Abstract:
A method and system are provided for starting a combustion system utilizing a catalyst, and at the same time provide low emissions of unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.The method is particularly applicable to starting such combustion systems which are subject to intermittent operation, such as for example, gas turbines used to power automotive vehicles in which carbonaceous fuels are combusted to provide the motive fluid, or furnaces which are used intermittently. In the method, heat, such as produced by electrical means or by thermal combustion of a carbonaceous fuel, is employed to bring the catalyst to an operating temperature which will permit rapid oxidation of the carbonaceous fuel. When the catalyst has been heated to reach such operating temperatures, the start-up heating may be terminated and the normal operation of the combustion zone including the catalyst may proceed.
Abstract:
An improved method is provided for more efficiently operating a catalytically supported thermal combustion gas turbine system, and at the same time provide low emissions of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides. In the adiabatic combustion of the fuel and air admixture at least a portion of the thermal combustion of the fuel takes place in the expansion zone of the gas turbine to counteract the cooling effect of the expansion of the gases.
Abstract:
A method is provided for controlling the operating temperature of a catalytic reactor using a closed-loop system that provides for varying the reactor input and other operating parameters in order to maintain the operating temperature of the reactor at or near the initial setpoint temperature for operation of the reactor. In one example, maximum and minimum operating temperatures with a catalytic partial oxidation reactor are controlled, as well as maintaining control over the corresponding minimum required ratio of oxygen atoms to carbon atoms, such that the operating temperature within the reactor is maintained below the material limits but above threshold temperatures for coking.
Abstract:
An apparatus for generating a heated product stream downhole is provided wherein a fuel rich mixture is reacted downhole by contact with a catalyst to produce a partially reacted product stream, the fuel rich mixture comprising fuel and oxygen. The partially reacted product stream is brought into contact with an oxidant thereby igniting combustion upon contact producing a combustion product stream. The combustion product stream may be cooled by injecting a diluent flow such as water or CO2. The cooled combustion product stream may be injected into oil bearing strata in order to reduce the energy requirements for the production of heavy oil.
Abstract:
An apparatus for generating a heated product stream downhole is provided wherein a fuel rich mixture is reacted downhole by contact with a catalyst to produce a partially reacted product stream, the fuel rich mixture comprising fuel and oxygen. The partially reacted product stream is brought into contact with an oxidant thereby igniting combustion upon contact producing a combustion product stream. The combustion product stream may be cooled by injecting a diluent flow such as water or CO2. The cooled combustion product stream may be injected into oil bearing strata in order to reduce the energy requirements for the production of heavy oil.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method for the reduction of pressure drop in low NOx combustion of fuel and air, maximizing energy efficiency. A supply of fuel and a supply of air form a fuel rich mixture that is reacted to produce partial reaction products and heat. A portion of the heat is transferred to a second supply of air. The partial reaction products are mixed with heated air and with a third supply of air to form a fuel lean admixture that is passed to a combustion zone for low NOx combustion.
Abstract:
An improved catalytic reactor includes a housing having a plate positioned therein defining a first zone and a second zone, and a plurality of conduits fabricated from a heat conducting material and adapted for conducting a fluid therethrough. The conduits are positioned within the housing such that the conduit exterior surfaces and the housing interior surface within the second zone define a first flow path while the conduit interior surfaces define a second flow path through the second zone and not in fluid communication with the first flow path. The conduit exits define a second flow path exit, the conduit exits and the first flow path exit being proximately located and interspersed. The conduits define at least one expanded section that contacts adjacent conduits thereby spacing the conduits within the second zone and forming first flow path exit flow orifices having an aggregate exit area greater than a defined percent of the housing exit plane area. Lastly, at least a portion of the first flow path defines a catalytically active surface.
Abstract:
A method of dissociating methane hydrate deposits in-situ is provided in which a supply of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and fuel are provided, the oxygen and the carbon dioxide are mixed to form an oxidizer fluid, and the fuel is combusted downhole by reacting it with the oxidizer fluid to provide hot combustion products. The combustion products are placed in contact with a diluent fluid to produce a cooled product fluid at a temperature higher than the prevailing methane hydrate decomposition temperature. The cooled product fluid is injected into the methane hydrate deposit decomposing the hydrate and releasing natural gas.
Abstract:
A novel method for recovering oil is provided wherein oxygen is injected into a chamber within an oil deposit thereby combusting oil at the chamber walls. The heated oil to drains toward the reservoir floor and is recovered via a production well.
Abstract:
A novel catalytic reactor is provided for controlling the contact of a limiting reactant with a catalyst surface. A first flow vessel defines an interior surface and an exterior surface, and the interior surface has a catalyst deposited on at least a portion thereof. A second flow vessel is positioned within the first flow vessel and the second flow vessel defines a porous surface designed to deliver a fluid uniformly to at least a portion of the interior surface of the first flow vessel.