Abstract: A reformer tube for producing synthesis gas by steam reforming of hydrocarbon-containing feed gases, in which a structured stream reforming catalyst is used, is proposed. According to the invention, a heat exchanger tube is arranged in the interior of the structured catalyst, with the feed gas stream flowing firstly through the structured catalyst and subsequently in countercurrent through the heat exchanger tube. This improves the heat exchange between the synthesis gas product stream and the structured catalyst and the feed gas stream flowing through it, especially in the radial direction.

Abstract: A steam reformer, with a combustion chamber, catalyst tubes arranged in several rows, with burners for heating the catalyst tubes, with feed conduits each for supplying the catalyst tubes with educt gas and the burners with air and fuel gas, with collecting conduits for discharging the product gas, with channels for discharging the burner waste gases from the combustion chamber, wherein the ceilings of the channels each are formed by the bottom or the ceiling of the combustion chamber, and wherein the channels for discharging the burner waste gases are designed such that the flow velocity of the burner waste gases is constant along the entire length of the channels, as seen vertically to the catalyst tubes.

Abstract: A catalyst support may be provided that comprises: an inner core, which includes at least one phase change material; a coating layer around the inner core, which includes at least one metal oxide; a catalytically active layer, which is positioned in interstices of the coating layer and/or lying on the coating layer, wherein at least one catalytically active substance is included in the catalytically active layer; and a supporting layer which is positioned under the coating layer. A recycle reactor may be provided comprising a reservoir for accommodating a chemical hydrogen storage substance; the catalyst support; a screw conveyor for input and transport of the catalyst support; and a heating device with which the catalyst support can be heated. A method for releasing hydrogen from a chemical hydrogen storage substance may be provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for decreasing the spread of the tube temperatures between tubes in a process involving the heating of at least one fluid in a furnace that comprises at least one radiation chamber with radiant walls, at least one essentially vertical row of tubes inside of which circulate the at least one fluid to be heated, and being equipped with burners that heat the tubes, where the method comprises the steps of: determining, for each of the tubes the skin temperature of the tube, selecting the 50% tubes having the lowest temperatures determined, the process being stopped, realizing on each tube selected an operation that decreases the flow of the fluid distributed to said tube while keeping the total flow rate of the fluid unchanged.

Abstract: A process and equipment for steam reforming of a hydrocarbon source gas, where the hydrocarbon source gas and a steam flow are partially reformed while passing in a bundle of tubes (13) of a reformer (10), with a catalytically active inner surface; a partially reformed product gas (18) leaving said tubes is mixed with an oxidation agent (19) and subject to a combustion process; a combusted partially reformed gas (20) is introduced in the shell side of said reformer and further reformed by contact with the outer surface of said tubes (13), said outer surface of the tubes being also catalytically active.

Abstract: A device including a first part made of ceramic material shrink fitted with a first shrink ring, in which an edge of an axial end of a cylindrical portion of the first part to which the first shrink ring is fitted and an edge of an axial end of the first shrink ring belong to one and the same transverse plane.

Abstract: A process for reducing free oxygen in a hydrocarbon gas stream comprises the steps of (i) forming a gas mixture containing hydrogen from a hydrocarbon, (ii) mixing the hydrogen gas mixture with a gaseous hydrocarbon stream containing free oxygen, and (iii) passing the resulting hydrocarbon gas mixture over a conversion catalyst that converts at least a portion of the free oxygen present in the gaseous hydrocarbon to steam.

Abstract: A fuel processor for generating hydrogen rich gas or cleaned hydrogen rich gas from hydrocarbon fuel includes an inner housing and an outer housing defining a mantel space between them, wherein at least one fuel reformer unit for reforming hydrocarbon fuel to a hydrogen rich gas and optionally a gas-cleaning unit for cleaning the hydrogen rich gas from unwanted by-products are arranged in the inner housing. The fuel processor further includes a processor inlet for introducing hydrocarbon fuel into the inner housing and a processor outlet for releasing cleaned hydrogen rich gas from the inner housing. The outer housing further includes a fluid inlet for introducing a heat transporting fluid into the mantel space. The inner housing includes at least one opening for providing a fluid-connection between the inner housing and the mantel space. A method for operating such a fuel processor is also provided.

