Patent ID: 7467519

Claim:
A method for integrating electrical power generation with synthesis gas production comprising: producing the synthesis gas by reacting a hydrocarbon stream with a reactant to form a synthesis gas stream and cooling and removing water from the synthesis gas stream; combusting a fuel in a gas turbine to generate the electrical power, at least about 60 percent by volume of the fuel being derived from a source that is independent of the synthesis gas; transferring heat from the synthesis gas stream to the fuel prior to combustion in the gas turbine, at least a portion of the heat being transferred at a temperature no greater than about 500° F. and at a flow rate ratio of the fuel to the synthesis gas stream of at least about 1.5; and increasing the hydrogen content of the synthesis gas stream by a water gas shift reaction, wherein: steam is also generated; the hydrogen is separated from the synthesis gas stream to produce a calorific tail gas stream; combustion of the fuel in the gas turbine produces a heated exhaust; the calorific tail gas stream is combusted in a burner by combustion supported at least in part with the heated exhaust from the gas turbine to generate further heat; and the further heat is transferred to feed water to raise the steam.