Abstract: Hydrogen is produced in a compact methanol-steam reformer, which integrates an inner cylindrical heating chamber; and a reactant vaporizer and heating zone, and an outer Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst bed in concentric annuli around the heating chamber. Tubular, palladium-silver alloy membranes in the catalyst bed separate hydrogen from retentate gas, which is separately discharged from the apparatus through a manifold.

Abstract: A pressure-supercharged fluidized-bed gasification chamber has a pressure-tight lock for supplying the feed materials which are to be gasified. The fluidized-bed gasification chamber is connected to a filter chamber via a connecting channel, with the result that the gas produced can flow over from the fluidized-bed gasification chamber into the filter chamber, where it is directed through the filter layer. An external heat source provides the necessary heat for the allothermic gasification. A heat-pipe arrangement directs the heat from the external heat source into the gasification bed of the fluidized-bed gasification chamber, in order to provide the temperature which is necessary for the gasification.

Abstract: To generate hydrogen-rich gas which is supplied to a fuel cell stack (2) of a fuel cell power plant, a reformer (1) generates reformate gas comprising hydrogen from methanol, and a carbon monoxide oxidizer (3) oxidizes carbon monoxide from the reformate gas by an action of a catalyst incorporated therein. A valve (10) which supplies hot gas, and a valve (18) which supplies air are provided. When the catalyst temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature, hot gas is supplied from the valve (10) to the oxidizer (3). Due to the heat of oxidation of carbon monoxide by the air supplied by the valve (18) and the high temperature of the hot gas, the temperature of the catalyst rises rapidly after start-up of the power plant.

Abstract: A hydrogen producing apparatus comprising: a reforming section having a reforming catalyst which causes a reaction between a carbon-containing organic compound as a feedstock and water; a feedstock supply section for supplying the feedstock to the reforming section; a water supply section for supplying water to the reforming section; a heating section for heating the reforming catalyst; a shifting section having a shift catalyst which causes a shift reaction between carbon monoxide and water contained in a reformed gas supplied from the reforming section; and a purifying section having a purifying catalyst which causes oxidation or methanation of carbon monoxide contained in a gas supplied from the shifting section, wherein the shift catalyst comprises a platinum group metal and a metal oxide.

Abstract: A gasifier is disclosed combining a fixed bed gasification section where coarse fuel is gasified and an entrained flow gasification section where fine fuel is gasified. The fixed bed section includes upper and lower sections. Coarse fuel is devolatilized in the upper fixed bed section and subjected to elevated temperatures sufficient to crack and destroy tars and oils in the effluent gases. The entrained flow gasification section is disposed in a lower plenum adjacent the lower fixed bed section. A plurality of injection ports are configured to introduce oxygen, steam, or air into different sections of the gasifier to control temperature and operating conditions. Activated carbon may be formed in the upper fixed bed section and in the entrained flow section. The activated carbon may be used as a sorbent to remove pollutants from the effluent gases. The gasifier may be used with various coarse and fine fuel feedstocks.

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: An apparatus for treating wastes includes a fluidized bed reactor for partially combusting the wastes at a relatively low temperature, and a separate relatively high temperature reactor for separate gasification of gaseous material and char from the first gasification. This synthesis gas thus formed is cooled, subjected to a conversion operation in a converter to produce hydrogen.

Abstract: When a fuel reforming system for a fuel cell comprising an autothermal reformer 1 wherein a partial oxidation reaction and steam reforming reaction proceeds simultaneously, is stopped, firstly, a supply valve 6 is closed to stop supply of fuel and water for steam reforming, and a supply valve 7 is closed after a predetermined time has elapsed to stop supply of air. In this way, the partial oxidation reaction which is an exothermic reaction is continued temporarily and the catalyst layer temperature of the reformer 1 is raised, so the catalyst layer temperature can be maintained high until the system restarts, and the time required for restarting the system can be shortened.