Abstract: A device including a first part having a substrate made of a material based on a silicon compound, a coating made of a coating material having a ceramic oxide, a transition layer having silica extending between the substrate and the coating, the transition layer exhibiting a thickness of less than 10 ?m, and a first shrink ring and/or a layer made of a compliant material having an alloy with at least two materials selected from silver, gold and palladium, the coating defining at least a portion of the interface between the first part, and the first shrink ring and/or the layer made of a compliant material.

Abstract: A reactor vessel for performing a steam reforming reaction having a vessel inlet for natural gas and steam; a vessel inlet for a hot gaseous medium; a vessel outlet for the steam reforming product; and a reactor space which is a bed of steam reforming catalyst, which reactor space inlet is fluidly connected to the inlet for natural gas and steam and at its outlet end fluidly connected with the outlet for the gaseous product; wherein inside the catalyst bed a passageway is provided fluidly connected to the vessel inlet for the hot gaseous medium for passage of hot gaseous mixture counter currently to the flow of reactants in the catalyst bed.

Abstract: A process for treating offshore natural gas includes processing the natural gas on an off-shore processing facility by, (i) liquefying and fractionating the natural gas to generate a liquefied natural gas stream and a higher hydrocarbon stream, (ii) vaporizing at least a portion of the higher hydrocarbon stream, (iii) passing the vaporized higher hydrocarbon stream and steam over a steam reforming catalyst to generate a reformed gas mixture comprising methane, steam, carbon oxides and hydrogen, (iv) passing the reformed gas mixture over a methanation catalyst to generate a methane rich gas, and (v) combining the methane-rich gas with the natural gas prior to the liquefaction step.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hydrogen generator for producing hydrogen by the steam-reforming reaction of hydrocarbons, in which a pressure loss induction structure for artificially reducing the pressure of exhaust gas is provided between a combustion unit and an exhaust gas discharge pipe, thus improving the uneven distribution of exhaust gas.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for actively controlling the steam-to-carbon ratio in hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems that include a feedstock delivery system. The feedstock delivery system supplies a combined feedstock stream including steam and carbon-containing feedstock to a hydrogen-producing region, which produces a mixed gas stream including hydrogen gas as a majority component therefrom. The systems and methods may include measuring a thermodynamic property of a steam stream, a carbon-containing feedstock stream, and/or the combined feedstock stream and controlling the flow rate and/or pressure of a water stream, the steam stream, and/or the carbon-containing feedstock stream based on a desired steam-to-carbon ratio in the combined feedstock stream and/or a desired flow rate of the mixed gas stream and may include feedforward and/or feedback control strategies.

Abstract: This invention relates to a power recovery process in waste steam/CO2 reformers whereby a waste stream can be made to release energy without having to burn the waste or the syngas. This invention does not make use of fuel cells as its critical component but makes use of highly exothermic chemical reactors using syngas to produce large amounts of heat, such as Fischer-Tropsch. It also relates to control or elimination of the emissions of greenhouse gases in the power recovery process of this invention with the goal of producing energy in the future carbonless world economy. A New Concept for a duplex kiln was developed that has the combined functionality of steam/CO2 reforming, heat transfer, solids removal, filtration, and heat recovery.

Abstract: Methane reacts with steam generating carbon monoxide and hydrogen in a first catalytic reactor; the resulting gas mixture undergoes Fischer-Tropsch synthesis in a second catalytic reactor. In the steam/methane reforming, the gas mixture passes through a narrow channel having mean and exit temperatures both in the range of 750° C. to 900° C., residence time less than 0.5 second, and the channel containing a catalyst, so that only reactions having comparatively rapid kinetics will occur. Heat is provided by combustion of methane in adjacent channels. The ratio of steam to methane may be about 1.5. Almost all methane will undergo the reforming reaction, almost entirely forming carbon monoxide. After Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, the remaining hydrogen may be fed back to the combustion channels. The steam for the reforming step may be generated from water generated by the chemical reactions, by condensing products from Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and by condensing water vapor generated in combustion.

