Abstract: liquid fuel reformer apparatus includes a reactor tube having at a first end and injector for introducing droplets of liquid fuel and an inlet for introducing an air flow, and at a second end an outlet for discharging a reformate fuel stream. A reforming catalyst for converting the liquid fuel to the reformate fuel stream is disposed within the reactor tube, and at least one regulator member is disposed between the first end of the tube and the catalyst. At least a portion of the regulator member is permeable to the liquid fuel and to air flow.

Abstract: A catalytic reformer assembly and methods of operation, including fast start-up. The reformer assembly includes a reactor for receiving hydrocarbon fuel and air and a reforming catalyst within the reactor for converting the fuel and air to hydrogen-containing reformate. The assembly further includes a heat exchanger that straddles the reformer such that gases entering and leaving the reformer pass through opposite sides of the heat exchanger. A combustor ahead of the heat exchanger includes a first fuel injector and igniter. A fuel/air mixture may be either ignited at start-up to quickly heat both sides of the heat exchanger, the reactor, and the reformer, or passed into the reactor for reforming at steady state. A second fuel injector may be provided in the reactor. The two fuel injectors may have overlapping flow ranges and may be used separately or in tandem to provide a broad range of reformate flow.