Abstract: A heat exchanger 32 comprises a first heat exchanger 40 for allowing heat to be exchanged between water and a reformed gas from a reforming reactor, a second heat exchanger 50 for spraying and vaporizing water in the reformed gas from the first heat exchanger 40, and a third heat exchanger 60 for vaporizing unvaporized or precipitated water. The reformed gas from the reforming reactor is cooled by the heating and vaporizing of water, and is mixed with the vaporized water and fed as mixed gas to a water gas shift reactor. The processes of cooling the reformed gas, heating and vaporizing of the water, and mixing the reformed gas and steam are completed in the heat exchanger 32, making it possible to design a smaller, simpler, and more efficient apparatus.

Abstract: Membrane modules that contain one or more hydrogen-selective membranes, methods for preparing the same, and hydrogen purification systems, fuel processors and devices containing the same. In some embodiments, the membrane modules include one or more hydrogen-selective membranes supported on a support or screen structure, of which a variety of embodiments are disclosed. In some embodiments, the membrane or membranes are adhesively mounted on the screen structure during assembly. In some embodiments, the screen structure includes a plurality of screen members adhesively mounted together during assembly. In some embodiments, the screen structure includes a coating. The present invention is also directed to methods for reducing the thickness of hydrogen-selective membranes.

Abstract: A fuel processing system is disclosed. The system includes a steam reformer adapted to produce hydrogen from a feedstock consisting of water and at least one of an alcohol and a hydrocarbon feedstock. The feedstock is exposed to one or more reformation regions including a reformation catalyst and to a membrane region including at least one hydrogen-selective membrane.

Abstract: A method for pyrolysis, characterized in that a material to be treated is heated to a temperature lower than the decomposition temperature of dioxins and the resulting gaseous components are cooled and liquefied; and an apparatus for practicing the method comprising a heating means (1) and a cooling and liquefying means (2) for the gaseous components formed by the above heating. The method can be employed for pyrolyzing a material to be treated with safety and at a lower cost as compared to a conventional method for pyrolysis.

Abstract: A gasifier system includes a gasifier chamber, a plurality of nozzles or burners injecting and combusting a mixture including coal and oxygen within the gasifier chamber, and an ash bed disposed proximate a bottom of the gasifier chamber. Concurrent flow is generated within the gasifier such that gas and bi-products generated by the combustion of the mixture flow through the ash bed. The ash bed serves as a filter and reducing volume for the trace carbon not gasified during the combustion process. The hot gases exit the gasifier and enter a gas cooler and then a hot gas filter. Ash is unloaded from the gasifier chamber and is transferred into a quench tank, where ash settles and is removed to atmospheric conditions by a progressive pitched dewatering screw press. The dewatering screw press also serves as a seal to prevent excessive water escaping from the high pressure of gasifier operation.

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: The invention concerns a method for producing a gas mixture containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and optionally nitrogen, from at least a hydrocarbon such as methane, propane, butane or LPG or natural gas, which consists in performing a partial catalytic oxidation (1) of one or several hydrocarbons, at a temperature of 500° C., at a pressure of 3 to 20 bars, in the pre of oxygen or a gas containing oxygen, such as air, to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide; then in recuperating the gas mixture which can subsequently be purified or separated, by pressure swing adsorption, temperature swing adsorption of by permeation (3), to produce hydrogen having a purity of at least 80% and a residue gas capable of supplying a cogeneration unit In another embodiment, the gas mixture can subsequently be purified of its water vapour impurities and carbon dioxide to obtain a thermal treatment atmosphere containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide and nitrogen.

Abstract: A method for starting a fast light-off catalytic reformer for producing hydrogen-rich reformate fuel from hydrocarbon fuel and air, the reformer having means for receiving flows of fuel and air, a reforming catalyst for reforming the fuel and air mixture, and an ignition device. A control system selects fuel and air flow rates to form a lean fuel/air mixture and operates the ignition device to ignite the lean mixture to produce hot exhaust gases that flow over and heat the reforming catalyst for a first length of time. Fuel flow is then stopped temporarily for a second length of time, and further ignition is terminated. Fuel flow is then restarted and adjusted to provide a rich fuel/air mixture which is directed to the heated catalyst for reforming into reformate fuel. Air flow may also be adjusted in setting the lean and/or rich fuel/air mixtures.