Abstract: A hybrid plant and method for producing liquid fuel product from hydrogen and carbon monoxide containing streams produced by gasifying solid carbonaceous feedstock and steam reforming of light fossil fuels. When a gasification unit in the hybrid plant is operating at reduced capacity or is not operational, oxygen that would have been used in the gasification unit is diverted to a light fossil fuel conversion unit containing an autothermal reformer to increase H2-rich syngas flow to a liquid fuel production unit and maintain liquid fuel production at near nameplate capacity.

Abstract: A sulfur breakthrough monitoring assembly for use in a fuel utilization system for detecting sulfur-containing compounds in desulfurized fuel, said monitoring assembly comprising: a heater for heating desulfurized fuel to a predetermined temperature, the predetermined temperature being between 450° C. and 600° C., a sulfur breakthrough detector adapted to receive heated fuel from the heater and including at least a reforming catalyst bed for reforming the heated fuel and a plurality of temperature sensors including a first temperature sensor for sensing temperature of the heated fuel before the fuel is conveyed through the reforming catalyst bed and a second temperature sensor for sensing temperature in the reforming catalyst bed, and a controller for determining whether concentration of the sulfur-containing compounds in the fuel exceeds a first predetermined concentration based on temperature outputs from the first and second temperature sensors.

Abstract: In a reforming apparatus, for use in a fuel cell, for reforming a raw fuel into a hydrogen-rich reformed gas, a reformer generates the reformed gas from the raw fuel. A shift reactor reduces carbon monoxide contained in the reformed gas through a shift reaction. A selective oxidation unit reduces the carbon monoxide contained in the reformed gas that has passed through the shift reactor by performing selective oxidation on the carbon monoxide. A reforming reaction tube houses linearly the reformer, the shift reactor and the selective oxidation unit in this order.

Abstract: A fuel reformer is provided that is capable of improving endurance and performance. The fuel reformer includes a first burner having a first-burner first end, a first-burner second end, and a first opening formed in the first-burner first end; a second burner surrounding the first burner and having a second-burner second end, a second-burner second end, and a second opening in the second-burner first end, wherein the second-burner second end is coupled to the first-burner second end to communicate a fluid. The reforming reactor is configured to generate heat from the first and second burners, and has a fuel supply including a nozzle unit in the first burner and supplies a second oxidation fuel from the outside to the first burner. A first oxidation fuel is introduced into the first opening and flows through the first burner in a first direction and flows through the second burner in a third direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A hydrogen production system (X1) according to the present invention includes a reforming apparatus (Y1) having a vaporizer (1) and a reforming reactor (2), and a PSA apparatus (5). In the vaporizer (1) a mixed material (hydrocarbon-based material, water, and oxygen) is heated and vaporized. In the reforming reactor (2), steam reforming reaction and partial oxidation reaction of the hydrocarbon-based material take place at a time, so that reformed gas (containing hydrogen) is led out from the vaporized mixed material. In the PSA apparatus (5), the reformed gas is introduced into an adsorption tower loaded with an adsorbing agent, so that an unnecessary component in the gas is adsorbed by the adsorbing agent and hence hydrogen-rich gas is led out of the tower, while the unnecessary component is desorbed from the adsorbing agent, so that hydrogen-containing desorbed gas that contains the unnecessary component and hydrogen remaining in the tower is discharged out of the tower.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and a plant for the treatment of the vented gas mixture from a deaerator of a steam production process associated with a hydrocarbon-reforming syngas production process.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator of the present invention includes: a reformer (1) including a reforming catalyst (1A) containing nickel and configured to generate a hydrogen-rich fuel gas by using a raw material and steam; a temperature detector (12) configured to detect a temperature of the reforming catalyst (1A); a purge gas supplying device (7) configured to supply a purge gas to the reformer (1); and a controller (13). When the temperature detected by the temperature detector (12) is a first predetermined temperature or higher, the controller (13) purges the reformer (1) with the purge gas supplied from the purge gas supplying device (7).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generation of hydrogen. The apparatus includes a hydrogen reactor chamber (99) and a plurality of catalysts within the chamber (99) forming distinct zones or portions (200, 202, and 204), each zone or portion comprising a distinct catalyst or combination thereof. The plurality of catalysts include at least one of a high-activity steam reformation catalyst, coke resistant steam reformation catalyst and steam reformation catalyst that promotes a water gas shift reaction.

Abstract: Fuel processing by a reformer (42) and a shift reactor (44) converts hydrocarbon feedstock (12) and steam (36) to hydrogen-rich reformate (11), such as for use in a fuel cell power plant (47). Some of the reformate is recycled through a restriction (18) to the inlet (15) of a feedstock pump (14), thereby increasing its pressure sufficiently to cause recycle flow through a hydrodesulfurizer (21) and the secondary inlet (26) of an ejector (28) driven by the steam (36). Recycle pressure (48) is maintained by steam pressure through a valve (34) regulated by a controller (17).

Abstract: A hydrogen generator is described, which comprises: a material supply device (4); a water supply device (5); an evaporator (10); a reforming catalyst layer (1) for generating reformed gas; a CO removing catalyst layer (2) configured to reduce the amount of carbon monoxide contained in the reformed gas generated by the reforming catalyst layer (1); a combustor (3) for heating the reforming catalyst layer (1) and the CO removing catalyst layer (2); a reforming temperature detector (9) for detecting the temperature of the reforming catalyst layer (1); a heater (7) for heating the CO removing catalyst layer (2); a CO removing temperature detector (8) for detecting the temperature of the CO removing catalyst layer (2); and a controller (16) configured to perform control such that the heater (7) heats the CO removing catalyst layer at the time of start-up and such that if the temperature detected by the CO removing temperature detector (8) becomes greater than or equal to a first specified value, the combustor (3)

Abstract: A steam reformer may comprise fluid inlet and outlet connections and have a substantially cylindrical geometry divided into reforming segments and reforming compartments extending longitudinally within the reformer, each being in fluid communication. With the fluid inlets and outlets. Further, methods for generating hydrogen may comprise steam reformation and material adsorption in one operation followed by regeneration of adsorbers in another operation. Cathode off-gas from a fuel cell may be used to regenerate and sweep the adsorbers, and the operations may cycle among a plurality of adsorption enhanced reformers to provide a continuous flow of hydrogen.

Abstract: A micro reforming reactor includes a first substrate with a micro channel having a width of less than 1,000 ?m bonded to a second substrate to form a micro tunnel. An adhesive layer is formed on the internal walls of the micro tunnel using a flow coating method. A catalyst may then be optionally formed on the adhesive coated internal walls of the micro tunnel, also using a flow coating method.

Abstract: In a process for producing synthesis gas by catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons contained in a desulfurized feed gas stream with steam, the mixture of feed gas and steam is preheated by heat exchange at a pressure of 10 to 45 bar to a temperature of 300 to 700° C. and is subsequently heated by heat exchange above a catalyst at a pressure of 10 to 45 bar to a temperature of 650 to 950° C. To minimize the apparatus involved, it is provided that the mixture of feed gas and steam traverses a catalyst bed contained in a reaction tank, and the catalyst bed is heated by thermal radiation and convection.

Abstract: A process unit comprising: (a) a first microchannel module comprising: (i) a first unit operation including microchannels, in which at least a portion of a unit operation takes place, adapted to be in fluid communication with a first inlet stream and a first outlet stream, and (ii) a second unit operation including microchannels adapted to be in thermal communication with the first unit operation, the second unit operation adapted to be in fluid communication with a second inlet stream and a second outlet stream; and (b) a pressurized vessel at least partially containing the first microchannel module adapted to be concurrently occupied by a compressive medium in thermal communication with the first microchannel module.

