Importance

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Abstract

A system and process are provided for converting a hydrocarbon gas to a reformed gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide. In accordance with a first embodiment, the system includes a primary combustor, compressor and power turbine. The process is practiced by compressing a feed air in the primary compressor to produce a primary air. The primary air is fed with a primary hydrocarbon gas to the primary combustor, producing a reformed gas that drives the primary power turbine. The primary power turbine is linked to the primary compressor, compressing the feed air in an energy self-sufficient manner. In a second embodiment, the system of the first embodiment further includes a secondary combustor, compressor and power turbine. The process is practiced in the same manner as the first embodiment, producing the reformed gas and driving the primary power turbine and compressor. A portion of the primary air is also fed with a secondary hydrocarbon gas to the secondary combustor, producing an off-gas that drives the secondary power turbine and compressor to compress a gas in an energy self-sufficient manner. In a third embodiment, the system is substantially the same as the second embodiment, but reconfigures the compressors and power turbines and further includes an auxiliary secondary power turbine. The process is practiced in the same manner as the first embodiment, producing the reformed gas and driving the primary power turbine and compressor. The off-gas is produced in the same manner as the second embodiment to drive the secondary power turbine, but the secondary power turbine drives an auxiliary primary compressor, compressing the feed air ahead of the primary compressor in an energy self-sufficient manner. The off-gas further drives the auxiliary secondary power turbine to provide additional power for alternate power users.

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First Claim