Abstract: A fuel reformer includes a feedstream delivery unit and a catalytic reactor. The feedstream delivery unit is configured to receive reactants and to provide the reactants to the catalytic reactor. The reformer further includes a flame arrestor disposed between the feedstream delivery unit and the catalytic reactor, and at least one spacer disposed between the feedstream delivery unit and the catalytic reactor, wherein the spacer is configured to allow the reactants to flow therethrough while inhibiting thermal radiation therethrough. In a further aspect, the surfaces of the feedstream delivery unit that come into contact with the reactants in use include coatings that eliminate catalytic reactions of the feedstream within the feedstream delivery unit.

Abstract: A combustor generates and supplies hot combustion gases to a fuel reformer. The combustor includes a housing defining a combustion chamber. The combustor also includes a fuel vaporizer having a fuel tube with an electric heating element. The fuel tube is positioned such that a portion thereof extends into the combustion chamber and is exposed to the hot combustion gases exiting the combustion chamber. An electric current is supplied to the electric heating element to vaporize the liquid fuel within the fuel tube when the temperature within the combustion chamber is below is a predetermined temperature. Substantially no electric current is supplied to the electric heating element when the temperature within the combustion chamber is at least the predetermined temperature and the hot combustion gases passing over the portion of the fuel tube extending into the combustion chamber vaporize the liquid fuel within the fuel tube.