Abstract: A reactor/purifier for generating pure hydrogen in a stack or array of pairs of alternatingly connected high and low pressure reactor chambers wherein a gas-porous turbulence-promoting screen structure washcoated with a steam-reforming catalyst is sandwiched between a planar hydrogen-selective palladium alloy membrane and a planar gas-impermeable heat-conducting metal plate within the high pressure reactor chamber of each high pressure reactor chamber; and wherein the catalyst-coated structure in each high pressure chamber is reacted with steam and hydrocarbon fuel, such as methane or syn/gas, and/or carbon monoxide at an appropriately controlled temperature of between about 200° C. to 650° C. to produce hydrogen and carbon oxides within an isothermal temperature range in each high pressure reactor chamber, while simultaneously permeating pure hydrogen therefrom through the membrane into the corresponding connected low pressure reactor chamber.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is set forth for packaging substrates in a monolith reactor, wherein the substrates are positioned in a stacked relationship along a longitudinal axis of the reactor housing. The stack of substrates is supported in a fixed position at the bottom of the stack, and the upper end of the stack is provided with a predetermined constant compression to not only compensate for different expansions between the stacked substrates and the reactor housing, but also to hold the stacked assemblies together in a tight relationship so as to prevent deleterious vibration of the substrates. The compression is preferably applied by spring-loaded means, which may be adjusted by threading a nut against the loading spring.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method for producing a gas treatment device includes disposing a mat support material about a substrate to form a subassembly; passing at least a portion of the subassembly into a main body portion of a housing that has a first portion having a decreasing internal diameter from a first end to the main body portion, the main body portion extending from the first portion.

Abstract: An autothermal reformer according to the principles of the present invention comprises a first stage that selectively receives a fuel flow, a first oxidant flow, and a steam flow. The first stage has a first portion of a catalyst bed. The fluids within the first stage are routed through the first portion of the catalyst bed and react. There is a second stage downstream from and communicating with the first stage. The second stage receives the fluids from the first stage and also selectively receives a second oxidant flow. The second oxidant flow and the fluids received from the first stage flow through a second portion of a catalyst bed and further react.

Abstract: A canning structure comprises a ceramic honeycomb structure before carrying a catalyst, fixed beforehand within a metal case by a holding material. An impermeable layer is provided on at least one edge plane in the longitudinal direction of the holding material. Thus, the holding material does not carry expensive catalyst at the time of carrying catalyst, and accordingly chipping and cracking of the ceramic honeycomb structure can be prevented at the time of transporting, the catalyst carrying process, the canning process, and handling in each of the processes.

Abstract: A method of main reformer startup is disclosed. The method comprises introducing a first supply of fuel and a first supply of air into a micro-reformer. The first supply of fuel is increased to produce a heated reformate in the micro-reformer. The heated reformate is directed through a main reformer in order to heat the main reformer. At least a portion of the heated reformate is burned in the main reformer. A second supply of fuel and a second supply of air is introduced into the main reformer to produce a main supply of reformate. A method for maintaining a vehicle device in standby condition is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst and a process for the autothermal, catalytic steam reforming of hydrocarbons using the catalyst. The catalyst has a multilayer structure and comprises a lower catalyst layer located directly on a support body and an upper catalyst layer located on the lower catalyst layer, with the lower catalyst layer preferentially catalysing the partial oxidation and the upper catalyst layer preferentially catalysing steam reforming. In a further embodiment, a three-layer catalyst having a further catalyst layer for the carbon monoxide conversion (water gas shift reaction) is described. Each catalyst layer comprises at least one platinum group metal on an oxidic support material. The steam reforming process is carried out in an adiabatic process by passing a feed mixture of hydrocarbons, oxygen and water or water vapour which has been heated to a preheating temperature over the multilayer catalyst.

Abstract: A hydrogen-rich reformate gas generator (36), such as a mini-CPO, POX, ATR or other hydrogen generator provides warm, dry, hydrogen-rich reformate gas to a hydrogen desulfurizer (17) which provides desulfurized feedstock gas to a major reformer (14) (such as a CPO) which, after processing in a water-gas shift reactor (26) and preferential CO oxidizer (27) produces hydrogen-containing reformate in a line (31) for use, for instance, as fuel for a fuel cell power plant. The expensive prior art hydrogen blower (30) is thereby eliminated, thus reducing parasitic power losses in the power plant. The drier reformate provided by the small hydrogen generator to the hydrogen desulfurizer favors hydrogen sulfide adsorption on zinc oxide and helps to reduce sulfur to the parts per billion level.

Abstract: Methanol steam reforming catalysts, and steam reformers and fuel cell systems incorporating the same. In some embodiments, the methanol steam reforming catalyst includes zinc oxide as an active component. In some embodiments, the methanol steam reforming catalyst further includes at least one of chromium oxide and calcium aluminate. In some embodiments, the methanol steam reforming catalyst is not pyrophoric. Similarly, in some embodiments, steam reformers including a reforming catalyst according to the present disclosure may include an air-permeable or air-accessible reforming catalyst bed. In some embodiments, the methanol steam reforming catalyst is not reduced during use. In some embodiments, the methanol reforming catalysts are not active at temperatures below 275° C. In some embodiments, the methanol steam reforming catalyst includes a sulfur-absorbent material. Steam reformers, reforming systems, fuel cell systems and methods of using the reforming catalysts are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating oxygen from an oxygen-containing gas and facilitating a chemical reaction with the separated oxygen includes a mixed conducting membrane, a porous body, and a material for catalyzing the reaction. The mixed conducting membrane has respective oxidation and reduction surfaces and is made of a non-porous, gas-impermeable, solid material capable of simultaneously conducting oxygen ions and electrons. At least the membrane and the catalyzing material are non-reactive with each other or are physically separated from each other during oxygen separation and the chemical reaction. The apparatus can be embodied by tubes, and a plurality of such tubes can form part of a reaction vessel in which various chemical reactions can occur benefiting from the apparatus design.

Abstract: Provided are improved carbon monoxide removal articles and processes for treating hydrogen gas streams to achieve very low threshold levels of carbon monoxide. The articles have a substrate with an inlet end, an outlet end, a length extending between the inlet end to the outlet end, wall elements and a plurality of cells defined by the wall elements. A first layer is deposited on the wall elements from the inlet end and extending at least partially toward the outlet end. The first layer has a preferential carbon monoxide oxidation catalyst. A second layer contains a methanation catalyst, and is deposited on at least part of the first layer from the outlet end. The second layer has a length that is about 10–70% of the substrate length.

Abstract: A combination comprising a bed of a particulate copper-containing catalyst bed, a guard bed in the form of shaped units formed from lead carbonate and/or basic lead carbonate particles having an average (by volume) particle size below 100 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in a system for the generation of hydrogen by contacting an aqueous solution of a metal hydride salt with a hydrogen generation catalyst. In particular, the present invention relates to the incorporation within the system of a recycle line of water condensed from the fluid product to the feed line to be contacted with the catalyst. the internal recycle line permits the use of a more concentrated solution of metal hydride as it is diluted by the recycle line prior to contact with the catalyst.

Abstract: A vehicular atmosphere cleansing system utilizes a regenerative wheel having flow channels extending through the wheel coated with an adsorbant. An atmosphere stream passes through a first position dependent portion of the wheel where VOC's including HC's are adsorbed while a heated atmosphere stream passes through a second position dependent regenerative portion of the wheel whereat VOC's are desorbed. The adsorbant is activated carbon having particles of micropore size adhered to the substrate by a silicone binder producing high adsorption efficiencies while withstanding relatively high regenerative heat temperatures resulting from exhaust gas sensible heat. A hydrocarbon senses HC in the desorbed heated atmosphere stream to rotatively and sequentially index pie shaped, segmented portions of the wheel into the wheel's regenerative region while also functioning as the main component of an OBD device for the system.

Abstract: A monolith for imparting swirl to a gas stream includes a stack of alternating flat and corrugated strips defining channels for gas flow. The strips are attached, at an angle, to a carrier. Also, the corrugations of the corrugated strips may be skewed. The carrier defines a cylindrical shell for the strips, and the strips extend from the carrier to a central region. The strips are curved, typically having substantially the shape of involutes, and substantially fill the space between the central region and the shell. Due to the angle of attachment between the strips and the carrier, the gas flow channels are oriented in different directions, at different locations on the outlet face of the monolith. This structure therefore imparts swirl to gas flowing through the monolith.

Abstract: The present invention improves the start-up characteristics of a fuel gas generating apparatus for a fuel cell comprising a reformer. In a fuel gas generating apparatus 1 for a fuel cell comprising a vaporizer 22 that generates a fuel vapor by vaporizing a raw liquid fuel, a reformer 11 that generates a reforming gas that includes hydrogen from the raw fuel gas that has been partially oxidized by adding reforming air to the fuel vapor generated by the vaporizer 22, and a CO eliminator 13 that generates a fuel gas having carbon monoxide eliminated by adding a CO eliminating air to the reforming gas generated by the reformer 11, the supplied amount of the reforming air during the warm-up of the fuel gas generating apparatus for a fuel cell is larger than the supplied amount of reforming air during idle operation after completion of the warm-up.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator including a three-dimensional multilayer ceramic carrier structure defining a fuel reformer. The reformer includes a vaporization zone and a reaction zone including a catalyst. The reformer is operational as either a steam reformer, a partial oxidation reformer or an autothermal reformer. The fuel reformer, or processor, further includes an inlet channel for liquid fuel and an outlet channel for hydrogen enriched gas. The fuel processor is formed utilizing multi-layer ceramic technology in which thin ceramic layers are assembled then sintered to provide miniature dimensions in which the encapsulated catalyst converts or reforms inlet fuel into a hydrogen enriched gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning crude terephthalic acid by means of catalytic, hydrogenating aftertreatment using a catalyst material containing at least one hydrogenation metal applied to a carbon carrier consisting of carbon fibres. The invention also relates to a catalyst consisting of the at least one catalyst material containing the at least one hydrogenation metal applied to the carbon fibres, the BET surface of the carbon carrier being <500 m2/g, and a monolithic catalyst consisting of said at least one catalyst material containing the at least one hydrogenation material applied to the carbon fibres, and at least one support element or skeleton element which differs from the catalyst material and is connected to the same, said element mechanically supporting the catalyst material and maintaining the same in a monolithic form.

Abstract: A device for distributing fluid into a monolith bed includes a plurality of flow channels stacked in order of decreasing diameter. The flow channels successively split a flow stream into a multiple flow streams prior to the flow stream entering the monolith bed.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of reaction zones arranged in a common reaction chamber. The multi-step process includes: providing a fuel to the fuel processor so that as the fuel reacts and forms the hydrogen rich gas, the intermediate gas products pass through each reaction zone as arranged in the reactor to produce the hydrogen rich gas.

Abstract: A reactor with a catalyst bed having a central longitudinal axis, which catalyst bed has an upstream surface perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis, and a distribution chamber for directing a gaseous mixture of reactants to the upstream surface of the catalyst bed, which distribution chamber has an inlet for tangentially introducing the mixture into the distribution chamber, the distribution chamber being defined by the upstream surface of the catalyst bed, a side surface having a central longitudinal axis that coincides with the central longitudinal axis of the catalyst bed, and a covering surface formed such that the distance between the upstream surface of the catalyst bed and the covering surface is monotonically decreasing towards the central longitudinal axis. The invention further relates to a fuel cell system having such a reactor and a fuel cell and to a process for the catalytic oxidation of a hydrocarbonaceous fuel using such a reactor.

Abstract: The invention is a process and device for exchanging heat energy between three or more streams in a microchannel heat exchanger which can be integrated with a microchannel reactor to form an integrated microchannel processing unit. The invention enables the combining of a plurality of integrated microchannel devices to provide the benefits of large-scale operation. In particular, the microchannel heat exchanger of the present invention enables flexible heat transfer between multiple streams and total heat transfer rates of about 1 Watt or more per core unit volume expressed as W/cc.