Abstract: A reforming apparatus of the type comprising an indirect heat exchange zone (5) for the reforming reaction of a gaseous flow comprising methane and steam into CO, CO2, and H2, is distinguished by the fact that it comprises advantageously a plurality of floating-head tubes (6) containing a reforming catalyst, a chamber (9) for collection of the reaction products positioned downstream of the tubes (6), and a duct (15) open in said chamber (9) for extraction of the reaction products from the apparatus.

Abstract: A composition comprising a carrier liquid; a dispersant; and a chemical hydride. The composition can be used in a hydrogen generator to generate hydrogen for use, e.g., as a fuel. A regenerator recovers elemental metal from byproducts of the hydrogen generation process.

Abstract: A fuel cell system having a water source wherein the water is fed in a controlled manner to a gas stream for cooling the gas stream to a desired temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the water is atomized prior to contacting the gas stream. In a further embodiment, a packing of high surface area material is fed with the cooling water as the gas stream passes through the packing material. By utilizing water already present in the fuel cell power plant, a highly efficient method and system for controlling the temperature of gas streams and O/C ratio in the fuel cell power plant is obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compact steam reformer which integrally comprises a housing; a reforming reactor having an upper mixing compartment for mixing natural gas and steam and a lower compartment for accommodating a catalyst bed; a natural gas feeding coiled pipe through which natural gas is introduced while being heated; a steam generating coiled pipe in which pure water is converted to steam by the exhaust; a metal fiber burner for heating the reforming reactor; a high-temperature converter for primarily removing carbon monoxide from a synthetic gas; a low-temperature converter for secondarily reducing the carbon monoxide level of the synthetic gas; and a heat exchanger, provided between the high-temperature converter and the low-temperature converter, for cooling the gas effluent from the high-temperature converter. The steam reformer enjoys the advantage of being easy to install in situ and being fabricated at low cost.

Abstract: Object is to construct a system wherein hydrogen is produced from hydrocarbons such as methane or natural gas that has methane using catalyst without emission of carbon dioxide and is used to reduce metal oxide, and hydrogen can be supplied by reaction between the reduce metal oxide and water, and hydrogen can be repeatedly generated by means of metal oxide of cassette type.

Abstract: A shift reaction section 32 is designed to have a maximum capacity of about 40% of the maximum capacity of reforming section 30. When hydrogen-rich gas is supplied to the shift reaction section 32 in excess of its maximum capacity, a blower 46 supplies air to the hydrogen-rich gas in an amount corresponding to the supply of hydrogen-rich gas, and oxidation reaction of carbon monoxide is performed in addition to the shift reaction. By controlling the amount of air supplied, the carbon monoxide concentration at the exit of the shift reaction section 32 is maintained at a concentration less than a predetermined value. As a result, a fuel reformer 20 can be made compact, and at the same time, the energy required to increase the temperature at the time of start up can be reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating wastes by two-stage gasification recovers metals or ash content in the wastes in such a state that they can be recycled, and gases containing carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen gas (H2) for use as synthesis gas for ammonia (NH3) or production of hydrogen gas. The wastes are gasified in a fluidized-bed reactor at a low temperature. Then, gaseous material and char produced in the fluidized-bed reactor are introduced into a high-temperature combustor, and gasified at a high temperature and ash content is converted into molten slag. After water scrubbing and a CO conversion reaction, the gas is separated into H2 and residual gas. The residual gas is then supplied to the fluidized-bed reactor as a fluidizing gas.

