Abstract: A reactor for autothermal reforming of hydrocarbons that allows a reduction of excess-air factor ? during the reforming without resulting in a reduced conversion of the hydrocarbons in an end region of the reaction zone. The reactor includes at least one reaction zone in which is arranged at least one catalyst structure for the reformation so that the educts involved in the reformation are converted while flowing through the reaction zone. A heating device is included for heating the end region of the reaction zone to accelerate the conversion of the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method for the autothermal reforming of a hydrocarbon, in particular of diesel, includes introducing a combustible mixture of the hydrocarbon to be reformed and an oxygen-containing medium into a first reaction zone of a reformer, A gas-phase reaction is ignited. After an operating temperature required for the autothermal reforming process is reached, water or a water-containing medium is introduced into the first reaction zone, and the water content is increased until the conditions for the reforming process of the hydrocarbon prevail. The reforming process then takes place predominantly in a second reaction zone.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification device in a vehicle, wherein a reforming reactor is provided for extraction of hydrogen from fuel and the hydrogen is supplied to an exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine upstream of the exhaust gas catalytic converter, wherein the reforming reactor includes a supply device for oxygen and/or water, wherein the reforming reactor is connected with a side branch of the exhaust gas conduit and wherein oxygen and water for reforming are supplied in the form of an exhaust gas partial stream via the side branch.

Abstract: A reactor for autothermal reforming of hydrocarbons that allows a reduction of excess-air factor &phgr; during the reforming without resulting in a reduced conversion of the hydrocarbons in an end region of the reaction zone. The reactor includes at least one reaction zone in which is arranged at least one catalyst structure for the reformation so that the educts involved in the reformation are converted while flowing through the reaction zone. A heating device is included for heating the end region of the reaction zone to accelerate the conversion of the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification device in a vehicle, wherein a reforming reactor is provided for extraction of hydrogen from fuel and the hydrogen is supplied to an exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine upstream of the exhaust gas catalytic converter, wherein the reforming reactor includes a supply device for oxygen and/or water, wherein the reforming reactor is connected with a side branch of the exhaust gas conduit and wherein oxygen and water for reforming are supplied in the form of an exhaust gas partial stream via the side branch.