Hydrogen recovery by pressure swing adsorption integrated with adsorbent membranes

Reference Number: N 04-02

Inventors: Sircar, Shivaji; Waldron, William Emil; Anand, Madhu; Rao, Madhukar Bhaskara

USPTO Link: 5753010

Invention Summary

A method for increasing product recovery or reducing the size of steam methane reformer and pressure swing adsorption systems utilized for hydrogen production. A significant portion of the hydrogen in the PSA depressurization and purge effluent gas, which is otherwise burned as fuel in the reformer, is recovered and recycled to the PSA system to provide additional high purity hydrogen product. This is accomplished by processing selected portions of the depressurization and purge effluent gas in adsorbent membrane separators to increase hydrogen content for recycle to the PSA system. Remaining portions of the depressurization and purge effluent gas which contain lower concentrations of hydrogen are utilized for fuel value in the reformer.