Abstract: A method of improving the thermoconductivity of heat exchange for an air conditioning or refrigeration system, comprising introducing a concentrate into the system which comprises introducing a concentrate into the compressor of the system, the concentrate comprising an amine phosphate deactivator, such as a yellow metal deactivator, a chloronated paraffin, a calcium salt of dialkyl aromatic sulfonic acid, polyalpha-olefin, a nonylated phenylamine derivative, an ashless disperant, carboxylic acid esters, fatty acid derivatives, triazole carbamates and a barium or calcium sulfonate, and an additive having the composition, used in the concentrate, and a compressor driven system utilizing the novel additive.

Abstract: An autothermal reformer for converting a fuel into a reformate stream comprising hydrogen comprises (a) a closed vessel having a top end and a bottom end, the vessel comprising at least one insulation layer adjacent the interior surface of the vessel; (b) a first reactant manifold disposed within the vessel for receiving and distributing a first reactant stream, the first reactant manifold having a plurality of mixer tubes extending therefrom, each of the mixer tubes having an inlet end and an outlet end, the mixer tubes disposed in a separator member; and (c) a second reactant manifold disposed within the vessel for receiving and distributing a second reactant stream, the second reactant manifold comprising a plurality of injection tubes. Each of the injection tubes has an inlet end and an outlet end, extend through the first reactant manifold and are fluidly isolated therefrom.

Abstract: A fuel processing assembly adapted to produce hydrogen gas from a carbon-containing feedstock. The fuel processing assembly includes a fuel processor, such as a steam reformer. The fuel processing assembly further includes a feed assembly adapted to deliver a carbon-containing feedstock, such as a hydrocarbon, to the fuel processor. In some embodiments, the fuel processing system includes a fuel cell stack that includes at least one fuel cell adapted to produce electrical power from hydrogen gas produced by the fuel processor.

Abstract: Improved fuel processing systems convert a hydrocarbon fuel into a reformate stream comprising hydrogen. Improved steam reformers and fuel processing systems employ steam reforming catalyst compositions that are oxygen-tolerant and/or sulfur-tolerant. Improved fuel processing systems employ shift reactors comprise shift catalyst compositions that are oxygen-tolerant and self-reducing. Improved fuel processing systems also comprise a preoxidizer or first-stage selective oxidizer, shift reactor, and selective oxidizer connected in series. An improved integrated reactor comprises a metal oxide bed and shift catalyst bed, and fuel processing systems comprising the improved integrated reactor.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for the operation of a fuel cell to generate electric power from a feed stream comprising a hydrocarbon or an alcohol. The fuel cell comprises a proton exchange membrane which produces electric power from a hydrogen product stream which comprises essentially no carbon monoxide. The hydrogen product stream is produced from the feed stream in a novel steam reforming zone containing a steam reforming catalyst disposed in a bell-shaped catalyst zone. The bell-shaped catalyst zone is disposed over a combustion zone such that the exhaust gas from the combustion flows around the bell-shaped catalyst zone to heat the catalyst from the inside and the outside of the catalyst zone. Furthermore, the bell-shaped catalyst zone maintains a high inlet and a high outlet temperature to avoid methane slippage in the steam reforming zone. Heat for the steam reforming zone is provided by a fuel stream and at least a portion of the anode waste gas stream from the fuel cell.

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 temperature/reaction management system comprises a reformer system and a mat material fluidly coupled to a portion of the inlet of the reforming zone of the reformer system. An inert material and/or flame arrestor can optionally be positioned before the mat material to filter particulate matter, and lower the temperature of the fuel, respectively. A method for managing the temperature and reaction of fuel in an energy conversion device comprises dispensing an air/fuel mixture through a mat material disposed against an inlet of a reformer system. The air/fuel mixture is dispensed through a reflective surface of the mat material to maintain a first temperature that is less than a second temperature necessary for a gas phase reaction to occur. The mat material inhibits the propagation of a flame into the reformer system, and allows fuel to enter the reformer system.

Abstract: Procedure and system for the production of hydrogen from methane or other gaseous hydrocarbon, in which the methane is decomposed at high temperature in the presence of a catalyst supplying hydrogen and carbon.

