Abstract: A catalyst that can be used for the production of hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels in steam reforming processes contains an active metal of, e.g., at least one of Ir, Pt and Pd, on a catalyst support of, e.g., at least one of monoclinic zirconia and an alkaline-earth metal hexaaluminate. The catalyst exhibits improved activity, stability in both air and reducing atmospheres, and sulfur tolerance.

Abstract: A catalyst that can be used for the production of hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels in steam reforming processes contains an active metal of, e.g., at least one of Ir, Pt and Pd, on a catalyst support of, e.g., at least one of monoclinic zirconia and an alkaline-earth metal hexaaluminate. The catalyst exhibits improved activity, stability in both air and reducing atmospheres, and sulfur tolerance.

Abstract: A catalyst that can be used for the production of hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels in steam reforming processes contains an active metal of, e.g., at least one of Ir, Pt and Pd, on a catalyst support of, e.g., at least one of monoclinic zirconia and an alkaline-earth metal hexaaluminate. The catalyst exhibits improved activity, stability in both air and reducing atmospheres, and sulfur tolerance.

Abstract: A catalyst that can be used for the production of hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels in steam reforming processes contains an active metal of, e.g., at least one of Ir, Pt and Pd, on a catalyst support of, e.g., at least one of monoclinic zirconia and an alkaline-earth metal hexaaluminate. The catalyst exhibits improved activity, stability in both air and reducing atmospheres, and sulfur tolerance.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption process including the step of separating a gas mixture by absorbing at least one gas component in an adsorbent mass provided within each vessel of a plurality of vessels. The separating step has a single pressure equalization cycle. The separating step is preferably performed with only four valves per vessel of the plurality of vessels. Additionally, a pressure swing adsorption system of the invention includes a plurality of vessels each containing therein an adsorbent mass configured to separate a gas mixture by absorbing at least one gas component in said adsorbent mass, where the system is configured to separate the gas mixture using a single pressure equalization cycle and includes only four valves per vessel of the plurality of vessels.

Abstract: A catalyst that can be used for the production of hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels in steam reforming processes contains an active metal of, e.g., at least one of Ir, Pt and Pd, on a catalyst support of, e.g., at least one of monoclinic zirconia and an alkaline-earth metal hexaaluminate. The catalyst exhibits improved activity, stability in both air and reducing atmospheres, and sulfur tolerance.

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus including a housing, a first array of fluid conduits provided within the housing, and a second array of fluid conduits provided within the housing. The first and second arrays of fluid conduits are configured to carry a first fluid. The heat exchange apparatus also includes a first fluid passageway provided within the housing, where the first fluid passageway is defined by an internal surface of the housing and by a baffle plate. The first fluid passageway is configured to carry a second fluid. The baffle plate is configured to divide the first fluid passageway into a first flow path and a second flow path, where the first array of fluid conduits extends through the first flow path and the second array of fluid conduits extends through the second flow path.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system including a first group of PSA modules having a plurality of first PSA modules, and a second group of PSA modules having a plurality of second PSA modules. The system includes a feed gas manifold, a product manifold, and a waste manifold connected to the first PSA modules and the second PSA modules. Each first PSA module operates on a first PSA cycle in synchronization with the other first PSA modules, and each second PSA module operates on a second PSA cycle in synchronization with the other second PSA modules. The first PSA cycle is offset from the second PSA cycle. The PSA modules include a plurality of pressurized adsorbent chambers, an inlet manifold, and an outlet manifold. A rigid structure is provided that connects the inlet manifold to the outlet manifold, and structurally joins the inlet and outlet manifolds to the adsorbent chambers.