PROCESS FOR PRODUCING HYDROGENE AND CARBON OXIDES FROM DIMETHYL ETHER

摘要

A process for hydroshifting dimethyl ether is described which comprises passing a feed stream which includes dimethyl ether and steam to a hydroshifting reaction zone including an essentially alkali metal-free catalytic composition substantially composed of copper or nickel in elemental form. The process produces a hydroshifted product stream which is relatively rich in hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. The feed stream can be transported relatively easily in liquid form at comparatively low pressures. The hydroshifting reaction zone can include a hydrolysis reaction zone and a water-gas shift reaction zone. The hydrolyzed product and the water-gas shift product can be recovered to obtain hydrogen and carbon dioxide, respectively. Additionally, the hydroshifted product stream can be blended with an oxidizing stream and combusted to drive a turbine in order to generate mechanical energy.