Abstract: A gasifier is disclosed combining a fixed bed gasification section where coarse fuel is gasified and an entrained flow gasification section where fine fuel is gasified. The fixed bed section includes upper and lower sections. Coarse fuel is devolatilized in the upper fixed bed section and subjected to elevated temperatures sufficient to crack and destroy tars and oils in the effluent gases. The entrained flow gasification section is disposed in a lower plenum adjacent the lower fixed bed section. A plurality of injection ports are configured to introduce oxygen, steam, or air into different sections of the gasifier to control temperature and operating conditions. Activated carbon may be formed in the upper fixed bed section and in the entrained flow section. The activated carbon may be used as a sorbent to remove pollutants from the effluent gases. The gasifier may be used with various coarse and fine fuel feedstocks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and method for storage and controlled release of hydrogen. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of borohydride based solutions as a hydrogen storage source and a catalyst system to release hydrogen therefrom.

Abstract: A gas generation system for providing a gas flow to be supplied to a reformer includes an evaporator for evaporating the components contained in a gas flow, wherein the gas flow includes at least one carbon compound, such as hydrocarbon or alcohol, and water vapor. A normalizing stage is connected between the evaporator and the reformer for equalizing the temperature distribution in the gas flow to be supplied to the reformer. The temperature of the gas flow should be equalized to a temperature range below the maximum allowable reformer inlet temperature. In this way, temperature maxima caused by a load change are equalized, thereby significantly increasing the service life of the reformer catalyst.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing hydrogen from a raw material that contains a chemical compound from which hydrogen is hardly obtainable, includes the steps of: converting the chemical compound from which hydrogen is hardly obtainable into a chemical compound from which hydrogen is obtainable by a conversion reaction; and generating hydrogen from the chemical compound from which hydrogen is obtainable by a reforming reaction and/or a hydrocarbon decomposition reaction. Therefore, the method of the present invention allows the production of hydrogen from the raw material that contains the chemical compound which is hardly applicable to the conventional hydrogen manufacturing method which is one obtaining hydrogen using reforming catalysts or one obtaining hydrogen by directly decomposing hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A contacting step, in which a mixture gas, including a fuel and steam, is contacted with a reactor bed, including a reforming catalyst and a carbon dioxide adsorbent, thereby converting the mixture gas into hydrogen and adsorbing co-generating carbon dioxide onto the carbon dioxide adsorbent, and a heating step, in which the reactor bed is heated, thereby desorbing the adsorbed carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide adsorbent and regenerating a carbon dioxide adsorption capacity thereof, are carried out alternately. The resulting CO is converted into H2 and CO2, and the converted CO2 is absorbed by the carbon dioxide adsorbent and is adsorbed outside the equilibrium system. Accordingly, methane is inhibited from co-generating. Hence, the reformed fuel gas is mostly composed of H2 and is free from methane, and the reaction temperature limitation, i.e., from 700 to 900° C., in the steam reforming reaction is not applicable any more.

Abstract: A reformer disposed in the flow path of a reactant fluid includes: a catalyst unit capable of generating hydrogen from a reactant fluid containing an organic compound or carbon monoxide, by catalysis, and an electrically heatable heater unit. An electrically heatable catalyst unit includes: any of a sintered material, a metallic material, a composite material thereof, at least a portion of each of these materials having an electrically heatable property, and a composite material of (1) a heat-resistant material having no electrically heatable property and (2) the sintered material and/or the metallic material, and a catalyst capable of generating hydrogen from a reactant fluid containing an organic compound or carbon monoxide, by catalysis, which catalyst unit has porosity, thereby enables diffusion of a reactant fluid therethrough, and is electrically heatable. The above reformer can generate high-purity hydrogen for use in fuel cell of industrial or automotive application, in a short time.

