Processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture and method and system for making the same

Abstract

A processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture including acetylene and butenyne is disclosed. The processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can include acetylene, butenyne, and (a) at least 5% of an inert gas other than nitrogen, (b) greater than 30% nitrogen, or (c) both. A method of mixing the inert gas, nitrogen, or both and a unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture is also disclosed. The method can include the use of flow controllers to adjust mixing ratio of the gasses. The compositions can exhibit tailored thermal output above 500 BTU / ft3. The compositions can exhibit tailored thermal output below 1,100 BTU / ft3. The processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can exhibit a similar thermal output as natural gas with less CO2 emissions per normalized thermal output unit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 62 / 037,439, filed Aug. 14, 2014, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]The present disclosure relates generally to a high-energy, acetylene-based gaseous or liquefied fuel and a method and system for making the same.BACKGROUND[0003]Natural gas is used as a fuel source in a wide range of applications, including gas grills, laundry dryers, stoves, power generators, and water heaters. However, like oil, natural gas is a limited resource that is subject to depletion. Thus, there are efforts to find substitutes for natural gas. Acetylene is one such substitute that has been used in some high energy applications, such as torches and welding.[0004]However, to date, safety concerns have prevented widespread adoption of acetylene. In particular, acetylene gas produced by conventional processes will explode when exposed to pressures ab...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method and system for mixing a hydrocarbon-containing mixture with an inert gas to create a processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture. The inert gas can be nitrogen or other gases, and the mixture can contain acetylene, butenyne, and other compounds. The inert gas can make up at least 5% of the mixture, and the ratio of nitrogen to other gases can be greater than 30%. The processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture has a lower CO2 emissions per unit of thermal energy produced compared to natural gas. The energy content of the mixture can be at least 500 BTU / ft3 at standard temperature and pressure. The method can be controlled by gas-flow controllers and a computer. The inert gas can be stored in a separate container that is connected to the processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture stream. The technical effect of this patent is to provide a method for creating a processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture with reduced CO2 emissions and improved energy content.

Problems solved by technology

However, like oil, natural gas is a limited resource that is subject to depletion.

However, to date, safety concerns have prevented widespread adoption of acetylene.

In particular, acetylene gas produced by conventional processes will explode when exposed to pressures above 15 psig.

These measures add expense and prevent acetylene from being a useful, safe alternative to natural gas.

Images