Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates an exhaust treatment system having an SCR reactor following a NOx adsorber. Syn gas is used to regenerate the NOx adsorber. Another aspect relates to an LNT/SCR provided with an ammonia source separate from the LNT. A further aspect relates to a system comprising first and second LNTs and one or more SCRs downstream of the LNTs. A still further aspect relates to a device comprising first and second NOx adsorbers contained in a single housing. Another aspect relates to coating a surface of a moving part in an exhaust system with an oxidation catalyst to mitigate fouling. Additional aspects of the invention relate to strategies for controlling one or more of the time to initiate a regeneration cycle, the time to terminate a regeneration cycle, and the reductant injection rate during regeneration of LNT/SCR exhaust treatment systems.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for generating H2 and CO in an O2 containing gas stream. The invention also provides devices and methods for removal of NOX from an O2 containing gas stream, particularly the oxygen-rich exhaust stream from a lean-burning engine, such as a diesel engine. The invention includes a fuel processor that efficiently converts added hydrocarbon fuel to a reducing mixture of H2 and CO. The added fuel may be a portion of the onboard fuel on a vehicle. The H2 and CO are incorporated into the exhaust stream and reacted over a selective lean NOX catalyst to convert NOX to N2. thereby providing an efficient means of NOX emission control.

Abstract: Feedstock delivery systems and hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies and fuel cell systems containing the same. The feedstock delivery systems include a liquid pump that draws at least one liquid feedstock from a supply and delivers at least one feed stream containing the feedstock(s) to a fuel processor, such as to the hydrogen-producing region thereof. The feedstock delivery system further includes a recycle conduit that establishes a fluid flow path for the liquid feedstock(s) from a location downstream of the pump back to a location upstream of the pump. In some embodiments, the feedstock delivery system further includes a flow restrictor associated with the recycle conduit and a pressure-actuated valve that selectively permits the recycled feedstock to bypass the flow restrictor. In some embodiments, the pump is configured to draw a greater flow rate of the feed stream from the supply than is delivered to the fuel processor.

Abstract: A startup burner for rapidly heating a catalyst in a reformer, as well as related methods and modules, is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is an aftertreatment system for lean burn internal combustion engines. The present invention provides a multiple branch lean NOx trap, or LNT, with a diverter valve operable to selectively direct lean exhaust flow to one portion of the LNT while another portion of the LNT regenerates in a low oxygen environment. Additionally, the present invention employees a continuously operating side stream exhaust fuel reformer that delivers a reductant, such as partially oxidized (POx) gas or reformate, to the LNT for regeneration. The present invention also provides a method of exhaust aftertreatment of a lean burn internal combustion engine utilizing the system provided.

Abstract: A method of producing a H2 rich gas stream includes supplying an O2 rich gas, steam, and fuel to an inner reforming zone of a fuel processor that includes a partial oxidation catalyst and a steam reforming catalyst or a combined partial oxidation and stream reforming catalyst. The method also includes contacting the O2 rich gas, steam, and fuel with the partial oxidation catalyst and the steam reforming catalyst or the combined partial oxidation and stream reforming catalyst in the inner reforming zone to generate a hot reformate stream. The method still further includes cooling the hot reformate stream in a cooling zone to produce a cooled reformate stream. Additionally, the method includes removing sulfur-containing compounds from the cooled reformate stream by contacting the cooled reformate stream with a sulfur removal agent.

Abstract: A catalytic reactor having a mixing section connected to a downstream reaction section containing a catalyst to promote a reaction of oxygen and a hydrocarbon fed to the catalytic reactor. The mixing section is provided with a flame arrestor to prevent a stable flame from propagating should any reaction of oxygen and hydrocarbons occur during mixing. The flame arrestor permits flow in both axial and radial directions to promote mixing. Baffle elements and a downstream static mixer can also be used. The catalyst is preferably in the form of monolithic blocks enclosed by a ceramic tube that is maintained as a unitary catalyst assembly that can be removed for replacement and installation of the catalyst as a single unit.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the preparation of synthesis gas by catalytic steam and/or CO2 reforming of a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising the following steps: (a) heating the reaction mixture of hydrocarbon and steam and/or CO2 in a heated steam reforming unit integrated with the flue gas containing waste heat section from the fired tubular reformer in which reforming of the reaction mixture takes place by contact with a solid reforming catalyst (b) feeding the partially steam reformed mixture to the fired tubular reformer and further reforming the mixture to the desired composition and temperature, wherein the heated steam reforming unit comprises a piping system containing reaction sections with solid reforming catalyst comprising catalyst pellets and/or catalysed structured elements, the piping system being part of the process gas piping system integrated with the flue gas-containing waste heat section.

