CA2469859A1 - Electrically heated reactor for gas phase reforming - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject of the present invention is an electric reactor for reforming, in the presence of an oxidizing gas, a gas comprising at least one hydrocarbon, and / or at least one organic compound, comprising carbon and hydrogen atoms as well as that at least one heteroatom. This reactor comprises: an enclosure, a reaction chamber provided with at least two electrodes comprising at least one conductive packing material electrically insulated from the metal wall of the enclosure, at least one gas supply to be reformed, at least one supplying oxidizing gas, at least one exit for the gases resulting from the reforming and an electrical source enabling the electrodes to be energized and resulting in the generation of an electron flux in the conductive lining between the electrodes and in the heating of said lining .

Description

~ 2 ~, 1 ~ C'TEITR ~ G ~~ 1 ~ '~ ~ ~ ~ E ~ E ~ ~ ~ E ~ ~ ~ L ~ ~ Clf ~ ~ i, EF ~ ~ ~ ACâE
~ I ~ i P ~ aSE ~~~ F ~ LI SF
DC ~ I ~ A ~ l ~ E ~ 9 ~~~ l ~ l ~ l ~ l ~ ~
The field of application of this invention lies in the use of electricity in order to achieve the reformation of natural gas, gas light hydrocarbons or biogas, with a view to their conversion Especially, synthesis gas, i.e. e, n mixtures based on especially carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen that can be used, inter alia, for the production of basic chizeanic products such as methanol and dimethyl ether. The present invention is elsewhere as a favorable option for the stabilization of greenhouse gas emissions.
Greenhouse (GES), in the sense that the 3rd electric reheating reactor of which is about said invention may be supplied with carbon dioxide by means of (carbon dioxide consumption).
A ~ i ~ ~ L ~ TEI! ~~ Jï ~
It is known since 1 ~ 3 ~ 1 that it can produce ur ~ gaseous mixture combustible, called synthase gas, composed of simple molecules of carbon rononoxide and hydrogen by reaction at high temperature of coal with steam of water. This gas has been used for a long time for the cellar: ~ fage ("city gas") airfsi that for the synthesis of products, including ammonia and methanol, same as for the production of h ~~~ hydrocarbons reactions of Fischer- ~ 'ropsch).
Synthesis gas; is still used as a chemical intm-xnediary, but iI
is mainly produced from natural gas dui, over the years, substituted advantageously to the chaz ~ good (~ acxvarque, ~., r ~ fe synthesis gas: Ire the 30 ehimiqaze synthesis to the production of electricity ", lnfo f ~: hiznie I \ / iagazine, n ° 42'7 - April (2001), pp. 4 ~ ~~).

In principle, all hydrocarbon products derived from fossil resources (cha _, - good, peirole, natural gas, etc.) or biomass can be processed in synthesis gas. In general, steam reforming is used for light hydrocarbons dots ~ llitiorz below 200 ° ~) such which one ret ~~veve in natfarel gas. in the case of carbonaceous soils (coal, forest biomass, lignin, etc.) and heavy hydrocarbons (tars, oils the gasification technique and d ° oxidation partial to oxygen or air ~~ ourty, P., ~ ha ~ arr ~ ette, I '.,' Syngas: ~
promising F'eedstoclc in the 'Future Ear', Energy l. ~ rogress, ~ aol. 7 No. I (I9 ~ 7) 1 ~ pp. z3- ~ 0).
Natural gas is the most widely used raw material for the production of gas of synthesis. Methane ~~ 1 ~ 4), the main contributor to natural gas, is a molecule very stablw and its use for cl ~ iz ~ ie, apart from a few 15 reactions parcculiè = -es ~ cornrné the chlorination), passes by its conversion in gas of synthesis, which is generally carried out by steam reforming.
E ~ n can expect in the coming years to a consumer growth of synthesis gas because of increased demand for the chemical industry 2a and because of the prospect of:] growth of the fuel market Synthetics. Synthesis gases used as chemical intermediates are usually generated over the place of production of a given anal product. The growth of ~, onsornmaeion of synthesis gas p.-zsse by use increasing processes or systems for generating synthesis gas.
one of the most known applications of synthesis gas is in the production of methanol. This is a basic chemical product produced at large volume. The main use of ethanol is for the production of formaldehyde, itself a chemical agent, and acetic acid. The methanol can be considered comnbe an acceptable fuel with ur ~ power higher calorific ~ I ~~ S) of ~ 2, '% h / i ~ / kg. ~ n fact, being liqL ~ ide to the room temperature, it has a large potergtiel of use.
than synthetic fuel since it was easy to transport and stoclter (E ~ orgwaxdt, RH, 'Ii ~ ethanol i'rod ~~ ctiors from Eior ~~ ass and Natczral not ace Dual Transportation; Eng. Chern. Res, vol. 3i (1c39 ~) pp. 37Z0-~ I ~ f7). The methanol can be used as a mixture in this stage or even directly comn ~ t :, automotive fuel. It can also sezwix of fuel of 5 heating. Eni'in, methanol has great potential for use the energy systems with batteries comb ~ zsti'a ~ se, and more particularly in the Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (l ~ llard, lt ~:., "Issues Associated with Widespread IJtilizatior ~ of i ~ ethanol ', Soc. Autornot. a ~ ng. [Spec. I ~ uhl.j Sp-1505 (2000) pp. 3 ~ - ~ ~ i6.
i.0 Today, the oil is being produced for natural gas. The natcarel gas sources are abundant. Even so, we can consider the nW thanol com ~~ being -cnr ecteyar of notches rrrnation gas allowing Effectively to bring the vast reserves of natural gas to different markets 15 use of energy. In this context, the widespread use of methanol as a fuel could allow the introduction - ~ ae indirect way of natural gas in the transportation market.
Synthetic gas production accounts for nearly 60% of the costs of Production of methanol. This de ~ nontxe the preponderance of the process of production of synthesis gas in the manufacture of the final product. The process ~: raditional based on steam reforming is known to a ~ roir a energy efficiency of the order of 64% according to PCS du ~ ne ~ hane (~ llard, i ~ l., "Associated issues with Widespread ~ Jtilizatiou of etha, ~ ol", Soc, Automot.
Eng. [Spec. Pub ~ .j Sp-150 (2Q00) pp. 33-36) to the joint production of carbon dioxide as a by-product. In the made, part of the material first, the gas: nat ~~ rel, is tr ~ nsforrné da: r ~ s the process. It is for this because some of the carbon initially present in natural gas is reirowve under the fonr ~ C ~ 2 rejected in the atmosphere.

In theory, it is possible to produce gaseous mixtures based on carbon and hydrs, gene, through an oxidation process. methane gas such as illustrated by the well-known reaction sui ~~ ante CI-Id + t: ~ 2 ~ 2 'Ct) - 21-Iz; ~ 9td ° -: ~~ lcl / mole (1).
following this reaction-n, we obtain a gaseous product with a ratio:
n ~ aolaire I-1z / C ~ 2. This reaction can be put to use for the synthesis of methanol. 1Ja reaction (I) is exothermic: wing libl.re globally 36 k ~
of energy by methane gas, which is required at the site. This quantity energy is low compared to the heat power of methane less than 1 kJ per mole of methane).
i0 However, the approach that is appropriate for steam vapor reprocessing has been preferred. Basically, this reforming occurs according to its reaction:
Cl ~ + _ ~ 2 ~ (g) ° ~ CC + 3 fold; ~ I ~ -_ ~ 20 ~ k: i / mole (2).
This reaction of this form is strongly endothe ~ ric ~ ric ~. the amount of energy involved in the reaction (2) corresponds. close to ~ 5% of power calorific lower than me ~ hane. Reforming on its own produces a gas with a molar ratio ~ l2ïCC of 3. This is the reason for ~ qiaelle, in a factory of production of methanol lying on reforming:, we must see to balance the mixing in ~ ~ r ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ of DC by ratio ~ to ti2. For this do, we often uses the following reaction, called the reaction of gas to water ("
Water Gas shift "), in ~ ~ o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ o ~ c ~ r ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ c ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ c ~ r 2S CC ~~ + ~ f2 ~ C ~; - ~~ C ~ (g); ~~ _ X1,2 k: I / mole (3) By virtue of the reaction ~~ icm (3), the CC ~ 2 e is transformed into CC3 and there is conso ~ nrnation hydrogen.
Despite the disadvantages already mentioned, steam reforming remains the preferred reaction for conversion to synthesis gas of the light hydrocarbons in general. This is for two reasons: (i) eliminating the use of the ~ xyg ~, n; ~ and (ü ~ is avoided ~ .a formation of carbon (soot). ~, a training carb ~ ne free ~~ sv ~ known to fit él ~ e ~ ok ~~ many dc problems operating dak ~ s ics reactors, ~ kotamrrfe ~ kt sue concerning the use of catalytic reactors ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ abieau presents a summary of benefits and ct of the Disadvantages connected ~~ cllacunc of the two approaches.
~ 'ABLE
Comparison between traditional reforming techniques and partial oxidation, A ~ ~ I
hti t pproc ~ van nconv e ages n in s I
offers R.eionnage Secure Procd the ~ ~ Surpi ~ us of hydrogne - recourse the is going to take action on the az water ~ i ~ IlVer, ~ k ~ ng p p pushes to swing the ra ~~ pc ~ rt 1-IZ / C ~

nk: ~ arige I a R.ac ~; i.okk for ~ ment C ~ r / I ~ 2 endothemkique Oxidation ~ aetion ~ Formation of soot ~

partial exothermic ~ Use of pure oxygen ~ required F ~ intake H? / CC

better swing _..___ tfl Consideration may be given to the use of two types of refreshing integrated for the production of a balanced high ~ nel ~ mge. So, we can to put to the advantage the energy liberated by the partial oxidation to fill the needs energetic effects of an endothelial healing process.
1 ~
To assist in balancing the synthesis of synthetic gas intended for the In the production of ethanol, gaseous reactants were used. So, to help at di ~ a ~ .inute the ratio HZ / C: ~, we can use the in ~ cction of gas carbonic in the k ~ kilieu réacti.onnel so as to achieve the reaction next zo Ct ~~ v C ~ I4 ~ CC ~ -1 ~~,; ~ I- ~ = 2471 ~. ~ / Mc ~ le (4) s debt reaction is also endofhermi.que, but it can be put ~
contribution to balance the ratio RIZ / C ~: re ~ quis .for production of methanol. To achieve this, we can adjust the proportion of ~~ 2 and steam of water in the feed of a process of rer-orn ~ age following the scheme 5 reaction follows ~~ 1: 4 + x ~~ 2 + y f3Zt ~ + energy ~ ver ~~ + z Iâz (5) Such a reaction presents interesting perspectives of use.
on the environment, since it suggests the possibility of replacing a process relying on the use of carbon dioxide as a raw material, which is known as being one of the main gases ~ effect n: e greenhouse.
~ e steam reforming presencL of water vapor and / or carbon dioxide is a A method of tresforming aortic acid which requires a energy. hard on thermod ~ planar ~ ~ icique, it requires a sirlsérietire temperature to 700 ° C
for the Reactions (2) and (4) can occur. ~ '~ Electricity supply; required can be provided by the maintenance of natural gas. In this case, we flange a part some gas natural in a separate oorr ~ partment of the reactor and ors resorts to a heater

2 ~ by contact with a wall.
f ~ insï, the refon ~ nage gas, natural is generally realized in reactors chemical tubes containing a catalyst. some caialysers are found usually in faith ~ ne of a powder or granules made of nickel on suppori 25 ~ Alumina base. tubes containing the catalyst are constituted by a alloy resistant metal (eg nickel-chromium alloy) ~. corrosion and.
heat and are assembled in a shell and tube design. reforming produced within% besupplied with catalysts, while heating has location from the outside of the tubes, but ~ the inside ~, zr of the shell. Typically, the 30 operating conditions are for a temperature ranging from 750 -850 ° C under a pressure of 30 ~ 40 atmospheres.

Alternate cornea ~~ e ~~ u chan indirect page by co ~~ bustion, we can consider ie recourse to an eh, ~~~ 'f ~ .ge meseant on the éleci energy: ~ - ~ que. f, appeal ~
energy electric com ~ r ~ es ~ ~ arce of heat ~: a liew ehav gas naturalness allows for significant advantages, notar ~~ n ~~; nt with respect to that is, Ia ease of control and the ability to design compact reactors and Modular. Electricity is a source of energy: Easy ~. tale-take away we can to have a quick and direct control over the number of electrons to be used in a given process. ~ C; pi ~ .s, it is cozznu q ~ 'aqaec ~ ~ eetetricity, one can provide a great deal of energetic energy inside the atmosphere. The use of 10 electricity offers opportunities for the use of compact reactors, Modular, high-performance and high ergo-efficiency.
Another important point is the environmental aspect. When the electricity comes from a non-fossil resource, we can consider iza put er ° ~
Instead of reforming processes without the net emission of carbon dioxide. n ~
can even consider setting up a process that is u :: ~ net consumer of C ~? ~. The gas ca ~~ or ~ iq .: ~ e is a combustion gas ~~ z that can be recovered of the flue gas from incineration processes to industrial processes.
There are several ways of using electricity directly that source of energy for the realization of reacti ~ ~ ns teil ~ noclz ~ rnialues comta ~ e the reforming.
It is here d ~; ø ~ ros, eds specially adapted to ~: treatment of mixtures gaseous based on methane. and a ~~ tres h ~ droc; =? rb ~~ res erg presence of gas carbonic acid and / or water vapor. furnace help <~ a process of re ~ forming, 25 electricity can be used for to provide electrochemical work through the use of a electromotive ~; cl ~ a ~ aps electrical j - to ionize gases, which allows the generation of cr ~ imiq species, ~ zes such that radiators to librels and ions that are coz ~~~
Catalytic reactions to chemical reactions;
- to increase the value by the. and - Induce electrical coxrayats in ur ~ sm; ~ ï: Eriau.

t ~ 9 among the principa; ax. types of reactants ~ use dir, cte de electricity, we found the electrochemical reactions (electrolysis ~ high temperature ~, ~
thermal plasma, ~ ~ Iasr ~ ia cold and ~, heating ol ,. ~ nique ..
it is electruchimic The reforrnagc d ~ wa gai n ~ .turel can be done. help of ara process Electrochemistry on the use of a conductive crolyte anion oxygen (C9-). The ionic co ~ nductio3 ~ of these electrolytes is effected by a jump mechanism; oxygen gaps yes are positively charged. C) n It may therefore be possible to use this type of material to produce the ~ pora page Electrochemistry of oxygen atoms in order to achieve partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon. In this approach, air can be removed.
directly in the cathodic compartment ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Under the action of a electric field and ~ .'a gradient of potential chgrraic, we can do in kind IS that there is a very high oxygen level of water, which is solid (under form to avoid this: to recover from the con ~~ is anodic in seen from Make it react with methane (or natural gas).
The most important coronet of oxygen ions is the oxide of zirconia 2 ~ stabilized ~ yttri.u ~~. This product is marketed for Ia manufacture of so ~ .des ~ oxygen. moreover, it is used for the construction of prototypes SC fuel cells> F ~ ("Solid ~ z ~; ide ~ u, dl tell" ~.
general, temperatures ~, the ~ aes of the order of X00 ~ I 000 ° C; are required for the material is suf ~ sar ~~~ -r ~ ent conductive ('~> 0,05 ~~ N -'cxn- = ~:
The use of an electrochemical reagent for ceramic enamel is mentioned in Stoulcides'(Sfi;oulcide-s; i ~ fi., C; hiar ~ g, f ~. ~., Alqahtany, H.
hroduction in solid electrolytes; , Synap <> siu ~~ on I ~ ac ~ rai Caas ~ pgradinl; iI, San Frarpeisco, Apri :( ~ -'_ 0 (I ~ 92j, ~ C: S, 'fhe Division of petroleum Cihemistry preprints, vol. 3'7, z ~ ° l, pp. 2 ~ 1-26 ~~ who has expèrir; entë
partial oxidation of with water vapor (allowing the prevention of f ~ r ~ nation of carbon) used, inter alia, iron electrolytics. These jobs on the Gold synth gas has been shown clin; in certa.i: sms conditions, pumping electrochemical oxygen perrr ~ and the lesion of gaa_; natural in one mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
The international publication was held on October 8th-18 (hham, A. ~.
~ Allrnar ~
hI ~., Cilass, 1Z.S.,. ~ ~~ atural not-I ~ ssisted Steam l ~ lectrolyzer "., publication: PAT
n ° iyt ~~ 00/17 ~ 1 ~~ 8 0000)) offers a different app: rc- ~ cïhe different sure the use of an electr ~ slyâe to oxygen transport aniona. debt is approaching Combines electrolysis with water hurricanes, water vapor and oxidation partial of a hydrocarlsure. ~, e process can reduce at least ~ 5%
the electricity consumption in comparison with traditional electrolysis. The overall reaction is equivalent to that of steam reforming of water. next In this process, there is a formation of hydrogen on the cathode side and there is at production of salts ~~ / z dv ~ cs ~ té the anode.
i5 f, e concept of partial oxidation by means of v ~ r ~ flux controlled oxygen crossing the wall of an electrolyte ~ c ~ ~ -amiclue oxygen condusaion anionic is already known, but much remains to be done for ~,: pti ~ ni:> er performance of these membranes co ~~~ ique. In particular, there is a need to watch out for them mechanical strength under strict conditions of use as well as their chemical resistance. The know-how has been developed for a few years.
years on batteries with solid electrolyte (S ~ l: ~) and no ~ r ~ breuses teams work on the subject. 1 ~. At the present time, such ~~ are not not still available for some applications; malls as this would be required for synt gas production.
~, ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ' ~: ri e, retries by arc plasma, a DC arc or alternative established between two islands, trodes through. which one was circulating a gas (called gas plasma). the latter accelerated and produced a jet of gas containing material ionized. ~, e traditional arc plasma is part of the thermal plasmas and can be used for ~ .ns of cha ~. ~ ffage especially in applications requiring high power densities. ~ jet in question is characterized by a level of ternperate ~ xre trés é ~~~ é greater than 3 JOO ~ I ~~. 11 cn summarizes that we have from a source of radiant heat that can be fucked for rapid heating ~ of various products including gas mixtures. The Arc plasma can be used for direct blow-off: and dissociation of starting reagents twisted q ~ ze methane and va va ~. ~ cuz d'ea ~~. ? ~ note that the presence of ionized radiation and the emission of ultraviolet radiation one found in a plasma, can help catalyze several reactions chi3niques. The use of a bow pjasma in compact players intended for the Decentralized energy production at a user's home i0 proposed by ~ roân'r ~ erg (~ i-omberg, ~,., ~ ohn, L ~ .. ~~., ~ al ~ inovïch, ~., «
plasma lzefo_ ~ -mer-fuel ~; cll Svstern for l ~ e ~ ~ entali ~ ed i ~ o ~ ver applications, have. ~.
~, ydrogcne ~ nergy, ~ "oI. ~~, No. 1 ~ 399 ~) pp. ~~ -9 ~; ~.
In line with the industrial processes, we have the process I ~ üls which has already It has been used on a large scale since 1940 for the production of acetylene acetylenes.
go light hydrocarbons with power reactors; from ~ to ~
IVLi74 ~. Ln basing on this lor ~~~ experience, the process H ~ ls quoted suitable for achieve Ie reforming the gas rE ~~. ~ rcl erg presence dc ~~ Z or vrapcur water. n ~
will find in the publication of; Kaske, ~ r., ~~ gal. (l ~ aske, ~., k ~ crker, L., l ~ üllcr, IZ., 2 ~ "He ~ drogen production by the Plasma-lZefs_srrning Plasma Process", plydrogen ~ n ergy Progr. '~ 7I, vol. i ~ I9 ~~; pp. 1 ~ 5-19 ~~, a description of the use of the technology for the production of gas; sya ~ ~ th; is. f, the reactor resides in the use of two tsabular electrodes ref ~~ oidies with water, the tube anode being connected to the rr ~ assc- ,. The gaseous reactants are in ~ ect.és tangentivllerr ~ er ~ t and this 2 ~ Gas movement makes sure that the electric arc is forced to slide in lc direction of the gas flow a. In this way, we have a controlled influence on the movement and position of the strike points of the arc in the electrodes, this who stabilizes the arc. ~ the flow of gas, the length of the arc and the voltage sort modified which influences ~ .e the power generated when the ~ current is maintained

3 ~ constant.
The benefits of a peanut do not reform. pias ~ Tba reside in what follows _ Exempt from the use of catalysts 5 - the process of; can be done with a low ratio I ~ 2 ~ / carbox ~ c, which avoids ic useless heating of water vapor for make 1c refo ~~: ~ swimming;
_. removal of sulfur is not necessary (sulfur is known for poison reforming catalysts. con ~; renational z ~ base niclcei); and the process is: modular and offers the possibility of small units Flexible.
However, the main disadvantage of such a scheme is the cost their iravestrate ~ aera ~: and 1 ~; rec ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
electric circuit.
~. ~ e ~ éac ~ e ~ ar ~ a ~ e ~ gllssan ~
~~ electric arc process ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
catalyze the reforming in panticv ~ lier is proposed pas- ~ zerrcicl ~ owsl ~ i (Czernichowslci, P., Czernichowslti, A., ~~ Conversion of I ~ ydzocarbons Assisted by Caliding Bleetric Arcs-in the rese; nce of ~ a ~ ater F ~ japor and / or ~ arbo ~ ä ~ iox: ide ", Patent States 5,993.% fi sx9 ~ 9); ~, es ~ zeur, 1-l., ~ 'zerr ~. ~ chc, w .. ~ Here, ~ 1., Chapel, J., "~ Electricaily Assisted Partialization of Iethar ~ e," lnt. J. Hydrogen IJnergy, flight. 19, No. ~ (1 ~~ 4) pp. 13 ~ -14 ~; Pridra ~ a ~ a, A. .. ~ este; r, S., I ~ ennedy, f, .A., 2 ~ Saveliev, ~., I6 ~ uta ~ ~ 'ardi ~ rgci, C.,' Cliding Arc low psischarge ', Progess in Encrgy and Combustion Science, vol. 25, No. 2 (~ 9 ~ 9) i ~ p. 2i 1-X31).
next this approach, electric shocks produce ehir ~ iqucs species active (electrons, io ~ n6f, atornPs, free radicals., r ~~ oleculcs excited) of rnêrnc that photons c ~ u ~ i can strongly catalyze the direct conversion.
Cze ~ -r ~ ichowslci proposes the use of "gliding, ~ ec" ~ formed of arcs electrical sliding the Iong of two divergent electrodes to each other, enter the wheels circulate u ~~ gas ~ high speed (> 1 ~ 1 ~~ n / s). The sliding arc goes at proximity to the place ewtre the two electrodes oi '~ Ia say: ante is the most low, and extends progressiverneni sliding: along the electrodes in the direction of It would drain it when it goes out; at the top of the list, a news discharge is formed ~ the place initiai. The dearth of the discharge is Deteriorated by the geometry of the electrodes, the flow conditions, and the characteristics of the power supply. This, moving points of Depressed on cooled electrodes predict the establishment of an arc permanent and the resultant co-operation.
1 ~ 'ridrr ~ an and cil. (~ rida: n, 1 ~., l ~ lester, S., I ~ ennedy, ~ ..A., Saveliev, ~., ~ utaf ~ ardi ~ ci, ~ .., << ~ S ".iding arc not I3ischarge,> ~, l ~ rogess in 1 = ', nergy and ~ orrzbustion Saw it, vol. 2 ~, r ~ ° ~ (1 ~~~) pp. 2I1-23 i), present a theoretical discussion on the use of a gliding arc. C ~ ny mentions the principles of fnctio: anernent and the applications proposed for the technology.
~ zer ~ nichowski presents a review of the state of the art concerning the use of the 1 ~ pla ~ rnas and electric arches to achieve ~ efc ~ rj: nai (Czernichowski, P., Czernichowski, ~ .9 ~ <l: ~ evice v ~ ith Plasma frorn ~ / iobile: ~ Iectric i ~ ischages and its .i ~ pplication to ~~; rlvert barbon l ~ attx- ", publication ~ ~ 'fn °
~ T ~ d ~ Q / 1 ~ 7 ~ 6 (200)). i ~ an international publication 1 ~~~ 'n ° ° w ~~ ~ (1 / 137R ~
mentioned above a new generation of slid-arc reactor called C ~ lidA.rc-1 ~.
In the new concept, one of the electrodes is ~: oï ~ i ~ e ~ ~: is operated by a mechanical movement.
One of the interesting peculiarities of the technol'ogie dtz "gliding arc; "
is the Electro ~ eses can be made of ordinary steel. 7 ~ 1n other The advantage of tec ~~ nology is the ability to limit one's reactor with a large range of corr ~ gas positions. the gliding arc technology can be used for reforming in prc ~ sei ~ ce <ie C ~ 2 and / or steam of water. It can also be used to rehabilitate oxidation partial to the oxygen (or air enriched in oa ~ ygér: ej.
partial does not require thermal energy because of this, electricity is then basically used to help speed up the thermochemical ~ hoses.
by catalytic pathway for the generation of active species.
The technology d ~, ~ "g: (iding ar ~, °" is present corrvme u: ~ e simple technique and 3tl which has been experimentin ~ entce awr c sweet lab erg. ~ eper ~ dar ~ .t, this technoIogy implies the use of electronic means of power for the transfonamation of current in order to obtain the conditions required by the deployment: at arcs i ~
electrical appliances, making sure that there are no disturbances on the network Al: xnentation.
The ~ ° ~ act ~ r to plas ~~ .a ~~ -odd Thermal plasters can concentrate large amounts of 1) uience in small volurraes ruais a great qua ~~ tit ~; of energy is necessary to be able to cha ~ a ~ l ~ ur the gases to ten ~~ errature; ~ very raised. lJJne approach alternative to the use of thermal plasmas is the use of plasrnas cold, that is to say. -a: ~. Pl; ~ rr ~ a gen ~ re in conditions outside bALANCE
thermal, which is the source of ionized species without heat.
significant.
harness the techne ~ logies., mention qa ~~: iclues-one of the approaches experimented in the oratory of discharges couron ~~ e, electric pulsations and micro-ounce plasmas. 1The use of cold plasmas gerberes by landfill crown in ~ e reforyraage mj.élanges corr ~: ~ osès combustible gas I5 (hydrocarbons or alcohols) in the presence of oxygen and water vapor is described in the English version of the French version of French.
î57.499 (Etient, C., itoshd, I ~ i: ~., ~ ~ Ebèrate ~ .lr hycrogèn ~, », l ~ lernande de patent of the French Republic No. 57,499 (1990).
2 ~ The v ~ cte ~ a ~ ~ e ~ age ~ ~ xnlq ~ e p, e reactor with cha ~ f ~ age os ~ ~ ~ ~. emphasis on the use of electricity essentially co = _n ~ n ~ °, heat source generated by co ~~~ duction directly or by induction. As;; passing a current to the crav ~, rs a resistance generates of heat, a tplh; The resistance can take the form of a pai ~ icules 25 cl ~ au fé through which circulates the gas to be treated.
~ A known application of the ol ~~ nique heating; by direct conduction is the use of a thin bed: the idea of granules of coagulated coli;
~ or ~ e for the synthesis of hydrocyanic acid (~ C ~ I) from rr ~ ethane (Cl ~~) or propane 30 (C ~~ $) mixed with d °, l'ai ~ rnoniaG (I ~ i = I3) (Shine, 1 ~~. ~ ..., «
pluol2t ic the For process I ~ ydrogen Cyanide> ~. CheYn. ~ Ng. hrogress, vol. 6'i, No. 2 (1971) pp.
52-57).

4 It is a concept of upholstery, with a little p ~~ - ind ~. ~ Ction ~~~~ t evolved in the bre ~ ret of the United States No. 5.36 ~. ~ ø ~~ for a pyrolysis application (CouP.on, Il ~ l., Eoucher, 3., "The Process for PyroPysis of Pluid Effluents and ~ orresponding ~ ppaxatus"
and Patent of Mats = Anis No. 362.4 ~~ (t994)). ~ e process is aimed at Treatment of organic compounds f ~ alog ~ ns liquid. ~ n the ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
concept relying on the ohmic heating of a lining, concept that can be applied gas treatment. ~ this process, the efflue; axts ~, t ~~ aiter are heated by contact with an e ~~ p ~ "~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
su: volumic surface contact of at least 3 ~ mz / nx3. elements are typically used under the t0 form of balls of P ~ ~ 1: ~ t3 -rn ~~ d ~; diameter and are: hauff ~ s by induction electromagnetic or by electrical conduction. ~, the elements in question may be incorporated into a conductive electrically conductive material a refractory material. Among the maï: eriaux drivers, we can find Pe graphite and carbides, erarniciaes conducts ~ t ~ -urs. For the rrratériaux In refractories, it is possible to use graphite, refractory metals, and the like.
oxides ceramics, carbides, borides of rététaux, ctc.
Basically, ohmic heating by conduction ~~ irecte is presented Corrrrrre Pa the most effective way to use the electric energy in Pe case od on use of Alternating current ~ aa: normalized flow of the supply network electric (b0 PIz in l ~ deric America, 5 ~ ~~ z in Europe).
The reactor of small valll ~ and ~ éa ~ tor ~ opact As the art of the prior art reveals, there were several types of systérr ~ .es 2 ~ of reforming, that is, acts of refob-rnagc catal ~~: iq ~ e or not Catalytic to the water vapor ("Stearr ~ I ~ efor ~ ning", Sl2), by o.xydatio ~ r parue (P ~ î ~), by auto-thermal reaction (~ il ~.) or con7bin: aison has these techniques.
The traditional processes: a production of hydrogen by reforming or oxidation partial are large-scale praccedes impregnated for a long time in 3 ~ 7 the petro-industrial industry. with craze rweent batteries ~
corribustible for residential and automobile use, we are witnessing the following:
important dc the effort on the development of the experience, the test and. the standardization of new reformers more ~:, n more compact. ~, a fight i ~ to grab a share of market is very in ~: ense. The patented companies are now patented concerning the so-called housing reflexes: the residential or of transport are subtle; they deal mainly with the methods of treatment (séquenee flow, arrangement of parts, r ~ ~ ~ o ~ odes of ir ~~ ection) or ~~ natériaux as the high-end eatings are likely to increase performance of the small reforming units. The following references give a preview of the main phenomena claimed for compactness of the reactors conventional reforming.
IO The reforrrgeur I ~J ~ ~ T ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ a generator hy ~ l: ~ ° ogen of small to medium hydrogen capacity (1 ~ 81i ~ m3 / lc) coupled with ~ a.: p ~ i.riiicateur hydrogen, and intended to be installed on a fixed site. debt tec; lânoEogie Iseuc be used in upstream of all low capacity applications using pure hydrogen as réaetif or cornbustihle (metallic ~ ar ~; ie, glass industry, hydrogenation, electronic, ehirnic ;, etc.). The patent of ba =, c ~ technology IJ ~> 3T ~
("LTnder ~ xidized I ~ urner") refers to a device aimed at converting a fuel in. in a non-gastrointestinal burner, which will be possibly mixed with another view of cc ~~~ Yeustible to reduce emission of oxide, nitrogen Qthe engines ~. gas (~ reirLer, I,., I ~ oard, I ~ .I ~ .., "Omissions l2eduction Systems for Infernal ~ or ~: cl ~ ustiord Engines", Patent of the United States No. 5.247.1 ~~ (19g (i)). The patents are better relate to improvements in the technology in question: T ° ~ oard, I ~., Greiner, L., "L ~ .pparatns and I ~~ andT ~ od for ~ ee7 ~ easing ~ litra ~ gen C ~ xide omissions from Internai ~ umbListio ~~ Power sources », patent of the States - I ~ nis n °

5.299.56 (Igg4); ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~ Jtilïzing Improved Injectons ~.>, United States Patent No. ~ 4-6.7C1 (iG ~ 6, '9 to brake, L., l ~ loard, ~ .T ~., ~ hax.t, ~., "~ lzift I ~~ eactor for lJse with an éJnderoxidized ~ urr ~ er ", Patent of the United States ~ ~ 5.72 ~ .1 ~ 3 (1 ~~~) ~ C'preiner, L., loods, I ~., "I ~ .educed Carbo ~~ from ~ Jnde ~ - (~~, idized f ~ ur ~: ~~, r", US Patent United 3D No. ~ .0 ~~. ~~ 9 (20 ~~).
For its part, the price issued to the United States is in the United States.
~ .2 ~ 7.122 effect of usa process combining the partial oxidation: ~ e (P ~ X) and the 6 ~
reforming ~ water vapor ~~~), allowing for ~~, er what is called a pros ~ ssus auto-ïhe ~ - ~ nî, ~ ue ~~ Tg ~) ~ Clf ~~ vson, l.,. CT., i ~ itche> l, ~ .1 ~., F ~ entley, ~ .I ~., T ~ hijssen, 3.1 ~. ~., Is l ~ e; tlTOd for ~ onverting llydr ~ carbo, r Duel into 1-? (Ydrogene low and barbon diuxide, US Patent No. 6,201,122 X2001)).
Each of these processes is carried out in vortex tubes.
respectively. ~ es The effluents are washed and mixed in a reclamation.
catalytic for the production of the ~~~~~~~~ e.
Other patents include steam reforming systems on catalyst, for example ~ t '~: xemple documents ~ ~ ranla: Primdahl, Ll., "1-ligh iemperature ~ teafn ~ eforrning ", f °. ~~: evet ries É ~ 2 ~ s-iJnis n °
S.SS4.35I. X1996);
ostrop ~ ~ ielser ~, .T., ~; hristensen, PS, ~~ ansen, V. ~,., «Synthesis (3as Production lsy ~ tearn efon ~ ing lJsing ~ atalyzed r ~ ardware, (3) anise no. 5.932. L4 i ~ i 999) ~ Stahl, i ~ LC ~., "FZefor ~ _ing Purnace with atheal 1.Recirculation ", ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.
In addition, the following cases concern self-government projects.
thermal with catalysts: ~ hristevsen, ~ .5. "" Process for Soot-i? ree P ~~ eparation of l ~ ydrogen and Carbon ~~ lonohide ~ ontaining Synthesis ~~ ias ", ~ dream of the United States No. 5,492,649 X1996; 5 Primdahl, Tl, "Process for the Preparation of 1-iydrogen and barbon I ~ ~ ono ~ i ~ e Pich 'ras ", Patent of Éta s ~ Jnis No. 5.95.291 19999);
Christensen, P. ~., ~; Hristensen, 'f. ~., Primdau ~ l, Tl, Q <Process for the hutothermal Steam ~ .e; forn ~ ing of a ~ lydrocarbon ljeedst "ck", i3revet of States United States No. 6.143.2.v ~ 2k: ~ 000); f ~ yblcjac, r, i., 'Proc ~ ess and ~ eactor System for 25 Pre paration of ~ yntl ~ esis low, patent of the United States No.

6.224.19 I3i (2001).
Finally, the patents mentioned below refer to devices incorporating the separation of hyc (rogenous:
~ P, dlund, D..T., The ledgcr, ~ Lr ~ .., "~ tearr ~, l ~ efo: r ~ acr vvrth Infernal 1-lydrogen "Puri ~ acation", U.S. Patent No. 997.5 ~~ 4 X1999):
device compact of r ~ f ~ - ~ nage catalytic ~. the vape- ~~~ - ~ omportanl; a system of separation and penetration of hydrogen; in addition to a system integrated filtration by the gai rual ideals after 9 ~ ~ ~ tion of hydrogen ;

~ Edlund, DJ, "ydrogen-Permeable I ~ Ietal the ~ embrane and Method for 1 "roducing the spell", United States Patent No. x.1.52.995 (2000) ;; method for the preparation of hydrogen permeable metal meshes;
~ Edlund, 1 ~ .J., "1-Hydrogen to Produc ~ ing Fuel Frocessing System", Patent of 5 United States No. 2, 1.11.7131 (2001): patent for the improvement of patent Mats-iJnis No. 5,997,594;
~ ~ Ierrill, ~ .1J., ~~ aa: ney, 1,. ~., ~ Neidel, l ~ .E., L ~: cllroy, 1Z.A., ~ bank ~ ae, 1t.1 ~., t <Compact l ~ ulti-huel Steam lZeformer », United States patent n ° 5.93. & 00 (199): compact model of catalytic vapor reformer of ear: with internal separation of hydrogen and recovery of energy non-total gas: nt: converted.
P ~ oblèar ~ e teclanïqunv ~ res ~ aud ~ e in reforming applications; the catalysts; u ~, used are based on 15 metals and are usually prepared by impregnation of very small quantity of metal on the surface are suppori porous to very large surface. louvent the catalysts are fixed on a support of alumina (~ 12 ~ 3), silica ~~ iD2), zirconia (Zrt32), of o ~ alkaline earth oxides (Mgn, (: aC- ~), or a mixture of them. Among the most well-known catalysts are platinum and 2l njcl ~ el. The best known catalysts for reforming are of the expensive materials. it is desirable to use these metals under a form highly dispersed on a smooth support so ~ expose to reagents a largest possible fraction of the atoms of this catalyst.
25 Thus, the use of reactors with electricity and banking on the use of traditional cars'-yseurs, does not appear as a solution economic. Ur, electricity is a noble source of energy and its use in.
as a source of energy must have economic benefits.
undeniable.
At current lletxre, we do not know reforming devices 3C hydrocarbons based on a principle; ol7.nnie ~ ue heating and not implying the use of traditional catalysts.
The percentages of gas are all by volume.

l The present invention is a brand new process for the production of synthesis gas from light hydrocarbons as found in the natural gas or biogas. The hiogaz is a mixture of combustible gas produced 5 during fermentation of various organic materials. it consists generally ~, has vc3Jv. ~ ne of 35 to 7 ~ ° rô of mé; tuane, 35 to 6 ~% of gas carbonic acid, from 1 to 3% hydrogen, from 13 to 1% oxygen, from 0 to 3%
nitrogen, from 5% to 5% of gas (hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, rtc) and steam d ° water.
The invention is intended substantially reduce the costs of gas conversion to be reformed in Introducing the use of lightweight materials, readily available on the market and very inexpensive;
eliminate the problems associated with the use of traditional cataïyseurs;
~ to make optïor ~ g ~ it before desulphurisation of the reagents; and set up modular, compact, high-efficiency reactors and very flexible of use.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2 ~
The F'igu ~ es at y ~ illustrate the results of sinra ~ .at: ioris 1 to 8 respectively., which come from kinetic calculations related to methane reforming.
Figure la gives the results of kinetic calculations related to reforming of methane according to Siyr ~ ulation 1 for a ratio ~~ I4., ~ I-Iz ~ zâe 1 mole / 1 mole; a temperature of IQ ~~ K, a pressure of 1 atmosphere and without catalyst.
Figure Ib gives the results of the kinetic calculations related to the reforming of the methane according to the invention, for a ratio of 1 to 1 mole / I
mole; a temperature of 1.0 ~~ K and a pressure of I atmosphere.
Figure I c gives the results of kinetic calculations related to reforming of methane according to ~ Siamulation 3 for a ratio C1 ~ 34 / I-I2 ~ / ~ c ~ 2 of l9 1 mole / mole 0.333 mole; u ~~ e temperature of 1,000 I ~ and a pressure from 1 atr; zosphére.
Figure ld gives the results of the kinetic calculations related to the reforming of the ms, thane according to the ~~~ ulation ~ for a ratio ~ 'l ~~ / I: ~ z ~ ô 1 mol / 2 moles;
a temperature of 2,000 h and a pressure of 1 at ~ nosphére.
Figure gives it the results of eidetic calculations related to reforming of methane according to 1G sim.ulatio ~:> for ur ~ rapp ort ~ I ~ 41H2 ~ / (~ Z d ~
I ~ 1 mole / ~, gnoles l C, 2 ~ mole; a ternpérat ~ are 1,000 I ~ and a pressure of 1 atmosphere.
Figure lf gives the results of the kinetic calculations related to the reforming of the rr ~ ethane according to the simulation C ~ for a ratio ~ f34 / I ~ ZC ~ / C ~ Z of 1 mole / z moles / 0.333 mole; a temperature of t.000 K and a pressure from 1 atmosphere.
Figure lg gives the results of the kinetic calculations related to the reforming of the methane according to the simulation ~ for ur ~ ratio ~: ~ I4 / fIz ~ / ~ 2 of 1 mole / 2 moles! 0.5 mole; a temperature of 1,000 i ~ and a pressure from i atmosphere.
Figure 1 gives the results of the kinematic calculations related to reforming the methane according to the simulation ~ for i ~ _ ~ report CI-I41I ~ 2 ~ of 1 mole / 3 moles; ure, temperature of 1,000 i ~ and u; r ~~; pressure of 1 atmosphere.
Figure 2 shows a reforming reactor according to an embodiment of 1 ° ir ~ aention, in that ~ ~ .el ees electrodes are under foy ~~ ee ~ iisq ~ es hollow, perforated.
Figure 3 shows ~ ~ ~ e life of øac ~; t ~ piclue of ~~~~~ e electrode a ~ aec orii'aces and protuberances.
The ~ igu ~ e 4 shows: ers reactor a ~ rec electrodes be fnrarte of solid discs.

The ~ ggu ~ ~ e ~ illustrates the case of tangent insertion.iet ct radial injection of gas in a reactor ~ yr ~ rr ~ ode d ~ ~ realization cxe 1 "invention.
~, IFi ~ u ~ ° ~ 6, present c ~ n arra ~ agernent connected electrodes in parallel.
~ .a Figure 7 ~ re ~ res ~ ~ t ~ ~ n ~ ArrangemPr ~ t of elec trodes connected erg mode three-phase (seen from below), a bend in a cylinder.
The Fl ~ u ~ ~ ~ e ~ iliustr; v the general arrangement of the ~~ eacteu.r laboratory, in which signifies the difference.
L ~ Flgu ~ ° e ~ mo ~~ tr ~ a ~ l ~ otograpbie output electrodes {~
left) and input to the right of the laboratory repository, in which the length is of reference is the goat = ~.
~~~~~~~~~ ~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
reactor laboratory; in this: ~ igurc 1 ~ means measure of ~~~ -essior ~, l ~ means régLrlateur, T mean my ~. ~ Rc; dc, ten; pertree, TC '. signi ~ c; tl ~ enr ~ ocouple, Ts means temperature ~ ~ ~ 3a set the reactor; You will feel at home. the entrance to reactor, Tm means temperature in the middle of your reaction chamber. 1 ~
represents a cor ~ stcur of gay.
~ he ~ EL, ~~~ '~ I ~; ~' ~ '~ 1 ~
2 ~
The most important invention <a furnace object ua ~ electric reactor reforming, the presence of an oxidizing gai, a gaa corn ~ renanl: at least one hydrocarbon, optionally substituted, and / or at least one com ~~~ se org, ~ .nique., eventually substitute, com ~ ortawt ator ~ cs of carbor ~~ e and lrrrrr ~ and also at rr ~ anoint a heteroatoyne. ~: e reactor co_ ~ n ~ orte cornrr ~ be élérr ~ c: structural rasë
- an intellectually isolated school;
- a cl: Ambrc Rr ~ urie of aa, ~ noin s two electrodes and located at the integer ~ r ds: 1 ° cnceinte, said chamber ~ résuor comprising less a conductive lining material, the lining in question being Isolated electra ~ ue ~ ent of the wall rr9aëtailiquu the speaker rnaaaière to avoid all things;
at least one reformed gas supply;
at least one alin3entatian in oxidizing gas, distinct or not from 1 "~, limentaztion e: r._ gas to reforrnc ,, ~;
at least use exit for g <az from the re: ortage; and an electrical source for setting the voltage of the electrodes and resulting in the generation of an electronic stream in the garf ~ issage conductor between the electrodes and in the c: h ~ uf: page of said packings I) É ~ 'INITI ~ l ~ G ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I, e reforming term as it is used in the context of this invention is relating to a transanochemical reaction of conversic ~ a hydrocarbon o ~~
a organic molecule. in synthesis gas, which is: azn gaseous mixture including hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide carbon.
The term gas is used in the box; : Preserving invention is advantageously relating to a compound or a mixture of compounds which present in the gaseous state with aras pressure preferably neighboring the pressure Atmospheric and ~ a ~, do not teznpé ~ - ~ .ture less than ~ nil ° ~: elsius.
25 ~ e term hydrocarbaare as it has been ~ ~ leise within the framework of the present invention is relative to one or more molecules containing only atoms of carbon and hydr ~: gè, ne ;.
The term organic compound as used in the context of this Invention relates to one or more molecules whose elements coristitutifs of the α ~ c ~ lecular structure are carbon and hydrogen, so qa, ~ 'one or several heteroator ~ ae; ~ such as oxygen and nitrogen.

porosity value as used in the present context.
invention is relative to the proportion. bulk volume of a dock material is not occupied by the solid part of said ~ ~ gatériau v.-ac. , vacant space enta-e particles solids, cavities on the surface and inside the particles and the volume openings and holes present through the material contributes to the porosity.
An ol ~, ~ and ~ lareler of the present invention is constituted by a reactor electrification for cooling, in the presence of an oxidizing d ° a gas with reference to hydrocarbon, possibly substituted, and / or at least i ~ an organic compound, possibly substituted, having atoms of carbon and hydrogen as well as at least one heteroatom.
Cornpit reactor - an enclosure, preferably thermally isolated, and more preferentially still thermally insulated by the interior;
a reaction chamber provided with at least two electrodes and located at least inside the enclosure, said reaction chamber comprising at least a ~ natériac ~ lining conductive and defmmying in whole or in part catalysis ~ .r reforming, gamissagc in question being isolated electrically ~~ ent of the wall. Metallic of the way ~ speaker, avoid any short circuit;
at least one reform gas supply:
- at least plain; alin ~ eniation in gas o; ~ ydant, distinct ~ a. ~ no 1 "gas supply to reform;
2 ~ - at least ~ LFnc output for gases from reforming; and an electrical source enabling the electrodes to be energized and resulting in the generation of an electronic flow in the lining conductor between the electrodes; and eventually - At least one: ehalE ~ ur supply in the garn: ïssage. advantageously 30 the supply of heat, which may come from outside or inside the may be carried out by any appropriate means and preferably resulting from the generation of electronic flow in the packing.

~ A subfamily pa ~ ~ uculi ~ rerrqent int ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
the invention is constituted by those who are at least one of the following - a char ~ br ~ ~ reaction which is forr ~~ e ~ l ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
cylindrical;
- at least ur, e etec trodes is hollow type and it constitutes the port gas inlet; ~ reforming;
- At least ~ ~ ee electrodes is hollow type and it constitutes a led from aiï $ ~ c; ntation gas refo and in oxidizing gas;
ia - at least one; electrodes is hollow type and it constitutes the exit gases resulting from reforming;
- at least two. electrodes are located on this side.
According to another advantageous mode of; implementation of the reactor reactor, this t5 derfzïer, comprises ari rreat two ~ ° .electrical electrodes each constituted of a tt and perforated perforated hollow disk, said disk is located ~
the end a tube opening into the reaction chamber and it is in contact with the padding of the reaction rack to assemble the airway current electric heating and heating by ezfet .fouie.
2 ~
i ~ e material gan ~ is wise conducto ~ r is crroisï preferably in the group made by the members of the group of the classifmation periodic numbering ~ l ~ SJ ~ and alloys containing ~~~ oins -nn said élér ~ mnts, of preferably the lining is chosen in the groa ~~~~ e constiti ~ ~ e by the materials ~ 5 having at least ~~ a / ~ d "one or more ds ~ sdits elements of the group ~ IIII, more preferentially still in the group cc ~ ~ stit ~ ~ by iron, the nicelel, the cobalt, and alloys containing at least ~~ ° / 5 of one or more of these elements, more advanced ~ ssernent still the lining is ~ iron base or a of its alloys and preferably it ~ ° .st selected in the group consti ~ aé by Ies ~ 0 carbon steels. tively, the material of the driver sill disassembled in any or all cases; The reforming process previously defame ~ ie.

~ sub-family by ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~, co ~~ stit ~ zec by the reactors in which ~ ~ natéria ~ has in the dense state a -sistivity electrical, measured ~, 20 ° ~ which is preferably; cornprisc between 50 xl ~ D-9 and 2.000 x I0-g olu ~ x-rra, more preferably between d0 x 10 -y and 500 x 10-) ohtn-i ~, and more still antagonist still corrxprisc between 90 x 10-) and 200 x 10-9 oixrr ~ - ~~ ..
For example, nesting is composed of elements of the material driver in a form in the groul ~~; constitzxe; by the straws, Ies t0 fibers, filings, sintered, marbles, corn, calli, filaments, wool, rods, bolts, nuts, rounds, chippings, powders, grains, gravel, and perforated plates.
Replenishment material; may also be: ~~~ astita ~ é, in all or in part, S by perforated plates and lice ° eentage on f ~ ic of openazr ~; s in Ia plate is cornpr ~ s antre 5 and 40 ° / ~, and more preferenticlleonent still between 10 and 20%.
The 9th way very éco-onoaric, the x ~ a ~ aérière ~ U of packing is wool of mild steel, 20 for example a mild steel wool co-branded under the brand name ~ ullI ~ og ~ and manufactured by ~ 'l2am ~ ~ s ~ go ~ letal f ~ roducts ~, tds ('I'hames; ~ ille, Ontario, Canada).
According to another advantageous mode pc ~ -znettani ac to increase the eff ~ caeité the réaeteur, the packing material is prefabricated to be treated to increase the least one 25 saiwantes characteristics - the surface speci ~ aqaxe;
Purity; and - the business activity.
This pre-treatment may be a treatment with mineral acid and / or 30 tl ~ cr ~ nicisxe.
According to two other variants speci ~ q ~ cs 2 ' the conductive lining consists of vb.ces having a diameter characteristic ~ z ~ e between 25 ~, m and ~ mr ~ 3, more preferen ~ tieòlement still e ~ are 4n ~ m and 2.5 m ~: ~, and more preiérent :: still 5 ~ pm and 1 mm, as well as a ~ ~ seur ~ ueur serum ~ zer ~ l ~ its diamétre characteristic, more preferably greater than 20 times its diameter characteristic and more advantageously still greater than 5 ~ times its diameter; caractéristicòue; or the conductive lining defining a porous medium has a volume surface area of ~ 0 ~: ~~ 2 surface exposed by rn3 of the t ~ reaction chamber, to prefer & this dr. more than I..OQO m2 / m3, pleasant preferably still more than 2. ~ OC1 ~ nz / m3.
i.Tne variant partic ~ Ierely interesting is co ~ propelled by the reactors in which the packing consists of balls and / oax of fiPa based on less n '~ 5 element of the group ~: rll (I or d ° at least ion nétallique oxide, de preference based iron or steel.
the. ~, is noted that the coa ~ du ~ t supply cl ~ .a gas to reform can to be positioned at different points of reaction, it may for example be positioned 2d perpendicular to ews; to the direction of ~: electro flow: r ~~ e ~ éé é between the electrodes.
~ e ~ .on two other positioning variants when the reaction chamber is of cylindrical form, at least one of the dond~~~ entond~ ent ent en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en re-form ~ 5 and / oaa of the oxidizing gas, is positioned tangier ~ .tially to the wall cylindrical c ~ e the reaction chamber; gold. BSER ~
at least one of the outputs of the gases obtained by ret; orrnage is positïonnée in the chamber of reaction to the opposite 1d; x ° alime; ntatiorr in gas.
The source of power enables the actors of the invention to constit ~. ~ ~ ee by a transformer in the case of electric power supply Of type alternating current ~~ C ~; or a current rectification in the case a power supply ~ ~ ~ ~ i ~, ue DC type ~ lL ~ ~ j, the ~~ uelle source electric is a power calculated according to the energy requirements of reactions of the reformed concerned, thecluel ~ es obey the laws of thermodynamic, and said electric source in front of a minimum current intensity calculated by the following ed ~ atiora minimum - ~~~
in which: ~, n; T,; m "m is the current miui ~ a ~ u: ~. ~~, ~ apply, e: ~ awarded err ~ mpèr es ~, is ur ~ parameter which depends on the geometry of the reactor, the type of packing, the conditions of Io functioning and dis gas to reform; and ~ is the molar flow rate of gas. reform, expressed in mole of gas to be reformed / second.
will be established, will be established experimentally and by current using IS of a variable intensity source SAC or ~~) and also by varying the flow rate gas to reform. ~ d depends on the geometrical characteristics of the reactor considered, the georetry and the nature of ga ~ -n ~ ïssage, and finally the terms operating the reactor (compositions and sequestered gas, temperature and reaction pressure). 'fypiquerne ~ r: see the value of ~. is better than 20 15 / mole.
It should be noted that the need to feed in the galley can be produced by Eagnetic electron induction in the sense that one ~> had to realize a trans: îormation current by the ~ ~ ~ sage ~ of inductors: ïocalisé autc ~~: ~ r of ", a char ~ nbre of reaction.
~ 5 A.insi, the packing read: ~ r ~ ~me can be confused with ~~ ur ur.e electrode.
The conductive lining has a porosity index of preferably ~ included between 0.50 and 0, ~~, g: more preferably between 0, ~ 5 and 0, ~ 5, and more preferentially e ~~ c ~~ re between 0, 0 0 0, X0.
Besides, the ter ~~~ s of sejoaar gas reagents to v ~ efom ~ ner) is preferably greater than 0.1 seconé (e, plus préi ~, rc; ntiellement ~~~ less than 1 second, and more preferentially still greater than 3 seconds.

2?
According to another variant, the packing of the ehax ~ abre de réac ~ tion is Consisting of a wool of steel ~~ mixed with 9 ~ natérïaux shape spherical such as balls made of steel.
Moreover, a particularly interesting vaxriante is constituted by the reactors, in which the reaction chamber coexists, in addition to the trim driver, standard equipment and / or servicers and / or insulating electrically, such as ceramics and alux, ~ inc, these de ~ .iers: do so I ~ adequately arranged in ~ a réa.ctyon room é.e way to adjust the overall electrical resistance of the lining.
As an illustrative example of electrodes particm ~ appropriately adapted to be present alone or as exemplary in the reactors of the invention, gold I5 may mention lm s electrodes d; t, ~ pe perfoaves p ~~eentent a diameter open ~ zre more ~~ microrraè ~: res, the holes being more preferentially repax ° tis unixxx ~ ier ~ t following one of ° .Site of the plL, ~ ss 100. ~ 0 ~ openings per cm2 electrode surface.
20 ~ n can dimensic ~ ncxe.r ° the holes faon ~ that fa ~~ erte of charge due to passing the gas through the electrode or; electrodes not ~ 0.1 atnzosphére.
According to a preferred embodiment, the o ~~ vertures so ~ is distributed over the surface of ~, 5 perforated electrode fa ~ otâ to ensure a diffused ~ o ~~ a unif ~~ rme gas through of the room of the room and the height of the openings increase in the meaning radial electrode or perforated electrodes (s ~.
According to a variant yax ° particularly efilcient, at least one of electrodes is 3 ~ such that its face exposed to the lining is wall ~ aie protuberances and / or of projections, which are preferably of tapered shape, plus preferentially in the form of a needle.

The protrusions may be protruded by the protrusions.
of way ~ n ~ sxe their density dyespacenzez ~ t corresponds, in a preferential mode, to more than 0.5 united by cm2 of éla:, cirode.
5 f, the length of pre ~ ~ ~ zl ~ erances and / or protrusions moves as for it vary enter 0.001 and 0.1 times the length of the packing of the Ghazzzbre de reaction, and The width of the hoses and / or of these projections could vary between O, IO and 0, I
the diameter of d! disk of the eletrode.
I0 ~; As an illustration, the projections are of conical shape, they are spaced apart corresponding being preferably dimensioned so that the ratio of the height of the e ~ do on edrze diazneum. are at least four, more avarztstgeusczzzent this report is superior ~ 5 and more preferably still said rappoz-t is superior 10.
l.5 Advantageously, the reactor vessels of the present invention can be dirz ~ zensionnés of fac ~ one ~ to return da, ~ s 1a category pre ~ edemrnerzt nBentionnée the so-called "C ~? ii2,33GiC ~, °>"'s routers ss ~ Y'GL32S ~?) DY $ îd ~ lC'S ° 'C) ~ S''~ 3DY ~ Cï ~ 7 ~ CS's.
r 20 ~ 1 ~ ~ t ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ e ~ b ~ e ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~
process electric for: 'te refo: rr ~ consistent gay age ~, fwPre react gas ~
re_foz ~ rner Presented by the ammonia, oxidizing, in a ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
reforrrzage according to the first ob ~ c; t of the present invention.
According to a mode ~~: ra. ~ Ztageux embodiment, the pra ~ e; edé, includes the least next steps of ë
a) preparation, ~: i ° inside or ~. the outside key reactor of reforming, of a za ~ d ~ ~ ~ ga ~ ~ to reform and oxidizing gas;
b) setting in corzt ~ ct the z ~ ~ mixture obtained in step a.) with lining of The chamber is then re-calibrated by reference in an electrode dig ;
(c) the application of an electronic flow to the live voltage of electrodes of the reaction tube;

d) heating said lining of said reactor by the electronic circuit at a Temperat ~ ~ re perman ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
gaseous; and e) recovering the mixture of gas from the regeneration, preferably by passage in aras other hollow electrode.
Advantageously, the steps c) ei d) are carried out before (step b) and the bedroom The reaction is preceded by flushing before reforming the gas to be reformed and gas oxidant, at a temperature ~~: ~ re between 300 ° ~ "and 1,500 ° C, under atmosphere inert such as 1 ° nitrogen, by the prior embodiment of (step c).
The electrical method of the invention is advantageously used for the gas reforming consisting of a trace of the compounds of the group not-hydrocarbons from v1 to ~~ 2, possibly furthered by following groups: alcohol, carboxylic acid, etone, epoxy, ether, peroxide, amino; i ~ itro, cyanide:, diazo, azobar, oxime, and halides such than fluoro, bromo, chlo ~ -o, ei: iodo, lesquei.s hydrocarbons are ramiués, no branched, linear, sulfonic, saturated, unsaturated, aliphatic, benzene and aromatic compounds, and advantageously have a boiling point of less than 200 ° C, more preferably a lower boiling point ~ 150 ° ~ ', and more preferentially still a boiling point of less than 100 C ~.
The hydrocarbons are preferably selected from the group consisting of:
the methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, 1 ° hex, heptane, 1 ° octane, nonane, decans, fundecane, dodecane, each of these compounds and linear or t ~ amified form, and m ~ larar ~ ges at least d ~ ~ u ~ m of these compounds.
The first method gives good results when it is used for reforming natural gas, in particular for gas reforming initially of 3 ~ sulfur and having previously undergone a treatment to remove the sulfur, preferably to advantageously reduce the sulfur content below of 0 ~. %, pl ~ zs before age ~ 5sement below 0, I%, and I ~ read advantageously again below 0.01%, the percentages being expressed in volume.

(~
When dealing with natural gas containing sulfur, some or all totality of packing reacts with the wisdom of the ~ az to refor-the part of packing thus used is called sacrificial packing.
Among the ascending gases of the reformed form by i ~. pxacede of 1 ° inventian, an mentions the fact that biogas comes from nararnment of fermentatian anaerobic to di ~ re ~ its organic matter. These ~ iogaz are advantageously constituted in value of 35 to 7% of. methane, from 3 ~ to 6 ~ J% gas carbonic, ID of 0 to 3% hydragen, J ~ 1% oxygen, () ~ ~% nitrogen, 0 to 5 % of various gases such as sulphurized hydrogen, a ~ r ~: ~ noniac; and water vapor.
As a preferred example, the gas to be closed is a natural gas.
made of 70 to 99% of rr ~ étl ~ ane, accorr ~ pagné t ~ to 1 (~% e ~ thylene, 0 ~ 25%
I5 ethane, Q to 1 (1% propane, 7 to g% butane, 0 to 5%
of hydragéne, from d to? % carbon monoxide. from ~ to. ~% oxygen, from 0 at % nitrogen, from 10 to 10% carbon dioxide, from 0 to 2% water, from ~ to 3%
of one or more C7 to C16 hydracarbures and traces of other gases.
2 ~ For the setting ~ uvxe advantageous process, the oxidizing gas is constituted at least one gas selected from the group: consisting of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, water, axygen, carbon oxides, such as RJC, i ~ Z ~
N2 ~ ;, NC2, IV ~ 3, ~ 1z ~ 3, and by the mixtures of at least two of these components, preferably the carbon dioxide ~ ~ ings of water.
According to another variant, the gas to be reformed is at least one of the camposés of the gr ~ u ~~ e constituted by campe> organic ses structure molecule whose constituent elements smell of carbon and hydrogen, so that one or more of the etheratolnes vtels that the cb ~ ygene; and nitrogen, can 3 ~ to understand advantageously one or more grov ~ ~ functional pemer ~ ts choose in the group consisting of alcohols, ethers, ether-oxides, phenols, aldehydes, cetanes, acids, amines, amides, nitriles, the esters, oxides; the aximes and preferably having a painted boiling at.
less than 200 ° C, more preferably an ebullition less than 150 ° C, and more prefi ~ rer ~ tiellernent still a boiling point less than 100 ° C.
Preferably, the organic compounds are methanol and / or ethanol.
According to another advantageous ~~ ariante, the gas to be reformed can also contain one or more gases of the group consisting of l ~ ydrogé, ne, nitrogen, oxygen, water vapor, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and gases inerts of group '° ~ III ~ of periodic classifcation (~~ umérotatior ~ CAS), or the mixtures of ~~ noïr ~ s two of these.
particularly interesting results in the field of glu ~~ eforrr ~ age are obtained when the gas mixture fed into the reaction chamber contains less S% in volur ~ ~ e oxygen.
For illustrative purposes, the mixture of gases to reform and gas! oxidant is consisting from 25% to 20% methanol, from 0% to 15% by water softener and from 0% to 75% by weight.
carbon dioxide, preferably from 30 to 60% methane, from 15 to 60% of 2 ~ water vapor, and 1.0 ~ 60% dio ~; carbon yde, and more prefer: ieliement still 35 to 50% of water, of ~ 0 ~. ~ 0% of water vapor and 20 to 50 %
of carbon dioxide.
According to another preferred method, the mixture of gas reformer and gas In a preferred embodiment, the oxidizing agent consists of approximately 3 ~ 0% methane, and the oxidant gas ~ e ~, tc ~ nstitué about X9,0 ° / ~ water and about 12% of carbon dioxide.
The parameters of the gas supply are chosen so that the report Atomic atomization of carbon / oxygen in the mixture of gas and oil; in the The reaction chamber is between 0.2 and 1.0% of this ratio.
is between 0.5 and; : ï, 0, and more p ~ -éférentielle ~ 7r ~ ent still Iedit report; is between 0, ~~ and 1.0.

3 ~
Step e) is performed using a current alte: ~ nalif (A ~) or continued (I ~~~ modulated in i: or ~ l ~ ti.on the level of ternpératurc to maintain in the reactor, preferably continuously avoiding stops and applying only moderate changes in the intensity of the course.
According to a preferred variant, steps h), c) and d) are carried out at a level temperature should be between 300 and 1500 °, preferably a range lying between i ~~~~ and 1.00 ° ~, and more preferred; ltiel ~ .e_ ~ erzt still in a range between ~ 7i? 0 and 9 ~ 0 ° C.
in steps c), c) and d), the pressure in the reaction chamber is advantageously greater than tl, OC ~ 1 atmosphere and it is preferably between 0.1 ~; t ~ 0 atmospheres, more pre ~ ërentie ~ lement still it is between 0, ~ and ~~ atmospheres.
f, the pressure profile is in turn advantageous ~~ r ~~~ ~ rnair ~ held constant in the reaction chamber slitting reforming.
The method of the invention can be carried out continuously, preference when one uses a long-life and discontinuous packing material, preferably during the period of snout 3fl mi ~ autes, when 1 °
uses a material with a short life span, that is to say, which is rapidly reduced to Classes of the reforming process. The lining is then replaced or regenerated between two periods of implementation e ~ opens.
~ 1 has also been found that the reforming reaction appears catalysed by micro-arcs jumping between the particles of the garni; ~ sage c; u by sites activated by the accumulator D; charges on the surface of parts.
shuttering and / or the passage of electric current.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the garnishing conductor is chosen so as to have a porosity index included enter 0.50 and 0.98, more preferably ~ 0.55 and 0.9 ~, and more preferentially still between 0.60 and 0.90.
The residence time of reactants is preferably greater than 0.1 seconds, more Preferably greater than 1 second, and still more preferably greater than 3 seconds.
According to another preferred embodiment, the process is carried out with a reactor in which for at least one of the electrodes, trodes, the ~ serforations are 10 evenly distributed with a density of not more than 100,000 openings per cm 'of electrode surface and said openings are such that the charge dude -d ~~ e at the passage of the GaL through the electrode or electrodes does not exceed 0.1 atmosphere.
15! ~ Illustrative title of; preferential implementation, o ~~ F may mention the process electric for reforming hydrocarbons and / or organic compounds;
consisting of making <~, gir these erg erg ~ ~:: ace of an oxidizing gas (dc preferably in the presence of steam and / or carbohydrate and / or other gas), in a reaction chamber containing 1) a metal-based conductive padding defining porous porous having a surface area of more than 400 m2 of exposed surface area m3 of the reaction chamber, this packing serving both as a medium of heating and catalysis medium; and 2) two metal electrodes each consisting of a tubing and a 25 perforated hollow disk c? N corktact with lc ~ lining; to realize supplying the electric current required for heating this gambling by effect ~ -oLll.e and to help the catalysis by movements electrons;
including the following steps A) of the hydrocarbon mixture and / or the organic solvents and the gas oxidant;
b) Introducing the mixture of step a) into the reaction chamber by injection into one of the electrodes;

. ~ 4 c ~ contacting the ~ n ~ lange of step a) with the lining;
the application of an electronic flow by setting the voltage electrodes of the reaction chamber;
e, Heating the lining by electronic flow and produce a movement of electrons to enable catalysis to be the supply of an electric current, by two electrodes, this current being such as it p ~ ~ sse directly into the gar ~ ~ issage; and t ~ evacuatis ra and recovery of the reactor gas p; ~ r passage in the other éleCirodeo ï ~
lamentably, your process parameters are applied for reforming methane, consists of reacting the latter in the presence of carbon and water vapor, in a reaction chamber of a ~ rolurr: e available dc ~ 2 ~ crn3 containing l ~ a packing Conductor consisting of 50 g of steel wool, for example a steel wool type ~ uLll ~ og ~ manufactured by Thamesville ~ etal products ~, tds ~ 'i'_ ~ a.mesville, ~ ntario, Canada) denouncing a porous medium, which is centered on an alternation of layers of thickness said wool of a cotton; and '~ i two ëlect ~ -a ~ made of steel made of carone steel each of a tubing with a length of ~~ i ~: on 3 (1,4H cn ~ and a disc hollow of a diaän ~, being of approximately 6,35 crn, the disk disk is lserforé, provided with protrusion to ensure a good contact with the lining °,;
C ~ rrlprenant staivai'lte stages a ~ ~ mixes gaseous reactants, which are ar ~ ethane, the dioxide of carbon and water vapor, in respective concentrations about 39 °, fo, l ~ ~ e, t 49, ~ ~ '~ a;
b ~ introduction of mixing step a ~ in the reaction chamber by injection into the input electrode;
3 ~ C ~ setting ~ ~ ~ taTe the mixture of step a ~ with garnissaF ~ e;
application of an electronic flow by putting under stress the electrodes of the reaction: the flux is held by a current electrical c, c ~ i ~ tinu d'= an intensity of about 15fl amperes;

e) Heating of the ~ ar ~~ issage by the éle ~ troniq ~ e flow to ~ zne terispérature about 78 ~ ° ~ and production of a rnouvø. ~ 'z ~ ent electrons allowing to help ~: ~ a ~, atalyss ;, by the supply of an electric current by the two lecvodes, this covzrant being such that it passes directly into the packing; and f) evacuation and recovery of gas from the reactor pa ~~ passage in the output electrode, which gas is constitL ~ ~ hydrogen, monoxide of carbon, oxygen, r-ethane and carbon dioxide, following respective design factors of approximately ~~~%, z.8%, ~, 4%, l, 7%
and 0.9%, ~ tai ~ lips on an anhydrous and standardized basis.
Another example ~ articuliérerr ~ ent interesting is constituted by tzn process electric for the reforming of hydrocarbons and / or organic compounds, consisting of making these elements e ~ ~ gir in the presence of a g; ~ z oxidant (de preferably in the presence of water vapor and / or carborsi ~ and / or other gas gas), in a reaction tank containing i) a metal-based conductive padding defining a porous medium with an over-fa ~ this volu ~ i ~ ique more than 4t) ~ m2 suri_ace exposed by m3 of the reaction cart, this packing then serving ~, the time of way 2 ~ ehaa ~ ffage ~ t ~ r ~ ilio ~ t catalysis; and 2) two éleet ~: ode =. metal ~ mics constituted cl ~~ aeune a disq, .xe full contact with the lining to realize the power supply of the electric current required for the heating of this crowd-effect lining and to help the catalyzed by mo ~ ~ ve ~ nents of electrons;
corr ~ taking the following steps: ' a) mixture of hydrocarbons and / or organic compounds and gas oxidant;
b) introducing into the reaction chamber the mixture of step a.) by injection at the radial or tangential openings of the reaction chamber;
c) contacting the mixture of step a) with the packing;
(d) the application of an electronic flow for the purpose of electrodes of the reaction chamber;

e) heating hard penning by electronic flow and production of a movement of electrons to help catalyze the alimentariorx of an electric current by the two electrodes, this current being such that it passes directly into the garage; and f ~ evacuation and: recovery of gas from the reactor by axial collapse, tangential or radial ~ stiff axal opening, radial or tangential.
By way of example, the use of the process of the invention for the metha ~ ee reforming consists in reacting the latter in the presence of dioxide of carbon and water vapor, in a reactor of reaction of a volume available from 2 ~, 5 liters containing r 1) a conductive lining consisting of steel filaments constituting a porous medium, which is the center of filaments each of which is a length of about 1 cm and a diarrhea of about 0.5 mm; and 2) two metal electrodes made of carbon steel made each of a stem about 50 cm long and a disk of one diameter 1.5 cm, which disk is ~ naz ~ i of projection so as to Assures- a ~ ~ gold ~ a ~ contact with the lining;
including the following steps a) mixture of the gaseous reactants, which leave the methane, the dioxide of carbon and ~ water vapor, according to respective concentrations about ~ 3%, 17% ei X0.0 '~ °
b) introduction into the reaction chamber .glu mixture sle step a) by injection a ~ level of o ~ ~ ar ~ ar ~ ares radial arcs, ~ tangential present in the corridor of reacvior ~~;
c) contacting the mixture of step a) with the packing;
d) applicatio: ~ d ~ ~ _ _ ~ electronic flow for the powering of the electrodes of the reaction chamber, which flow is obtained by a current eld, ctriq, ~~ e continuous of an intensity of ea ~ about 500 amps;
e) Heating of the penning by the flow électror ~ iq ~~ ei ~, sana temperature about 8% ~~ "~ 'and production of an electron movement allowing to assist the environment by the directing of electricity through 3i two electrodes, cc, current being such that it goes directly into the packing; and f) evacuation and recovery of the reactor gas by passage through radial outlets, which are located at the end of the Reaction chamber, and which gas consists of hydrogen, ~ carbon dioxide, oxygen, methane and carbon dioxide, according to respective concentrations of about 69 °, 2 ~, 0, 4, 1.7% and ~, ~ ~%, established on an anhydrous and standardized basis.
In these modes advantagezax previously lied <~ nnes, the terr.ps of stay of reagents is greater than 1 second, more than p.réfërentiellement greater ~ 1 second, and more preferably still greater than 3 seconds.
The trogsi ~ e ~ b ~~ i d. ° the present invention is constituted by the use of a 1 ~ or several electric reactors for:
(i) the production of synthase gas, in particular f ethanol for r ethanol, and preferably for implantations with an electrical consumption of 1 ~

(Ii) the recovery of energy and / or chemical products from biogas generated by landfills;
(iii) the production of hydrogen for applications of fuels related to road transport, for example for the alienation of motorboats and buses; and (Iv) the production of hydrogen or the so-called porl: ables oa ~ stat ~ .onnazres, ~ title ~ .'exernple for 1 <~ lirnelrtation of coz ~ bustible puires intended for residences and road vehicles The electrical process of the invention may be advantageously advantageous.
ntilisë for (i) the production of syngas for, inter alia:
methanol fortification, and preferably for irnplar ~ tarions presenting a corasornmatior ~ electric from 1 to (ü) the recovery of energy and / or chemical sources of drr ~ io ~; a ~, generated by'aes Iicux of Entouisse ~~ aent sanitary;
(Iii) hydrogen production for applications of Corribust: Targets related to road transport, Turkish history for fading cars and buses; ct (i ~~) the prod ~; tion of hydrogen furnace a ~ splications say stationary or stationary, as an example for Al ~~ entation of cornbustiblc pies for ~ - ~ idences and road vehicles.
Particularly interesting is the use of the process.
desulphurization of gaa rs of sulfur.
This section presents a model for the operation of the invention. She watch that a material suas; comz ~ u ~ k that iron can have a catalytic effect on the 2 ~ reactions of reforrna ~; e, q ~ = .e cc rr ~ aéraériau does not need to be eta-e the form traditional commercial machinery, and it can be conveniently surprising in a form ~ geometry simp ~ c pe ~ ettan ~ its use as i ~ noyen to achieve ohmic heating. It has been discovered that this material, in a porous form, is conducive ~. ~~ a time for heating of the reagents and for the catalysis of reaction reactions.
Clraétfiae de r ~ a ~ tlnr ~
The mvaux of the group X111 of the tables ° ~: ~ periodic (numbering CASE) present a borir ~; catalytic activity for reactors involving the Hydrogen formation and cracking of hydroc ~ ur ~ ures, these reactions appear explain in part by the contribution in the formation of links Chemicals their orbitals are duly fulfilled. l, c iron, cobalt, the nicl ~ el, the ~ thénium and osrrdiurrâ are the most active metals of the group in question.

These metals are ~ oa ~ rkus as being easily oxidable om eo presence of water or oxygenated and easy ~ nerbt reduced thereafter e ~: _ presence of hydrocarbons or other reducing gases. The metal allows to tear off the water (and also to the CC ~ 2 ~
~ .tornes oxygen ~ e and then relay ~ hydrocarbons while closing metal oxides which are easy to reduce to conditions of synthesis. It is L ° which makes it possible to catalyze reforming reactions.
banns indazstr ~~ e, nicl ~ el e.9t by far the most used known catalyst to bring the reforming the gas na ~ urel.
1 ~ Palladium, iridiu ~~ and platinum, also ~ G group ~ IIII, absorb easily the CCN but hardly allow its release. As for metals Zn, 1- ~ I and Cu groulses I ~, III and II ~, they are moderately active.
The least expensive metal and the most readily available coamu is iron.
he t5 is eleciriquem ~ .t cc »ducteR ~~ but offers some resistance electric necessary for the baking process, accentuated by the granular structure of the bed catalytic that it forms. The kinetic composition of iron from the reactions of reforming ~ water vapor and / or C ~~ was calculated ~ from a x ~.
mathematics that aw aw ~ ~ bs developed for the purpose of making predictions sure 2a the catalytic activity of certain metals by following the oxidation state of the catalyst, as a function of time, under the reforming conditions. This model, s ° proved to be consistent with. the laws of the Mediterranean, and it allows to simulate the formation of molecules with multiple carbon bonds.
carbon that may constitute precursors ~~ rs of carbon formation Solid (soot, coal, hydrocarbons - ~~, etc.).
To quantify the kinetic behavior of a ~ uetal, the ~ ley-- model Izideal has been used. This one suggests that a reaction could occur directly following a collision of a gaseous soda on utm molecule ogx a fragment of ~ 0 molecule adsorbed (ielentifiée by an asterisy'e ~ ~,> ~ that is to say ~ + ~~ ~ products (~~

whose reaction rate (z ~) is described by the following equation fon ~ m :
r ~ - ~~ pa ~~
where pA is the partial pressure of the species ~. in the gas phase, 0 ~ 3 is the proportion of active sites covered by the molecule or fragment ~, and 1cI
is here specific speed of _r ~~ action.
The results of the sin ~ uiation indicate that the equilibrium the ~ lr ~ zadynarnique can IO to be reached in 3 w ~ seconds in the case of the reinjlation of presence of water vapor or water vapor mixture of ~ C> z, even with a very small amount of iron. well due the reaction time is lsea ~~ shot more great that the catalysts generally used to achieve (0.2 ~
0.02 second ~ y, one can however in ~ risager iron co ~ nxne good material walk I5 pen ~ the catalysis of reforming reactions.
The following paragraphs present highlights related to the calculations of kinetics of reactiCn of ref ~ rmage of ~ nétlTane with ~ e steam wau eJou C ~ 2 in the presence of the iron corrltne catalyst. The graphictues presented in Figures 1 a 20 ~ 1 hr show the results of calculations of the retrieval know the evolution of each of the chemical species, depending on the te ~~ ps, in the case of phzsieurs calculation scenarios. These simulatissns were performed using the iron as a catalyst (which is initially considered as an oxide ferrous, ~ e ~ 3 ~ "with an amount corresponding to 0.01 mole of iron per mole of methane ~ 5 in the alier ~ tatiora.
The sir ~ ulations ~ and ~ (Figures lc and if respectivE, s ~~ ent ~ have been made ~ from of initial mixtures perrethalant of approaching a composition of gas desirable for the production of ethanol. IJn pararn ~ °, be used for to characterize the synthesis of synthesis gas for the production of methanol is denied by the following report l ~ 'r'tII2 - nC02 ~ ~ ~ nCC3 ~ nCEU2 ~

or nH2, ncoa and nco represent respectively the molar proportion of 1-12, C ~ 2 and C ~ in the synthesis gas. The value of ~ must be: ucr neighborhood in the case of the synthesis of methanol. ~, cs simulations 3 and 6 refer to ur ~
5 cases of methane reforming with Ic C ~ Z and water vapor. read comparing results of simulations 3 and e ~., we observe that the end of a pe ~~ steam water has the effect of promoting a better conversion of methane (there is no practice ~~~~ ent more methane after 2 seconds according to the hig ~ ure 1 ~ ct as well to increase the molar ratio ~~ / ~ '~. this illustrates that it is possible playing with the feed of the reagents, to produce gaseous mixtures having a composition adjusted to the stoichiometry of ur ~ given product.
Simulations l, ~., 4 ct ~ ~ pigures la, lb, ld and lh respcctivemcnt) resident in the study of steam reforming. ~ n found so surprising No reaction occurs in the absence of the catalyst (Figure 1a). In comparing p'i ~~ zres lb and ld, we see that the addition of water vapor favors a better conversion of methane. in the case of the Figurs ~ lb, we compute after 2 seconds a residual amount of 0.2% methanol per mole of fed methane, whereas in the case of Figure 1d there is virtually 20 more methane residue after ~ sccondes.
Comparing if ~~ aulations 4 and ~ LFgurcs ld and lh respectively), we sees that the addition of a water-cofactor surpa ~ surtoa ~~ to increase the C 2 content. p; r ~ effect, water vapor promotes the r ~ actior ~ gas at the water.
25 Bans the case of the 1 ~ igurc Id, ors obtains after 2 seconds a production 0.2 ~
mole of ~~ 2 per mole; fed methane, which is more likely than in the case of figure 1h, after 2. 2 seconds, 4 mol of ~~ 2 per mole of methane powered.
By checking the results of the .5 and ~ 7 simulations, we can see by against that The addition of oxygen results in a decrease in the hydrogen content;
decrease in the content of ~~, as well as in an increase tau C ~ 2. 1J'ajout Oxygen, in the presence of water vapor, has the effect of: generating unsaturated molecules considered precursors of carbon formation undesirable soot;
As shown by the pigments lb to lh, the iron re ~~ d effectiver_r ~ ent possible a adequate catalysis of reforming reactions. in most cases, the equilibrium thermodya ~, arnique is pasatiquenaent aiteint in the space of 3 ~ 6 pressurized seconds at atmospheric temperature in the case of a temperature of 1000 K
with as little as 0.01 moles of iron per mole of fed rhe- laanane. e ~
latest pa3-arnètre has proved to be very important because it is at the heart of the 10 presents inventiorg. ~ pri.ori, the proportion of catalyst requi '~ for the reaction is low and a quantity corresponding to 0.001% r / mole gives results modeling sin ~ ilaïres. however, when the ~ ~ ~ ~ antity of catalyst bECOMES
too weak, the diffusion photos become important making the ~
websites metal assets less available for the reaction and the result ;, that the The rates of reactions of the invention under equation (7j.
within the framework of this point; invention was established that the reaction can be catalyzed by a sufficient quantity of chemical iron active corresponding it 0.01 ~ Nole¿n Sole, the iron then being in metallic form or Oxidized. effect, in all cases of specified reactions, the equilibrium between the iron Metallic and in the oxidized state is achieved almost instantaneously.
har exerr ~ ple, if we coî ~ sider the reaction of gas to water, we get ~; nt quantities following molars ~ rr: ~ ole of product per mole of ~ t ~~ ali ~ nent ~, after less of i ms:
25 ~ ~ z: 0.54: yole ~ 2 ~: 0.4 ~ rrso'.le ~~: 0.4 ~ r ~ olea;
~~ Z: O, ~: n rr ~ ol.e ~~ i ~: 0.001 ~ ~~~ ole 30 ~ pe: 0.0021 r: ~ o ~ the r er ~ e ~: 0.00i ~ mole.

surface of coast; y ~ s ~ v ~ ° w cap ~ e ~ erls ~ xqa ~ es general e l7lneer ~~ lc ~ n The iron is not ~ o ~ teux and i ~ is not obligatory of l'ilise ~ - under a :form comparable to the forms used for the manufacture of eatalyse: urs traditional.
In the case of the present invention, it is rather proposed to use the iron under a 5 coarser form, but allows to use ~. both as a medium of heating, as co ~: electric fducer and as a catalyst. With such approach, even if we focus on a catalytic effect accentuated by the passage of electric current and / o;. ~ the local accumulation of electric charges at Ia area particles, it is difficult to use the catalysts 1 ~ Traditional or traditional preparation thereof. ~ 'n must however aiming at an adequate exposure to expose the iron atoms to reagents but without having to use this metal in highly dispersed form.
In the case of the present invention, iron is used in the form of a 15 metal packing having a porous rr ~ ileueu having a surface adequate exposure of the reagent to the gaseto-x reagents. ~ n speaks preferably a fixed bed that will be heated by crowd effect grstc.e ~ a eha: ~ affage ohmic, which will be obtained by the passage of current éleetxic flow élesaronicue ~
realized, using electrodes and contact with the lining. ~ e packing is contents 20 in a container is ~ ~ ~ thermally ~: the entry of which: 9 reagents gaseous are introduced and ~, the output of which gaseous produuts fate evacuated. e ~
packing is characterized by ~ the required catalysis surface;
~ theft ~ zn ~ e action required;
the porosity app; ~ rente of the reaction medium constita ~ e lining;
the geometric characteristics of the garni ssage; and ~ the electrical resistance of the lining.
In theory, a small amount of iron is needed to achieve the reaction.
condition 30 gas contact, ~ ca.talyseur coït enough (well-mixed systems ~.
This is the amount of catalyst that must be distributed in the reaction volume in to form the required contact surface polish-realize the reaction. C ~ n speak here a surface exposing atoz ~ es of iron to the reagents. f, e v. ~ lume internal the reactio ~ reactor ~ reactor is preferably fs'rme cylindrical when the electric circuit is emitted between two electrodes. ~ c voluyuc is protected by a packing consisting of iron elements with iron bars, which then constitutes the garring, the bed or the porous medium.
preferentially, the minimum surface area of iron to catalyze the reaction must be better than 744 m2-s / ruole dc n ~ ét: lnar ~ c ~ 7 ~ .q rn2 / ~ rraolcls) ~~ néthane). Lie; more, The report between the catalyst surface and the reaction volume (empty fraction of voluruc the lining or porosity) should preferably ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
m2 / m.
~ Trx tc1 ratio is ~ -ealisablc case using iron suas forn ~ cs geometric simple ~ p. cx. (steel, powders, etc.). C3r ~~ i ° had by exer ~ nple get this in the case of t ~ lat ~~ ents ~: res long of 0, '7 ~ rnran. of diarnei: rc constituting a packing defining a bed with a porosity dc tf, 9 (ratio of volume empty and bulk volume of the packing). ~ n can play on the diameter of strands, the amount of filaments and the connectivity of the packing. ~ icn Of course, other geo-magnetic fields can be used for items units to form the packing. this inE ~, lu.t, without s') ~
restrict, granules, grains, powders, filings, filaments, wools, of the fibers, flowers, straws, logs, stems, nails, washers, sintered plates, plastered sheets, rolls of fr ~~ nues it ~ regular such only chippings, dusts and nuts or any mixture of dc elements different forms.
I, c lining is intended to form the rπcurr ~ heating by passage of current through this o ~ crnier ~ effct .foule) thanks) ~ .ux electrical properties of gambling equipment and the possibility of producing rza-bows electric.
Thus, it is done so that the heat source does not come from the phase gascsase well catalytic packing it-rnê ~ uc. ~ oaupte held surface densities mentio ~: ~ ées above, the flow clc transfer dc ~ heat castrate filling and the gaseous medium is selected at less than 100 '~ l / nz2- ~. ~ cci is low in the case of devices operating at more than 7C1J ° ~, ~ a reason ten flows heat by rar ~ iatic, ra. Direct heating of the catalyst in this terms in such a way that the maximum frequency of the catalyst and close to the terr ~~ erratl.re referred in the reaction medium.

1Jn more direct heating of the catalyst by Joule effect, effects catalytic can be supported and induced not only because of the material component the catalyst, also through increased availability and mobility of electrons and / or by the formation of micro-arcs in the porous medium. 1-Jnfin, in the present invention, the current flow (electronic nux) to the through gas is being used to maintain the chemical activity and properties catalytic materials of the material constituting said lining.
~~~ JSdIJ ~~~ ~ ~~~~ J ~~
The reactor described in ~ the present invention is based on the use of a Packing is a porous liquid composed of polymeric compounds and / or dc their oxides. I ~ preferably, the packing consists of particles of small dimensions to base d ~~ iron ov of steel. this iu, clut, without being lin3itati ~ 9 of larrents, wools, wools, straws, bricks, filings, sintered, powders, grains, granules, balls, stems, nails, bolts, nuts, chips, washers, perforated plates, or other 20 regular or iz-regular fon ~ nnes allowing the generation of a str <'Cturc porous favoring ur ~ ec.oulei ~~ ent and a gas dispersion and exhibiting a contact surface s ~ ~ ffisante with reagents. The p'igures ~ and 4 illustrate Ia.
proposed configuration. These figures show a profile view of ur ~
metal cylinder ~ inside which one has a thickness of re: ~ ractaire {for 25 also of electrical insulation) and also a thick ~~ a ~ thermal insulation {for also electrical insulation). ~ c cylïndre contains lec ~~ zel lining is confined between two metal ~ trodes {can be e: ~ steel). The reagents ~
process, which come out as a gaseous mixture and are inoculated simply the interior of the porous structure defined by the ga ~ missage.
3 t3 The control must have the following characteristics:
have a porosity and geometric characteristics allowing a residence time of the gaseous reactants sufficiently high, at least 0, i second, ci: prefercnticllcrncnt 3 seco ~~~ des, to guarantee a degree advance ~ in ~ enough of the reaction;
to present uni sufi ~ sarate surface for this ~ .rrtact er ~ trc the r ~ acti ~ s gaseous and the formula both to catalyze the reaction and to heat the 5 reagents ~ r ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
over there reaction, preferably 7 = ~ 4 mz-slmoi ~~, dc m ~ '>harle;
~ ensure pan electrical contact ~; onstant enta; your two electrodes; and present a ~ :; porous structure allowing the establishment of ra-icro-arcs electric.

