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 compact hydrogen generator for use with fuel cells and other applications includes a hydrogen membrane reactor having a combustion chamber and a reaction chamber. The two chambers are have a fluid connection and a heat exchange relationship with one another. The hydrogen generation apparatus also includes a fuel supply, a fuel supply line for transporting fuel from the fuel supply to the reaction chamber, an oxygen supply, an oxygen supply line for transporting oxygen from the oxygen supply to the combustion chamber, as well as a tail gas supply line for transporting tail gas supply line for transporting tail gases from the reaction chamber, a combustion by-product line for transporting combustion by-products for the combustion chamber, and a reaction product line for transporting hydrogen from the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for removing coarse solids and fine solids from a gas, which includes wetting the coarse solids and fine solids in a first chamber thereby separating the coarse solids and fine solids from the gas. The first chamber also contains liquid to cool the coarse solids and the fine solids. The coarse solids and fine solids are routed to a liquid-filled second chamber where the coarse solids settle to the bottom. The liquid in the second chamber, still containing the fine solids is flushed into a third chamber where the fine solids are separated from the liquid. The separated fine solids and coarse solids are then routed to a fourth chamber.

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: 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 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 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: 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: A method of reducing the amount of carbon monoxide in process fuel gas in a feed stream for a fuel cell. The method includes introducing a hydrocarbon feed stream into a primary reactor and reacting the hydrocarbon feed stream in effective contact with a reforming catalyst forming primary reactor products containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and methane; placing a high activity water gas shift catalyst system into a water gas shift converter, introducing the primary reactor products into the water gas shift converter in effective contact with the high activity water gas shift catalyst system, and reacting the carbon monoxide and water to form carbon dioxide and hydrogen using a water gas shift reaction forming the feed stream for the fuel cell; and introducing the feed stream into the fuel cell. The high water gas shift catalyst system includes a noble metal, a support comprising a mixed metal oxide of cerium oxide and at least one of zirconium oxide or lanthanum oxide.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for ameliorating NOx slip from a lean NOx trap by reducing the amount of hydrocarbons reaching the lean NOx trap during the early stages of, or in a period immediately preceding, a rich regeneration. In one embodiment, a hydrocarbon absorber is configured downstream from a fuel reformer, but upstream from the lean NOx trap, in order to reduce the quantity of hydrocarbons that reach the lean NOx trap during lean reformer warm-up and rich regeneration phases. In another embodiment, the fueling rate to a fuel reformer configured in an exhaust line upstream from the lean NOx trap is limited to reduce NOx slip.

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: 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: The present invention is directed to the recovery of hydrocarbons wherein a portion of carbon is removed from the product by a combination of reforming and water-gas shift. The resulting carbon dioxide is removed by known techniques to provide a fuel having reduced levels of carbon.

Abstract: A cooling system (10) is provided for use with a fuel processing subsystem (12) for reducing a level of carbon monoxide in a reformate flow (14) for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell system (16). The fuel processing subsystem (12) includes first and second preferential oxidizers (18, 20) to oxidize the carbon monoxide carried in the reformate flow. The reformate cooling system (10) includes a coolant flow path (30), a reformate flow path (32), and first, second, third, and fourth heat exchanger core portions (34, 36, 38, 40). The core portions (36-40) are arranged in numbered sequence along the reformate flow path (32) with the first and second core portions (34, 36) located upstream of the first preferential oxidizer (18), and the third and fourth core portions (38, 40) located downstream of the first preferential oxidizer (18) and upstream of the second preferential oxidizer (20).

Abstract: Methods and systems for a gasifier having a partial moderator bypass are provided. The gasifier includes a partial oxidation reactor including an inlet and an outlet and a primary reaction zone extending therebetween, the partial oxidation reactor configured to direct a flow of products of partial oxidation including fuel gases, gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation, and unburned carbon, and a secondary reaction chamber coupled in flow communication with the partial oxidation reactor, the secondary reaction chamber is configured to mix a flow of moderator with the flow of gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation and unburned carbon such that a concentration of fuel gases is increased.

Abstract: One concept relates to power generation system, comprising a diesel engine, an exhaust manifold, a turbocharger, and an exhaust line in which are configured a fuel reformer and a LNT. A fuel injector is configured to inject fuel into the manifold upstream of the turbine. The high temperatures upstream of the turbine cause the fuel to crack into smaller molecules, releasing heat and providing a boost to the turbocharger. The fuel injected into the manifold also undergoes intense mixing as it passes through the turbocharger. Injecting fuel in this manner provides several benefits for reformer operation. Another concept relates to a manifold fuel injector used to provide fuel for heating a DPF.

