Patent ID: 6048472
Filing Date: 2000-04-11
Classification: C01B,C07C,Y02P

Abstract:
A method for the production of synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide which comprises:(a) providing a catalytic reforming reaction zone comprising at least one catalyst which promotes the steam reforming of hydrocarbons;(b) heating a reactant gas feed comprising steam and one or more hydrocarbon compounds having two or more carbon atoms, introducing the resulting heated reactant gas feed into the catalytic reforming reaction zone, and withdrawing therefrom a partially reformed intermediate gas comprising at least methane, hydrogen, and carbon oxides;(c) providing a mixed conducting membrane reaction zone having an oxidant side and a reactant side which are separated by a solid mixed conducting membrane;(d) heating an oxygen-containing oxidant gas feed and introducing the resulting heated oxidant gas feed into the oxidant side of the mixed conducting membrane reactor;(e) introducing the partially reformed intermediate gas into the reactant side of the mixed conducting membrane reactor;(f) permeating oxygen from the oxidant side of the mixed conducting membrane reactor through the mixed conducting membrane to the reactant side of the mixed conducting membrane reactor and reacting the oxygen with the partially reformed intermediate gas to form additional hydrogen and carbon monoxide;(g) withdrawing a raw synthesis gas product comprising at least hydrogen and carbon monoxide from the reactant side of the mixed conducting membrane reactor; and(h) withdrawing an oxygen-depleted nonpermeate gas from the oxidant side of the mixed conducting membrane reactor.