Figures 3 and 3 show a preferential arrangement for which Electrodes consist of perforated plates; through which spend the gas. These plates are equipped with pro ~ t ~ ~ bérances to help ~ a better dispersion of current and better co ~ z ~ tact e ~~ be the upholstery and 15 elephants. ~, has the figure ~ presents a front view ~ d-his record of a electrode with a typical arrangement which may be considered. 1, 'Arrar ~ gement of overtures electrodes must ~~ ssure a flow unifor7: nzc gases in lc reactor and avoid stagnant areas. i_, the openings will be distributed preferably following a density corresponding to ~ 0.5 opening, urc pa ~ ° cm2 of surface.
Lic The diameter of these openings must be such that it is the same; charge to through disks did not exceed 0.1 atb ~ nosphère. It should be noted that the age of overtures and protuberances ~~ these can be r ~~ odified de ~ naniérc ~ rr ~ odificr the profile flow and d.is ~ ersion of gas ~ inside lining. ~ l is not mandatory that these arrangements are uniform.
5 ~
the electrodes must be in contact with the chest; with lc adequately compacted. ~, these previously protruded protuberances have for purpose ~ ustemea ~ t to help ~ ~ niainter ~ ir the electrical and mechanical contact enter the packing and the electrode. Preferably these protections are formed 30 points. a minimum of spikes corresponding to a density of 0.5 peak per cm 2 of disk area is set and these are Unifon ~ rately distributed know the surface of the electrode; I ~ a dimension dEi these spikes can to be variable. Cyn proposes a diameter that can vary between 0.001 and 0.1 times lc packing diameter (bulk volume of the packing medium) and a length of between 0.00 i and 0.1 times the length of the volume (in bulk) packing.
Preferably, the electrodes have similar geometries although they may be different. ~, the electrodes are p ~ - ~ é: ferentially made in iron, nickel or alloys in oase of these metals. In this case, these participate in the reaction, since they present closed surfaces metal having a catalytic effect. Moreover, by making sure that the electrodes they-10 themselves be put ~. contribution to the transport of gas, it is a better dispersion of the heat that can be produced at the level of electrodes. ~ n seeks to ensure that the gar ~. ~ issage as well as the ëleetrodes reservoirs constitute a heating medium with a temperature level that be as homogeneous as possible.

