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Title: Fast-quench reactor for hydrogen and elemental carbon production from natural gas and other hydrocarbons

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1175895

A fast-quench reactor for production of diatomic hydrogen and unsaturated carbons is provided. During the fast quench in the downstream diverging section of the nozzle, such as in a free expansion chamber, the unsaturated hydrocarbons are further decomposed by reheating the reactor gases. More diatomic hydrogen is produced, along with elemental carbon. Other gas may be added at different stages in the process to form a desired end product and prevent back reactions. The product is a substantially clean-burning hydrogen fuel that leaves no greenhouse gas emissions, and elemental carbon that may be used in powder form as a commodity for several processes.

Research Organization:
Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC07-94ID13223
Assignee:
Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (Idaho Falls, ID)
Patent Number(s):
7,097,675
Application Number:
10/109,427
OSTI ID:
1175895
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English