Abstract: The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a technique which allows biomass to be utilized as a fuel for the co-production of electrical power and potable water in a most efficient manner. Almost any biomass is suitable as a feedstock and biomass which is locally available may be used to fuel the process. The biomass is fed into a gasification device to produce a gas stream containing appreciable amounts of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The gas stream is used to fuel an electrical generation system Waste heat from the electrical generation system is recovered and used in the purification of saline, brakish or river and well water to produce highly pure potable water.

Abstract: A system for producing synthesis gas includes a regeneration zone. The regeneration zone includes a first fluidized bed configured to receive an oxidant for producing a regenerated oxygen transfer material. The system further includes a mixed reforming zone comprising a second fluidized bed configured to receive a first fuel and the regenerated oxygen transfer material to produce a first reformate stream and a steam reforming zone comprising a third fluidized bed configured to receive the first reformate stream, a second fuel and steam to produce the synthesis gas. The regeneration zone, mixed reforming zone and steam-reforming zone are in fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: A highly compact reforming system made up of arrangements of individual reactor panels interconnected by a joint piece. This arrangement allows for a compact reforming system to be created while still retaining the low pressure drop characteristic of the panel configuration of the steam reforming reactors. In addition, the performance of a series of reactors is improved by incorporating a mixing process into the joint pieces used between panels to form the structure.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator comprising a hydrogen membrane reactor, a fuel supply, a reaction fuel supply line, an air supply, an air supply line, a combustion fuel supply line, a tail gas supply line, a combustion by-product line for transporting combustion by-products from the combustion chamber, and a reaction product line. A membrane assembly to be joined to a reactor chamber of a hydrogen generator, which comprises a membrane; and a membrane support comprising a sintered porous metal. A reactor assembly comprising a reaction chamber containing a porous metal substrate, two membrane assemblies, a fuel supply, a reaction fuel supply line, and a tail gas supply line and a reaction product line. Methods associated with the hydrogen generator, membrane assembly and reactor assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus removes carbon monoxide (CO) from a hydrogen-rich gas stream in a hydrogen fuel cell system. CO fouls costly catalytic particles in the membrane electrode assemblies of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. A vessel houses a carbon monoxide adsorbent. The vessel may be a rotating pressure swing adsorber. A water gas shift reactor is upstream of the rotating pressure swing adsorber. The water gas shift reactor may include a second adsorbent adapted to adsorb carbon monoxide at low temperatures and to desorb carbon monoxide at high temperatures. The apparatus advantageously eliminates the use of a preferential oxidation (PROX) reactor, by providing an apparatus which incorporates CO adsorption in the place of the PROX reactor. This cleans up carbon monoxide without hydrogen consumption and the concomitant, undesirable excess low grade heat generation. The present invention reduces start-up duration, and improves overall fuel processor efficiency during normal operation.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a hydrogen-rich stream comprising contacting a process gas containing carbon monoxide and water, the process gas further including dimethyl ether or a dimethyl ether/methanol mixture in at least one shift step in the presence of an ether hydration catalyst selected from the group of solid acids and a methanol decomposition catalyst comprising copper, zinc and aluminum and/or chromium.

Abstract: The steam reformer has a double-cylinder structure having an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder surrounding the inner cylinder. The inner cylinder contains a high-temperature reaction section and an adjacent section being adjacent to the high-temperature reaction section. The high-temperature reaction section contains a mixed-catalyst bed prepared by mixing a steam reforming catalyst and an oxidation catalyst, and an oxygen-containing gas introduction section. A heat transfer suppresser is structured to suppress heat transfer from the high-temperature reaction section to the adjacent section or to the oxygen-containing gas introduction section. With the heat-transfer suppressor, the thermal diffusion from the high-temperature reaction section to peripheral area is effectively suppressed.

Abstract: A process for gasifying hydrocarbon-containing materials and separating the resultant stream into hydrogen gas and other useful products.

Abstract: A method of generating hydrogen for use in a fuel cell system, which comprises processing a fuel which is essentially free of organic sulfur-containing compounds to produce a hydrogen-containing stream.

Abstract: An integrated process wherein a CO2-free fuel gas is produced from steam reforming a carbonaceous material and sent to a gas turbine which is associated with an electrical generator. The CO2 produced during the steam reforming of the carbonaceous material is passed to a second steam reforming zone where it is mixed with a second carbonaceous feed to produce a syn-gas that is used to produce ethylene.

