. 6 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention. The system comprises a turbocharger with an inverted flow of the produced methane-enriched gas, which enters the turbine prior to entering the compressor of the turbocharger. Produced methane-enriched gas enters the turbine, and is then cooled in a recuperator by counterflowing hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials. Steam produced in the reaction is condensed in a further heat exchanging element, an intermediate cooling element (8b), resulting in condensate (9) exiting the system prior to the methane-enriched gas entering the compressor. The methane-enriched gas exiting the compressor exits the system.

Example 7

[0101] FIG. 7 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention similar to the system of FIG. 1. It further comprises water/steam injection unit comprising lines, in which water is conducted. Water (11) pumped by a pump (12) through a heat exchanger (8c/8d), which can be a pre-heating element (8c) or an evaporator (8d), wherein steam produced in the methanation reaction is condensed and the condensate exits the system, is heated to obtain hot water/steam (13), which is injected into the methanation reactor.

Example 8

[0102] FIG. 8 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention similar to the system of FIG. 7, but comprising two methanation reactors. The first methanation reactor is an adiabatic methanation reactor. The heated methane-enriched gas produced in the first methanation reactor is used to heat the methane-enriched gas leaving the second methanation reactor prior to the methane-enriched gas entering the turbine. The second methanation reactor is cooled by a boiling water cooler. The methanation process in the second methanation reactor is isothermal. The water/steam injection unit is similar to the water/steam injection unit shown in FIG. 7. The pumped water is heated to hot water (14) in a pre-warming heat exchanger using the residual heat of the produced methane-enriched gas prior to exiting the system, and the hot water is heated to obtain steam (15) in a further heat exchanger using the heat flow produced in the second methanation reactor. The steam is injected into the continuous gas line at a point downstream of the second methanation reactor but upstream of the turbine.

Example 9

[0103] FIG. 9 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas and power from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention comprising two methanation reactors. The first methanation reactor is cooled by a boiling water cooler. The methanation process in the first methanation reactor is isothermal. The second methanation reactor is an adiabatic methanation reactor. The heated methane produced in the first methanation reactor is used to heat water in a thermal power plant comprising a steam circuit. In one part of the circuit, water is pumped through thermal power plant lines to a heat exchanger and heated by counterflowing the water with methane-enriched gas produced in the first methanation reactor. Condensate from the methane-enriched gas stream is exiting the system at this point of the circuit. In another part of the circuit, water is pumped through thermal power plant lines to another heat exchanger and heated by counterflowing the water with methane-enriched gas produced in the second methanation reactor. The heated water from both parts of the circuit enters a further heat exchanger, resulting in the creation of steam. Heat flow from the first methanation reactor is used for heating the water, resulting in turn in a cooling of the first methanation reactor. The steam is used to drive the turbine (4) of the turbocharger. Residual pressure is used in a steam turbine for power generation (16). Residual steam is cooled in a condenser and fed to the pump, thereby completing the circuit. The power generated by the steam turbine may be partly used to drive the pump of the steam circuit and/or for other purposes, such as export to the electricity grid. The hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials enter the first methanation reactor. Produced methane-enriched gas exits the first methanation reaction, is cooled in a heat exchanger, resulting in condensate leaving the system. Then the methane-enriched gas enters the compressor prior to entering the second methanation reactor.

[0104] Produced methane-enriched gas exits the second methanation reactor, is used to heat water flowing from the pump to the turbine of the turbocharger, and then exits the system.

Example 10

[0105] FIG. 10 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention similar to the system of FIG. 1, but comprising two turbochargers, wherein an intermediate cooling element is arranged between the compressors of the respective turbochargers.

Example 11

[0106] FIG. 11 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention similar to the system of FIG. 10, but comprising a second adiabatic methanation reactor arranged between the turbines of the respective turbochargers.

Example 12

[0107] FIG. 12 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention similar to the system of FIG. 11, but comprising an additional recuperator, wherein, prior to exiting the system, the produced methane-enriched gas is used to heat the hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials prior to entering the first methanation reactor.

Example 13

[0108] FIG. 13 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas and power from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention similar to the system of FIG. 12, but comprising a third methanation reactor, wherein an isothermal methanation process occurs. The third methanation reactor is interacting with a thermal power plant comprising a steam turbine for power generation using the heat flow produced in the third methanation reactor.

Example 14

[0109] FIG. 14 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention comprising two turbochargers, wherein an intermediate cooling element (8b) is arranged between the compressors of the respective turbochargers. The hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials are heated in a recuperator using the produced methane-enriched gas exiting the methanation reactor. The methanation reactor is arranged downstream from the turbochargers.

