SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING HYDROGEN GAS

摘要

Systems and methods for thermally decomposing hydrocarbon feedstock may comprise a hydrocarbon feedstock, a non-oxidizing carrier gas, one or more heat exchangers, and a reaction chamber. The carrier gas may be used to transfer heat to the hydrocarbon feedstock. The heat exchanger(s) may be configured to heat the carrier gas. And the reaction chamber may be configured to receive hydrocarbon feedstock and heated carrier gas. Inside the reaction chamber, the hydrocarbon feedstock and the heated carrier gas may mix with one another causing the thermal decomposition reaction. The thermal decomposition reaction occurs in a substantially oxidant-free environment thereby eliminating or greatly reducing the production of carbon oxide byproducts. Hydrogen gas may be separated from a gaseous product stream that is thereafter collected from the reaction chamber. A portion of the gaseous product stream may be thermally coupled to the carrier gas and may thereafter be recycled through the system.

主权项

1. A method for thermally decomposing gaseous hydrocarbon feedstock, comprising:
delivering a volume of gaseous hydrocarbon feedstock into a reaction chamber; heating the volume of gaseous hydrocarbon feedstock in a non-oxidative manner within the reaction chamber, wherein heating the gaseous hydrocarbon feedstock comprises transferring thermal energy from a non-oxidizing carrier gas to the gaseous hydrocarbon feedstock, wherein heating the volume of gaseous hydrocarbon feedstock causes the decomposition of the volume of gaseous hydrocarbon feedstock, and wherein the decomposition of the volume of gaseous hydrocarbon feedstock results in a product comprising hydrogen gas and carbon substances; and applying ultrasonic agitation to the reaction chamber to disrupt a buildup of carbon substances on one or more selected surfaces.