US4729891A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Hydrogen generating method
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1984-08-16
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Granted: 1988-03-08
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Expires: 2004-08-16
Abstract
Abstract Hydrogen generating method and apparatus are disclosed in the preferred and illustrated embodiment. A feedstock of methane from heated coal and steam or methane obtained by any other means is delivered into a furnace. The furnace (free of oxygen) heats to about 950° F. in vacuum conditions, and converts the methane into elemental carbon and hydrogen gas. The preferred embodiment utilizes an inductive furnace for heating.
Inventors
- 👤 Prabhakar Kulkarni
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 06:01
CPC Classifications
C; C01; C01B; C01B3/00; C01B3/02; C01B3/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
A method of extracting elemental hydrogen comprising the steps of: (a) heating in a retort coal and steam free of air to convert the coal and steam into a gaseous outflow including oxides of carbon, trace impurities and methane; (b) directing the gaseous outflow through gas separation apparatus for removing the oxides and trace impurities from the gaseous outflow resulting in an outflow of methane; (c) heating the outflow of methane from the prior step in a chamber at an elevated temperature in the range of 900° F. to 2000° F. and at a reduced pressure in the range of 50 to 10 -5 torr forming a vacuum within said chamber to disassociate methane, the methane forming elemental hydrogen flowing from said chamber; and (d) collecting the hydrogen from said chamber.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
131 words
A method of extracting elemental hydrogen comprising the steps of: (a) heating in a retort coal and steam free of air to convert the coal and steam into a gaseous outflow including oxides of carbon, trace impurities and methane; (b) directing the gaseous outflow through gas separation apparatus for removing the oxides and trace impurities from the gaseous outflow resulting in an outflow of methane; (c) heating the outflow of methane from the prior step in a chamber at an elevated temperature in the range of 900° F. to 2000° F. and at a reduced pressure in the range of 50 to 10 -5 torr forming a vacuum within said chamber to disassociate methane, the methane forming elemental hydrogen flowing from said chamber; and (d) collecting the hydrogen from said chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the methane is heated in the presence of a catalyst.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the heating is in an induction furnace.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 including the step of supplying crushed coal from an evacuated chamber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 4 wherein steam and heat are supplied continuously to a retort to heat and convert coal and steam therein.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the methane disassociation forms elemental carbon as carbon black.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the disassociation forms a flow H 2 at reduced pressure and the H 2 is then compressed.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 7 including the step of compressing H 2 for delivery to a furance using the H 2 as a feed.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 including the step of removing tars.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 including the step of removing ammonia.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 including the step of removing particulates.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 including the step of removing H 2 S.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 including the step of removing CO 2 .
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 including the step of removing CO.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-03-08 | 1991-09-07 | 1992-03-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-03-08 | 1995-09-07 | 1996-03-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-03-08 | 1999-09-07 | 2000-03-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |