Patent ID: 7637970
Filing Date: 2009-12-29
Classification: B01J,C01B,H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for recovering and recycling hydrogen from a reforming process comprising: at least one pressurizing means for raising pressure of at least one hydrogen-rich gas stream from at least one catalyst lock hopper, containing a reforming catalyst, at least one means for delivering at least a portion of the pressurized hydrogen-rich gas stream to at least one predetermined downstream location; and at least one pressure maintaining means for maintaining a desired pressure of the hydrogen-rich gas stream from the catalyst lock hopper; wherein the at least one pressure maintaining means further comprises: at least one large vessel for damping flow upsets operatively connected to the hydrogen-rich gas stream; and at least one means for regulating at least a portion of the pressurized hydrogen-rich gas stream flowing through the pressurizing means; and wherein the regulating means is located downstream of the pressurizing means; and wherein the at least one pressure maintaining means further comprises: at least one first, or feedforward, controller means operatively connected to the hydrogen-rich gas stream exiting the catalyst lock hopper and to the regulating means, the first, or feedforward, controller means adjusting the regulating means by measuring the flow of the hydrogen-rich gas stream from the catalyst lock hopper to keep the hydrogen-rich gas steam flow stable and within previously determined parameters.