Abstract: A fuel cell system including a hydrocarbon fuel stream including a sulfur compound; a passive sorbent bed including a selective sulfur sorbent configured to remove the sulfur compound from the hydrocarbon fuel stream; a SCSO reactor, and an active sorbent bed comprising a sulfur oxide sorbent, wherein the active sorbet bed is configured to receive an effluent stream from the SCSO reactor and remove at least a portion of the sulfur oxides via the sulfur oxide sorbent. During start-up of the fuel cell system, the hydrocarbon fuel stream may be directed along a first flow pathway through the passive sorbent bed to remove the sulfur compound from the fuel stream during a first time period and then directed along a second flow pathway during a second time period that does not pass through the passive sorbent bed, e.g., once the SCSO reactor/active sorbent bed have reached operating temperature.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique reducing gas generator. Another embodiment is a unique method for generating a reducing gas. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for generating reducing gas. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator that may be used for startup and shutdown of a fuel cell. In one non-limiting embodiment, the gas generator may include a nitrogen generator structured to receive air, extract oxygen (O2) from the air and discharge the balance in the form of a nitrogen-rich gas; a merging chamber structured to receive a hydrocarbon fuel and the nitrogen-rich gas and to discharge a feed mixture containing both the hydrocarbon fuel and the nitrogen-rich gas; and a catalytic reactor structured to receive the feed mixture and to catalytically convert the feed mixture into a reducing gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator that may be used for startup and shutdown of a fuel cell. In one non-limiting embodiment, the gas generator may include a nitrogen generator structured to receive air, extract oxygen (O2) from the air and discharge the balance in the form of a nitrogen-rich gas; a merging chamber structured to receive a hydrocarbon fuel and the nitrogen-rich gas and to discharge a feed mixture containing both the hydrocarbon fuel and the nitrogen-rich gas; and a catalytic reactor structured to receive the feed mixture and to catalytically convert the feed mixture into a reducing gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for generating a gas that may be used for startup and shutdown of a fuel cell. In a non-limiting embodiment, the method may include generating a nitrogen-rich stream; merging the nitrogen-rich stream with a hydrocarbon fuel stream into a feed mixture stream; and catalytically converting the feed mixture into a reducing gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for generating a gas that may be used for startup and shutdown of a fuel cell. In a non-limiting embodiment, the method may include generating a nitrogen-rich stream; merging the nitrogen-rich stream with a hydrocarbon fuel stream into a feed mixture stream; and catalytically converting the feed mixture into a reducing gas.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique reducing gas generator. Another embodiment is a unique method for generating a reducing gas. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for generating reducing gas. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for generating a gas that may be used for startup and shutdown of a fuel cell. In a non-limiting embodiment, the method may include generating a nitrogen-rich stream; merging the nitrogen-rich stream with a hydrocarbon fuel stream into a feed mixture stream; and catalytically converting the feed mixture into a reducing gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator that may be used for startup and shutdown of a fuel cell. In one non-limiting embodiment, the gas generator may include a nitrogen generator structured to receive air, extract oxygen (O2) from the air and discharge the balance in the form of a nitrogen-rich gas; a merging chamber structured to receive a hydrocarbon fuel and the nitrogen-rich gas and to discharge a feed mixture containing both the hydrocarbon fuel and the nitrogen-rich gas; and a catalytic reactor structured to receive the feed mixture and to catalytically convert the feed mixture into a reducing gas.

Abstract: A comprehensive method to train and aid manufacturers in identifying inefficiencies in product manufacturing processes and in improving such processes. The method includes placing individuals in roles associated with a complete manufacturing operation from supply acquisition through to product delivery in the simulation of a product to be made. The method includes a set of tools describing individual stages of the complete manufacturing process but with all tools related to the common simulation. The individuals carry out their roles in the steps of the production simulation and their roles may be varied. This comprehensive method aids individuals in the observation and correction of wasteful production activities from the supply chain through manufacturing and back-end functions.

Abstract: A system and related method to train and aid manufacturers in identifying inefficiencies in product manufacturing processes and in improving such processes. The method includes an evaluation of an existing manufacturing operation and one or more training sessions to train representatives of the manufacturing organization in process improvement methods. The training session includes a manufacturing process simulation and customizable presentation materials. The system and method further include value stream mapping to identify the value of process improvements made, and a plan and means for implementing the process improvements. The system includes detailed forms, templates, and instructions for alternative means, selectable by a manufacturer, to implement the improvements. The system and method further include a process and means for following up on the implementation of the process improvements.

Abstract: In the finishing of dry wall-board surfaces at joints and outside and inside corners by applying joint compounds, by taping thereover and by applying wipe-off tools for removal of excess compound applied and feathering of the tape edges either simultaneously or otherwise, the improvement which comprises using a cellular or cellulosic sponge roller having an operative peripheral sleeve circular in profile and adapted to pick up and distribute said compound in the application thereof.