Abstract: A method for determining an optimal combustion interval during start-up of a hydrocarbon catalytic reformer under various conditions of temperature, fuel type, and combustion fuel flow rate. An initial catalyst temperature is measured and an algorithm is used to calculate a rate of heating of the catalyst by combustion based upon heat content of the fuel, selected fuel flow rate, and heat capacity and mass of the catalyst and reformer passages. From the initial temperature and the heating gradient, an optimal combustion interval is inferred through the algorithm and used to terminate combustion, initiate a combustion quench interval, and change over the fuel flow rate and mixture from combustion to reforming.

Abstract: A solid-oxide fuel cell system wherein a reformate combustor is disposed in the reformate flow path between a hydrocarbon reformer and a fuel cell stack. At system start-up, reformate is partially burned within the combustor by admitting combustion air, and the partially-burned reformate is passed through the anode chambers of the stack to warm the anodes. In addition, reformate is passed through a cathode-air heat exchanger to warm combustion air entering the cathode chambers of the stack. The combustor may continue to be supplied with a low level of air during steady-state operation of the SOFC, thereby providing a moist environment within the anode chambers to prevent coking of the anodes and providing additional heat to the reformate. The combustor decouples the reformer from the stack thermodynamically, permitting the reformer and the stack each to run in its own optimal temperature range.

Abstract: A wiper seal subassembly for disposal in rotor vanes or stator lobes of a vane-type camshaft phaser comprises a backing spring and a sealing element. The sealing element includes spring retention features that loosely retain the backing spring and that are integrally molded into the sealing element. The spring retention features include undercut retention features, such as an overhanging edge, that prevent the backing spring from vertically detaching from the sealing element. The spring retention features further include sidewall tabs that prevent the backing spring from horizontally detaching from the sealing element. The sealing element is formed from a plastic composite material during an injection molding process using a simple injection mold tooling design. The single-piece wiper seal subassembly is provided at the tip of each rotor vane and/or stator lobe of a vane-type camshaft phaser for varying the timing of combustion valves in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A wiper seal for preventing leakage of oil between advance and retard chambers formed between rotor vanes and stator lobes in a vane-type camshaft phaser is a monolithic structure made from a single material that includes a wiper element and a compressible spring element extending from the wiper element. The spring element is designed as a cantilevered arm and provides a sealing pressure to the wiper element. The wiper seal may further include a rib element as part of the monolithic structure that vertically extends the wiper element towards the spring element. The rib element assists in preventing over-compression of the cantilevered arm and in preventing tangling of a plurality of wiper seals during handling and shipping. The wiper seal is provided at the tip of each rotor vane and/or stator lobe of a vane-type camshaft phaser for varying the timing of combustion valves in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A tubular vaporizer for vaporizing volatile liquids, and especially hydrocarbon fuels. Liquid fuel is passed into the vaporizer tube, is vaporized by heat transferred through fuel contact with the hot walls, and vaporized fuel exits the vaporizer tube. A hot carrier air stream is passed through the vaporizer with the vaporized fuel, greatly reducing the rate of buildup of deposits on the vaporizer walls; however, fueling of the vaporizer eventually must be shut down to remove the deposits. The deposits are easily removed, and the vaporizer tube completely regenerated, by passing hot air alone through the tube for a period of time. In a preferred embodiment, two parallel-path vaporization tubes and switching means therebetween are provided for alternate use and regeneration cycles, affording a continuous flow of vaporized fuel from the apparatus. The vaporizer is especially useful in providing gaseous fuel for a catalytic hydrocarbon reformer.

Abstract: A process for removing contaminants from a reformer comprises removal of particulate matter under operating, or stand-by conditions, or at the start of a shutdown procedure, by introducing a gas mixture to the reformer system having an oxidant-to-fuel ratio concentration leaner than a normal oxidant-to-fuel ratio concentration and at a gas flow rate less than a peak flow rate. The process produces elevated temperatures at the reformer inlet and elevated levels of carbon dioxide and water that combine to remove the contaminants. Another embodiment includes removal of particulate matter during a shutdown procedure by cycling the flow of fuel and air on and off; monitoring an exit temperature of a catalyst substrate and alternatively, cycling the oxidant flow on and off when the exit temperature is less than or greater than a threshold temperature such that the exit temperature of the catalyst substrate is maintained below the temperature at which aging of the catalyst and/or a washcoat material may occur.

Abstract: A process for removing contaminants from a reformer comprises removal of particulate matter under operating, or stand-by conditions, or at the start of a shutdown procedure, by introducing a gas mixture to the reformer system having an oxidant-to-fuel ratio concentration leaner than a normal oxidant-to-fuel ratio concentration and at a gas flow rate less than a peak flow rate. The process produces elevated temperatures at the reformer inlet and elevated levels of carbon dioxide and water that combine to remove the contaminants. Another embodiment includes removal of particulate matter during a shutdown procedure by cycling the flow of fuel and air on and off; monitoring an exit temperature of a catalyst substrate and alternatively, cycling the oxidant flow on and off when the exit temperature is less than or greater than a threshold temperature such that the exit temperature of the catalyst substrate is maintained below the temperature at which aging of the catalyst and/or a washcoat material may occur.