PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF A SYNTHESIS GAS

Organization Name

BASF SE

Inventor(s)

Armin Lange De Oliveira of Heidelberg (DE)

Sandra Magnus of Ludwigshafen am Rhein (DE)

Andreas Kuschel of Ludwigshafen am Rhein (DE)

Christiane Kuretschka of Ludwigshafen am Rhein (DE)

Marcelo Daniel Kaufman Rechulski of Antwerp (BE)

PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF A SYNTHESIS GAS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18569631 titled 'PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF A SYNTHESIS GAS

The patent application describes a continuous process for reforming hydrocarbons into a synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide using a catalyst made of cobalt and oxygen.

The process involves continuously passing an inert gas stream through a reaction zone containing the catalyst.
A reactant gas stream, consisting mainly of hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, and water, is then introduced into the reaction zone.
The reactant gas stream is subjected to reforming conditions in the reaction zone, leading to the production of a product stream containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

Potential Applications: - Industrial gas production - Chemical synthesis processes - Fuel production

Problems Solved: - Efficient conversion of hydrocarbons into synthesis gas - Continuous operation for increased productivity

Benefits: - High purity hydrogen and carbon monoxide production - Energy-efficient process - Reduced environmental impact

Commercial Applications: - Gas refineries - Chemical manufacturing plants - Renewable energy production facilities

Questions about the technology: 1. How does the cobalt and oxygen catalyst enhance the reforming process? 2. What are the specific reforming conditions required for optimal production of hydrogen and carbon monoxide?

Original Abstract Submitted

A continuous process for reforming one or more hydrocarbons to a synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide, the start-up phase of said process comprising (i) providing a reactor comprising a reaction zone which comprises a catalyst comprising a mixed oxide comprising cobalt and oxygen; (ii) continuously passing an inert gas stream through the reaction zone according to (i), said inert gas stream comprising one or more inert gases; (iii) continuously passing a reactant gas stream into the reaction zone obtained from (ii), wherein from 95 to 100 volume-% of the reactant gas stream passed into the reaction zone consist of the one or more hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, and water; subjecting said reactant gas stream to reforming conditions in said reaction zone; and removing a product stream from said reaction zone, said product stream comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide.