Abstract: A reformer apparatus 8 has a heat shield 17 for a reformer duct 16. Various construction details which increase the durability of the heat shield are developed. In one embodiment, the heat shield includes a plurality of rings 82 which are axially and circumferentially segmented, the rings being supported by a platform on which the stack of rings rests. At least one of the rings has a pair of segments each of which has a V-shaped identation in the end which receives a V-shaped projection of the adjacent segment leaving a circumferential gap between the segments which does not extend radially between the segments of the ring.

Abstract: A method for making a carbon-graphite component suited for use in an electrochemical cell, said component having a desired controlled pore structure having a desired mean pore size within a predetermined pore size range and a maximum pore size.

Abstract: A thin electrochemical cell separator plate with greatly improved properties is made by molding and then graphitizing a mixture of preferably 50 percent high purity graphite powder and 50 percent carbonizable thermosetting phenolic resin, the graphite molding powder particles having a specified preferred shape and a size distribution requiring 31 to 62 weight percent of the particles to be less than 45 microns in size.

Abstract: A thin electrochemical cell separator plate with greatly improved properties is made by molding and then graphitizing a mixture of preferably 50 percent high purity graphite powder and 50 percent carbonizable thermosetting phenolic resin, the graphite molding powder particles having a specified preferred shape and a size distribution requiring 31 to 62 weight percent of the particles to be less than 45 microns in size.