Example 15

[0110] FIG. 15 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention similar to the system of FIG. 14, but comprising an additional adiabatic methanation reactor. The methane-enriched gas produced in the second methanation reactor is used to heat the hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials at a position between the two turbines.

Example 16

[0111] FIG. 16 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention comprising a two-stage methanation process with recuperation and turbochargers, which are located downstream of their respective methanation reactors, wherein the methane-enriched gas produced in each methanation reactor enters the turbine prior to entering the compressor (inverted flow).

Example 17

[0112] FIG. 17 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas and power from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention, which is a combination of a first stage corresponding to the system of FIG. 1, a second stage with an inverted flow of the methane-enriched gas produced in the second methanation reactor in a downstream turbocharger, a third stage comprising a third methanation reactor with an isothermal methanation process controlled by a steam circuit, and a fourth methanation reactor as polisher to obtain a very high methane content in the methane-enriched gas exiting the system.

Example 18

[0113] FIG. 18 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention, comprising a turbocharger located downstream of the methanation reactor. The heat flow of the methanation reactor is used to heat the methane-enriched gas exiting the compressor prior to entering the turbine. The methane-enriched gas produced in the methanation reactor is cooled prior to entering the compressor. Condensate is exiting the system. A recuperator is used to heat the hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials prior to entering the methanation reactor.

Example 19

[0114] FIG. 19 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention similar to the system of FIG. 18 comprising an additional recuperator arranged between the compressor and the heat exchanger using the heat flow of the methanation reactor.

Example 20

[0115] FIG. 20 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas and power from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention similar to the system of FIG. 18 comprising an additional methanation stage. The additional methanation reactor is cooled by a thermal power plant by using the heat flow to vaporize water in the steam circuit of the thermal power plant to generate power.

Example 21

[0116] FIG. 21 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention similar to the system of FIG. 18, but comprising an adiabatic methanation reactor and a downstream heat exchanger. The methane-enriched gas exiting the methanation reactor is used to heat the methane-enriched gas exiting the compressor.

Example 22

[0117] FIG. 22 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas and power from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention similar to the system of FIG. 21 comprising an additional methanation stage. The additional methanation reactor is cooled by a thermal power plant by using the heat flow to vaporize water in the steam circuit of the thermal power plant to generate power.

Example 23

[0118] FIG. 23 shows a schematic for a system for the production of methane-enriched gas and power from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention similar to the system of FIG. 16, comprising an additional third methanation stage. The additional third methanation reactor is cooled by a thermal power plant by using the heat flow to vaporize water in the steam circuit of the thermal power plant to generate power.

Example 24

[0119] FIG. 24 shows a schematic for a complex exemplary system for the production of methane-enriched gas from hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials according to the invention. An adiabatic methanation stage is followed by recuperative use of heat flow produced in the first methanation reactor, followed by intermediate cooling leading the condensate exiting the system, followed by two-stage compression in the compressors of two turbochargers. A second adiabatic methanation stage with injection of hot water/steam is followed by recuperative heating and an expansion in the turbines of the respective turbochargers. After another expansion step in the turbine of a third turbocharger, the methane is compressed in the compressor of the third turbocharger and enters a third methanation reactor. The heat flow of the third methanation reactor is used to produce steam for injection into the second methanation reactor. The advantage of this complex system is the significantly increased mass flow through the expansion turbines, whereby a very high outlet pressure can be achieved at the end of the system, e.g. up to 50 bar (a) at an inlet pressure of 1 bar (a). Due to the two-stage compression prior to the second methanation stage, a pressure of about −5-20 bar (a) can be obtained. In combination with the intermediate cooling and condensate separation, a very high methane concentration (>97%) can be achieved. Another advantage is that a complex cooling circuit is not required, as the methanation stages are adiabatic. Since the first (high-temperature) stage is only operated at ambient pressure, the outlet temperature is inherently limited to approx. 600° C.

REFERENCE SIGN LIST

[0120] 1: Methanation reactor [0121] 2: Turbocharger [0122] 3: Compressor [0123] 4: Turbine [0124] 5: Shaft [0125] 6: Entrance of continuous gas line for the introduction of hydrogen and carbon-containing starting materials (feed gas) [0126] 7: Exit for the removal of the methane-enriched gas produced (product gas) [0127] 8: Heat exchanger/recuperator [0128] 8a: gas cooling element [0129] 8b: intermediate cooling element [0130] 8c: pre-heating element [0131] 8d: evaporator [0132] 8e: condenser [0133] 9: Exiting condensate [0134] 10: Heat flow [0135] 11: Water [0136] 12: Pump [0137] 13: Hot water/Steam [0138] 14: Hot water [0139] 15: Steam [0140] 16: Steam turbine for power generation