Abstract: A reactor for generating moisture wherein ignition of hydrogen gas, backfire to the gas supply source side, the peeling off of the platinum coat catalyst layer inside are prevented more completely to further increase the safety of the reactor for generating moisture and wherein the dead space in the interior space is reduced to further reduce the size of the reactor shell.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage tank has an outer cylinder and a cylindrical hydrogen storage module within the outer cylinder spaced apart from an inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder to provide a hydrogen passage therebetween. The cylindrical hydrogen storage module includes a lamination having a plurality of hydrogen storage units filled with powdery hydrogen absorption material and a hydrogen absorption and desorption surface on an entire outer peripheral surface, while interposing a heating/cooling element between ones of adjacent units. First and second main passages penetrate the lamination in a lamination direction of the units, and permit heating fluid and cooling fluid to flow therethrough. Sub passages branch from the main passages and extend over within each of the heating/cooling elements.

Abstract: A device for catalytic treatment of a first fluid medium and for changing heat between the first fluid medium and a second fluid prior to or after the catalytic treatment comprises a plate heat exchanger (1) of the type in which the plates (2) are rigidly interconnected by welding or soldering. A catalyst carrier (21) has been detachably fastened to the plate heat exchanger (1) and protrudes into one of the ports (7) of the exchanger (1).

Abstract: An auxiliary reactor for use with a reformer reactor having at least one reaction zone, and including a burner for burning fuel and creating a heated auxiliary reactor gas stream, and heat exchanger for transferring heat from auxiliary reactor gas stream and heat transfer medium, preferably two-phase water, to reformer reaction zone. Auxiliary reactor may include first cylindrical wall defining a chamber for burning fuel and creating a heated auxiliary reactor gas stream, the chamber having an inlet end, an outlet end, a second cylindrical wall surrounding first wall and a second annular chamber there between. The reactor being configured so heated auxiliary reactor gas flows out the outlet end and into and through second annular chamber and conduit which is disposed in second annular chamber, the conduit adapted to carry heat transfer medium and being connectable to reformer reaction zone for additional heat exchange.

Abstract: The present invention is a chemical reactor for catalytic chemical reactions having gas phase reactants. The chemical reactor has reactor microchannels for flow of at least one reactant and at least one product, and a catalyst material wherein the at least one reactant contacts the catalyst material and reacts to form the at least one product. The improvement, according to the present invention is: the catalyst material is on a porous material having a porosity that resists bulk flow therethrough and permits molecular diffusion therein. The porous material further has a length, a width and a thickness, the porous material defining at least a portion of one wall of a bulk flow path through which the at least one reactant passes.

Abstract: A fuel gas-steam reformer assembly, preferably an autothermal reformer assembly, for use in a fuel cell power plant, includes a catalyst bed which is formed from a cylindrical monolithic open cell foam body. The foam body is preferably formed from a high temperature material such as stainless steel, nickel alloys and iron-aluminum alloys, or from a ceramic material. The foam body includes open cells or pores which are contained within the metal or ceramic lattice. The lattice is coated with a porous wash coat which serves as a high surface area substrate onto which catalysts used in the reformer are applied. The foam body has an inlet end into which a mixture of fuel, steam and air is fed to begin the reforming process. An inlet portion of the foam body may be provided with an iron oxide and/or noble metal catalyst and the remainder of the foam body may be provided with a nickel and/or noble metal catalyst.

Abstract: A special bearing mat (4) is used for mounting and insulating ceramic monoliths (1, 2) in a preferably oval housing (3) of an automobile exhaust system (20), especially for non-round housing cross sections. The bearing mat (4) and/or said housing is/are specially structured and/or chemically treated, especially impregnated at the points which are at risk of eroding (A) in order to increase resistance to erosion. The bearing mat (4) is adapted to suit the functioning of the exhaust system (20) during operation and is especially configured with several layers.

Abstract: An apparatus removes carbon monoxide (CO) from a hydrogen-rich gas stream in a hydrogen fuel cell system. CO fouls costly catalytic particles in the membrane electrode assemblies of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. A vessel houses a carbon monoxide adsorbent. The vessel may be a rotating pressure swing adsorber. A water gas shift reactor is upstream of the rotating pressure swing adsorber. The water gas shift reactor may include a second adsorbent adapted to adsorb carbon monoxide at low temperatures and to desorb carbon monoxide at high temperatures. The apparatus advantageously eliminates the use of a preferential oxidation (PROX) reactor, by providing an apparatus which incorporates CO adsorption in the place of the PROX reactor. This cleans up carbon monoxide without hydrogen consumption and the concomitant, undesirable excess low grade heat generation. The present invention reduces start-up duration, and improves overall fuel processor efficiency during normal operation.

Abstract: A recombination device (1, 1?) for catalytically recombining hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide with oxygen in a gaseous mixture comprises at least one catalyst system (2) in which a housing (4) is mounted through which the gaseous mixture can flow in free convection in the operational phase. According to the invention, said catalyst system (2) is provided with a plurality of sub-areas (T1, T2) in the direction of flow. A first sub-area (T1) comprises in the incoming direction a catalyst body (6) with a surrounding throttle layer (8) for inhibiting the diffusion of the incoming and/or discharged reaction gases. A second sub-area (T2) that adjoins the first sub-area (T1) comprises at least one catalyst body (6) that is directly accessible by the reaction gases.

Abstract: A system and reactor stack for generating hydrogen from a hydride solution in presence of a catalyst. The reactor stack includes a number of reactor plates and separator plates alternate with one another, to define reaction chambers alternating with coolant chambers. Each reactor plate has a first face defining a solution flow field and an opposing second face defining a coolant flow field. Each solution flow field comprises a common reaction chamber and a plurality of channels opening into the common reaction chamber. The catalyst is provided in the common reaction chamber. Each reaction chamber is configured to receive the hydride solution and to bring at least a portion of the hydride solution in contact with the catalyst. Each reaction chamber is in fluid communication with an adjacent reaction chamber and each coolant chamber is in fluid communication with an adjacent coolant chamber.

Abstract: A reactor structure has a heat transfer layer stacking construction with a stack of heat-conductive plate elements which, alternating in the stacking direction, bound one catalyst-filled reactor layer and one tempering layer respectively, adjacent plate elements being connected in a fluid-tight manner on at least two closed side areas. The plate elements on the closed side areas are bent in a U-shape and are arranged with U-side flanks which rest against one another in the stack such that the reactor layers have a larger height than the tempering layers. In addition or as an alternative, heat-conductive corrugated ribs are inserted at least in the reactor layers which are higher than the tempering layers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a preheated micro-reformer system is disclosed comprising a reformer and a micro-reformer in fluid communication with the reformer. The micro-reformer being electrically preheatable. An apparatus comprising a micro-reformer including a first zone and a second zone, the first zone being preheatable to a first temperature and the second zone being preheatable to a second temperature, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature. A method of using a micro-reformer that is electrically preheatable is disclosed comprising initiating an electrically preheatable micro-reformer. The micro-reformer is preheated. The preheating can be accomplished by converting electrical energy into thermal energy. A method of using a preheated micro-reformer is disclosed comprising preheating a first zone, preheating a second zone to a temperature higher than the first zone, vaporizing a fuel air mixture in the first zone, and reforming the fuel air mixture in the second zone.

Abstract: The membrane reactor of the present invention generates a desired gas such as hydrogen produced by steam reforming liquid fuels. The membrane reactor provides thermal integration between the heating source and the reaction catalyst by heat conduction through a solid medium. Pressure energy within the membrane reactor provides compression of the feed to lower the partial pressure of product within the reactor, thereby increasing the membrane reactor effect.

Abstract: A manufacturing process for producing a particulate reactor substrate according to the invention includes the steps of first roll-stamping small, raised dimples into the fabric substrate to control its coiled density. The dimpled fabric then undergoes high temperature firing for hardening and degreasing, and then water quenching to harden the metal which improves heat tolerance. The treated metal weave is then aluminum oxide shot-blasted to etch the fabric surface for improved ceramic coating adhesion and to increase surface area. Next, the fabric is coated with a wet slurry of an undercoating (“wash coat”) prior to spooling and pressing the fabric into individualized cartridges that are held tightly wound by an encircling sleeve. Next, the sleeved spools are oven-fired and then the fired spools are impregnated with the catalytic precious metal. The impregnated sheathed spools are finally oven-fired again and “canned” into an outer enclosure.

