Abstract: A reformer includes: a reformer container in which a reforming chamber having a substantially annular space filled with a reforming catalyst is defined; a heater disposed substantially on a center axis of the reformer container; and a circular portion having a plurality of double-pipe structures each of which includes: a feed pipe connected to a first axial end of the reformer container for feeding the material gas to a first axial end of the reforming chamber; and a return pipe substantially coaxially fitted into the feed pipe such that its first end penetrates the reforming chamber and opens in a vicinity of a second axial end within the reforming chamber so as to allow the reformate generated by reforming the material gas to flow thereunto. The reformer provides an efficient and stable reforming treatment with a simplified structure.

Abstract: Materials for tamping battery mix, composed of an intermetallic compound of CoTi or Co-Ti binary alloy having a composition near the intermetallic compound or composed of the intermetallic compound in which part of the constituents are replaced by other elements and having excellent wear resistance and burning resistance as well as corrosion resistance against the battery mix.