Abstract: The present invention is a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Reforming Power System that utilizes adiabatic reforming of reformate within this system. By utilizing adiabatic reforming of reformate within the system the system operates at a significantly higher efficiency than other Solid Oxide Reforming Power Systems that exist in the prior art. This is because energy is not lost while materials are cooled and reheated, instead the device operates at a higher temperature. This allows efficiencies higher than 65%.

Abstract: A process for preparation of synthesis gas and/or hydrogen by counter-currently providing an oxidation reactant stream through an oxidation chamber and a reforming reactant stream through a steam reforming chamber is described. Also provided is a reactor for conducting the reaction.

Abstract: The steam methane reformer using a premixed metal fiber burner which has a short flame length as well as a high temperature to thereby provide a high efficiency and also reduce a size, and a hydrogen station having the same. The steam methane reformer using a high performing metal fiber burner comprises a reforming part (110a) in which a catalyst for steam-reforming hydrocarbon materials and producing hydrogen is disposed; a combustion part (120) which is provided with a premixed metal fiber burner (120a) for generating heat required for the steam reforming reaction of the reaction tubes (110a); a raw material supplying part (130) for supplying hydrocarbon materials to the reaction tube (110a); and a hydrogen discharging part (140) for discharging hydrogen produced through the steam reforming reaction by the catalyst of the reaction tube (110a).

Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction apparatus that efficiently heats a reaction portion, and a fuel cell system and an electronic device that include such a reaction apparatus. A reaction apparatus (1) includes a reformer (4) in which formed are a reforming reaction chamber (31) and a reformer combustion chamber (30) that generates heat to be supplied to the reforming reaction chamber (31), which (30, 31) are adjacent to each other with a partition interposed therebetween; a CO remover (5) in which formed are a removing reaction chamber (35) where a chemical reaction is performed at a temperature lower than that in the reforming reaction chamber (31) and a remover combustion chamber (34) that generates heat to be supplied to the removing reaction chamber (35), which (34, 35) are adjacent to each other with a partition interposed therebetween; and a connecting portion (6) that connects the reformer (4) and the remover (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction apparatus having an enhanced connection, and a fuel cell system and an electronic device that include such a reaction apparatus. A reaction apparatus (1) a reformer (4) in which a reforming reaction chamber (31) is formed, a CO remover in which a removing reaction chamber (35) where a chemical reaction is performed at a temperature lower than that in the reforming reaction chamber (31) is formed, and a connecting portion (6) having a communicating path that communicates between the reforming reaction chamber (31) and the removing reaction chamber (35). The reformer (4) and the CO remover (5) are arranged spaced apart from each other, at least one of which (4, 5) is configured by combining ceramic parts (11, 12) and metal components (15, 16), and the ceramic parts (11, 12) and the metal components (15, 16) are connected with connecting members (18, 20) interposed therebetween.

Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to a method for operating a fuel reformer. The method may generally include directing a fluid stream around a reactor assembly of the fuel reformer to cool the reactor assembly, and mixing a heated reformate stream produced by the reactor assembly with the fluid stream to cool the heated reformate stream.

Abstract: An apparatus, containing: (I) an inlet section into which a liquid and optionally a gaseous reagent stream is fed, the inlet section containing a device, which nebulizes and/or vaporizes the liquid stream, the device optionally utilizing vapor and/or a gaseous hydrocarbon stream as propellant; (II) a mixing section containing a chamber having a cylindrical or truncated-conical geometry, which mixes the reagent stream exiting the inlet section (I), to form a reaction mixture; (III) a reaction section including i) a first structured catalytic bed a ii) a structured catalytic bed heating device, in which the reaction mixture exiting the mixing section (II) flows through each layer of the first structured catalytic bed with a contact time varying from 0.01 to 10 ms, to produce a mixture of reaction products; and IV) a cooling section of the mixture of reaction products leaving the reaction section (III).