Abstract: The present invention improves the start-up characteristics of a fuel gas generating apparatus for a fuel cell comprising a reformer. In a fuel gas generating apparatus 1 for a fuel cell comprising a vaporizer 22 that generates a fuel vapor by vaporizing a raw liquid fuel, a reformer 11 that generates a reforming gas that includes hydrogen from the raw fuel gas that has been partially oxidized by adding reforming air to the fuel vapor generated by the vaporizer 22, and a CO eliminator 13 that generates a fuel gas having carbon monoxide eliminated by adding a CO eliminating air to the reforming gas generated by the reformer 11, the supplied amount of the reforming air during the warm-up of the fuel gas generating apparatus for a fuel cell is larger than the supplied amount of reforming air during idle operation after completion of the warm-up.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for producing a hydrogenous gas stream for a fuel cell system, the share of CO contained in the gas stream, is reduced by providing one or more selective oxidation stages which preferably are thermally coupled to a reformer for the reforming of hydrocarbons, or to a heat exchanger. In order to supply the fuel cell system, as quickly as possible, with a hydrogenous gas stream having a low share of CO, so that it can be placed in operation at the temperature of the surrounding environment, one or more additional, thermally decoupled, selective oxidation stages is series-connected to the existing selective oxidation stages at the beginning or end of the series, or at intermediate points.

Abstract: When a fuel reforming system for a fuel cell comprising an autothermal reformer 1 wherein a partial oxidation reaction and steam reforming reaction proceeds simultaneously, is stopped, firstly, a supply valve 6 is closed to stop supply of fuel and water for steam reforming, and a supply valve 7 is closed after a predetermined time has elapsed to stop supply of air. In this way, the partial oxidation reaction which is an exothermic reaction is continued temporarily and the catalyst layer temperature of the reformer 1 is raised, so the catalyst layer temperature can be maintained high until the system restarts, and the time required for restarting the system can be shortened.

Abstract: A device having a plurality of chambers for carrying out a solid-catalyzed reaction includes a common evaporation unit for evaporating liquid starting materials. The evaporation unit is in thermally conductive contact with a plurality of chambers. An area of the evaporation unit in which the evaporation substantially takes place is at least partially surrounded by the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: A compact endothermic catalytic reaction apparatus for converting hydrocarbon feedstock and methanol to useful gases, such as hydrogen and carbon monoxide, comprising a tubular endothermic catalytic reactor, a radiant combustion chamber and an annular convection section. Thus tubular endothermic catalytic reactor receives radiant energy from a metal fiber burner that is disposed within the radiant combustion chamber. Combustion products from the radiant chamber enter an annular convection section wherein heat is transferred by forced convection to the tubular endothermic catalytic reactor. The combination of radiant and convective heat transfer results in a compact design of high thermal efficiency.

Abstract: In the hydrogen supply device for producing and supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell, a reforming section has a rotary thermal storage through which low and high temperature passages pass. Reforming material is supplied to the low temperature fluid passage on an upstream side of the first rotary thermal storage. A combustion gas supply section for generating and supplying a combustion gas is located in the high temperature fluid passage on a downstream side of the first rotary thermal storage. With the hydrogen supply device mentioned above, the first rotary thermal storage rotates to move alternately between the low and high temperature fluid passages so that, in the reforming section, the reforming material flowing in the low temperature fluid passage is catalytically reformed to a reformed gas containing hydrogen upon receiving combustion heat of the combustion gas flowing in the high temperature fluid conduit.

Abstract: In a fuel cell system 10, a cracking unit 20 is provided upstream of a reformer 36. When the cracking unit 20 is supplied with oxygen and gasoline as a hydrocarbon-based fuel, the gasoline is partially oxidized and decomposed using oxidation-generated heat to give a hydrocarbon with a lower carbon number. The hydrocarbon with the lower carbon number obtained by such gasoline pyrolysis is fed to the reformer 36 and supplied to a reforming reaction zone.

