Jerry Lewis Lewis

US Patent:

46666800, May 19, 1987

Filed:

Jan 30, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/574921

Inventors:

Jerry L. Lewis - Santa Ana CA

Assignee:

Fluor Corporation - Irvine CA

International Classification:

B01J 806
C01B 302
C01C 104

US Classification:

422191

Abstract:

A process and apparatus for the auto-thermal production of hydrogen rich synthesis gas wherein a mixture of steam and a hydrocarbon feed gas is reacted by passing through a catalyst counter-currently to the flow of the combustion reaction effluent of the process. Reaction tubes are mounted within a heat exchange chamber of the reactor and are adapted to contain catalyst to effect the reaction of the mixture. Oxygen or oxygen-enriched air is introduced into a combustion chamber within the reactor to effect combustion, and the combustion reaction effluent is passed through a second catalyst zone to provide additional reaction and is thereafter passed about the exterior of the reaction tubes to effect heat exchange with the mixture passing through the tubes. The exothermic heat of reaction from combustion thus provides the heat for the endothermic reaction occurring within the reaction tubes and within the second catalyst zone.