Abstract: A reactor vessel for subjecting a first gas and a second gas to a chemical reaction to produce a third gas is provided. The reactor vessel includes a catalyst bed, an inlet for receiving the first gas and the second gas, and a first outlet for discharging the third gas. The first outlet includes a selective microporous conduit to separate the third gas from products of incomplete reaction or unreacted first gas and unreacted second gas. A second outlet for discharging one or more of the following: unseparated third gas is also included in this invention. The products of incomplete reaction, unreacted first gas, or unreacted second gas are removed from the system. At least one helical tube is disposed within the reactor vessel and in direct contact with the catalyst bed. The helical tube has an inlet end communicating with a hot gas source, and an outlet end exhausting cooled gas. Indirect heat exchange between the helical tube and the first and second gas, promoted by the catalyst, generates the third gas.

Abstract: The invention provides a fuel processor comprising a linear flow structure having an upstream portion and a downstream portion; a first catalyst supported at the upstream portion; and a second catalyst supported at the downstream portion, wherein the first catalyst is in fluid communication with the second catalyst. Also provided is a method for reforming fuel, the method comprising contacting the fuel to an oxidation catalyst so as to partially oxidize the fuel and generate heat; warming incoming fuel with the heat while simultaneously warming a reforming catalyst with the heat; and reacting the partially oxidized fuel with steam using the reforming catalyst.

Abstract: To provide a reformer that uses a relatively inexpensive granular catalyst and can provide a more uniform temperature distribution in a catalyst bed while suppressing increase in the size of the reformer and the required power and size of an auxiliary machine, and a more compact indirect internal reforming high temperature fuel cell while suppressing increase in cost. A reformer that produces a hydrogen-containing gas from a hydrocarbon-based fuel by a steam reforming reaction has a reactor vessel and a reforming catalyst bed packed with a granular catalyst having steam reforming activity in the reactor vessel, the reformer has a partition plate that divides the reforming catalyst bed into at least two sections, the partition plate has a thermal conductivity higher than effective thermal conductivity of the catalyst bed, and the partition plate extends in the reactor vessel from a part which is at a higher temperature in a rated operation to a part which is at a lower temperature in rated operation.

Abstract: The invention concerns an exchanger-reactor (1) comprising: a vessel (2); means for distributing a feed through a fixed bed catalytic zone (10); means (6) for collecting effluent from the catalytic zone (10); means for heating the catalytic zone (10); in which said collection means (6) comprise conduits passing right through the catalytic zone (10), said conduits being distributed in the catalytic zone and interposed between the heating means, and in which the heating means of the catalytic zone are contained in sheaths (8) which are partially immersed in the catalytic zone (10), the sheaths (8) being open at one of their ends and closed at the other, the open end being fixed to an upper tube plate (21) defining the collection chamber (19) which is located above the catalytic zone (10), said heating means comprising at least one combustion zone (13) located close to the catalytic zone, means for supplying said combustion zone (13) with an oxidizing gas mixture (15) and with a gaseous fuel (17), and means

Abstract: A system for producing a high hydrogen to carbon ratio fuel centered approximately around C9 treats an exhaust stream from a manufacturing plant processes. The exhaust stream is processed in a Fischer Tropsch reactor, and contains CO and/or CO2, which is sequestered, and can be a full stack exhaust stream. The Fischer Tropsch reactor is a pellet style reactor, a foam reactor, or an alpha alumina oxide foam reactor. A plasma chamber generates H2 for reacting in the Fischer Tropsch reactor. A portion of the exhaust stream is consumed in the plasma chamber. An algae reactor converts sequestered CO2 to O2. The algae is exposed to the exhaust stream to extract nutrients therefrom and augment its growth. The plasma chamber receives at a high temperature region thereof CO or CO2 that is reduced to its elemental state. The product stream and fuel are condensed and separated, and re-burned as fuel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the production of hydrogen using a reformer including a housing, a first plate having a first plurality of fin structures and a second plate having a second plurality of fin structures assembled such that the first plurality of fin structures is interleaved with the second plurality of fin structures. At least one inlet port is formed in at least one of the first plate and the second plate, and at least one outlet port is formed in at least one of the first plate and the second plate. The fin structures may be coated with a catalytic material to enhance or stimulate reactions taking place within the apparatus. A heat exchange device may also be integrated into one or both plates of the reformer.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator according to the invention comprises: a combustion gas passage (5) configured to flow combustion gas coming from a combustor; a preheat-evaporator (6) which is supplied with a material gas and water and configured to evaporate the water and heat the material gas by heat transmitted from the combustion gas passage and a carbon monoxide reducer (10) through partition a wall; a reformer (7) configured to generate reformed gas from the material gas and steam fed from the preheat-evaporator by using a reforming catalyst (8) and heat transmitted from the combustion gas passage through the partition wall; the carbon monoxide reducer (10) configured to remove carbon monoxide from the reformed gas fed from the reformer by a carbon monoxide removing catalyst (9); a cylindrical body (3) closed at both ends thereof having an internal space is divided by the partition walls (1), (2), (30), (47) to form the combustion gas passage, preheat-evaporator, reformer and carbon monoxide reducer within the cyli