Abstract: To generate hydrogen-rich gas which is supplied to a fuel cell stack (2) of a fuel cell power plant, a reformer (1) generates reformate gas comprising hydrogen from methanol, and a carbon monoxide oxidizer (3) oxidizes carbon monoxide from the reformate gas by an action of a catalyst incorporated therein. A valve (10) which supplies hot gas, and a valve (18) which supplies air are provided. When the catalyst temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature, hot gas is supplied from the valve (10) to the oxidizer (3). Due to the heat of oxidation of carbon monoxide by the air supplied by the valve (18) and the high temperature of the hot gas, the temperature of the catalyst rises rapidly after start-up of the power plant.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel process for sustainable CO2-free production of hydrogen and carbon by thermocatalytic decomposition (or dissociation, pyrolysis, cracking) of hydrocarbon fuels over carbon-based catalysts in the absence of air and/or water. The process is applicable to any hydrocarbon fuel, including sulfurous fuels. Combination of a catalytic reactor with a gas separation unit allows to produce high purity hydrogen (at least, 99.0 v %) completely free of carbon oxides. In a preferred embodiment, sustainable continuous production of hydrogen and carbon is achieved by both internal and external activation of carbon catalysts. Internal activation of carbon catalyst is accomplished by recycling of hydrogen-depleted gas containing unsaturated and aromatic hydrocarbons back to the reactor. External activation can be achieved via surface gasification of carbon catalysts by hot combustion gases during catalyst heating. The process can conveniently be integrated with any type of fuel cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for combining sodium and aluminum into a single, substantially homogeneous alloy without the need to use potentially dangerous, toxic mercury compounds. The present invention also provides a catalytic alloy that is capable of dissociating water into hydrogen and oxygen, thereby allowing the hydrogen to be utilized as fuel.

Abstract: A fuel reforming apparatus includes a vaporizing device, a vapor mixing device and a reforming device. The vaporizing device produces a vapor by vaporizing at least a portion of a first one of a hydrocarbon fuel and water, without mixing with a second one of the hydrocarbon fuel and the water, so as to produce a vapor gas containing the vapor and air. The vapor mixing device receives the vapor gas from the vaporizing device, and creates a vapor mixture by spraying at least a portion of at least one of the hydrocarbon fuel and the water, which was not vaporized by the vaporizing device, toward the supplied vapor gas. Thr reforming device receives the vapor mixture from the vapor mixing device and reforms the hydrocarbon fuel to a reformate gas containing hydrogen.

Abstract: A heat exchanger 32 comprises a first heat exchanger 40 for allowing heat to be exchanged between water and a reformed gas from a reforming reactor, a second heat exchanger 50 for spraying and vaporizing water in the reformed gas from the first heat exchanger 40, and a third heat exchanger 60 for vaporizing unvaporized or precipitated water. The reformed gas from the reforming reactor is cooled by the heating and vaporizing of water, and is mixed with the vaporized water and fed as mixed gas to a water gas shift reactor. The processes of cooling the reformed gas, heating and vaporizing of the water, and mixing the reformed gas and steam are completed in the heat exchanger 32, making it possible to design a smaller, simpler, and more efficient apparatus.

Abstract: A fuel reforming apparatus quickly heats the temperature of a catalyst to an activation temperature to shorten a startup time. The apparatus supplies a hydrocarbon fuel and an oxidizer upstream from a second catalyst (2 ), and steam upstream from a first catalyst (1 ). The second catalyst starts a rapid oxidation reaction to generate a high-temperature gas which heats the first catalyst. When the apparatus changes a startup operation or an accelerating operation to a steady operation after a predetermined period, the apparatus supplies the hydrocarbon fuel and steam upstream from the second catalyst, and the oxidizer upstream from the first catalyst. As a result, the second catalyst starts a steam reforming reaction to absorb heat from the second catalyst. And the second catalyst rapidly cools to stop reactions and pass the hydrocarbon fuel and steam with out reactions. Then, a hydrogen-rich reformed gas is generated from the passed hydrocarbon fuel and steam.