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 hydrogen generation system includes a fuel container, a spent fuel container, a catalyst system and a control system for generating hydrogen in a manner which provides for a compact and efficient construction while producing hydrogen from a reaction involving a hydride solution such as sodium borohydride.

Abstract: A combustor preheater (94) is provided for use in a fuel processor (20) to preheat a combustor feed (40) by transferring heat from a post water-gas shift reformate flow (32) to the combustor feed (40). The combustor preheater (94) includes a housing (92) defining first and second axially extending, concentric annular passages in heat transfer relation to each other; a first convoluted fin (96) located in the first passage to direct the post water-gas shift reformate flow (32) therethrough and a second convoluted fin (98) located in the second passage to direct the combustor feed therethrough.

Abstract: An integrated steam reformer/combustor assembly (42) is provided for use in a fuel processor (20) that supplies a steam/fuel feed mix (34) to be reformed in the assembly and a combustor feed (40) to be combusted in the assembly (42). The assembly (42) includes a housing (44,58) defining first and second axially extending, concentric annular passages in heat transfer relation to each other; a first convoluted fin (46) located in the first passage to direct the feed mix therethrough, the first convoluted fin coated with a catalyst that induces a desired reaction in the feed mix; and a second convoluted fin (50) located in the second passage to direct the combustor feed therethrough, the second convoluted fin coated with a catalyst that induces a desired reaction in the combustor feed.

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 present invention provides an improvement in the process of producing energy from fuel cells. A cyclic reforming process, referred to as temperature swing reforming, provides an efficient means for producing a hydrogen containing synthesis gas for use in solid oxide fuel cell applications. In one embodiment, at least some synthesis gas which is first produced in the temperature swing reforming process is combusted with air to provide the heat for the regeneration step of the temperature swing reforming process. The syngas produced in TSR is particularly well suited for use in solid oxide fuel cell applications.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to methods and systems for processing biomass into usable products, wherein such methods and systems involve an integration into conventional refineries and/or conventional refinery processes. Such methods and systems provide for an enhanced ability to utilize biofuels efficiently, and they can, at least in some embodiments, be used in hybrid refineries alongside conventional refinery processes.

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: A fuel processing system is provided wherein heat is transferred from a reformate flow (32) downstream from a water-gas shift (38) to both a) a combustor feed flow (40) that is supplied to a combustor (25); and b) a water flow (26) that is supplied to a reformer feed mix (34) for a steam reformer (28).

Abstract: Synthesis gas is produced though a cyclic method where the first step of the cycle includes reforming a hydrocarbon feed over a catalyst to synthesis gas in a first zone of a bed and the second step reheats this first zone. A hydrocarbon feed is introduced to a bed along with CO2 and optionally steam where it is reformed into synthesis gas. The synthesis gas is collected at a second zone of the bed and an oxygen-containing gas is then introduced to this second zone of the bed and combusted with a fuel, thereby reheating the first zone to sufficient reforming temperatures. Additionally, a non-combusting gas can also be introduced to the second zone to move heat from the second zone to the first 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: An exhaust emission control system that provides on-board ammonia generation includes a valve disposed upstream of the LNT and SCR catalyst that operates to selectively control the flow of engine exhaust gas to an LNT and/or an SCR catalyst; while reformate fuel is being conveyed from a reformer to the LNT, the valve operates to cause the exhaust gas to bypass the LNT and flow directly to the SCR catalyst. The exhaust emission control system further includes a controller provided with an algorithm that monitors engine operating conditions and exhaust gas conditions, estimates the cumulative amount of exhaust gas created by the engine and the amount of NOx stored in the LNT, and calculates the amount of NOx required to be converted to NH3.

Abstract: A hydrogen production process with high hydrogen yield at a low temperature is described. First, an aqueous methanol solution with water/methanol molar ratio between about 0.75 and about 2.5 is pre-mixed with oxygen in an oxygen/methanol molar ratio not greater than about 0.5. The mixture is then directed to pass through an activated supported gold catalyst undergoing an oxidative steam reforming of methanol to generate a hydrogen-rich gas with CO content less than 1% at a low reaction temperature (TR>150° C.). Gold particles on active supported gold catalysts have been dispersed to a size of 6 nm or less. The oxidative steam reforming of methanol may generate more than 2 moles of hydrogen for each mole of methanol consumed.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis. Each module includes a shell having an interior space defining a passageway for the flow of gas from a first end of the shell to a second end of the shell opposite the first end, and a processing core being contained within the interior space for effecting a chemical, thermal, or physical change to a gas stream passing axially through the module. the multi-step process includes: providing a fuel processor having a plurality of modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis; and feeding the hydrocarbon fuel successively through each of the modules in an axial direction through the tubular reactor to produce the hydrogen rich gas.

Abstract: A method of starting up and shutting down a microchannel process is provided. Included are the steps of providing a first multi-planar process unit, preferably adapted to process an endothermic reaction, a second multi-planar process unit, preferably adapted to process an exothermic reaction, providing a containment vessel, the containment vessel containing at least a portion of the first, and preferably the second, process unit. In startup, the microchannel process is first checked for pressure integrity by pressurizing and checking the important components of the process for leaks. Subsequently, the process units are heated by introducing a dilute low-thermal energy density material, preferably to the second process unit, followed by the introduction of a dilute high-thermal energy density material, and adjusting the proportion of high-thermal energy density material as required. In shutdown, a purge material from the containment vessel is introduced into the first, and preferably the second, process unit.

Abstract: A PSA mechanism has a plurality of adsorption towers having inlet/outlet ends connected to respective valves that are connected to an off-gas discharge passage. The off-gas discharge passage is connected to an off-gas ejector of a residual gas supply. The off-gas ejector has a function to draw an off gas from the PSA mechanism with compressed air that is caused by an air compressor to flow from an off-gas discharging air supply passage into an off-gas passage.

Abstract: In a hydrogen generator according to the invention, a reformer temperature sensor detects the temperature of a reformer at a start of a stop operation of a hydrogen generator. In a controller, a processing and controlling portion compares the detected temperature with first to fourth reference temperatures pre-stored in a storage portion, and determines which of the following conditions is the temperature condition of the hydrogen generator at the stop; a first condition in which water condensation occurs, a second condition in which water condensation and carbon deposition are avoidable, a third condition in which carbon deposition occurs, a fourth condition in which disproportionation reaction occurs, and a fifth condition in which oxidization of catalyst occurs.

Abstract: According to an apparatus and method for determining degradation of a reforming catalyst degradation which reforms a mixture of air and fuel, in a reformer that supplies a reformate gas to an engine of a vehicle, a temperature sensor detects a temperature of a reforming reaction portion in which is provided a reforming catalyst. An ECU then determines the extent of degradation of the reforming catalyst based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A reactor is proposed for partial oxidations of a fluid reaction mixture in the presence of a heterogeneous particulate catalyst, comprising one or more cuboidal thermoplate modules (1) which are each formed from two or more rectangular thermoplates (2) arranged parallel to each other while in each case leaving a gap (3) which can be filled with the heterogeneous particulate catalyst and is flowed through by the fluid reaction mixture; the heat of reaction being absorbed by a heat carrier which flows through the thermoplates (2) and thus at least partly evaporates, and also having a predominantly cylindrical shell (4, 15, 16) which releases the pressure at the thermoplate modules, completely surrounds them and comprises a cylinder jacket (4) and hoods (15, 16) which seal it at both ends and whose longitudinal axis is aligned parallel to the plane of the thermoplates (2), and also having one or more sealing elements (7, 23) which are arranged in such a way that the fluid reaction mixture, apart from flowing

Abstract: A process for the production of a synthesis gas from a light hydrocarbon feed, steam and an oxygen-containing stream is provided in which the feed components are mixed to form a feed mixture. The process provides an inert disengaging zone separating the mixing zone from an active catalyst zone.

Abstract: A method for starting a gas generating system serving to generate a hydrogenous gas used for operating a fuel cell. The gas generating system includes: devices for converting starting materials into the hydrogenous gas; devices for conditioning at least a portion of the starting materials; devices for purifying the hydrogenous gas by removing unwanted gas constituents, and; a starting burner. According to the method, in a first method step, at least one fuel is combusted inside the starting burner. The hot waste gases resulting from this combustion firstly heat the devices provided for conditioning at least a portion of the starting materials, and the residual heat of these waste gases subsequently heats at least one additional component. In parallel thereto, the devices for converting the starting materials are heated by an electric heating.

