Abstract: The present invention is directed to reactor apparatus and processes for thermolysis of polypropiolactone to produce highly pure acrylic acid. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the processes comprise introducing a feed stream comprising polypropiolactone to a thermolysis process vessel through an inlet; maintaining a concentration of active salt by adding and removing portions of active salt by at least one inlet and at least one outlet; heating the thermolysis process vessel; and recovering a product including acrylic acid from an outlet. In certain preferred embodiments, the active salt may be present as a catalyst used for polymerization of the polypropiolactone in the feed stream. In some embodiments, one or more active salts may be added to the feed stream and/or the thermolysis process vessel.

Abstract: A system and method for improving air humidification for fuel cell applications includes a fuel cell stack having a cathode inlet and a cathode outlet. The cathode inlet receives an oxidant. A humidifier humidifies the oxidant prior to delivery of the oxidant to the cathode inlet. An injection nozzle is provided, and a volume of water substantially vaporized by the injection nozzle reduces a temperature of the oxidant and increases a water transfer rate of the humidifier. The injection nozzle can be positioned either directly upstream of the humidifier in the oxidant inlet line or in a stack cathode outlet line which is directed into the humidifier.

Abstract: A fuel processor system contains an autothermal reactor (ATR) that produces a hydrogen-rich first gas stream containing carbon monoxide. Downstream of the ATR, a pressure swing adsorber produces a second hydrogen-rich gas stream containing 5 ppm carbon monoxide or more. Downstream of the PSA, there is a methanation reactor sized to reduce the CO level of the second stream below 5 ppm. A method of operating of proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack involves cooling the methanator output and feeding it into the stack as an anode fuel.

Abstract: A fuel processor system is provided including an autothermal reactor (ATR), a pressure swing adsorber (PSA) located downstream of the ATR, and a methanation reactor located downstream of the PSA. A method of operating of proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack involves cooling the methanator output and feeding it into the stack as an anode fuel.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device for an electrochemical conversion assembly. In one embodiment, the electrochemical conversion assembly is a fuel cell system. The device includes one or more fluid-manipulating components combined into a housing to minimize weight, size and complexity. In one form, the device may include a compressor, heat exchanger and a water vapor transfer unit, at least the latter two of which are located within a chamber defined by the housing. A controller can be used to monitor and selectively vary the extent to which at least one of these components modifies properties a fluid (such as air) that can be used as a reactant in the electrochemical conversion assembly. In a particular form, the heat exchanger and water vapor transfer unit can cooperate to promote the hydration of the reactant.

Abstract: A system and method for improving air humidification for fuel cell applications includes a fuel cell stack having a cathode inlet and a cathode outlet. The cathode inlet receives an oxidant. A humidifier humidifies the oxidant prior to delivery of the oxidant to the cathode inlet. An injection nozzle is provided, and a volume of water substantially vaporized by the injection nozzle reduces a temperature of the oxidant and increases a water transfer rate of the humidifier. The injection nozzle can be positioned either directly upstream of the humidifier in the oxidant inlet line or in a stack cathode outlet line which is directed into the humidifier.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anti-decoupling mechanism for maintaining the assembly of sets of tubular components using rotating coupling nuts such as circular electrical connectors. To accomplish this, a multiplicity of detent slots (teeth) engage a multiplicity of flexible detent tooth engaging members—from one such member in the mechanism up to one for each tooth in the mechanism. The geometry, multiplicity, and spacing of the detent components allows on the order of 47 or more locked positions on a tooth ring 0.6 inches in average diameter at the teeth. Adding a second set of teeth utilizing a second direction of flex of the flexible detent tooth engaging members (circumferential) can double this amount. By compound sloping of the detent teeth the mechanism takes advantage of the natural axial motion of the coupling nut to increase but limit the force on the flexible detent tooth engaging members as the components are progressively mated and thereby beneficially altering the torque required to rotate the coupling nut.

Abstract: A fuel processor system contains an autothermal reactor (ATR) that produces a hydrogen-rich first gas stream containing carbon monoxide. Downstream of the ATR, a pressure swing adsorber produces a second hydrogen-rich gas stream containing 5 ppm carbon monoxide or more. Downstream of the PSA, there is a methanation reactor sized to reduce the CO level of the second stream below 5 ppm. A method of operating of proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack involves cooling the methanator output and feeding it into the stack as an anode fuel.

Abstract: A PSA unit for purifying hydrogen in a fuel processor system. The PSA unit employs rotary valves that cycle the pressurization of vessels, including an adsorbent, between a high pressure state and a low pressure state. The purified hydrogen is released from the vessels through a purified gas output port when the vessels are in the high pressure state and the impurities are released through an exhaust port when the vessels are in the low pressure state. The PSA unit also employs a mass flow control device and a pressure sensor in the purified gas output port. A controller receives a pressure signal from the pressure sensor, and controls the flow through the mass flow control device and the speed of the rotary valves so that the proper pressure is maintained at the hydrogen output port.