Abstract: Relates to a process and apparatus that improves the hydrogen production efficiency for small scale hydrogen production. According to one aspect, the process provides heat exchangers that are thermally integrated with the reaction steps such that heat generated by exothermic reactions, combustion and water gas shift, are arranged closely to the endothermic reaction, steam reformation, and heat sinks, cool natural gas, water and air, to minimize heat loss and maximize heat recovery. Effectively, this thermally integrated process eliminates excess piping throughout, reducing initial capital cost.

Abstract: A gasification system having a combustor vessel, an optional scrubber vessel, an optional fixer vessel, an optional cyclone vessel and an optional demister vessel. A wide variety of possibly moist solid or semi-solid carbonaceous fuels may be partially combusted in the combustor to generate a combustible gas and a mineral ash. An improved ash support and removal subsystem reduces clogging and other problems. The combustible gas is conveyed by optional heavy-duty blowers through the optional vessels to remove liquids and particulates and to undergo catalytic chemical reactions to provide a relatively clean, dry, highly-combustible hydrocarbon gas that captures a relatively high fraction of the potential heating value of the fuel. Internal gases, liquids and particulates from the vessels may be recycled inside the system to improve efficiency and prevent liquid waste. A portion of the internal liquids may also be extracted for other uses.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of acetylene and synthesis gas by partial thermal oxidation in a reactor which has a burner having passages, wherein the starting materials to be reacted are rapidly and completely mixed only immediately before the flame reaction zone in the passages of the burner, a mean flow rate which exceeds the flame propagation velocities under the given reaction conditions being established in the mixing zone within the passages.

Abstract: A fuel reformer which can easily achieve high weight energy density and high volume energy density, and a method for producing the fuel reformer with ease and high efficiency as well as an electrode for electrochemical device, such as a fuel cell, and an electrochemical device are provided. The present invention is to feed hydrogen obtained from a fuel reformer having a catalyst layer containing Pt for taking out hydrogen from a liquid fuel, such as methanol, and a hydrogen permeable layer, such as a Pd thin film, which is impermeable to liquid and permeable to hydrogen to an electrochemical device such as a fuel cell, which comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode and a proton conductive film sandwiched therebetween. The present invention provides a method of producing the hydrogen permeable layer in the reformer by forming the hydrogen permeable layer and the catalyst layer on a base layer comprising Al or the like, and removing the base layer by dissolution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the manufacture of acetylene and other higher hydrocarbons from methane feed using a reverse-flow reactor system, wherein the reactor system includes (i) a first reactor and (ii) a second reactor, the first and second reactors oriented in a series relationship with respect to each other, the process comprising supplying each of first and second reactant through separate channels in the first reactor bed of a reverse-flow reactor such that both of the first and second reactants serve to quench the first reactor bed, without the first and second reactants substantially reacting with each other until reaching the core of the reactor system.

Abstract: A down-draft fixed bed gasifier is disclosed that produced clean producer or synthesis gas. The gasifier can be installed at a stationary location or can be scaled down to enable placing the gasifier on a trailer that can be moved to the site of biomass generation. The gasifier is vertically oriented and generally cylindrical, and the design allows for a continual input of feedstock into the gasifier with less clogging and without lowering the gas pressure inside the gasifier. The design incorporates an internal catalyst to clean tars from the produced gas, and uses heat from the combustion chamber of the gasifier to heat the catalyst. The flow of air may be either positive flow or negative flow.

Abstract: The inventive stage system for producing hydrogen consists of at least two upstream/downstream stages, respectively, each of which comprises, optionally, a catalytic reactor (C1 to C5) followed by a separator comprising a space (E1 to E4) for circulation of a gaseous mixture contacting at least one oxygen extracting membrane and a hydrogen collecting space, wherein the reactor (C1) of the upstream stage is connected to a reaction gaseous mixture source, the circulation stage (E1) of the upstream stage separator is connected to the reactor (C2) of the downstream stage and the spaces for extracting/collecting oxygen from two separators are connected to a hydrogen collecting circuit (TC, 8) which is common for two stages.