Figure 4 shows a variant of the embodiment presented by the Figure v. In this case, the electrodes are not perforated but the gases circulate perpendicular ~ ncnt and near each of the electrodes, using openings which are preferably in radial position. : the facts, many 20 openings equal ~~ vnt distril7ués s ~ zr the circumference of a reactor allow a adequate dispersion of both the supplied and the outgoing gases (Figure shows only one opening po ~. ~ r each electrodes). In addition, these openings should be as close as possible to each of the electrodes.
In the case of the two configurations presented respectively by Figures 2 and 4, the reactor is advantageously provided with additional openings, preferably radial, allowing the infection of gases to be used as reagents for different places in the lining ,. The detection of reactive az in ie porous medium qx. ~ e constitutes the packing, y, proximity of the electrodes, is 30 carried out radially or tangentially. This is illustrated by the Figure 5.
, evacuation of gases produced in 1 ~; reactor is made ~ c radially or tangential way. L, a Figure 5 shows an entry (1) and an exit (2) radial, as well as a soni.c (~) and vine input (4) tar ~ gential: 5, I ~ ar compared to a üt or porous medium defined by the packing (5).
In fact, several minor arrangements can be considered.
Many Reactor forms should be considered. For example, we can consider of the parallelepiped-shaped reactors or even under spherical form, irifférents The electrode lengths may be equal to those of the electrodes. The Figure ~
present a typical arrangement of electrodes injrerconncctecs in parallel.
debt figure shows openings (1) that can serve poaxr injection dc reagents Or the evacuation of gases produced, the packing (~), the electrodes (3), the everything to inside a volume defined by the insulating material (~) (refractory and insulating thermal). Such as. shown in FIG. 6, the electrodes are connected in parallel and are electrically connected to an electrical power supply (5).
The fact to use more ~, the electrodes allow é ventuellem ~ ~ ~
locally reactor heating levels (~ uissar ~ ce generated density) and the flow electronic.
Figure 7 shows an arrangement characterized by connected electrodes in three-phase mode. = ~ the electrodes are under drilling plates inside a 20 cylinder (the figure shows a v ~~ e from above). it is thus possible to provide three electrodes and operate with a three-phase alternating current. debt îigure also shows apertures (1) that can sc ~ -vir for the injection of reagents or the evacuation of gaa products, the packing (: 1), the electrodes (~), the everything to inside a vehicle ~ ~ e defn ~ i by the insulating material (~ -) (refractory ct insulating thermal). As shown in FIG. 7, the electrodes are connected to a electric power supply (5).
~ l is even conceivable to induce an electric current inside the filling by adding an induction coil around the reactor or in the refractory wall and reuse a non-conductive wall for the reactor.
The arrangement presented in Figures 2 and 3 is preferred. Reagents gaseous are injected into ~ .ne feed opening presented by Lln hollow tube (Ia), then pass into a second hollow metal tube (2a), which is part of a metal electrode itself consisting of the hollow tube (2a) and a disk hollow (4a). The electrode is electrically isolated from the tube feeding device (1a) by the use of a device (5a) made of a material insulating electric, allowing the passage of gases. The gaseous reactants go to through openings (6) of the hollow disc (4a) of the electrode and come into contact with with the metallic lining (i). The latter is a porous medium with enough ators ~ es of the catalyst metal in contact with the reagents gaseous, and whose volume is: interstices or pores allows a residence time of reagents sufizsamment gralad to promote: RTencierr ~ ent reaction of reforming.
The gases resulting from the reaction are evacuated by passing through openings (6) on the hollow disk (~ b) of a second electrode or against electrode then are 15 evacuated in the hollow tube (2b) of the same electrode. Subsequently, gas products are discharged into a second tube (lb) which is electrically insulated relative to the tube (2b) by the use of a device (5b) made of a material electrically insulating.
The electrical and heat insulation pack (7) taking place between the two disks defir ~ ~ ~ a reaction charn6re: fom ~ e cylindrical. This chamber is contained in a chamber (~) whose inner wall is covered of refractory material (9 ~ and a thermal insulation material (10 ~.
refractory material has a shape such that it delineates the volume of the bedroom 25 of reaction, which is c ~ efâr ~ i by the diameter of the disks and the volume of packing. The diameter of the packing volume is preferably equal to that of each of the discs of the electrodes.
The reactor can be provided with different opening ~~ ures (3) allowing injecting, preferentially radially, gaseous reactants within the middle porous filling constitutes, in order to optimize the reaction eluted wants to turn in the reactor.

The outer wall made of steel is grounded (16) ("ground"). This wall is advantageously electrically insulated from at least one of the two electrodes, by the use of isolation joints dielectric (11) {P. ex. fieflon ~, ~ al;, :: lite °, etc.).
The two electrodes are connected by anchor points (12a) and (12b) to a power source (13) dP type DC (DC current) or AC
(alternating current). (, 'power supply serves as a source of energy Requirements for carrying out this reaction. The amount of energy will be adjusted How to maintain the temperature level in the reactor. The level of temperature is measured using a ~ u several thermocouples (14).
Figure 4 will show ~ .e an alternative arrangement. Following this arrangement, gaseous reactants fate injected into openings (only one is shown by the IS figure) of feed (la) made through the wall of the reactor in view to preferentially inject gas radially in the vicinity of the electrode the entrance (4a). Gaseous reactants come into contact with the lining electrically and electrically conductive catalytic converter (7). !;: e last constit ~ ze a porous medium having suf ~ zsamment atoms of the catalyst metal in contact 20 with the gaseous reactants ct whose volume of interstices allows a time of keep reagents large enough for; make ~ sea ~ .t of the reaction of reforming.
The gases resulting from the reaction are evacuated by passage through openings 25 (Ib) located on the reactor pit (only one opening is shown over there figure). These openings are such that the evacuated gases circulate preferably radially with respect to the second electrode (4b) before to be evacuated. Each of the two electrodes is made of a solid disc, respectively (4a) and (~ b) 9 extending through a feed rod of Current, respectively (2a) and (2b). Each of the discs of the electrodes is in contact with a bollard (5) of cylindrical shape made of material refractory.

5i The reactor can be provided with different openings (3) allowing to inject gaseous reagents i ~ r ~ fc, re ~ r ~ tielier ~ aent radially ~. inside the porous medium what constitutes the packing. in order to opt for reactio:
we want perform in the reactor.
The packing ('?, ~ Takes place between the two electrodes and defines a room of cylindrical reaction. debt room is contained in an enclosure (8) containing a refractory material (~) and an insulation material thermal (10). The refractory has a shape i ~ it delitnitc ~ the volume of Ia bedroom l ~ reaction, which is defined by the diameter of the disks and voluane in bulk of packing. The diameter of the packing volume is preferably equal to that of each of the discs of the electrodes.
In all cases, the electrodes are made of metal, preferably of steel ordinary.
The two electrodes can be identical or designed in different ways.
However, they allow a flow and a dispersion of the gases ~
interior of the reaction volume defined by the porous medium constituted by the packing contained between the adjacent faces of each of the skies discs of the electrodes.
Preferably, these elemodes are identical in order to simplify the construction 20 of such a device. In addition, in order to facilitate the electronic e-contact, enter the electrode and the lining, each electrode is provided with protuberances ei / or protrusions (IS) allowing ua ~ cerd: ain gripping.
The packing is pt ° preferably in filamentary form as the are the ooynmerciales steel lauzes. This packing contains powder or ball Made of metal or metal oxides, ceramic beads with metal coating; or a mixture of these elements. It contains advantageously metal elements of different shapes. The metal is preferentially ~ ~ ~ iron base may be fo ~ rrx ~ e ~
any metal of transition of the gro ~ <pe, ~ T. ~ ZI or a mixture thereof.
The operating temperature is generally between 600 ei: I.S00 ° C.
The operating pressure is between 0.5 and 10 μm. Of preference, sz the apparatus operates at atmospheric pressure ~ roisinage. Gas fueled inside the reactor are xneh ~~ ges containing biogas, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, methane, water vapor, light hydrocarbons as found in natural gas and / or organics based on atones of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen.
The gas mixture contains nitrogen, argon and even a little air. The However, the oxygen content of the gas is low enough to prevent not faorizing theor ~ natio: precursors of carbon formation (molecules unsaturated such as q ~ p ~ e acetylene, compounds aro ~~ atiqa ~ .es, etc.). The quantity oxygen is preferably less than 5 ° / ~ en ~~ olume in feeding the gas. If there is oxygen in the reactor, the addition of water vapor helps to prevent or limit carbon emissions.
The gaseous mixture is desulphurized beforehand in order to prevent poisoning catalytic packing because sulfur is easily absorbed by the iron of the lining. However, the desulfurization of reagents in an area of the ~ ° factor containing a garnis ;; sacrificial age and replace the packing as needed. da ~. ~ s this area or regenerate the iron through a process oxidation of pyrite following the next reaction FeS + 1, S Cz - ~ p'e ~ + S ~ 2 (9) Replacing the packing can be done inexpensively especially when the one-it is made of iron or commercial steels.
The electric source is constituted by a trans current transformer in the case alternating current (AC) power supply or a rectifier current in the case of a DC type power supply (I ~ C). The power of the power source is calculated according to the needs energetic reactions of the refo ~ 7nage concer ~ lées, which obey laws of thermodynamics. The intensity of current mîni ~ raum that must provide the electric source is calculated by the school board.
~ minirnum - ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~) in which: 1, ~ ";", u; ~ is the minimum current, ~ apply, expressed in ~, is a parameter that depends on the geometry of the reactor, the type of packing, the conditions of 10 and the gas to be reformed, which is empirically determined by the experimental method described in the description.-, and F is the molar flow rate of the reformed gas, expressed as rr ~ ole of gas to reform / second.
The value of ~ is ideally greater than I5 C / rzole.
The EI ~~ ~ LL ~
The following examples, presented below, are illustrative only would know under no circumstances be interpreted as constituting any limitation of the present inventio ~~. These examples are given in order to illustrate the present invention.
Example 1 Laboratory reactor tolerate alnneute tigu ~ t ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
carbon dioxide (C ~ z) saturated water vapor (lE3f ~~) ~ Jn compact compact electric reactor is described in a way 2 and 3 by the general assembly before the asserrnlage of such a reactor, the gaseous reactants, in this case methane (CfI4), ie carbon dioxide (C ~ z) and water vapor (~~~), are injected into ~~ no o ~ zveri ~ zxe feeding in a hollow tube (ia) and then pass in jan second tube hollow in metal (2a) which is part of a metal electrode itself of hollow tube (2a) and a hollow disc (4a). hollow tubes (la) and (2a) as well than the hollow disc (4a) are made of mild steel (carbon steel).
The électxode input (2a and 4a) is electrically isolated and isolated from the tube of aliynentation 5 (la) by the use of a device (5a) made of '~', flonG, a materials insulating electrically, allowing the passage of gases. The gaseous reactants go to openings (6) of the hollow disc (4s.) of the electrode and enter into contact with the metal gan ~ issage (7), which is made of wool of steel type Bulldog ~ manufactured by Tl ~ am ~ esvillc Metal Products Ltds (Thamesville, 10 Ontario, Canada). i., the key features of steel wool, determined by analytical tests, expressed as a percentage by mass, are the following Iron (Fe): 93.5% minir ~. ~ Xm Carbon (C): 0.24 ° / ~
15 ~ Manganese (II ~ ln): 0.93 Sulfur (S): 0.007%
Phosplzo: re (P): 0.045%
~ Silicon (Si): 0.1 I%
~ Copper (Cu): 0.11%
20 ~ Niclicl (Ni): 0.03 ° / ~
~ Chromium (Cr): 0.03 The reactor operates in the vicinity of atmospheric pressure; he is in made open to the atmosphere by its exit lives gas. The gases resulting from the reaction (the gas 25) are obtained from the reaction ~ xr in passan9: tra ~~ ers of openings (6) on the ereaax disk (4b) of a second electrode (also called counter-electrode) and then are directed into the hollow tube (2b) of the same electrode.
By subsequently, the gases produced are discharged into a second hollow tube (1b) dimensions, which is electrically isolated by z-input to the hollow tube (2b) by The use of a device (5b) made of Teflon ~, an electrically insulating.
1Jc steel wool metal packing (7), electri.cité conductor and dc heat, taking place between the two disks, defi nes a reaction chamber of cylindrical shape whose dimensions are detailed apnea. This room is contained in an enclosure (~) made of stainless steel whose wall inside is covered with alumina (~ '), a refractory material, as well as of asbestos wool (i ~) is there ~~ .an material of thermal insulation. The dimensions relating to the reaction chamber are as follows:
5 ~ Enclosure (~) of stainless steel o External diameter of 6.5 cm (6.5 l? o ~ a.ce; z);
o Length of 24.77 cm (9.75 inches);
Cylinder of al ~ tr ~ .ine (9) o Outer diameter of IO, I6 cm (4 inches);
10 mm internal cup, 2.5 cups;
o Long ~ zeur of I ~, I6 cm (4 inches).
The refractory cylinder of alumina has dirrxensions such that they define the volume of the reaction chamber, which is defined by the diameter Hollow discs (4a) and (4b) as well as the volume of the metallic packing

(7).
The diameter of the volume of the lining is equal to that of each of the disks electrode, ie C ~, 3a cm (2.5 inches). The metal arsenal (7) is consisting of an alternation of compacted layers of approximately 1 cm each of EullDog steel wool ~ fine filaments and steel wool 20 l3ullDog ~ with medium filaments, so that the flow of gas passes through each of the layers in the direction of the thickness. The alternation of layers advantageously increases the resistivity of ga ~ missage. In total, 50 boy Wut steel wool is the packing, 25 g ~~ u type; with fine filaments and 25 g of the middle filament type. The outer wall is made of stainless steel

