Patent ID: 8147765
Filing Date: 2012-04-03
Classification: B01J,C01B,C01P,C09C,Y02C

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for producing hydrogen and carbon from hydrocarbon feedstock using a continuous process consisting of: a) a reactor vessel consisting of two compartments, b) a means for transporting a carbonaceous material to the second inlet of the first reaction compartment where the carbonaceous material is exposed to an energy input provided to the first inlet of the first reaction compartment wherein an outgoing stream of catalytically active aerosol carbon particles is produced and becomes airborne; c) a means for directing the outgoing stream of airborne, catalytically active aerosol carbon particles from the outlet of the first reaction compartment through the connection to the second inlet of the second reaction compartment; d) a means for transporting a stream of hydrocarbon feedstock to the first inlet of the second reaction compartment where in-situ dissociation of the hydrocarbon feedstock occurs over the surface of catalytically active aerosol carbon particles entering the second inlet of the second reaction compartment wherein the aerosol carbon particles act as catalyst for the dissociation of the hydrocarbon feedstock into hydrogen gas and elemental carbon; and e) a means for collecting hydrogen gas from the first outlet of the second reaction compartment and elemental carbon from the second outlet of the second reaction compartment in a continuous process without catalyst regeneration.