Abstract: A process is described for generating hydrogen through the oxidation of fuels that contain chemically bound hydrogen, in particular hydrocarbons, having the following process steps: a) introducing the fuel (1) as well as the oxidation agent (2) into a reactor (3) having a porous material (4?) that is embodied in such a way that flame propagation in a direction opposite the direction of flow is prevented, and b) reacting the fuel with the oxidation agent in partial oxidation so that hydrogen is obtained in gaseous form. In addition, an apparatus for generating hydrogen that has a reactor that contains a porous material (4, 4?), and the reactor (3) is embodied as a tubular reactor that has a central chamber (5) to introduce the fuel and the oxidation agent that extends in the axial direction and is delimited radially toward the outside by a first wall that has porous material (4), and the first wall is delimited radially toward the outside by a second wall that contains the porous material (4?).

Abstract: A reformer burner that includes a fuel supply tube through which a fuel is supplied and a fuel supply chamber that surrounds the fuel supply tube and has a plurality of atomizing holes to atomize a fuel into a combustion chamber of a reformer.

Abstract: A method for regenerating a solid reactant includes streaming the solid reactant into an inlet port of a contact or vessel and heating the solid reactant inside the contactor vessel, streaming a purge oxidant into an oxidant port of the contactor vessel to reduce a partial pressure of gas released from the solid reactant, venting the gas from a gas port of the contactor vessel, and removing the solid reactant from a discharge port of the contactor vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for preparing gaseous products, and in particular methane and/other value added gases such as hydrogen, via the catalytic hydromethanation of a carbonaceous feedstock in the presence of steam and syngas, wherein a hydromethanation reactor is combined with a syngas generator in a particular combination.

Abstract: A compact catalytic reactor defines a multiplicity of first and second flow channels arranged alternately, the first flow channels being no more than 10 mm deep and providing flow paths for combustible reactants, and containing a catalyst structure (20) to catalyze combustion of the reactants, and having at least one inlet for at least one of the reactants. The first flow channel also includes an insert (40 or 60) adjacent to each inlet, this insert not being catalytic to the combustion reaction; the insert may define gaps which are narrower than the maximum gap size for preventing flame propagation.

Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus (10) includes a reaction chamber (18) containing a solid fuel component (24) and a liquid fuel component (22) that is introduced into the reaction chamber by a fluid path, such as a tube, nozzle, or valve. The flow of the liquid fuel to the solid fuel is self-regulated. Other embodiments of the gas-generating apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing a fuel composition from a bio-oil feedstock is provided, wherein the bio-oil feedstock is subjected to a step of oil extraction to produce a bio-oil and deoiled residue. At least a portion of the deoiled residue is gasified to produce a hydrogen-containing gas. The bio-oil is subjected to an upgrading process to ultimately produce a fuel composition. At least a part of the hydrogen-containing gas produced in the gasification of deoiled residue is used in the upgrading process of producing a fuel composition. The upgrading process, which can involve hydro-treating, hydroisomerization and at least one separation step, produces light hydrocarbons in addition to the product fuel composition. The light hydrocarbons can be used in the gasification operation, e.g., to reduce tar formation.

Abstract: A reformer having a combustion unit including a combustion part to burn air and fuel, a combustion gas distributor to distribute the burned combustion gas, and first and second combustion gas passages to guide the distributed combustion gas into an outlet. A fuel-converting catalytic reaction unit includes two reforming reaction parts preparing a reforming reaction reformate, each having a reforming catalyst to reform feed and water supplied from a feed/water inlet, and a water gas shift reaction part preparing a water gas shift reformate, between the two reforming reaction parts to decrease a concentration of carbon monoxide in the reforming reacting reformate. The two units are structured as six cylindrical pipes to realize optimal heat exchange efficiency, and preferential oxidation reactor is provided between first air fuel preheating passages in the combustion part to decrease the concentration of carbon monoxide in the water gas shift reformate to a predetermined level or lower.

