Method for the production of hydrogen-containing gaseous mixtures

Abstract

A method for the production of a hydrogen-containing gas composition, such as a synthesis gas including hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide (H 2 :CO) in the synthesis gas can be well-controlled to yield a ratio that is adequate for the synthesis of useful products such as methane or methanol, without the need to remove carbon oxides from the gas stream to adjust the ratio.

1 - 100 . (Cancelled)  
     
     
         101 . A method for the production of ammonia, comprising the steps of: 
 a) contacting steam with a reactive metal in a reactor to reduce at least a portion of the steam and form hydrogen gas;    b) contacting air with said reactive metal to combust oxygen contained in said air and form a nitrogen gas stream;    c) extracting a gas stream from said reactor comprising hydrogen gas and nitrogen gas; and    d) contacting said gas stream with a catalyst to form ammonia.    
     
     
         102 . A method as recited in  claim 101 , wherein said gas stream comprises a molar ratio of hydrogen gas to nitrogen gas of about 3:1.  
     
     
         103 - 110 . (Cancelled)  
     
     
         111 . A method as recited in  claim 101 , comprising the step of adjusting the ratio of said steam to said air to adjust the ratio of said hydrogen to said nitrogen gas.  
     
     
         112 . A method as recited in  claim 101 , wherein said reactive metal comprises iron.  
     
     
         113 . A method as recited in  claim 101 , further comprising the steps of: 
 (e) terminating said injection of steam; and    (f) contacting a metal oxide in said reactor with a reductant to reduce said metal oxide back to said reactive metal.