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: 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 reformate clean-up reactor. The reactor takes a reformate stream and passes it through multiple subreactors that are integrated into a common reactor housing to reduce reformate stream by-product concentration prior to use of the reformate in a fuel cell. The reactor includes a gas shift subreactor to promote the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, a gaseous diffusion membrane subreactor to provide a hydrogen-rich portion of the reformate stream, and a methanation subreactor to convert carbon monoxide into methane and water. In applications where space for a fuel cell system is limited, the integration of the clean—up devices into a common housing provides significant improvements in structural and volumetric efficiency. Moreover, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, the juxtaposition of the gaseous diffusion membrane and the gas shift reactor improves membrane robustness.

Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system comprising two or more branches, at least one of which contains a NOx adsorber-catalyst. The branches unite downstream into a trailing conduit that contains an ammonia-SCR catalyst. Ammonia generated by the NOx adsorber-catalyst during regeneration is stored for later use by the SCR catalyst. One advantage of this configuration is a continuous or near continuous presence of oxygen within the trailing exhaust conduit. The continuous presence of improves the efficiency of the SCR catalyst. Another concept is to configure a multi-branch exhaust aftertreatment system without valves, dampers, or other electronically controlled devices adapted to selectively alter the distribution of the exhaust between the branches. The absence of such devices generally results in a comparatively balanced division of exhaust between the branches. One benefit of this configuration is improved reliability as compared to systems that use valves.

Abstract: Process for production of synthesis gas comprising carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen by reforming of methanol including the steps of: (a) introducing methanol in liquid phase into a reactor containing a solid methanol reforming catalyst suspended in a liquid phase of methanol and water; (b) reacting the liquid phase of methanol and water in presence of the suspended catalyst at a pressure and temperature, where methanol is maintained in the liquid phase; and (c) withdrawing from the reactor a gas phase of synthesis gas being produced during reaction of the liquid methanol and water phase.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus arranged to maximize heat utilization for a hydrocarbon steam reforming process to produce synthesis gas. The apparatus comprises a refractory lined vessel with partition walls that divide the inside of the vessel into (1) a combustion chamber(s) containing one or more burners, and (2) convection chambers used as a means to remove combustion products from the combustion chamber through one or more openings at the opposite end of the burner end. The combustion chamber contains one or more reformer tubes in which a mixed-feed of hydrocarbon and steam flow co-current with combustion products and receive direct radiant heat from the combustion flame through the tube wall. The convection chambers contain a tube-in-tube device filled with catalyst in the annuli.

Abstract: A process for an endothermic reaction includes the steps of carrying out an exothermic reaction in which a fuel is combusted to generate heat for transfer to a feedstock subject to an endothermic reaction, the waste heat from the exothermic and endothermic reactions being transferred to at least three fluid streams within a single heat recovery zone downstream of the endothermic and exothermic reactions, the apparatus therefor being contained within a single vessel.

Abstract: A reformer for reacting a raw material gas to be reformed, with an oxidizing agent gas and a reforming agent gas in the presence of an oxidation catalyst and a reforming catalyst to obtain a hydrogen-containing gas, including: a set of catalyst layers consisting of an oxidation catalyst layer and a reforming catalyst layer, and two or more inlets for feeding the oxidizing agent gas to the oxidation catalyst and/or the reforming catalyst in plural stages. The reformer can produce a hydrogen-containing gas without forming a combustion region of a temperature of as high as one thousand and several hundreds centigrade and can be manufactured at a low cost.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for reacting a hydrocarbon, molecular oxygen, and optionally water and/or carbon dioxide, to form synthesis gas. The preferred embodiments are characterized by delivering a substochiometric amount of oxygen to each of a multitude of reaction zones, which allows for optimum design of the catalytic packed bed and the gas distribution system, and for the optimization and control of the temperature profile of the reaction zones. The multitude of reaction zones may include a series of successive fixed beds, or a continuous zone housed within an internal structure having porous, or perforated, walls, through which an oxygen-containing stream can permeate. By controlling the oxygen supply, the temperatures, conversion, and product selectivity of the reaction can be in turn controlled and optimized. Furthermore the potential risks of explosion associated with mixing hydrocarbon and molecular oxygen is minimized with increased feed carbon-to-oxygen molar ratios.