Abstract: A fuel reforming system, process, and device including a catalytic chamber and a heating chamber. The catalytic chamber, further including a fluid fuel intake and a gaseous fluid exit port and at least one heat exchanger for distributing heat between the heating chamber and the catalytic chamber. The catalytic chamber further including a screen member having a surface, wherein the member includes a catalytic deposit made from a combination of platinum and rhodium alloy. A catalytic conversion of converting liquid fuel to gaseous fuel occurs within the catalytic chamber. Fuel exits the fuel reforming device through a gaseous fluid exit port.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation apparatus employs a thermocatalytic reactor (60) formed of a top plate (62), a bottom plate (66), and a reactor core (64) disposed between the top an bottom plates. The reactor core has a reaction surface (64a) and a combustion surface (64b), each surface having a raised periphery defining opposing ends (61a and 61b) and opposing sides (63a and 63b). The reaction surface (64a) and the top plate (62) together define a reaction chamber and the combustion surface (64b) and the bottom plate (66) together define a combustion chamber. The reaction core (64) has a first set of a plurality of spaced apart, substantially straight radiating fins (76a) extending from the reaction surface (64a) and a second set of a plurality of spaced part, substantially straight radiating fins (76b) extending from the combustion surface (64b).

Abstract: Disclosed is a micro-reactor module including: a high temperature reactor which causes a reaction of a reactant; and a low temperature reactor which causes a reaction of a reactant at a lower temperature than the high temperature reactor, wherein a material of infrared reflecting film is set so that an infrared reflectance of the high temperature reactor is higher than an infrared reflectance of the low temperature reactor. Consequently, heat radiation of a plurality of reactors set to different temperatures is suppressed and the difference in temperatures between the plurality of reactors is maintained.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing hydrogen with reforming catalysts. The reforming catalysts may be platinum group metals on a support material, and they may be located in a reforming reaction zone of a primary reactor. The support material may be an oxidic support having a ceria and zirconia promoter, or may include a neodymium stabilizer. The support material may also include at least one Group IA, Group IIA, manganese, or iron metal promoter. The primary reactor may have a first and second reforming reaction zones, where upstream catalysts located in the first reforming reaction zone and downstream catalysts located in the second reforming reaction zone may be selected to perform optimally under the conditions in their respective reforming reaction zone.

Abstract: A pre-reformer comprises a non-electrically conducting gas tight duct and an electrically conducting wire arranged in the duct. The electrically conducting wire is electrically isolated from the duct. The duct has an inlet for receiving a hydrocarbon fuel at a first end and an outlet for supplying a pre-reformed hydrocarbon fuel at a second end. At least the inner surface of the duct is chemically inert with respect to the hydrocarbon fuel. An electrical power supply is electrically connected to the electrically conducting wire and a control means controls the supply of electrical current through the electrically conducting wire to provide thermal decomposition of higher hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon fuel. The performer reduces coking in associated fuel cells and other parts of a fuel cell system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides teachings relating to ammonia-based hydrogen generation apparatus and associated methods of use. Exemplary methods and apparatus comprise a thermocatalytic hydrogen generation reactor which includes a reaction chamber containing a catalyst-coated substrate, and a combustion chamber containing a catalyst-coated substrate. Exemplary catalyst-coated substrates include, but are not limited to, metal foam, monolith, mesh, ceramic foam or ceramic monolith.

Abstract: A method of generating hydrogen-enriched fuel gas and carbon dioxide comprising converting hydrocarbon molecules from a gaseous hydrocarbon feed stream into hydrogen and carbon dioxide, separating the hydrogen and carbon dioxide, blending the hydrogen back into the gaseous hydrocarbon feed stream to generate a hydrogen-enriched fuel gas, and utilizing the carbon dioxide for storage or sequestration. A system for generating hydrogen-enriched fuel gas and carbon dioxide comprising an inlet handling system, a syngas and water-gas shift system, a water-gas compression system, a carbon dioxide recovery system, a dehydration system, and a carbon dioxide compression system.