Abstract: Process and reaction unit for isothermal shift conversion of a carbon monoxide containing feed gas, the process comprising the steps of introducing the feed gas in a reaction unit into reactor tubes with a fixed bed of a shift conversion catalyst in a reaction zone; contacting the feed gas with the catalyst at conditions being effective in carbon monoxide shift conversion reaction with steam reactant to hydrogen and cooling the reaction by indirect heat exchange with a cooling agent by passing the cooling agent in a falling film along shell side of the reactor tubes and removing heated cooling agent from the falling film; passing hydrogen when it is formed by the shift conversion reaction through a hydrogen selective membrane to a permeate zone; withdrawing hydrogen from the permeate zone and carbon monoxide depleted feed gas from the reaction zone.

Abstract: Process for cooling an exothermic reaction zone by introducing a stream of water and a hydrocarbon-containing stream into a plurality of humidifying tubes extending through a catalytic exothermic reaction zone of a catalytic fixed bed with solid catalyst, introducing a process stream into the reaction zone for one or more catalytic exothermic reactions, passing the stream of water in a falling film along the inner circumference of the humidifying tubes, humidifying the hydrocarbon-containing stream with water in the humidifying tubes in indirect heat exchange with the exothermic reaction zone, withdrawing cooled reaction product of the exothermic reaction from the reaction zone, withdrawing the heated humidified, hydrocarbon-containing stream from the humidifying tubes, and transferring the heated humidified, hydrocarbon-containing process stream for further processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the purification of gasification gas obtained from a carbonaceous material. The purification is carried out by adding oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas to the gasification gas and by contacting the gas mixture with a solid catalyst. According to the invention the catalyst contains at least one zirconium compound, such as zirconium oxide, which is used in particulate form as such or, for example, combined with an inert, honeycomb-structured support. By the purification, ammonia and organic tarry impurities can be removed from the gas simultaneously.

Abstract: An installation and process for producing hydrogen, which includes a purification unit for purifying a hydrogen-rich synthesis gas and for producing hydrogen and a waste gas, along with the additional equipment required in order to continue operation in the event of a purification unit shutdown.

Abstract: A fuel reforming device for reforming an air-fuel mixture includes a mixing chamber to which fuel and air are introduced and which is composed such that an air-fuel mixture flows upward; a reforming reaction chamber which is arranged downstream of the mixing chamber and which includes a reforming catalyst that reforms the air-fuel mixture; an inclined surface for recovering the fuel which has not reached the inside of the reforming reaction chamber; and a fuel recovery pipe and a fuel recovery pump which are used for re-introducing unvaporized fuel and the like collected by the inclined surface to the mixing chamber.

Abstract: In a method of regenerating a NOx adsorber, the NOx adsorber is used to treat exhaust gases created during the combustion of gaseous fuels in general. Methane is introduced into a reformer or exhaust line in which hydrogen generated during reforming is used to regenerate the NOx absorber.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously producing hydrogen and carbon monoxide by subjecting synthesis gas to a decarbonation in a decarbonation unit, and to desiccation in a desiccation unit. After the decarbonation and the desiccation, the remaining synthesis gas components are cryogenically separated and a hydrogen-enriched gas is recycled upstream from the decarbonation unit and downstream from synthesis gas producing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus removes CO from a hydrogen-rich gas stream in a hydrogen fuel cell system. CO fouls costly catalytic particles in the membrane electrode assemblies. Both a catalyst adapted to perform a water gas shift reaction, and a carbon dioxide adsorbent are disposed in a rotating pressure swing adsorber housing. The adsorption of carbon dioxide shifts equilibrium toward carbon monoxide consumption. A second adsorbent may be disposed in the housing for adsorbing carbon monoxide at low temperatures, and is adapted to desorb carbon monoxide at high temperatures. The present invention advantageously eliminates a unit operation from a space-constrained fuel cell vehicle by combining the WGS catalyst and a CO2 adsorbent in a single reactor/housing. The apparatus further eliminates the use of a PROX reactor, by providing an apparatus which incorporates CO2 adsorption and consequent carbon monoxide consumption in the place of the PROX reactor.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a process for producing carbon monoxide. A feed gas stream of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide is directed to a membrane unit which separates the feed gas stream into two streams. The stream containing carbon monoxide is directed to second membrane unit for further purification and the steam containing the carbon dioxide and hydrogen is fed to a reverse shift reactor to produce more carbon monoxide. The carbon monoxide recovered from the reverse shift reactor is purified in a third membrane unit and directed back to the first membrane unit and is further purified and recovered as additional carbon monoxide product.

