Showing papers on "Substitute natural gas published in 1974"

Methanol and synthetic natural gas concurrent production

Abstract: OF THE DISCLOSURE Methanol and synthetic natural gas are concurrently produced by operating sequentially a carbonaceous material gasification zone, in series with a (water gas) shift conversion zone, in series with a sulfur compound and carbon dioxide removal zone, in series with a methanol synthesis zone and in series with a methanation zone.

Hydrocracking process for the production of synthetic fuels

Abstract: This invention is a process for the continuous and simultaneous retorting and hydrocracking of the carbonaceous materials found in such carbon containing solids as oil shale, coal, tar sands, lignite, and/or other carbon containing solids, and/or heavy liquids to produce low boiling liquid hydro-carbons and/or a gaseous product suitable for the subsequent production of methane or synthetic natural gas. It is a process by which high to very high molecular weight carbonaceous materials can be effectively and economically converted at high yields to either a low boiling crude of from 30° to 60° API gravity or a gas suitable for the subsequent production of methane, or both. The process consists of creating a catalytically reactive mass, whose active component is activated spent shale, in a reaction zone to which is fed oil shale or a mixture of oil shale and other carbonaceous feeds to be liquified-gasified, and the liquifying-gasifying agents, steam and oxygen; and from which is obtained a low boiling liquid hydrocarbon and gas, and spent shale and ash which are essentially free of any carbonaceous residue. The temperature at which the reaction zone is operated determines to a great extent the relative distribution of the products between liquids and gases. The higher the temperature the greater will be the percentage of the feed which is gasified.

Alkali carbonate and nickel catalysis of coal-steam gasification. [Use of K carbonate and/or Ni; 20 wt. % K carbonate produces optimum gasification results]

Abstract: Bench-scale investigations are continuing on the NRRI Coal Conversion Process at the Department of Mineral Engineering, University of Wyoming, under the sponsorship of the Office of Coal Research, Department of the Interior. The process uses a multiple catalyst composed of an alkali carbonate and a nickel methanation catalyst in a one-stage batch charge reactor to convert coal and steam to synthetic natural gas. A gas of over 800 Btu/SCF (CO/sub 2/ free) composed predominantely of methane has been produced at 650/sup 0/C and 32 psia. Under these conditions significant improvements on the methane yields are realized by employing the alkali carbonate along with the nickel catalyst. By optimizing the amount of alkali carbonate, the total methane yield can be increased by over 40 percent. The methane yields are discussed in regard to varying amounts of the alkali carbonate. Supporting analytical and x-ray diffraction data are presented.

Perpetual methane economy: is it possible

Abstract: Creating a perpetual methane economy and perpetuating the natural gas industry as a marketer of methane lies in converting to substitute natural gas (SNG), a major source of continuously renewable nonfossil carbon, the biomass produced by photosynthesis. This is technically reasonable. The technology of converting nonfossil, renewable carbon to methane reduces itself to two major acititivies: growth of biomass, which is produced by conversion of solar energy to chemical energy, and gasification of this biomass. Photosynthesis and gasification were discussed. 8 figures, 11 tables. (DP)

Gas generation apparatuses and processes

Abstract: Readily maintained and operated apparatus for generation of combustible gas mixture and motor fuels from coal with cycling of the heat energy sources for heating coal.

Influence of certain reaction parameters on methanation of coal gas to SNG. [4 refs]

Abstract: Methanation of coal gas to specification grade substitute natural gas (SNG) has been investigated in bench-scale tests and in a semi-commercial pilot plant. The latter plant has been operated with coal gas, which has been generated in a commercial LURGI pressure gasification plant and purified in a commercial Rectisol unit. Thus the overall scheme for SNG from coal has been demonstrated. Besides a long-term test run of 4000 hours, to evaluate a catalyst lifetime of over 16,000 hours (2 years) in a commercial plant, a number of tests have been performed to establish the influence of certain reaction parameters on methanation of CO rich synthesis gas. The influence of feed gas composition, e.g., H/sub 2//CO-ratio, CO/sub 2/-content, trace components, and catalyst poisons, have been investigated and are discussed. Catalyst activity and catalyst deactivation of two different catalysts have been determined under different operating conditions. The effect of steam in the reactor feed gas and of operating temperature on catalyst activity and catalyst deactivation have been evaluated by standard synthesis tests and by measurements of H/sub 2/-adsorption and nickel crystillite size.

The prospects for synthetic fuels in the uk

Abstract: This paper contains a brief review of world fossil fuel resources and the balance between the forecast demand and supply for oil and gas over the next 35 years, an assessment of the probable production costs of synthetic fuels and the system investment likely to be required, and a consideration of the major uncertainties and a summary of the main implications for the energy industries. A comparison is made of the properties and costs of synthetic fuels, which include the following two main groups: (1) conventional hydrocarbon fuels produced from fossil materials such as coal, oil shale and tar sands, i.e. methane, fuel oil and petrol; and (2) non-fossil fuels derived from water and possibly limestone using nuclear power or nuclear heat, e.g. methanol and hydrogen. The following conclusions are drawn: (1) Even if world demand for liquid and gaseous fuels continues to increase by as little as 2 percent per year past 2000, the production from fossil sources is unlikely to be sufficient to meet demand, so that it is probable that large scale production of non-fossil synthetic fuels such as hydrogen and methanol using nuclear energy will have to start during the period 2000-2030; (2) There is a possibility that hydrogen can be produced by thermochemical technically feasible the cost seems unlikely to be much lower than for electrolytic hydrogen; (3) In the long run it should be possible to produce synthetic oil and gas from fossil sources for roughly 3-4 times 1972/73 costs, but non-fossil fuels could increase costs by a further factor of up to 2 for hydrogen gas and 3-6 for liquid fuels; and (4) The capital investment in energy systems is likely to increase by a factor of 2-4 as synthetic fuels from coal are introduced, and by a factor of roughly 15 when the production of non-fossil fuels starts, and the accumulation of such vast capital resources could present serious problems when the time comes to produce non-fossil fuels.

Conversion of Organic Waste to Fuel Gas

Abstract: The feasibility of a single-step process for the direct production of a synthetic natural gas from solid organic waste was investigated. Conversions were effected by injecting steam into a heated fixed bed of the organic waste that had been previously mixed with an alkali carbonate and nickel methanation catalyst. The alkali catalyzes the steam-carbon reaction while the nickel catalyzes hydrocracking and methanation reactions. Reaction conditions have been 550 to 725°C and 32 to 265 psia with various organic wastes and steam feed rates. No noticeable pressure effect upon product composition was observed. The product gas was composed predominately of methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen with a CO 2 -free heating value generally in excess of 850 Btu/SCF. Carbon conversions of 50 to 90% were obtained with accompanying volume contractions of the solid wastes of 40 to 95%.

Current status of alternative automotive power systems and fuels. volume iii. alternative nonpetroleum-based fuels

Abstract: Available data are presented on possible alternative automotive fuels not derived from petroleum but obtainable from domestic resources. The fuels are characterized, their suitability for automotive use is examined, and the current status and projected status are discussed for each fuel. Detailed information is given on: (1) synthetic gasoline and distillate hydrocarbons; (2) methanol and methanol-gasoline blends; (3) methane (natural gas and synthetic natural gas); (4) propane and butane; (5) ethanol and ethanol-gasoline blends; (6) hydrogen; (7) ammonia; (8) hydrazine; and (9) fuels reformed on-board conventional gasoline engine-powered automobiles. Overviews of general energy supply and demand trends and of energy resources for transportation in the U. S. are given.