Abstract: A system and method for creating reformate with decreased carbon deposition. The system is made up of a steam source, a superheater, a fuel injection device, a prereformer, and a reformer with catalyst linings. The system functions to superheat steam while maintaining the fuel at a lower temperature prior to injection and mixing with the steam. After injection and mixing, the steam and fuel mixture is then passed through a prereformer where catalysts treat a portion of the fuel and steam mixture. After these portions are treated with a catalyst, the mixture is passed through to a reformer where further treatment of the material by catalyst takes place.

Abstract: A structure of a microreactor includes a joined body having a pair of substrates joined together, a flow path formed by a microchannel portion formed on a joining surface of at least one of the substrates, and a catalyst carrying member disposed in the flow path. In the production of such a microreactor, the catalyst carrying member is produced separately from formation of the joined body and the catalyst carrying member is disposed in the flow path at the time of forming the joined body.

Abstract: A reactor causing reaction of a reactant includes a plurality of substrates provided with top and bottom substrates having provided therein recessed portions for forming closely sealed regions and a plurality of intermediate substrates having provided therein at least openings that communicate with each other, a reactor main body portion including a reaction unit at which the intermediate substrates are formed to be laminated and joined with each other and a reaction flow channel reactant flows formed therein, and an envelope portion which houses the reactor main body portion therein except one end side thereof, via a closely sealed space formed by sandwiching the laminated intermediate substrates between the top and the bottom substrates and by communicating the opening and the closely sealed region on the substrates, and including a support portion which supports the reactor main body portion via the one end side of the reactor main body portion.

Abstract: A fuel reformer includes a reforming element (7) having at least one reforming catalyst passage (22) supporting a reforming catalyst which generates reformate gas from fuel; and a combustion element (8) having at least one combustion gas passage (11), which heats the reforming element (7) by the heat of combustion gas generated by burning the generated reformate gas supplied in air introduced in said at least one combustion gas passage (11). The reforming element (7) and combustion element (8) are laminated in the fuel reformer. The fuel reformer further includes plural supply holes (13) arranged in a line along said at least one combustion gas passage (11), each supply hole (13) communicating with said at least one combustion gas passage (11). At least part of the generated reformate gas is supplied to each supply hole, and is burnt downstream of each supply hole.

Abstract: A fuel reformer burner for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system includes a first tube through which a fuel for a fuel reformer is supplied and a second tube through which anode-off gas (AOG) is supplied from a fuel cell stack. The second tube is not connected to the first tube, and an inlet line through which an air is supplied is connected to the first tube.

Abstract: A method of assembling a spray quench apparatus is provided. The method includes coupling a first end of an exit tube to a quench chamber such that the exit tube end is in flow communication with the quench chamber, coupling at least one spray nozzle to an opposite second end of the exit tube such that water emitted from the spray nozzle fills the exit tube and forms a film of water across an inner surface of the exit tube, coupling a water source to the quench chamber for providing a substantially continuous water film along an inner surface of the quench chamber, and coupling at least one discharge apparatus to the quench chamber for providing water spray into the quench chamber, wherein the water of the water film and water sprays drains into a water sump.

Abstract: Fuel reforming catalysts 28 generate a hydrogen-containing reformed gas when they come into contact with exhaust gas that contains a reforming fuel. Upstream and downstream air-fuel ratio sensors 58, 60 are respectively installed upstream and downstream of the fuel reforming catalysts 28. The upstream air-fuel ratio sensor 58 outputs a upstream sensor signal in accordance with oxygen concentration. The downstream air-fuel ratio sensor 60 outputs a downstream sensor signal in accordance with oxygen concentration and hydrogen concentration by using zirconia's oxygen detection capability and a change of a diffusion layer's hydrogen-concentration-dependent oxygen detection capability. An ECU 50 detects the hydrogen concentration without being affected by the oxygen concentration through the use of the upstream sensor signal in which only the oxygen concentration is reflected and the downstream sensor signal in which the oxygen concentration and hydrogen concentration are reflected.