Abstract: A reactor for generating moisture wherein ignition of hydrogen gas, backfire to the gas supply source side, and the peeling off of the platinum coat catalyst layer inside are all prevented more completely to further increase the safety of the reactor for generating moisture, and wherein the dead space in the interior space is reduced to further reduce the size of the reactor shell. The reactor has a reactor shell A with an interior space; a reflector on an inlet side facing a gas feed port in the interior space of the reactor; a reflector on an outlet side facing a moisture gas take-out port in the interior space; and a platinum coat catalyst layer 8 formed on an inside wall of a reactor structural component on the outlet side. Hydrogen and oxygen fed into the interior space of the reactor react without combustion.

Abstract: Nonmetallic high-temperature material, such as graphite, CFC or SiC, or components produced from these materials, are joined using the two-stage process. First the structural components are canned and the canning foil is tightly pressed onto the surface contour of the structural components. Then the components are joined to a composite component by forming a material-to-material bond between the metal canning foils. This widens the hitherto highly restricted field of technical application for materials of this type.

Abstract: A ceramic honeycomb filter comprising a ceramic honeycomb structure having porous partition walls defining a plurality of flow paths for flowing an exhaust gas through the porous partition walls to remove particulates from the exhaust gas, wherein one end of each flow path is provided with a sealer, such that sealers of the flow paths in an inlet and an outlet of the ceramic honeycomb structure in a desired pattern; wherein the partition walls have thickness of 0.1-0.5 mm and a porosity of 50-80%; wherein the porosity of the sealers is larger than that of partition walls; and wherein the depth of the sealers is 3-15 mm.

Abstract: A fast light-off catalytic reformer and method includes at least one preferably substantially cylindrical reactor tube having an inlet for receiving a flow of fuel and a flow of air, a reforming catalyst disposed within the reactor tube for converting the fuel and air to a reformate stream, and an outlet for discharging the produced reformate stream. An ignition device disposed within the reactor tube initiates an exothermic reaction between the fuel and air. Heat generated thereby provides fast light-off of the reforming catalyst. An associated control system selects fuel and air flow delivery rates and operates the ignition device to achieve fast light-off of the reforming catalyst at start-up and to maintain the catalyst at a temperature sufficient to optimize reformate yield. The rapid production of high yields of reformate is particularly suitable for use in an on-board reforming strategy for meeting SULEV emissions with spark-ignition engines, especially with larger, higher emitting vehicles.

Abstract: The method for the reformation of fuels, in particular of heating oil (20?) and of another liquid fuel is carried out using an oxygen containing gas (5a, 5b, 21?, 22?). The method includes the following steps: formation of a fuel/gas mixture by dispersing of the fuel in a jet of the oxygen containing gas (21?); additionally an admixture of gas of a return flow (3b) and vaporization of the dispersed fuel; generation of synthesized gas from the gas mixture by means of partial oxidation and also reformation processes by heterogeneous catalysis; branching off of the produced synthesized gas into a product flow (3a) and the return flow (3b) for a recirculation; and a regulated extraction of heat from the return flow for the setting of a predetermined temperature of a catalyst support (10) on which the heterogeneous catalysis takes place.

Abstract: Syngas production process and reforming exchanger. The process involves passing a first portion of hydrocarbon feed mixed with steam and oxidant through an autothermal catalytic steam reforming zone to form a first reformed gas of reduced hydrocarbon content, passing a second portion of the hydrocarbon feed mixed with steam through an endothermic catalytic steam reforming zone to form a second reformed gas of reduced hydrocarbon content, and mixing the first and second reformed gases and passing the resulting gas mixture through a heat exchange zone for cooling the gas mixture and thereby supplying heat to the endothermic catalytic steam reforming zone. The endothermic catalytic steam reforming zone and the heat exchange zone are respectively disposed tube side and shell side within a shell-and-tube reforming exchanger.

Abstract: The present specification disclosed a hydrogen refinement apparatus comprising a reformed gas feeding part containing at least a hydrogen gas and water vapor, and a reaction chamber equipped with a carbon monoxide shifting catalyst body downstream said reformed gas feeding part, wherein said carbon monoxide shifting catalyst body comprises a carrier supporting Pt, the carrier being composed of at least one metal oxide having a BET specific surface area of 10 m2/g or more, and a method for operating the apparatus. The present invention provides improved heat-resistance of the CO shifting catalyst body, and can operate stably even if the apparatus is activated and stopped repeatedly.

