Patent ID: 8748687
Filing Date: 2014-06-10
Classification: C10J,C10K,C10L,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A process for generating a methane-enriched raw product gas stream from a non-gaseous carbonaceous material, the process comprising the steps of: (a) supplying to a hydromethanation reactor wherein the hydromethanation reactor comprises a fluidized bed having a upper portion above a lower portion, and wherein the superheated steam stream and the oxygen-rich gas stream are introduced into the lower portion of the fluidized bed; (b) reacting a portion of the carbonaceous feedstock in the hydromethanation reactor in the presence of hydromethanation catalyst, carbon monoxide, hydrogen and steam, at a target operating temperature at least about 1000° F. (about 538° C.) to about 1500° F. (about 816° C.), to produce a methane-enriched raw gas and a solid by-product char, wherein the methane-enriched raw gas comprises methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, steam, heat energy and entrained fines, and wherein the methane-enriched raw product stream comprises at least 50 mol % methane plus carbon dioxide (based on the moles of methane, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the methane-enriched raw product stream); (c) reacting a portion of the carbonaceous feedstock with oxygen to produce carbon monoxide, hydrogen and heat energy; and (d) withdrawing the methane-enriched raw gas from the hydromethanation reactor as the methane-enriched raw product gas stream, wherein: