Patent ID: 8152874
Filing Date: 2012-04-10
Classification: B01J,C01B,C10J,C10K,F01K,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method of processing fuel comprising: providing a first solid or liquid carbonaceous material in the form of a first slurry in a first flow to a gasifier; converting the first slurry into a first syngas product in an exothermic reaction in the gasifier; providing a reforming reactor separate and distinct from the gasifier which provides heat exchange between the first syngas and a liquid or gaseous hydrocarbon supply different from the first slurry, the reactor having first and second ends; providing the liquid or gaseous hydrocarbon supply in a second flow through the reforming reactor to transfer sufficient sensible heat generated during the exothermic reaction to convert said liquid or gaseous hydrocarbon supply into a second syngas product in an endothermic gas reforming reaction, wherein provision of sensible heat is accomplished by providing a heat exchanger having an outer chamber in the reforming reactor and receiving the first syngas product into the chamber by receiving the first syngas product through a first opening near the first end of the reactor and providing in the chamber a flow path along a network of thermally conductive heat exchange tubes, which tubes extend between the first and second ends of the reforming reactor, wherein heat is transferred from the first syngas product through the tubes; and mixing said liquid or gaseous hydrocarbon supply, or the second syngas product, with the first syngas product in the reforming reactor by receiving the hydrocarbon supply or the second syngas product into the outer chamber from openings in the tubes near the first end of the reactor while simultaneously passing the first syngas product from near the first end of the reactor, about the network of tubes, and through an exit opening of the outer chamber near the second end of the reactor, so that gases emitted through the tube openings mix with the first syngas product in the outer chamber to enhance reforming reaction of the gases and a combination of the first syngas product and reformed gases exit the outer chamber through the second opening.