Abstract: A reforming and hydrogen purification system operating with minimal pressure drop for producing free hydrogen from different hydrogen rich fuels includes a hydrogen reforming catalyst bed in a vessel in communication with a core unit containing a hydrogen permeable selective membrane. The vessel is located within an insulated enclosure which forms an air inlet passageway and an exhaust passageway on opposite sides of the vessel. Air and raffinate pass through a burner within the air inlet passageway, providing a heated flue gas to heat the catalyst to the reaction temperature needed to generate free hydrogen from the feedstock. The burner flue gas flows laterally over and along the length of the bed between the input and output ends of the bed. Hydrogen is recovered from the core for use by a hydrogen-consuming device such as a fuel cell. The remaining unrecovered hydrogen in the reformed gases is contained in raffinate and is used to supply process heat via the burner.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell unit and a gas-generating system containing at least one reforming unit for obtaining a hydrogen-rich reformate from a fuel. It is possible to supply the reformate at least partly to the anode side of the fuel cell unit. The system may include a first reforming reactor for producing a first reformate with a high outlet temperature; a second reforming reactor for producing a second reformate with a second outlet temperature which is below the first outlet temperature; a mixing element for mixing the first reformate with at least one fuel and located between an outlet of the first reforming reactor and an inlet of the second reforming reactor. The second reformate may be supplied to a gas-purification system and the purified reformate supplied to the fuel cell unit.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting a syngas process entails converting a first hydrocarbon stream to a first reactor effluent through partial oxidation; cooling the first reactor effluent and producing steam with recovered heat; and receiving the cooled reactor effluent and producing a product syngas of enhanced hydrogen content. The downstream processing entails cooling the first reactor effluent to a temperature from about 650 to about 1000 degrees C. The first reactor effluent is diverted to a reforming exchanger. A second hydrocarbon portion with steam is passed through a catalyst zone in the reforming exchanger forming a second reactor effluent. The second reactor effluent is discharged from the catalyst zone forming an admixture with the first reactor effluent. The admixture is passed across the catalyst zone in indirect heat exchange therewith to cool the admixture and heat the catalyst zone. The cooled admixture is supplied back to the reforming exchanger.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for reformulating liquid fuel. In one step of the process the fuel is fractionated into light and heavy fractionates. The light fractionate is then reformed in a steam reformer into a reformed fuel that is suitable for use in fuel cells or other energy-producing devices. The heavy fractionate is burned with a part of the resulting heat used in the reforming step. In one embodiment the light fractionate is desulfurized before entering the reforming step. In another embodiment the heavy fractionate is directed into a holding vessel for subsequent use as a fuel which is suitable for burning to produce heat or other energy.

Abstract: A carbon monoxide converter whose catalyst temperatures can be precisely controlled even under a high load. The carbon monoxide converter includes shift catalyst beds arranged in tandem for conducting a shift reaction for converting CO and H2O to H2 and CO2. The shift catalyst beds are arranged in a gas flow direction such that they are shorter on the upstream side, on which a gas containing CO and H2O is introduced, and longer on the downstream side, on which a gas containing the produced H2 and CO2 is discharged. A heat exchanger is disposed upstream of each shift catalyst bed, and the temperatures of the shift catalyst beds are controlled during the shift reaction. A gas containing CO2 and H2O discharged from the carbon monoxide converter is introduced into a carbon-monoxide-oxidizing unit.

Abstract: A fuel processing system including a filter for reforming a hydrocarbon fuel and its operation is disclosed. The system includes a first chamber for receiving a hydrocarbon fuel and combining it with air or water; a reformer in fluid connection with and down stream of the first chamber, which receives the hydrocarbon fuel combined with either air or water to reform the fuel to a reformate stream, which contains a hydrogen rich atmosphere; a second chamber in fluid connection with the reformer which is capable of receiving the reformate stream from the reformer; a water inlet connected to the second chamber capable of introducing water to the reformate stream; and a filter in fluid connection with and down stream of the second chamber, which is capable of preventing a substantial portion of any solid particles contained in the reformate stream from passing therethrough.

