Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system comprising a reciprocating water gas shift reactor; the water gas shift reactor being operative at speeds down to about 1 revolution per minute, while converting carbon monoxide (CO) and steam (H2O) into carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2). Disclosed herein too is a system comprising a hydrogen engine, or fuel cell with electric motor, and a water gas shift reactor; the hydrogen engine, or fuel cell with electric motor being in operative to drive the water gas shift reactor at speeds down to about 1 revolution per minute; and operative to convert carbon monoxide (CO) and steam (H2O), into carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2).