Abstract: Provided is a reaction vessel for a fuel cell, and more particularly to a reaction vessel exhibiting improved thermal efficiency, and a reaction device for a steam reforming reaction for a fuel cell. The reaction device includes a cylindrical reaction catalyst chamber on which a target reaction catalyst for a predetermined target reaction is disposed; and a tubular oxidation catalyst chamber surrounding the reaction catalyst chamber, comprising an oxidation reaction catalyst therein. The reaction device according features an increased contact area between catalyst and gas, and rapidly heating of the gas in contact with the catalyst to a desired reaction temperature.

Abstract: Refinery off gases are treated in a plant in two processing steps, wherein the off gases are first scrubbed in a wash column using lean oils for removal of heavy mercaptans and C5+ hydrocarbons, and wherein a hydrotreater is then used for saturating olefinic hydrocarbons and reducing sulfurous compounds. Most preferably, lean recycle oil is used for temperature control of the hydrotreater reactor(s) in configurations where the lean oil from a hydrotreater reactor outlet separator is mixed with the reactor feed to so cool the hydrotreater reactor via evaporation.

Abstract: A system and process for maximizing the generation of electrical power from a variety of hydrocarbon feedstocks. The hydrocarbon feedstocks are first gasified and then oxidized in a two-chamber system and process using oxygen gas rather than ambient air. Intermediate gases generated in the system and process are recirculated and recycled to the gasification and oxidation chambers in order to maximize energy production. The energy produced through the system and process is used to generate steam and produce power through conventional steam turbine technology. In addition to the release of heat energy, the hydrocarbon feedstocks are oxidized to the pure product compounds of water and carbon dioxide, which are subsequently purified and marketed. The system and process minimizes environmental emissions.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for dehydrating a wet natural gas while removing volatile organic compounds (VOC). The well-produced natural gas is contacted with a dehydrating agent, such as glycol, which absorbs water from the natural gas. The mixture of dehydrating agent/water and heavy hydrocarbons is conveyed through a heat exchanger, separator and reboiler for removing VOC and recovering the dehydrating agent for recirculation. A stripping column is coupled to an outlet of the reboiler for stripping the dehydrating agent of any traces of water that is flashed out in the reboiler. Light hydrocarbons removed from the mixture are re-circulated as flash gas in the reboiler, thereby reducing the amount of make-up fuel necessary in the heating process.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing hydrogen gas with a fuel processing system that includes a hydrogen-producing region that produces hydrogen gas from a feed stream and a heating assembly that consumes a fuel stream to produce a heated exhaust stream for heating the hydrogen-producing region. In some embodiments, the heating assembly heats the hydrogen-producing region to at least a minimum hydrogen-producing temperature. In some embodiments, the feed stream and the fuel stream both contain a carbon-containing feedstock and at least 25 wt % water. In some embodiments, at least one of the feed and fuel streams contain at least one additional component. In some embodiments, the feed and fuel streams have the same composition. In some embodiments, the feed and fuel streams are drawn or obtained from a common source or supply, and in some embodiments as a liquid stream that is selectively apportioned to form the feed and fuel streams.

Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, and fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices. In some embodiments, the fuel processing systems and the hydrogen purification membranes include a metal membrane, which is at least substantially comprised of palladium or a palladium alloy. In some embodiments, the membrane contains trace amounts of carbon, silicon, and/or oxygen. In some embodiments, the membranes form part of a hydrogen purification device that includes an enclosure containing a separation assembly, which is adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. In some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processor, and in some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processing or fuel cell system.

