Abstract: A startup burner for rapidly heating a catalyst in a reformer, as well as related methods and modules, is disclosed.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a temperature profile within a preferential oxidation reactor is controlled using a two phase water/steam system to provide a temperature range within the reactor (10) which favors the selective oxidation of CO in a hydrogen rich reformate stream. The reformate is flowed in a mixture with oxygen over a preferential oxidation catalyst (17). The temperature profile is controlled by flowing a stream of water proximate to the preferential oxidation catalyst (17) so as the stream of water and the reformate stream passing over the catalyst (17) are in a heat transfer arrangement. The stream of water is maintained as a two phase stream from a point at which the water reaches its boiling temperature to a point proximate an outlet from which the stream of water exits the reactor (10).

Abstract: A hydrocarbon fuel processing reactor for generating a hydrogen-enriched reformate from hydrocarbons is disclosed. A plurality of shells are arranged coaxially having a gap defined between each of the successive shells, thereby forming a plurality of coaxial zones. The shells are configured to permit heat transfer from one zone to another. Fluid streams for reactions within the reactor are preheated by heat transfer from adjacent zones.

Abstract: Devices for cooling and humidifying a reformate stream from a reforming reactor as well as related methods, modules and systems includes a heat exchanger and a sprayer. The heat exchanger has an inlet, an outlet, and a conduit between the inlet and the outlet. The heat exchanger is adapted to allow a flow of a first fluid (e.g. water) inside the conduit and to establish a heat exchange relationship between the first fluid and a second fluid (e.g. reformate from a reforming reactor) flowing outside the conduit. The sprayer is coupled to the outlet of the heat exchanger for spraying the first fluid exiting the heat exchanger into the second fluid.

Abstract: Perforated fins are provided to improve the capabilities of fin and tube type heat exchangers, and to adapt them for flow outside of the tube that is essentially parallel to the axis of the tube. The fins are made of a thermally conductive material, such as metal, with perforations in the fins. Fins can be of any shape. Typically, one or more tubes or binding posts pass through the fins. The fins are attached to the tube or post by press fitting, furnace or torch brazing, welding, or other method of mechanical bonding. The perforations allow heat exchange with the contents of a tube of a fluid flowing essentially parallel to the axis of the tube, in contrast to conventional fin-tube heat exchangers. The fins may also be bonded to a post or other securing means and inserted into the inside of a tube or other hollow body to improve efficiency of heat exchange. In addition, the fins may carry a catalyst, optionally carried on a washcoat or similar treatment to increase surface area.

Abstract: A modular fuel reformer comprising a fuel reformer assembly having a cavity; a removable carrier comprising at least one fuel reformer module, the carrier connecting to the fuel reformer assembly to enclose the at least one module within the cavity; and a connector engageable to secure the carrier and the fuel reformer assembly in fluid-tight relationship and easily disengageable to permit removal of the carrier from the fuel reformer assembly. Any suitable connector can be employed to removably secure the carrier to the fuel reformer assembly, such as a flange with bolt holes, clamps, latches, retaining springs, a threaded connection, nuts and studs, pins, bayonet-type engagements, retaining rings, a chuck or collet, a crimped disposable connector, or any combinations of these.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a temperature profile within a preferential oxidation reactor is controlled using a two phase water/steam system to provide a temperature range within the reactor (10) which favors the selective oxidation of CO in a hydrogen rich reformate stream. The reformate is flowed in a mixture with oxygen over a preferential oxidation catalyst (17). The temperature profile is controlled by flowing a stream of water proximate to the preferential oxidation catalyst (17) so as the stream of water and the reformate stream passing over the catalyst (17) are in a heat transfer arrangement. The stream of water is maintained as a two phase stream from a point at which the water reaches its boiling temperature to a point proximate an outlet from which the stream of water exits the reactor (10).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a coupling assembly for sealingly coupling a first tube and a second tube. The coupling assembly comprises a first and a second tubular fitting, a flange on the first tubular fitting, a flange on the second tubular fitting, and a gasket. The assembly is preferably sealed by a clamp. The first tubular fitting has a proximal end for receiving a first tube and a distal end bearing the flange. The flange has a protective ridge thereon which extends outwardly from the flange. The second tubular fitting also has a proximal end for receiving a second tube and a distal end for bearing a flange. The flange of the second tubular fitting has a recess therein which is non-contiguous to the inside of the second tubular fitting. The ridge of the flange of the first tubular fitting projects into the recess of the flange of the second tubular fitting to form a close fit and partially filling the depth of the recess to form a gasket space.

Abstract: A housing containing two or more individual operating components called modules is disclosed. The modules themselves are independently contained in one or more vessels with attendant connectivity structures such as pipes, tubes, wires and the like. Each such vessel or device is configured to conduct at least one unit reaction or operation necessary or desired for generating or purifying a hydrogen enriched product gas formed from a hydrocarbon feed stock. Any vessel or zone in which such a unit operation is conducted, and is separately housed with respect at least one other vessel or zone for conducting a unit operation, is considered a module.

Abstract: Perforated fins are provided to improve the capabilities of fin and tube type heat exchangers, and to adapt them for flow outside of the tube that is essentially parallel to the axis of the tube. The fins are made of a thermally conductive material, such as metal, with perforations in the fins. Fins can be of any shape. Typically, one or more tubes or binding posts pass through the fins. The fins are attached to the tube or post by press fitting, furnace or torch brazing, welding, or other method of mechanical bonding. The perforations allow heat exchange with the contents of a tube of a fluid flowing essentially parallel to the axis of the tube, in contrast to conventional fin-tube heat exchangers. The fins may also be bonded to a post or other securing means and inserted into the inside of a tube or other hollow body to improve efficiency of heat exchange. In addition, the fins may carry a catalyst, optionally carried on a washcoat or similar treatment to increase surface area.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon fuel processing reactor for generating a hydrogen-enriched reformate from hydrocarbons is disclosed. A plurality of shells are arranged coaxially having a gap defined between each of the successive shells, thereby forming a plurality of coaxial zones. The shells are configured to permit heat transfer from one zone to another. Fluid streams for reactions within the reactor are preheated by heat transfer from adjacent zones.