Abstract: A method for the autothermal reforming of a hydrocarbon, in particular of diesel, includes introducing a combustible mixture of the hydrocarbon to be reformed and an oxygen-containing medium into a first reaction zone of a reformer, A gas-phase reaction is ignited. After an operating temperature required for the autothermal reforming process is reached, water or a water-containing medium is introduced into the first reaction zone, and the water content is increased until the conditions for the reforming process of the hydrocarbon prevail. The reforming process then takes place predominantly in a second reaction zone.

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: Disclosed is a plate type steam reformer comprising a plate type burner capable of heating a broad area of a reactor as a heat source, positioned on a bottom of the reformer; a reforming reactor requiring a relatively high temperature, positioned over the burner; a high temperature water gas shift reactor requiring a relatively moderate temperature, positioned over the reforming reactor; a low temperature water gas shift reactor requiring a relatively low temperature, positioned over the high temperature water gas shift reactor; and dividing plates positioned between the above three reactors and between the reforming reactor and the burner such that combustion exhaust gas produced in the burner supplies heat to the above reactors.

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: One aspect of the invention relates an exhaust treatment system having an SCR reactor following a NOx adsorber. Syn gas is used to regenerate the NOx adsorber. Another aspect relates to an LNT/SCR provided with an ammonia source separate from the LNT. A further aspect relates to a system comprising first and second LNTs and one or more SCRs downstream of the LNTs. A still further aspect relates to a device comprising first and second NOx adsorbers contained in a single housing. Another aspect relates to coating a surface of a moving part in an exhaust system with an oxidation catalyst to mitigate fouling. Additional aspects of the invention relate to strategies for controlling one or more of the time to initiate a regeneration cycle, the time to terminate a regeneration cycle, and the reductant injection rate during regeneration of LNT/SCR exhaust treatment systems.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for generating H2 and CO in an O2 containing gas stream. The invention also provides devices and methods for removal of NOX from an O2 containing gas stream, particularly the oxygen-rich exhaust stream from a lean-burning engine, such as a diesel engine. The invention includes a fuel processor that efficiently converts added hydrocarbon fuel to a reducing mixture of H2 and CO. The added fuel may be a portion of the onboard fuel on a vehicle. The H2 and CO are incorporated into the exhaust stream and reacted over a selective lean NOX catalyst to convert NOX to N2. thereby providing an efficient means of NOX emission control.

Abstract: A cylindrical steam reforming unit contains a plurality of cylindrical bodies consisting of a first cylindrical body, a second cylindrical body and a third cylindrical body of successively increasing diameters disposed in concentric spaced relationship, a radiation cylinder disposed within and concentrically with the first cylindrical body, a burner disposed in the radial central portion of the radiation cylinder, and a reforming catalyst layer with a reforming catalyst filled in a gap between the first and second cylindrical bodies, wherein a CO shift catalyst layer and a CO removal catalyst layer are disposed in a gap between the second and third cylindrical bodies, the CO shift catalyst layer being formed in a gap with the direction of flow reversing at one axial end of the reforming catalyst layer and through a heat recovery layer of predetermined length.

Abstract: A method of main reformer startup is disclosed. The method comprises introducing a first supply of fuel and a first supply of air into a micro-reformer. The first supply of fuel is increased to produce a heated reformate in the micro-reformer. The heated reformate is directed through a main reformer in order to heat the main reformer. At least a portion of the heated reformate is burned in the main reformer. A second supply of fuel and a second supply of air is introduced into the main reformer to produce a main supply of reformate. A method for maintaining a vehicle device in standby condition is also disclosed.

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: The present invention relates to a catalytic process for the continuous production of carbon monoxide-free hydrogen from methane or methane-rich hydrocarbons using a solid catalyst comprising at least one group VIII metal in two parallel catalytic reactors.

Abstract: A reforming apparatus for producing a reformed gas from a fuel gas and steam, including a reformed gas-producing passage and a combustion gas passage, the reformed gas-producing passage having reforming catalyst, shift catalyst, and CO-selective oxidizing catalyst sections along a flowing direction of the reformed gas, the reformed gas-producing passage having a first passage adjacent to the combustion gas passage and including the reforming catalyst section and a second passage adjacent to the first passage, the second passage including a first heat-recovering section adjacent to the reforming catalyst section, and the first passage having a second heat-recovering section adjacent to one of the shift catalyst and CO-selective oxidizing catalyst sections, the first heat-recovering section located on an upstream side along the flow direction of the reformed gas relative to the reforming catalyst section.