Abstract: An autothermal reactor and method for producing synthesis gas in which a heated oxygen containing stream is expanded into a mixing chamber to entrain a hydrocarbon containing stream to form a reactant stream without reaction of the oxygen and hydrocarbon contents of the streams. The reactant stream is reacted in a series of sequential catalytic reaction zones to react the hydrocarbon and oxygen contained in the reactant stream to form the synthesis gas. The sequential catalytic reaction zones are configured such that an initial partial oxidation reaction occurs that is followed by endothermic reforming reactions having ever decreasing temperatures. The sequential catalytic reaction zones in which the endothermic reforming reactions occur contain a precious metal catalyst supported on ceramic supports that have successively greater surface areas to compensate for the temperature decrease while remaining stable and without a transform in state.

Abstract: A technique for generating water vapor involves providing oxygen and hydrogen to a heated reaction chamber that includes a porous reaction structure enclosed within an encapsulation structure. The porous reaction structure, which may include an open-celled ceramic structure, provides sufficient heat exchange and mixing to cause the oxygen and hydrogen to combine to form water vapor. The reaction chamber can be easily and safely heated using resistance, infrared lamp, radio frequency or other heating sources to a temperature above the reaction temperature required to ensure the reaction and conversion of oxygen and hydrogen to water vapor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for rapidly heating fuel processor components during startup of a fuel cell powered vehicle. Rapid heating is achieved by placing a water adsorbent downstream of the fuel processor's primary reactor, which converts a hydrocarbon-based fuel to a hydrogen-rich fuel. In addition to hydrogen, the reformed fuel (reformate) includes carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and water. The water adsorbent, which has a high heat of adsorption, produces heat as it adsorbs water in the reformate. Heat generated by water adsorption enhances the rate at which fuel processor components, such as a water-gas-shift reactor, reach their operating temperatures. In addition, water adsorption reduces water condensation on the water-gas-shift reactor catalyst. Once the fuel processor components attain their operating temperatures, water desorbs from the adsorbent and is available for converting carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and hydrogen in the water-gas-shift reactor.

Abstract: A catalytic reactor (10) comprises a stack of sheets (12) defining flow channels (14) between them. Within each flow channel (14) is a flexible wire structure (16) whose surfaces are coated with catalytic material. Flow channels (14, 14a) for a first gas extend along S-shaped curved paths whereas the flow channels (14b) for a second gas are straight. The reactor (10) incorporates header chambers (18) to supply gas mixtures to the flow channels (14), each header chamber being a square cap attached to a face of the stack. The reactor (10) enables different gas mixtures to be supplied to adjacent channels (14), which may be at different pressures, and the corresponding chemical reactions are also different. Where one of the reactions is endothermic while the other reaction is exothermic, heat is transferred through the sheets (12) separating the adjacent channels (14), from the exothermic reaction to the endothermic reaction.

Abstract: A multiphase reactor device incorporating a stack of monolith catalysts comprising monolith slabs (spacers) between adjacent monolith blocks, the stack, preferably of larger channel diameters and higher void fractions than the monolith blocks, the spacers (i) reducing hydraulic restriction and channel blocking at the stacking interface, (ii) increasing the number of block interfaces for the disruption and mixing of the laminar film falling down the monolith wall and, (iii) for counter-current applications, raising the resistance of the stack to flooding to broaden the operating window or range of gas and liquid flow velocities operable in the reactor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating a gas-liquid feed stream with structured monolithic catalysts of honeycomb configuration wherein the catalysts are configured as a stack of honeycomb sections with offset channels, the resulting channel dislocations between adjacent contacting honeycombs in the stack introducing controlled, limited turbulence and mixing of feed stream portions traversing the channels to significantly increase the catalytic efficiency of the reactor.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus, comprising: at least one process microchannel having a height, width and length, the height being up to about 10 mm, the process microchannel having a base wall extending in one direction along the width of the process microchannel and in another direction along the length of the process microchannel; at least one fin projecting into the process microchannel from the base wall and extending along at least part of the length of the process microchannel; and a catalyst or sorption medium supported by the fin.