Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for the combustion of methane. The apparatus promotes the reformation of methane and oxygen in fuel-rich proportions into carbon monoxide and hydrogen and residual methane. The carbon monoxide, hydrogen and residual methane is then combined with oxidant in fuel lean proportions to continue oxidation in a porous media that absorbs some of the heat of oxidation and radiates the heat as infrared radiation.

Abstract: A method is taught for oxidatively reforming a fuel that is part of a fuel rich feed stream. The method involves the catalytic partial oxidation of a portion of the fuel followed by the catalytic reforming of a portion of the fuel. The method is conducted within a single catalytic bed wherein the feed stream experiences a generally decreasing mass flux as it passes therethrough. An optional step referred to as equilibration may occur after the conclusion of the catalytic reforming. An apparatus incorporating the method is a catalytic bed wherein the area of the entrance and exit are sized such that partial oxidation and reforming occurs within portions of the catalytic bed and the mass flux of a feed stream therethrough will generally decrease.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and a system for the gasification of a liquid fuel and includes providing a supply of a liquid fuel and an oxidant, atomizing the liquid fuel and mixing it with the oxidant, catalytically reacting the fuel oxidant mixture, and providing an ignition source for initiating the catalytic reaction. A hydrocarbon fuel can be mixed with oxygen, as a constituent of air, preferably forming a fuel rich fuel air mixture that passes through a catalytic reactor having an ultra-short channel length metal monolith substrate. The fuel air mixture is vaporized and partially oxidized.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a method for improving the selectivity of a desired chemical reaction over an undesired chemical reaction utilizing a reactor having at least one channel having a catalyst positioned thereon and a presenting a reactant flow stream at a known flow rate and inlet temperature over the catalyst at a velocity such that a boundary layer formed thereby relative to said catalytic surface defines a thickness that is sufficiently less than the thickness of a fully developed boundary layer over said catalytic surface whereby the desired chemical reaction occurs preferentially over the undesired chemical reaction.

Abstract: A method to reduce the lightoff temperature of a catalyst. In the method, the working fluid (the fuel and oxidant to be reacted in the presence of the catalyst) is supplemented with a starter fluid at least until the lightoff temperature of the catalyst is reached. Preferably, the amount of starter fuel added is sufficiently small such that a reaction of the starter fuel and oxidant in the presence of the catalyst does not have a sufficient heat release to raise the temperature of the catalyst to the lightoff temperature.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for use therewith for the combustion of methane. The method employs reformation of methane and oxygen in fuel-rich proportions into carbon monoxide and hydrogen and residual methane. The carbon monoxide, hydrogen and residual methane is then combined with oxidant in fuel lean proportions to continue oxidation in a porous media that absorbs some of the heat of oxidation and radiates the heat as infrared radiation.