Abstract: A process and reaction unit for isothermal shift conversion of a carbon monoxide containing feed gas. The process comprises the steps of introducing the feed gas in a reaction unit into reactor tubes with a fixed bed of a shift conversion catalyst in a reaction zone, contacting the feed gas with the catalyst at conditions being effective in carbon monoxide shift conversion reaction with steam reactant to hydrogen and cooling the reaction by indirect heat exchange with a cooling agent by passing the cooling agent in a falling film along shell side of the reactor tubes and removing heated cooling agent from the falling film, passing hydrogen when it is formed by the shift conversion reaction through a hydrogen selective membrane to a permeate zone, and withdrawing hydrogen from the permeate zone and carbon monoxide depleted feed gas from the reaction zone.

Abstract: In an integrated process for the production of synthesis gas, a partial oxidation unit and a steam methane reformer are used to convert natural gas or another fuel to first and second mixtures of at least carbon monoxide and hydrogen, only the first process consuming oxygen. Carbon dioxide derived from the second mixture is sent to the inlet of the first process to reduce the oxygen consumption. The first and optionally second mixtures may be used as synthesis gas for a process such as a Fischer Tropsch process.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a heat exchanged membrane reactor for electric power generation. More specifically, the invention comprises a membrane reactor system that employs catalytic or thermal steam reforming and a water gas shift reaction on one side of the membrane, and hydrogen combustion on the other side of the membrane. Heat of combustion is exchanged through the membrane to heat the hydrocarbon fuel and provide heat for the reforming reaction. In one embodiment, the hydrogen is combusted with compressed air to power a turbine to produce electricity. A carbon dioxide product stream is produced in inherently separated form and at pressure to facilitate injection of the CO2 into a well for the purpose of sequestering carbon from the earth's atmosphere.

Abstract: A cooling system (10) is provided for use with a fuel processing subsystem (12) for reducing a level of carbon monoxide in a reformate flow (14) for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell system (16). The fuel processing subsystem (12) includes first and second preferential oxidizers (18, 20) to oxidize the carbon monoxide carried in the reformate flow. The reformate cooling system (10) includes a coolant flow path (30), a reformate flow path (32), and first, second, third, and fourth heat exchanger core portions (34, 36, 38, 40). The core portions (36–40) are arranged in numbered sequence along the reformate flow path (32) with the first and second core portions (34, 36) located upstream of the first preferential oxidizer (18), and the third and fourth core portions (38, 40) located downstream of the first preferential oxidizer (18) and upstream of the second preferential oxidizer (20).

Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell stack and a carbon monoxide clean-up system in communication with the fuel cell stack. The carbon monoxide cleanup system comprises a first water gas shift reactor, a first hydride heat exchanger, and a second water gas shift reactor. The first water gas shift reactor comprises a first water gas shift catalyst. The first hydride heat exchanger comprises a first metal hydride, and is in communication with the first water gas shift reactor. The second water gas shift reactor comprises a second water gas shift catalyst, and is in communication with the first heat exchanger. The first hydride heat exchanger, and the second water gas shift reactors are disposed such that a reactant stream may pass through the first water gas shift reactor prior to passing through the first heat exchanger, and then pass through the second water gas shift reactor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus used in the field of waste management for utilizing recoverable waste products as efficiently as possible. The invention reduces the environmental impact of such a method to a minimum. The recoverable waste products and non-recoverable waste products are fed into one end of a substantially horizontally fixed container as material, and are transported in a continuous or discontinuous manner to another end of the container, 60–80% of energy input being carried out on the material in an area of a first quarter of the container, and a remaining 20–40% of energy input being transferred to the material in other areas of the container.

Abstract: Low-energy hydrogen production is disclosed. A reforming exchanger is placed in parallel with a partial oxidation reactor in a new hydrogen plant with improved efficiency and reduced steam export, or in an existing hydrogen plant where the hydrogen capacity can be increased by as much as 20–30 percent with reduced export of steam from the hydrogen plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated gasification and hydroprocessing process. A hydrocarbonaceous fuel is first gasified to produce syngas, and then a portion of the hydrogen is removed from the syngas. The hydrogen is compressed and used as an excess reactant in a hydroprocessing unit. Hydrogen gas is recovered from the hydroprocessing unit product, purified, compressed and recycled to the hydroprocessing unit. The hydrogen-poor syngas is expanded in an expander that drives the compressor that compresses the recycled hydrogen gas. The expanded syngas is then combined with light hydrocarbons removed from the recycle hydrogen gas stream, combusted in a gas turbine and used for power generation.