(8) 25 and is put in the head ~; (16) ("ground o). This wall is electrically isolated by relative to each of the two electrodes by the use of, isolation joints made from '~' éflor ~~ (1 I).
Both electrodes, made of steel do ~ zx (carbon steel), are 30 connected by anchor points (12a) and (12b) to source urm power (13) of: ype direct current (DC), the latter being a rectifier of current of mark l ~ apid ~ 'a power of setting rnszxin ~ ale corresponding to 3110 Amps and 12 volts, 1The gas inlet electrode is connected to the ~ e boa positive (cathode) of the redre saur of heavy, while rlue the electrode of exit of gas is connected to the negative (anode) terminal. One of the two electrodes is movable in the axis of the long'ar reactor, that is to say that it can to be moved during operation to maintain contact S adequate electrical between the padding and the electrodes as and when that the metallized packing ~~~ e could see its geometry rnodi ~ er.
The dimensions, the characteristics relating to the input electrode are the following ~ Hollow tube (.la) o 1.54 cm (1 inch) lenght;
o The nominal value of 1.27 inches (O, S inch) 9 Hollow tube (2a) o The size of 30.4 cr_ ~ i (I2 inches) 7 0 Nominal diameter of 1.27 crn (O, S inches);
Hollow disc (4a) o the total thickness of eniron, 27 cry. (i3, S inch) corresponding to the epaisser of two discs of x, 535 cm ((1.25 inch) each, These are assembled by welding as illustrated in Figure 9, The first disc having ~. $ N center hole of 1.27 cm (û, 5 $ 3 ounce) for the hollow ube (;.% a ~ and the secor ~ d, adjacent to the metallic packing, comprising the projections (15) and the openings (~ i) o Diameter & inch (2 inches);
2S o Sizes (1S ~ of x, 635 cm (0.25 ~ o = uce) :, numbering 13 and distributed as illustrated in Figure 9;
o l7uve °, rtures (6) of three different diarnétres, to the total number of 32, that is ~ 15/64 in.
3.1 ~ rrrm (1 / ~ inch; and ~ small 2,313 mm (3/32 inch), 30 Repag ~ tic ~ s as illustrated in Figure 9, with the openings of larger dimensions in the radial sers.
The diameters and characteristics relating to the soria electrode are the following Cre Tube, ~ X (Lb ~
o Long ~. ~ eur of 2.54 cm (1 inch);
o.an ~~ nominal rating of 1.2i cm (0.5 inch) Hollow tube (2b) o, ung ~ xe; ar of 3I3,48 crrz (12 inches;) ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hollow character (4b):
o total thickness of about 1; 27 crr ~ (d, 5 inches) corresponding to the thickness of two disks of ~ 3., ~ 35 cm (0.25 inches) each, 10 which are assembled by welding as shown in Figure g, the p: r ~ last disc ~ ..portant wine tro ~: ~ central 1.27 cm (1.5 inches) for the hollow tube (2b) and the second, adjacent to the gears ~ gemetric, cozmpont ~~ .nt the projections (15) and Ies openings (~) ot ~ iarn ~ be of 6.35 cm (2.5 inches) (20) of 1 ", 635 cm (0.25"), 20 in number and distributed as shown in figure o C ~~~~~~ ertures (6) of two diameters, different, to the total number of 4, ie, 8 large of S, 10 S mxn (a ~~ / 6Ll inch) and 16 means of 2 ~ 3,18 n ~~~ (1/8 inch), distributed as shown in Figure q, ~~~ ec the openings of more grades d.mensions in the direction radial.
The distribution of the gases in the chamber of; r: action is asserted speak fact, of a bet:, q ~ z ~, the electrodes comprise s ~ es;> more openings great in the radial direction, and on the other hand, that the output electrode does not has no opening see the center, while it is the case for 'Electrode of ~ ') ntreP. (See "I ~ lgl ~ r ~. ~ ~. ~" ~ ~.
The operating tera-reperatazre is ~ ~ r ~ ~ ~ ~ "~ 00 and 80C ~
° ~; this is mainly obter ~ aae by the passage of current è, leeirique. Temperature is measured with three thermocouples (14) of type I ~ (i.lld inch), each è, so recou ~~ e: rt a thin sheath (I / 8 poa ~ ce ~ ceramic. ~ Jn first ~ 8 is introduced into the reactor, by the cylinder AlL ~~~ ir ~ e (q), so cP that its end is as close as possible to the catalytic packing but without to touch. The other two therrrtocouples are contained in the electrodes d.Entry and so ~~ ti = û ~ Pro ~ ~ in ~ ité openings (~). l., a Figure 8 shows a diagram of the general eradication of the reactor of the laboratory.
The description is specific to the actor. ~ elati-ci is from all obviously accompanied by ancillary devices for ~ nar ~ t and a test bench full. Fig. 1 ~ presents a general description of the test bench.
This includes in particular the following components:
The laboratory reactor as described s ~ p ~ ° c ~;
The redre; 9scur of current as described. ~ U ~ r ~ a.
A steam generator (optional use);
Saturat ~ ar (bubbler) of water vapor (optional use);
~ ~ Jn gas meter ("VVet Test l ~ leter") °, Flowmeters for the measurements of ~: lwbit of each gas éver ~ t ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
(CC ~ 32) and nitrogen (i ~ T2s ~;
Bodies of compressed gases as provided by the Commission 20 company I ~ oc-gas: methane (C ~ I4)., Carbon dioxide (~~? 2) and nitrogen (I ° ~~), all of a purity of ~ 9 ° / ~
~ Pressure gauges for each: gas circuits;
The instru ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
measured by thermocouples.
In the present: example, the bubbler is used to saturate steam water the mixture of the reactive gases (~ i ~ ae ~~ CJ ~). The steam generator is not used for this exercise ~~ ple. The injection of water into the reactor is therefore possible by saturation of gaseous gas per contact a ~, Tec hot water. ~ .Insi, the 30 reactive gases are previously contained in the saturator, which contains hot water. t., e saturator is actually a stainless steel vessel to inside which the reactive gases are iris in cowtact with water, ~ nne given temperature. '~ .a teTnpératur ~; saturated mixing is measured directly at, its exit from the vaisse, ~~ z. This terrrperature corresponds to the dew point d ~ a mixed ; it allows to quantify the fraction moisira of the water in the mixed ga; those destizlé ~ hearth injected da: ~ s the reactor. I, the dew point is generally between ~~ and ~~ ° C. Table ~ indicates the variation of the calcralized composition of the infected mixture in the .r =. ~ acteun depending on the point of dew of the mixture sat ~ .r ~.
~ '~ water 2 ~ Jariaton of the proportion of steam ~ n function the tep ~ z ~ ature in a saturated mixture c; ontcnant 1. ~ 3 moles of carbon dioxide (C ~ z) per mole of ~ urethane (C ~ 4 ~ j Saturation temperature of water vapor (po ~ rat dew) (volural fraction) .. __ - _ _ -_--~ 3 ~ I t1,47 1 11.49 ~, ~ 1 & 3 d?, 5 ~
The operation of the reactor is carried out according to the described procedure; below.
For to carry out the derr ~ arrvge of a test., the reactor is first preheated in gradually increasing the current by incr ~ ~ ~ ent of 10 ~ to inter ~ allcs of minutes with in ~ e ~, tican nitrogen (I ~ z) ~ a dehivt of 1, O1J / r ~ rin. ~, when the temperature reached 3811 ~ ~~ 3G ° C, a small jet of air is: projected on the tips in Teflon0 the reactor so ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ By ia Then, the injection of the gay reagents begin, those being satazrés of vape ~ zr water where appropriate. Carbon dioxide (C ~ 2 ~ is always injected before ic methane (Cl-14), this in order to avoid soot formation key inside reactor.
The flows of the gai are adjusted according to values of; specified instructions beforehand. Once the flow rates of the active gases are reached, injection Nitrogen is stopped ~ ;ie.e.e electric co9ürant is adjusted from n ~ anièrc to get, in the reactor, the desired time. the years of the operation, the temperature of work is that measured ~ the output electrode of: 9 gases. For the cessation of the test, the Nitrogen flow is ro ~~, ~ ert to 1.0 ~, / rnir ~, then we fe: do the feed d ~ z methane (C114), then one fe ~ -n ~ that of the carbo dioxide ~ ne (C! ~ 2) and eni ~ in, one close it 5 rectifier dc ran ~ At. The reactor is allowed to cool at ~ rec flow nitrogen (i ~ 2) up to an internal temperature of J00 at 400 ° C. t ~ c, and ~: e temperature, on woman finally feeding the nitrogen.
The input and output gases are analyzed by means of a chromatograph gaseous phase of micro-~ C type, a model ~ h2003 of the company ~ Larian. This chrorrcatograph is equipped with three columns for which the Both the stationary and the carrier gases vary according to the gas to be analyzed. The detector is of type ~ thermal conductivity. certified mixtures of gases from The company's products are used for calibrating the chromatograph.
The gases to be analyzed are collected in polycarbonate bags.
dc vinylidene). The sampling procedure is described below. The bag is first rinsed 3 times with nitrogen (112); then: ~ times with the gas at analyze.
then, the bag is rerr ~ p ~ i about ~ 0% of its e: apacity with the gas to analyze this constitutes the hatch: antillor ~. for the sampling: ~~ t of gases produced, the bag is connected to the reactor outlet to minimize air infiltration at interior of the bag. ~ Tn waiting time before the analysis is then required for that the sample is at room temperature.
This example describes the operation of the laboratory reactor in of the specific conditions described below (reforming test No. 61102).
The flow rates of the gaseous reactants are adjusted to the following values ~ 0.0 ~ sL / min for carbon dioxide (~~ 2) and 0.25 sL / min for methane (Cl- ~~) (the 's' designating "standard", ie 20 ° ~ ct ¿atmosphere). ~ e; b reagents gaseous are at Previously sats ~ res of water vapor by bubbling d <zns lc saturator. The saturation temperature of the gas mixture injected into the reactor is ~ 1 ° ~. The volcanic fraction of water vapor dB ~ gas fed into the reactor is therefore d, e 0, ~ 9 (see ~ 'ableau 2). near the start of test, carried out according to the procedure described above, the seal is adjusted in such a way that at to reach a ternfsératsare of about% ~ 0 ° ~ (~ 20 ° ~ "~, to the output electrode.
~ Table 3 reveals the main parar ~ w tees teir ~ ps corresponding to the taking of samples.
Tablea ~ a ~ ~
Main parameters tested when taking samples of the reforming test no.
_ _ ~ _ ~ - ._ Sample Tea ~ ps ~ orr.rant ~ .sista ~ thisPowerTemprature 'voltage (n) (r ~~~ ~~ (~~ (~~> (~ l ~ m; (~>(~>

1 l ~ 3,1I 14t 0,0 ~~ 1,439,805 2 ~ 0 2.98 143 0.020 426 795 I

3 19 ~ 14 ~ O, OI ~~~ 414 793 2 ~ t0 - -4 2 ~ 0 2.73 I ~ 6 0.017 426 771 5 290 ~ 2, ~ 2 l5 ~ O, Oi ~ s ~ 409 763 L -_-_ __-__ io Table 4 reveals the corxaposite of the gaseous mixture collected at set of reactor, this c.ornpositioh: so determined l ~ ar a ~ aal ~ rses chemicals done by m: icro ~ - ~~ C on caaaa, ~.

~ 'at ~ Iean 4 Results of chemical analyzes of the gas mixture produced during reforming test No. ~ 11 U2 t ~
-_ __ sample 1 ~ cncentration V ~ Iumique nc ~ r ~~~~~~~~~~~~
anhydrous - ~ ._. ___ ___.
11 ~ '~~ il)' (a ~ 0 ~ (%) (~~ O) ~ Q ~ 6) 1 ~ S '?, 8 ~! 2R, 80 U, 59 '~ 0.41 I, 35 - _ ~ - _ __. _ 2 ~ TU, 53 26.35 I, z9 U, ~ 6.88 t 3 6 ~ -., UB 33.5U 0.48 0.58 1.36 _ __ 4 68, U6, I 2q, 24 U, 51 I, 3f 0.82 _ _ 68.38 X7.95 U, 36 - I, '78 0.92 The results presented in Table 4 are consistent, within the mistake experimental, with values based on equilibrium calculations the ~ - ~ nodynamic for v ~ ~ same temperature level.
~~ zemple ~
~ laboe ~ ~ atox reactor ~ e e fed with a mixture of r ~~ ethane (C, "" 4) and Carphyry dioxide (C: ~ 2) saturated erg sapper of water (1 ~~ ZC ~) t5 ~ e second example describes the fanctionr ~ ement of the reactor laboratory next operating conditions similar to those indicated in a. example I
fessai reforming no. for this example, the period of: operation is of 34 ~ minutes.
20 ~, e Tahleau S reveals the main parameters measured at times corresponding to the pro se of the samples.

f3 ° ~~ ableau ~
Main parameters measured when taking samples of the reforma test, in ° 711.02 ~ chantillen ~ Time 'vol ~ ag ~ ~ cs ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
__ - ~ _ 1 ~ ~ 5 2.7 ~ 1 s6017'7 426 793 , -. ~ _ ~ _ 2 _e0 2, ~ 4 It) 0; 0.01_> 9 406 775 3 220 2, ~ 4 i ~ i0 0.013 ~ 390 764 4 210 2, ~~ 7 16 ~ 0.01 ~~ 7 4I5 763 340 ~ 7 I7 ~ 0.01 ~~~ 1 432 762 _.
The predicted results az ~ 3, ableau 6 concorde ~~ t easily, inside of Experimental error, with values based on equilibrium calculations thermodynamics for the same temperature level.
i0 The results of chemical analyzes of the gas mixture produced during the reforming test No. 7I i02 Sample ~ normalized serum concentration: 4, anhydrous base _ ___.._ ~ -._ «
I-IZ ~~ ~ 2 ~ 'CI-I4 ~ t3 ~
~ ~~ _ __ _ (no) (% (%) (%) - f (%) (%) i_ I 5.07 33.54 0.47 -__- ~~ 0 '~ 0 7, I2 2 6I, 09 36.44 0.25 ~ I, ~ 6 I, 37 i j 3 61.53 32.3 x, 37 - ~ .'4.63 0.67 4 64.32 30.95 0.27 3.91 0, f4 X4.3 °? 31.22 0.32 ~ 3.44 ~ 0, ~ 4 HE

~ 'ablean 7 Composition of dif ~ erent samples collected during the same trial (3 samples). ~ xpërie ~~ this achieved with the rcactcur of lai ~ orateire such that described Preceded ~ nment.
Reforming at CC ~ Z ~ ëbi ~ CG? : 0.:175 sL, / ~ rgrn f3by CHI: 0. ~ 5 sL / min Terr: .p. bet (~ -actec ~ r): 701.-800 °! ' Results of gas analyzes (expressed in% vr ~ lumique), reforming at CGZ
sample # 1 # 2 # 3 / ~
cart Gas analysreile_n_ ormaliserelle normahse-_ellenormalisemoyen HZ 14.8314.74 1) .60 10.4- 13.6213.29 3.53 GZ 0.30 0.30 0.20 0. 9 0.27 0.27 GC 38, 37.87 29.59 29.1.4 31.3230.55 6.56 i CH4 18.6818.57 23.70 23.33 21.2920.77 3.66 COZ 28.7028.53 3; '. 4836.90 36.0035.12 2.82 Total 100.63 101.57 102.5 :

T r ~ -foy.831 766 741 (VS) Current 91 90 91 {AT) sample # ~ # 5 # 6% cart Gas analysre_il_en_o_rm_aliserelie rormalise_r_ellenormali.scmoyen ' H2 14.6514.44 2.29 2.34 14.81 ~ 14.53 3.53 GZ 0.25 0.25 0.48 0.49 0.21 0.21 CG 30.2229.79 5.85 5.97 32.3531.73 6.56 CH4 20.2319.94 32.77 33.4 ~~ 20.2919.90 3.66 CGZ 36.0935.58 5 ~ .6 57.76 34.2933.64 2.82 Total 10I 97.99 1651.95 : .44 T avg. 698 673-698 '39 {VS) C ocrant11.0 nii 111 (AT) sample # i # 8 # 9% cart C ~ az analysrelle normalizenormalormalelle normalisemoyen FEZ 2.32 2.35 14.91.1 ~~~ .6 ~ 2.21 2.23 3.53 ~~ 0.20 0.20 0.25 0 ~ .2 ~ 0.24 0.24 CO 7.14 7.24 32.0331.54 6.90 c ~ .97 x.56 CI-i4 33. ~ 9I33.4H 20.3019.98 33.46 33.3 3.66 CC ~ 2 56.00 56.76 34.0733.5 56.11 X6.72 2.82 ~ 'otal 98. ~' ~ 101.56 98.92 :

~ 'Avg. 706-739 739 702-739 ~ C) Current nil I nil (~) 10 These results demonstrate that when there is no current, the reaction does not product not.

In summary, the present invention is based on a judicious use of electricity characterized in particular by the following:
~ do not resort to power tra ~~ formforming processes on power electronics;
10 ~ make use of a flow élecirdnique by passage of current for support catalysis phenorenes; and potentially favoring the establishment of: micro-electric arcs dispersed to further catalyze the reforming reaction.
1S The use of ohmic heating of direct conduction packing its revealed to represent urge simple way to introduce lylele ~ ctrv ~ quoted as source heat for the pleat of endothermic reactions.
T, electricity can be direct current or ~ alternating current, or three-phase. in the where recourse would be had, from alternating current to the frequency of the network, the The transformation of the current is simply reduced to a ~ uste of the potential by the use of simple transformers.
~ So it was possible to electrically heat a g; ~ rnissage consisting of metals known to catalyze reactions of formation of natural gas to the Water vapor. ~, e packing used s ° thus proved to constitute both a and a catalyst for carrying out the reaction. This Thus, effectively, it has been possible to use powder in the form of of granules, pills, stems, platelets or in a form d a °
filamentous structure as long as the contact surface was sufficient for heat the gases and catalyze the transfer process.
although the present invention has been described by means of specific, it is understood that several variations and modifications can graft to said implementations, and the present invention aims to cover such 10 r ~ nodi ~ cations, uses or adaptations of the present invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including any variation of the present description which will become retort or conventional in the field of activity in which himself found the present invention, and which can be applied to the elements essential mentioned above, in accordance with the scope of the following claims.

Claims (75)

1. Electric reactor for reforming, in the presence of an oxidizing gas, a gas comprising at least one hydrocarbon, optionally substituted, and / or at least one organic compound, optionally substituted, comprising carbon and hydrogen atoms and at least one heteroatom;
said reactor comprising:
- a speaker;
a reaction chamber provided with at least two electrodes and located at inside the enclosure, said reaction chamber comprising at least a conductive packing material and defining in whole or in part a reforming catalyst, the lining in question being isolated electrically from the metal wall of the enclosure so as to avoid any short circuit;
at least one gas supply to be reformed;
at least one supply of oxidizing gas, whether or not the gas supply to be reformed;
at least one exit for the gases resulting from reforming; and eventually an electric source for energizing the electrodes and resulting in the generation of an electronic flux in the lining conductor between the electrodes; and eventually - at least one heat input in the lining, optionally resulting preferably the generation of the electronic flow in the packing. 2. Electric reactor for reforming, in the presence of an oxidizing gas, a gas comprising at least one hydrocarbon, optionally substituted, and / or at least one organic compound, optionally substituted, comprising carbon and hydrogen atoms and at least one heteroatom;
said reactor comprising:
- a speaker;
a reaction chamber provided with at least two electrodes and located at inside the enclosure, said reaction chamber comprising at least a conductive packing material and defining in whole or in part a reforming catalyst, the lining in question being isolated electrically from the metal wall of the enclosure so as to avoid any short circuit;
at least one gas supply to be reformed;
at least one supply of oxidizing gas, whether or not the gas supply to be reformed;
at least one exit for the gases resulting from reforming; and an electrical source enabling the electrodes to be energized and resulting in the generation of an electronic flux in the lining conductor between the electrodes said lining defined a catalyst based on iron or an iron alloy; and eventually - at least one heat input in the lining, optionally resulting preferably the generation of the electronic flow in the packing. 3. Reactor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the chamber of reaction is of parallelepipedal or cylindrical shape. reactor according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein at least one of the electrodes is hollow type and it constitutes the port of entry of gas to re-form. The reactor of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein least one of the electrodes is of the hollow type and it constitutes a conduit supplying gas to be reformed and oxidizing gas. 6. Reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in least one of the electrodes is of hollow type and it constitutes the output of gas resulting from reforming. 7. Reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least two of the electrodes are located opposite each other. 8. Reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising at least minus two metal electrodes each consisting of a tubing and a perforated hollow disc, said disc is located at the end of the opening tube in the reaction chamber and it is in contact with the lining of the chamber of reaction to ensure the electrical power supply of the lining and his heating by Joule effect. 9. Reactor according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 8, in which the conductive packing material is selected from the group consisting by the elements of Group VIII of the Periodic Table (numbering CAS) and alloys containing at least one of said elements, preferably the packing is chosen from the group consisting of less than 80% of one or several of said group VIII elements, more preferably still in the group consisting of iron, nickel, cobalt, and alloys containing at less than 80% of one or more of these elements, more advantageously still the packing is selected from the group consisting of carbon steels. 10. Reactor according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 8, in which the packing consists of balls and / or yarns based on at least a Group VIII element or at least one metal oxide, preferably based on iron or steel. 11. Reactor according to claim 2, wherein the lining is constituted balls and / or wires made of iron or steel. 12. Reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein material has in the dense state an electrical resistivity at 20 ° C which is of preferably between 50 × 10 -9 and 2,000 × 10 -9 ohm-m, plus preferably between 60 × 10 -9 and 500 × 10 -9 ohm-m, and more preferentially still between 90 × 10 -9 and 200 × 10 -9 ohm-m. 13. Reactor according to claim 9, wherein the lining is constituted of elements of the conductive material in a form selected from the group constituted by straws, fibers, filings, sintered, balls, nails, yarns, filaments, wools, rods, bolts, nuts, washers, chips, powders, grains, granules and perforated plates. 14. ~ Reactor according to claim 13, wherein the packing material at least partially consists of perforated plates and the percentage surface area of openings in the plate is between 5 and 40%, and more preferentially still between 10 and 20%. The reactor of claim 13, wherein the packing material is mild steel wool. 16. Reactor according to any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein the packing material is pretreated to increase at least a following characteristics:
- the specific surface;
- the purity; and - the chemical activity. 17. Reactor according to claim 16, wherein the prior treatment is a mineral acid treatment and / or a heat treatment. 18. Reactor according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the conductive lining consists of fibers having a diameter feature between 25 micrometers and 5 mm, more preferably still between 40 micrometers and 2.5 mm, and more preferably still 50 micrometers and 1 mm, as well as a length greater than 10 times its characteristic diameter, more preferably greater than 20 times its characteristic diameter and more preferably still greater than 50 times its characteristic diameter. 19. Reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the conductive packing defines a porous medium having a surface volume of more than 400 m2 of exposed area per cubic meter of reaction, preferably of more than 1,000 m2 / m3, more preferably more than 2,000 m2 / m3. 20. Reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein in minus one gas supply duct to be reformed is positioned perpendicular to the direction of the electronic flow created between electrodes. 21. Reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the reaction chamber is of cylindrical shape and at least one of the conduits supplying gas mixture, consisting of the gas to be reformed and / or gas oxidant, is positioned tangentially to the cylindrical wall of the chamber of reaction. 22. Reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein at least one of the reformed gas outlets is positioned in the reaction chamber to the opposite of the gas supply. 23. Reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the electrical source is constituted by a current transformer in the case alternating current (AC) power supply or a rectifier current in the case of a DC type power supply (DC), which electrical source is of a power calculated according to the needs of the reforming reactions concerned and said electric source to provide a minimum current intensity calculated by the equation next:

I minimum = .lambda. .cndot. F (10) in which: I minimum is the minimum current to be applied, expressed in AT;
.lambda. is a parameter that depends on the geometry of the reactor, the type of packing, the conditions of operation and gas to reform; and F is the molar flow rate of the gas to be reformed, expressed as mole of gas to be reformed / second, the .lambda parameter. is established experimentally by varying the current to using a variable intensity source (AC or DC) and also by varying the gas flow to be reformed. 24. Reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the Conductive packing has a porosity index of between 0.50 and 0.98 more preferably between 0.55 and 0.95, and more preferably still between 0.60 and 0.90. 25. Reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the residence time of the reagents is preferably greater than 0.1 second, plus preferentially greater than 1 second, and more preferably still greater than 3 seconds. 26. Reactor according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the lining is consisting of a wool made of steel wire mixed with form spherical like balls made of steel. 27. Reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the reaction chamber contains, in addition to the conductive lining, materials non-conductors and / or semiconductors and / or electrically insulating, such as ceramics and alumina, the latter being suitably arranged in the reaction chamber so as to adjust the overall electrical resistance of the packing. 28. The reactor of claim 8, wherein at least one electrode is perforated type having an opening diameter of more than 25 micrometers, the holes being preferentially distributed uniformly according to a density not more than 100,000 openings per square centimeter of electrode area. 29. Reactor according to claim 28, wherein the holes are such that the pressure loss due to the passage of gas through the electrode or electrodes does not exceed 0.1 atmosphere. 30. Reactor according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the openings are distributed on the surface of the perforated electrode so as to ensure a diffusion uniform gas through the reaction chamber. 31. Reactor according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the size of the openings increases in the radial direction of the electrode or perforated electrodes (s). 32. Reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein one or more of the electrodes is such that its face exposed to the lining is provided with protuberances and / or protrusions, which are preferably form conical and more preferably still in the form of a needle. 33. Reactor according to claim 32, wherein the protuberances and / or the projections are such that their spacing density corresponds, in a fashion preferential, at more than 0.5 units per cm 2 of electrode. The reactor of claim 32 or 33, wherein the length of the protuberances and / or protrusions can vary between 0.001 and 0.1 times the length of the lining of the reaction chamber, and the width of these protuberances and or these projections can vary between 0.001 and 0.1 times the diameter of the disk of the electrode. 35. Reactor according to any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the projections are of conical shape. 36. Reactor according to claim 35, wherein the ratio of the height of the cone on cone diameter is at least 1, preferably this ratio is greater than 5 and more preferably still said ratio is greater than 10. 37. Reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 36, sized so as to constitute a compact type reactor. 38. Electrical process for gas reforming consisting in reacting the gas to be reformed in the presence of at least one oxidizing gas, in a reactor electric reforming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 37. 39. Electrical process according to claim 38, comprising at least the following steps of:
a) preparing, inside or outside the reforming reactor, a mixing the gas to be reformed and the oxidizing gas;

b) contacting the mixture obtained in step a) with the filling of the reaction chamber, preferably by passing through a hollow electrode;

c) application of an electronic flow for energizing the electrodes the reaction chamber;

d) heating the packing, said reactor by the electronic flow to a temperature permitting the catalytic conversion of said gaseous mixture;
and e) recovering the gas mixture from the reforming, preferably by passage in another hollow electrode. 40. The electrical method of claim 39, wherein steps c) and d) are carried out before step b). 41. Electrical process according to any one of claims 38 to 40, wherein the lining of the reaction chamber is preheated before the gas supply to be reformed and to oxidizing gas, at a temperature between 300 ° C and 1,500 ° C under an inert atmosphere such as nitrogen, by the prior completion of step c). 42. Electrical process according to any one of claims 38 to 41, in which the gas to be reformed consists of at least one of the compounds of group consisting of hydrocarbons C1 to C12, optionally substituted in particular by the following groups: alcohol, carboxylic acid, ketone, epoxy, ether, peroxide, amino, nitro, cyanide, diazo, azide, oxime, and halides such as fluoro, bromo, chloro, and iodo, which hydrocarbons being branched, unbranched, linear, cyclic, saturated, unsaturated, aliphatic, benzenic and aromatic, and preferably having a boiling point less than 200 ° C, more preferably a boiling point less than 150 ° C, and more preferably still a boiling point less than 100 ° C. 43. The electrical method of claim 42, wherein the hydrocarbons are selected from the group consisting of:
methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, hexane, heptane, octane, nonane, decane;
undecane, dodecane, each of these compounds being linear or branched, mixtures of at least two of these compounds. 44. Electrical process according to any one of claims 38 to 41, wherein the gas to be reformed is a natural gas. 45. The electrical process according to claim 44, wherein the gas is reforming is a natural gas initially containing sulfur and having already suffered treatment to remove the sulfur, preferably to advantageously reduce the sulfur content to below 0.4%, more advantageously below 0.1%, and more advantageously still below 0.01%, the percentages being expressed by volume. 46. Electrical process according to any one of claims 38 to 45, wherein some or all of the packing reacts with the sulfur present in the gas to be reformed and the part of the packing thus used is named sacrificial packing. 47. Electrical process according to any one of claims 38 to 46, in which the gas to be reformed is a biogas, in particular from the fermentation of various organic materials, which biogas is constituted preferably 35 to 70% of methane, 35 to 60% of carbon dioxide, 0 to 3% of hydrogen, 0 to 1% of oxygen, 0 to 3% of nitrogen, 0 to 5% of various gases (hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, etc.) and water vapor. 48. Electrical process according to any one of claims 38 to 47, in which the gas to be reformed is a natural gas consisting of 70 to 99% of methane, with 0 to 10% ethylene, 0 to 25% ethane, from 0 to 10% propane, 0 to 8% butane, 0 to 5% hydrogen, 0 to 2%
carbon monoxide, 0 to 2% oxygen, 0 to 15% nitrogen, 0 to 10%
carbon dioxide, 0 to 2% water, 0 to 3% of one or more C5 to C12 hydrocarbons and traces of other gases. 49. Electrical process according to any one of claims 38 to 48, wherein the oxidizing gas consists of at least one gas selected from group consisting of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, water, oxygen, oxides of nitrogen such as NO, N2O, N2O5, NO2, NO3, N2O3, and by mixtures at least two of these components, preferably the mixtures of carbon and water. 50. Electrical process according to any one of claims 38 to 49, in which the gas to be reformed consists of at least one of the compounds of group consisting of organic compounds of molecular stucture whose constituent elements are carbon and hydrogen, as well as one or more heteroatoms such as oxygen and nitrogen, which may include advantageously one or more functional groups chosen from group consisting of alcohols, ethers, ether-oxides, phenols, the aldehydes, ketones, acids, amines, amides, nitriles, esters, oxides, oximes and preferably having a boiling point inferior at 200 ° C., more preferably a boiling point of less than 150 ° C, and more still preferably a boiling point of less than 100 ° C. The method of claim 50, wherein the organic compounds are methanol and / or ethanol. 52. Electrical process according to any one of claims 38 to 51, wherein the gas to be reformed may also contain one or more gases of group consisting of hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, water vapor, Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, and Group VIIIA Inert Gases periodic classification (CAS numbering), or mixtures of at least two of these. 53. The method of any one of claims 38 or 52, wherein the gas mixture fed into the reaction chamber contains less than 5%
in volume of oxygen. 54. Electrical process according to any one of claims 38 to 53 wherein the mixture of the gas to be reformed and the oxidizing gas consists of 25 at 60% methane, 0 to 75% water vapor and 0 to 75% carbon dioxide carbon, preferably 30 to 60% methane, 15 to 60% water vapor, and from 10 to 60% of carbon dioxide, and still more preferably at 50% methane and 20 to 60% water vapor and 20 to 50% carbon dioxide carbon. The electrical method of claim 54, wherein the mixture of gas to be reformed and oxidizing gas is constituted, in a preferred embodiment, about 39.0% methane, and the oxidizing gas is about 49.0%
of water vapor and about 12.0% of carbon dioxide. 56. Electrical process according to any one of claims 38 to 55, wherein the atomic carbon / oxygen molar ratio in the mixture of gas fed into the reaction chamber is between 0.2 and 1.0, preferably this ratio is between 0.5 and 1.0, and more preferably still said ratio is between 0.65 and 1.0. 57. Electrical process according to any one of claims 38 to 56, wherein step c) is performed using an alternating current (AC) or continuous (DC) modulated according to the temperature level to be maintained in the reactor, preferably continuously avoiding stops and applying that of the Moderate changes to the intensity of the current. Electrical process according to one of claims 38 to 57, wherein steps b), c) and d) are performed at a temperature level himself between 300 and 1,500 ° C, preferably in a range lying between between 600 and 1,000 ° C, and more preferably still in a range lying enter 700 and 900 ° C. 59. Electrical process according to any one of claims 38 to 58, wherein steps b), c) and d) are performed at a pressure in the bedroom of reaction which is greater than 0.001 atmosphere and which is preferably between 0.1 and 50 atmospheres, and which is more preferably again between 0.5 and 20 atmospheres. The electrical method of claim 59, wherein the profile of pressure is kept constant in the reaction chamber during the reforming. 61. Electrical process according to any one of claims 38 to 60, realized continuously. 62. Electrical process according to any one of claims 38 to 61, in which the reforming reaction is catalyzed by jumping micro-arcs between the particles of the packing or by sites activated on the surface of the filling particles by the accumulation of charges and / or the passage of Electric power. 63. Electrical process according to any one of claims 38 to 60, discontinuous for periods of at least 30 minutes. The electrical method of claim 63, wherein the lining is replaced between two periods of implementation. 65. Electrical process according to any one of claims 38 to 64, in which the conductive lining has a porosity index included between 0.50 and 0.98, more preferably between 0.55 and 0.95, and more advantageously still between 0.60 and 0.90. 66. Electrical process according to any one of claims 38 to 65, wherein the residence time of the reagents is preferably greater than 0.1 second, more preferably greater than 1 second, and more preferentially still greater than 3 seconds. Electric process according to one of claims 38 to 66, wherein for at least one of the electrodes, the perforations are distributed uniformly with a density corresponding to at most 100,000 openings per cm2 of electrode surface and said openings are such that the loss of charge due to the passage of gas through the electrode or electrodes does not exceed 0.1 atmosphere. 68. Electrical process for the reforming of hydrocarbons and / or compounds organic compounds, consisting of reacting the latter in the presence of a gas oxidant (preferably in the presence of water vapor and / or carbon dioxide and / or other gas) in a reaction chamber containing:
1) a metal-based conductive lining defining a porous medium having a surface area of more than 400 m2 of exposed surface per cubic meter of the reaction chamber, this packing serving both to medium of heating and medium of catalysis; and 2) two metal electrodes each consisting of a tubing and a perforated hollow disc in contact with the lining to achieve supplying the electric current required for heating this Joule effect filling and to help with movement catalysis of electrons;
comprising the following steps:
a) mixture of hydrocarbons and / or organic compounds and gas oxidant;
b) introducing the mixture of step a) into the reaction chamber by injection into one of the electrodes;
c) contacting the mixture of step a) with the packing;
d) application of an electronic flow for energizing the electrodes the reaction chamber;
e) heating of the lining by the electronic flow and production of a electron movement to help catalyze, by feeding of an electric current by the two electrodes, this current being such that passes directly into the lining; and f) evacuation and recovery of the reactor gas by passage through the other electrode. 69. Electrical process according to claim 68 for the reforming of the methane, consisting in reacting the latter in the presence of carbon and water vapor, in a reaction chamber of an available volume of 322cm3 containing:
1) a conductive lining consisting of 50 g of steel wool defining a porous medium, which medium consists of alternating layers of said compacted steel wool of approximately 1 cm each; and 2) two metal electrodes made of carbon steel made each of a tubing about 30.48 cm long and a disc hollow of a diameter of about 6.35 cm, which disk is perforated, provided with projections so as to ensure good contact with the lining;
comprising the following steps:
a) mixture of gaseous reactants, which are methane, carbon and water vapor, at respective concentrations of about 39%, 12% and 49.0%;

b) introducing the mixture of step a) into the reaction chamber by injection into the input electrode;
c) contacting the mixture of step a) with the packing;
d) application of an electronic flow for energizing the electrodes of the reaction chamber, which flow is obtained by an electric current continuous with an intensity of about 150 amperes;
e) heating of the lining by the electronic flow at a temperature about 780 ° C and producing an electron movement to help the catalysis, by the supply of an electric current by the two electrodes, this current being such that it passes directly into the lining;
and f) evacuation and recovery of reactor gas by passage through the electrode output, which gas consists of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, oxygen, methane and carbon dioxide, following approximately 69%, 28%, 0.4%, 1.7% and 0.9% respectively, based on a anhydrous and standardized base. 70. Electrical process for the reforming of hydrocarbons and / or compounds organic compounds, consisting of reacting the latter in the presence of a gas oxidant (preferably in the presence of water vapor and / or carbon dioxide and / or other gas) in a reaction chamber containing:
1) a metal-based conductive lining defining a porous medium having a surface area of more than 400 m2 of exposed surface area m3 of the reaction chamber, this packing serving both as a medium of heating and catalysis medium; and 2) two metal electrodes each consisting of a solid disk contact with the lining to achieve power supply required for heating this Joule effect lining and to help catalyzed by electron movements;
comprising the following steps:
a) mixing the hydrocarbons and / or the organic compounds and the gas oxidant;

b) introducing into the reaction chamber of the mixture of step a) by injection at the radial or tangential openings of the chamber of reaction;
c) contacting the mixture of step a) with the packing;
d) application of an electronic flow for energizing electrodes of the reaction chamber;
e) heating the lining by the electronic flow and producing a electron movement to help catalyze by feeding of an electric current by the two electrodes, this current being such that passes directly into the lining, and f) discharge and recovery of gas from the reactor by axial flow, tangential or radial with axial, radial or tangential openings. 71. Electrical process according to claim 70 for the reforming of the methane, consisting of the latter in the presence of carbon dioxide and water vapor, in a reaction chamber of an available volume of 26.5 liters containing:
1) a conductive lining consisting of steel filaments defining a porous medium, which medium consists of said filaments each of which is a length of about 1 cm and a diameter of about 0.5 mm; and 2) two metal electrodes made of carbon steel made each of a stem about 50 cm long and a disc of one diameter of about 15 cm, which disc is provided with projection so as to ensure good contact with the lining;
comprising the following steps:
a) mixture of gaseous reactants, which are methane, carbon and water vapor, at respective concentrations of about 39%, 12% and 49.0%;
b) introducing into the reaction chamber the mixture of step a) by injection at the radial inlet and / or tangential openings of the reaction chamber, which are located at the beginning of the chamber of reaction;
c) contacting the mixture of step a) the packing;

d) application of an electronic flow for energizing the electrodes of the reaction chamber, which flow is obtained by an electric current continuous with an intensity of about 500 amperes;

e) filling heating by electronic flow at a temperature about 780 ° C and producing an electron movement to help the catalysis, by the supply of an electric current by the two electrodes, this current being such that it passes directly into the lining;
and (f) evacuation and recovery of reactor gas by passage through radial outlet openings, which are located at the end of the chamber of reaction, and which gas consists of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, oxygen, methane and carbon dioxide, following approximately 69%, 28%, 0.4%, 1.7% and 0.9% respectively, based on a anhydrous and standardized base. 72. Electrical process according to any one of claims 68 to 71, wherein the residence time of the reagents is preferably greater than 0.1 second, more preferably greater than 1 second, and more preferentially still greater than 3 seconds. 73. Use of one or more electric reactors according to any one of Claims 1 to 37 for:

(i) the production of syngas used in particular for methanol production, and preferably for implantations with an electricity consumption of 1 to 5 MW;

(ii) energy and / or chemical recovery of biogas generated by landfills;

(iii) Hydrogen production for fuel applications road transport, as an example to feed automobiles and buses; and (iv) the production of hydrogen for so-called portable applications or stationary, as an example for the supply of batteries to fuel for homes and road vehicles. 74. Electrical process according to any one of claims 38 to 72 serving for:
(i) the production of syngas used in particular for methanol production, and preferably for implantations with an electricity consumption of 1 to 5 MW;
(ii) energy and / or chemical recovery of biogas generated by landfills;
(iii) Hydrogen production for fuel applications related to road transport, as an example for automobiles and buses; and (iv) the production of hydrogen for so-called portable applications or stationary, as an example for the supply of batteries to fuel for homes and road vehicles. 75. Use of the method according to any one of claims 38 to 72 for the desulfurization of sulfur-containing gases.