Osaka Gas has patented a method for operating a hydrogen production device that includes a sequential purge operation. This process involves steam and product gas purging to maintain reformer heating and optimize hydrogen production efficiency during operational pauses. The system utilizes a compressor, reformer, and adsorption towers. GlobalData’s report on Osaka Gas gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Osaka Gas, Reformer integrated fuel cells was a key innovation area identified from patents. Osaka Gas's grant share as of July 2024 was 39%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Hydrogen production method with sequential purge operations

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: Osaka Gas Co Ltd

The patent US12071344B2 outlines a method and device for hydrogen production that integrates several key components to enhance efficiency and control during operation. The hydrogen production device includes a reforming processing unit equipped with a compressor and a reformer, which performs steam reforming on a hydrogen-containing source gas. This process generates a reformed gas rich in hydrogen. The device also features a pressure swing adsorption unit with multiple adsorption towers that separate hydrogen from other components in the reformed gas, producing a product gas while discharging non-target components as off-gas. An off-gas supply path allows the off-gas to be utilized as fuel for the heating burner, which maintains the reformer's temperature during operations.

The operation method described in the patent involves executing a product gas production phase, followed by a purge operation when production ceases. The purge operation consists of two sequential processes: steam purge processing, where product gas is used instead of source gas, and product gas purge processing, which involves circulating product gas while stopping steam supply. After the purge, a stand-by operation is initiated, wherein the product gas is recirculated back to the compressor while blocking the gas supply line to the adsorption unit. This comprehensive approach aims to optimize hydrogen production while ensuring efficient management of resources and energy within the system.

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GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.