Abstract: In some implementations, one or more methods can include producing a hydrogen rich fuel gas for a gas turbine ballasted with nitrogen and steam and superheated to a temperature above its dew point. The fuel gas may have a minimal or reduced content of CO2 or fuel components CO and CH4 which contain carbon so that when combusted in a suitable gas turbine there may be minimal or reduced emissions of CO2 to the atmosphere. These example methods may result in a capture of the bulk of the carbon present in the total natural gas feed as CO2 compressed to pipeline delivery pressure for sequestration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the reactive conversion of gaseous streams at high temperatures in excess of 1000° C. Said device comprises a reaction chamber (8) with an inlet opening for the gaseous streams to be converted, in particular a burner head (2) and an outlet opening for the converted gaseous streams. In order to guarantee the highest possible conversion performance, the reaction chamber (8) has a narrow construction, extending longitudinally from the inlet opening to the outlet opening to form a controlled gaseous flow, thus preventing a circulatory flow in the reaction chamber (8). To achieve reaction conditions that are as adiabatic as possible, the reaction chamber (8) is thermally insulated with a layer (7) that has a porous foam and/or fiber structure. In the simplest embodiment, the reaction chamber (8) is cylindrical, thus achieving a tubular flow reactor construction for the entire device.

Abstract: A preferred method for starting a primary reactor of a fuel cell system includes performing lean combustion within the primary reactor during a first phase of a start sequence and autothermal reforming during a second phase of the start sequence. In another aspect of the present invention, partial oxidation is performed within the primary reactor during the first phase of the start sequence and autothermal reforming is performed during the second phase of the start sequence.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reaction device that includes a reaction device main body that includes a first reaction unit and a second reaction unit, a container to house the reaction device main body and a first region that corresponds to at least the first reaction unit and a second region that corresponds to the second reaction unit, the first and second regions being provided to the container or internal side of the container. The first reaction unit is set to a temperature higher than that of the second reaction unit, and the first region has a higher reflectivity than that of the second region, with respect to heat ray that is radiated from the reaction device main body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compact steam reformer which generates a hydrogen-rich product gas from hydrocarbons or hydrocarbon derivatives with heat recapture from the reformate, and to a process for producing the hydrogen-containing product gas. The product gas may, for example, be used in a cell to generate current and heat.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a gas moisturizing system are provided. The system includes a plurality of gas sources configured to supply a flow of gas to a plurality of gas loads, a single gas moisturizer coupled in flow communication to the plurality of gas sources and the plurality of gas loads wherein the single gas moisturizer is configured to supply a flow of gas having a predetermined moisture content to the plurality of gas loads, and a control system configured to maintain the predetermined moisture content.

Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices, and methods for operating the same. In some embodiments, operation of the fuel processing system is initiated by heating at least the reforming region of the fuel processing system to at least a selected hydrogen-producing operating temperature. In some embodiments, an electric heater is utilized to perform this initial heating. In some embodiments, use of the electric heater is discontinued after startup, and a burner or other combustion-based heating assembly combusts a fuel to heat at least the hydrogen producing region, such as due to the reforming region utilizing an endothermic catalytic reaction to produce hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A reactor, system and method for producing hydrogen features a reactor containing a heating stream channel and a hydrogen channel with a reaction channel positioned there between. A heat transfer sheet separates the heating stream channel and the reaction channel and a porous support plate separates the reaction channel and the hydrogen channel. A membrane constructed from palladium, vanadium, copper or alloys thereof covers the porous support plate. The heating stream channel receives a heating stream so that heat is provided to the reaction channel through the heat transfer sheet. A catalyst is positioned in the reaction channel and the reaction channel receives a reaction stream including a mixture of supercritical water and a hydrocarbon fuel so that hydrogen is produced in the reaction channel and is passed through the membrane into the hydrogen channel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing sulfur from a hydrocarbon fuel. The apparatus includes a combustion reactor (3) and a sulfur trap (4) and the combustion reactor (3) is adapted to operate with an air-to-fuel ratio below 1 and in the presence of steam. The sulfur trap (4) is located downstream the combustion reactor (3) and is adapted to remove sulfur compounds formed in the combustion reactor (3).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in generating hydrogen are disclosed. The apparatus includes a fuel processor capable of producing a reformate from a fuel; a hydrogen purifier capable of generating a purified hydrogen gas stream from the reformate; a compressor capable of providing the reformate from the fuel processor to the pressure swing adsorption unit at a desired pressure; and a control system capable of integrating and controlling the operation of the fuel processor, the pressure swing adsorption unit, and the compressor. In another aspect, the invention includes a method for controlling the operation of a purified hydrogen generator, the method comprising: controlling the operation of a hydrogen generator; controlling the operation of a hydrogen purifier; and synchronizing the controlled operation of the hydrogen generator with the controlled operation of the hydrogen purifier.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are unmixed fuel processors and methods for using the same. In one embodiment, an unmixed fuel processor comprises: an oxidation reactor comprising an oxidation portion and a gasifier, a CO2 acceptor reactor, and a regeneration reactor. The oxidation portion comprises an air inlet, effluent outlet, and an oxygen transfer material. The gasifier comprises a solid hydrocarbon fuel inlet, a solids outlet, and a syngas outlet. The CO2 acceptor reactor comprises a water inlet, a hydrogen outlet, and a CO2 sorbent, and is configured to receive syngas from the gasifier. The regeneration reactor comprises a water inlet and a CO2 stream outlet. The regeneration reactor is configured to receive spent CO2 adsorption material from the gasification reactor and to return regenerated CO2 adsorption material to the gasification reactor, and configured to receive oxidized oxygen transfer material from the oxidation reactor and to return reduced oxygen transfer material to the oxidation reactor.

Abstract: The reaction of carbon monoxide with steam over an alkali-modified ruthenium-on-zirconia catalyst has been found to yield surprisingly high yields of hydrogen gas at relatively low temperatures. Catalyst structures, reactors, hydrogen production systems, and methods for producing hydrogen utilizing the alkali-modified ruthenium-on-zirconia catalyst are described. Methods of making catalysts are also described.

Abstract: Methods, processes, and apparatuses for the production of hydrogen gases are provided. A catalytic amount of iodine is dissolved in a hydrocarbon fuel source, such as cyclopropane and/or benzene, and the mixture is heated to a temperature greater than about 80° C. A reaction vessel capable of maintaining pressures greater than 1 atmosphere is used. The hydrogen gas thus produced is recovered, and optionally purified. The hydrogen gas product can be delivered to a fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack receives hydrogen gas from the reaction chamber and produces an electric current therefrom as the hydrogen gas is reacted with oxygen to form water.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a reformer adapted to generate hydrogen from a fuel containing hydrogen through a chemical catalytic reaction using thermal energy; at least one electricity generator adapted to generate electric energy through an electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen; a fuel supply unit adapted to supply the fuel to the reformer; and an air supply unit adapted to supply oxygen to the reformer and the at least one electricity generator. The reformer includes a plurality of plates stacked with each other and forming at least one passage adapted to allow a fuel or a gas to flow therethrough and at least one catalyst layer coated on inner surfaces of the at least one passage. In the reformer, the at least one catalyst layer is formed to have a plurality of grooves extending substantially in a same direction as of the at least one passage.

Abstract: An on-board fuel processor includes a microchannel steam reforming reactor (30) and a water vaporizer (40) heated in series with a combustion gas. The reformer (30) and the vaporizer (40) are both of a cross-flow panel configuration that allows for low combustion side pressure drop. Fuel is directly injected into the steam, and during a rapid cold start, both the combustion gas flow rate and the steam to carbon ratio are substantially increased relative to their steady state operating values. A rapid cold start can be achieved in under 30 seconds with a manageable amount of electric power consumption, removing impediments to use in automotive fuel cell applications.