[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 32 (Thursday, February 16, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9025-9026]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-3950]



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[[Page 9026]]

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY


Golden Field Office; Notice of Federal Assistance Award to Air 
Products and Chemicals, Inc.

AGENCY: Department of Energy.

ACTION: Notice of financial assistance award in response to an 
unsolicited financial assistance application.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), pursuant to the DOE 
Financial Assistance Rules, 10 CFR 600.7, is announcing its intention 
to enter into a cooperative agreement with Air Products and Chemicals, 
Inc. (APC), to conduct research and development activities on a 
Sorption Enhanced Reaction (SER) process for use with Steam Methane 
Reforming (SMR). The SER technology could change the basic concept and 
engineering design of existing hydrogen production systems based upon 
SMR and, as a result, reduce the cost of hydrogen.

ADDRESSES: Questions regarding this announcement may be addressed to 
the U.S. Department of Energy, Golden Field Office, 1617 Cole Blvd., 
Golden, Colorado 80401, Attention: John Motz, Contract Specialist. The 
telephone number is 303-275-4737.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DOE has evaluated, in accordance with 
Sec. 600.14 of the Federal Assistance Regulations, the unsolicited 
proposal entitled ``Sorption Enhanced Reaction (SER) Process for 
Production of Hydrogen'' and recommends that the unsolicited proposal 
be accepted for support without further competition in accordance with 
Sec. 600.14 of the Federal Assistance Regulations.
    Under this cooperative agreement, APC will develop an approach for 
producing hydrogen through an SER process used with SMR. The project is 
expected to be conducted through a three-phase effort over a period of 
five years. The three overall activities include Concept Feasibility 
(Phase I), Engineering Development (Phase II), and Process Development 
Unit Demonstration (Phase III).
    The objective of Phase I (two years in duration) is to demonstrate 
the feasibility of performing SMR at a low temperature with a suitable 
material for the production of hydrogen and to develop the base design 
data for engineering development and economic evaluation. The objective 
of Phase II (one year in duration) is to develop engineering data and 
models for scale-up of SER-SMR technology and continue laboratory 
efforts to develop improved reaction materials. Lastly, the objective 
of Phase III (two years in duration) is to design, install, and operate 
a Process Development Unit (PDU) for the manufacture of hydrogen using 
the SER concept. This PDU will be used to develop performance data, 
process optimization, and models for scale-up. Additionally, detailed 
economic analysis will be performed to confirm the merits of the 
process. Commercialization plans will be developed in detail.
    The proposal has been found to be meritorious in the DOE 
evaluation. The APC program represents a unique approach to develop and 
demonstrate a technology which could result in reduced costs for 
hydrogen production with the SER-SMR process. The team proposed by APC 
has the technical capabilities and commitment which should provide a 
basis for a successful project. The proposed project is not eligible 
for financial assistance under a recent, current, or planned 
solicitation. This award will not be made for at least 14 days after 
publication to allow for public comment.
    The project cost over five years (including three phases) is 
estimated to be $8,940,000 total, with the DOE share being $5,540,000.

    Issued in Golden, Colorado, on January 30, 1995.
John W. Meeker,
Chief, Procurement, GO.
[FR Doc. 95-3950 Filed 2-15-95; 8:45 am]
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