Abstract: The present subject matter discloses a fluid cooled reformer for gas turbine systems and a method for cooling both a fuel reformer and a heated reformate stream produced by such fuel reformer. The fluid cooled reformer may include a pressure vessel and a reactor assembly disposed within the pressure vessel. The reactor assembly may include a reactor and may be configured to receive and reform an oxygen/fuel mixture to produce a heated reformate stream. Additionally, the fluid cooled reformer may include an inlet configured to direct a fluid stream into the pressure vessel. At least a portion of the fluid stream may be used to cool the reactor assembly. A reformate cooling section may be disposed downstream of the reactor of the reactor assembly and may be configured to cool the heated reformate stream.

Abstract: A fuel processor that extracts, from a fuel source, hydrogen gas used for an electricity generation reaction. The fuel processor includes a reformer that generates hydrogen gas by reacting a fuel source with water, a burner that heats the reformer to an appropriate temperature for a hydrogen generation reaction, a CO remover that removes CO generated during the hydrogen generation reaction in the reformer, and a heat exchanger for cooling the CO remover.

Abstract: A compact catalytic reactor defining a multiplicity of alternately arranged first and second flow channels, for carrying first and second fluids, respectively. At least the first fluids undergo a chemical reaction. Each first flow channel contains a removable gas-permeable catalyst structure incorporating a metal foil substrate, said catalyst structure defining flow paths therethrough. The substrate comprises a stack of spaced-apart foils wherein the catalyst structure incorporates a multiplicity of resilient strips which are bent out from the foil substrate so as to project from the substrate and to support said catalyst structure resiliently spaced away from at least one adjacent wall of said channel. Each strip being connected to said catalyst structure only at an end or ends of said strip, and being integral with said foil.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that relate to increasing radiative heat transfer in a steam reformer from an exterior shell which includes a diffusion burner to an interior reactor via angled fins coupled to the exterior shell. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a steam reformer, comprising an exterior shell which includes a diffusion burner and angled fins, the angled fins extending away from an inner surface of the exterior shell and downward toward the diffusion burner. The steam reformer further comprises an interior reactor positioned at least partly within the exterior shell.

Abstract: Disclosed are a syngas production process and a reforming exchanger 100. 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 100.

Abstract: A small cylindrical reformer having at least a combustion reaction unit and a fuel-converting catalytic reaction unit wherein the combustion reaction unit and the fuel-converting catalytic reaction unit are structured as six cylindrical pipes to realize optimal heat exchange efficiently, a route supplying a water gas shift reformate to a preferential oxidation reactor and a route supplying feed and water into reforming reaction parts from the feed/water inlet overlap each other at a lower portion of the reformer so as to increase heat transfer efficiency, and a preferential oxidation reactor provided outside the fuel-converting catalytic reaction unit to decrease the concentration of carbon monoxide in the water gas shift reformate to a predetermined level or lower and increase heat transfer efficiency with an air/fuel preheating passage communicating with the air/fuel inlet.

Abstract: The invention describes combustors and steam reformers and methods of combustion and steam reforming. For example, integrated combustion reactors are described in which heat from combustion is transferred to an endothermic reaction. Thermally efficient reactors and methods of alcohol steam reforming are also described. Also described is an integrated combustor/reformer containing a methanation catalyst.