ITM process

Two projects were announced in the late 1990 s to develop the ITM Process and another related technology. Air Products will lead an 8V2-year, US 90 million research project that is supposed to culminate in the construction of a 500 million SCFD Process Development Unit in 2005. Members of the team include McDermott, Ceramatec, Eltron Research, Battelle, Penn State University, ChevronTexaco, Norsk Hydro, University of Alaska - Fairbanks and the University of Pennsylvania. 

Multiple mass analyzers exist that can perform tandem mass spectrometry. Some use a tandem-in-space configuration, such as the triple quadrupole mass analyzers illustrated (Fig.3.9). Others use a tandem-in-time configuration and include instruments such as ion-traps (ITMS) and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICRMS or FTMS). A triple quadrupole mass spectrometer can only perform the tandem process once for an isolated precursor ion (e.g., MS/MS), but trapping or tandem-in-time instruments can perform repetitive tandem mass spectrometry (MS ), thus adding n 1 degrees of structural characterization and elucidation. When an ion-trap is combined with HPLC and photodiode array detection, the net result is a profiling tool that is a powerful tool for both metabolite profiling and metabolite identification. 

The ITM Syngas process involves the direct conversion of methane to synthesis gas (see Fig. 22.7). The process utilizes a mixed, conducting ceramic membrane and partial oxidation to produce the synthesis gas.40 The goal of this advanced reformer technology is to reduce the cost of hydrogen production by over 25 percent.59,79... 

Fig. 8. A sample of the Cap2 that had been screened to 2 /itm (seen in the SEM in Fig. 7) which was processed in the CaviMax processor with recirculation as a slurry in water for 30 min. The highlighted areas indicate particles having melted necks.

Considerable insight about fundamental aspects of the behavior of simple Ge, Sn and Pb species can be obtained from studies aimed at characterizing the reactivity of gas-phase ions. Reactions of the primary ions obtained by electron ionization of GelTj with the neutral monogermane precursor have been characterized both by low- and high-pressure mass spectrometric techniques , and more recently by ion trap techniques (ITMS). The ability to select a particular isotopic species (usually the Ge-containing ion) in low pressure studies carried out by Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry (FTMS) has been essential in understanding the mechanism of these processes. The main results can be summarized as follows ... 

Figure 9.10. Zoxamide fragmentation patterns studied by GC/ITMS using both El and CL (Reprinted from Journal of Chromatography A, 1097, Angioni et al., Gas chromatographic ion trap mass spectrometry determination of zoxamide residues in grape, grape processing, and in the fermentation process, p. 166, Copyright 2005, with permission from Elsevier.)...

Figure 2.11. An ITM Oxygen process/IGCC facility. Adapted from Dyer et al. [2.232].

Task 2.4 Nominal 24 thousand standard cubic feet per day gas flowrate (MSCFD) ITM Syngas/ITM H2 Process Development Unit (PDU)... 

Evaluate the ITM Syngas/ITM H2 processes using PDU data Conduct long-term stability tests of tubular membranes and seals at high pressure Demonstrate performance of pilot-scale membrane modules in PDU Complete membrane module design and select catalysts for the SEP Commission the ceramic Production Development Facility and fabricate SEP membranes Design and fabricate the SEP reactor... 

In Task 2.1, "Commercial Plant Economic Evaluation," advanced ITM Syngas/ITM H2 processes will be developed, and the economics of operation at the commercial plant scale will be evaluated based on the results of the Phase 2 program. In Task 2.2, "Materials and Seals Development and Evaluation," membrane materials and seals will be tested at the laboratory scale under ITM S mgas/ITM H2 process conditions to obtain statistical performance and lifetime data. In Task... 

ITM S mgas Membrane and Module Design and Fabrication," membrane reactors will be designed for the ITM S mgas/ITM H2 processes at the PDU, SEP and commercial scales. Pilot-scale membrane modules will be fabricated for testing in the PDU. Fabrication of the membrane reactor modules will be scaled up in a Production Development Facility to supply the requirements of the SEP. 

Tubular membranes and seal assemblies were tested in high-pressure, high-temperature lab-scale units under ITM S mgas and ITM H2 process conditions. In these tests, pre-reformed natural gas mixtures at process pressure were passed over the outer surface of the tubular membrane, while air at atmospheric pressure was fed to the inner surface of the tube. Multiple tests under ITM H2 conditions each operated continuously for over 6 months at 250 psig and 825°C with good performance stability. The results of one of these six-month continuous tests are shown in Figure 1. 

Installation of the PDU system was completed, and the PDU reactor system and PDU membrane modules were commissioned at high temperature and pressure with a s mgas mixture. The PDU integrates the various components of the ITM Syngas/ITM H2 reactor design and will be used to confirm the performance of the planar membrane modules and seals under commercial process conditions. The PDU reactor is shown in Figure 4. 

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