초록 ▼

A reactor for reforming a hydrocarbon, and associated processes and systems, are described herein. In one example, a reactor is provided that is configured to use non-equilibrium gliding are discharge plasma. In another example, the reactor uses a vortex flow pattern. Two stages of reforming are des

A reactor for reforming a hydrocarbon, and associated processes and systems, are described herein. In one example, a reactor is provided that is configured to use non-equilibrium gliding are discharge plasma. In another example, the reactor uses a vortex flow pattern. Two stages of reforming are described. In a first stage, the hydrocarbon absorbs heat from the wall of the reactor and combusts to form carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water. In a second stage, a gliding are discharge is use to form syngas, which is a mixture of hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide. The heat generated by the combustion of the first stage transfers to the wall of the reactor and heated products of the second stage mix with incoming hydrocarbon to provide for partial recuperation of the reaction energy.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A reactor for partially oxidizing a hydrocarbon comprising: a bottom portion configured as a first electrode;a lid configured as a second electrode, wherein a gliding arc discharge that produces plasma is capable of being generated under conditions when a potential is applied between the first el

1. A reactor for partially oxidizing a hydrocarbon comprising: a bottom portion configured as a first electrode;a lid configured as a second electrode, wherein a gliding arc discharge that produces plasma is capable of being generated under conditions when a potential is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode;an insulator configured to insulate the bottom portion from the lid, wherein the bottom portion, the lid and the insulator are configured and sized to give rise to a reaction chamber for the reactor;at least one input configured to introduce a hydrocarbon into the reaction space in a direction generally tangential to a central axis of the reaction chamber, wherein the hydrocarbon is capable of absorbing heat from the bottom portion, and undergoing oxidation by plasma catalysis. 2. The reactor of claim 1, further comprising a first output for outputting a gaseous exhaust. 3. The reactor of claim 1, further comprising a second output for outputting a solid particulate stream, wherein the solid particulate is ash. 4. The reactor of claim 1, wherein the hydrocarbon comprises saw dust, peat moss, coal, or any combination thereof. 5. The reactor of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion is conically shaped. 6. The reactor of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion, the lid, the insulator are shaped and configured to provide for a plasma breakdown region, which is located away from insulator, under conditions when a potential is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. 7. The reactor of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion, the lid, the insulator, and the at least one inlet are configured to create a vortex flow when the reactor is operating. 8. The reactor of claim 7, wherein the vortex flow is a reverse vortex flow. 9. The reactor of claim 1, wherein the insulator is ceramic, glass or plastic. 10. A method for reforming solid hydrocarbons in a reactor, comprising: providing at least a portion of a solid hydrocarbon feedstock to a location proximate to a surface of a bottom portion of the reactor of claim 1, wherein heat is transferred from the bottom portion of the reactor to the solid hydrocarbon feedstock; partially combusting at least a portion of the solid hydrocarbon feedstock to produce a composition comprising a hydrocarbon fluid; and plasma catalyzing the hydrocarbon fluid using the plasma generated from the gliding arc discharge to produce an outlet stream. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the surface of the bottom portion of the reactor is at least partially heated by energy released by the partial combustion of the solid hydrocarbon feedstock. 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising transferring heat to the solid hydrocarbon feedstock by contacting the at least a portion of the solid hydrocarbon feedstock with an incoming gaseous stream. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the incoming gaseous stream is heated by thermal contact with the outlet stream. 14. The method of claim 12, further comprising cooling the insulator with the incoming gaseous stream. 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the composition further comprises carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide or any combination thereof. 16. The method of claim 10, wherein partially combusting at least a portion of the solid hydrocarbon feedstock further produces water. 17. The method of claim 10, wherein the outlet stream comprises hydrogen and carbon monoxide. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the outlet stream further comprises nitrogen. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the outlet stream further comprises a solid hydrocarbon byproduct. 20. The method of claim 10, wherein the insulator is ceramic, glass or plastic. 21. The method of claim 1 wherein the bottom portion of the reactor is conically shaped.