Patent ID: 6077323
Filing Date: 2000-06-20
Classification: C01B,Y02P

Abstract:
A method for the production of a synthesis gas product comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide, which method comprises:(a) providing a reaction zone having an oxidant side and a reactant side which are separated by a solid mixed conducting membrane;(b) heating an oxygen-containing oxidant gas feed and introducing the resulting heated oxidant gas feed into the oxidant side of the reaction zone at an oxidant gas feed temperature and an oxidant gas feed pressure;(c) heating a methane-containing reactant gas and introducing the resulting heated reactant gas feed into the reactant side of the reaction zone at a reactant gas feed temperature and a reactant gas feed pressure;(d) permeating oxygen from the oxidant side of the reaction zone through the mixed conducting membrane to the reactant side of the reaction zone and reacting the oxygen with the methane-containing reactant gas to form at least hydrogen and carbon monoxide;(e) withdrawing the synthesis gas product from the reactant side of the reaction zone at a product gas outlet temperature; and(f) maintaining the reactant gas feed temperature at between about 950.degree. F. (510.degree. C.) and about 1400.degree. F. (760.degree. C.) and the product gas outlet temperature at greater than about 1500.degree. F. (815.degree. C.);wherein the total pressure at any point in the reactant side of the reaction zone is greater than the total pressure at any point in the oxidant side of the reaction zone.