Abstract: A device, system and method of mixing two fluids are described herein. A gaseous first fluid is distributed through a distribution zone to a mixing zone by a bundle of pipes parallel to an axis inside which the first fluid is uniformly distributed. A second fluid is uniformly distributed outside the pipes in the distribution zone. The mixing zone is separated from the distribution zone by a pipe-plate supporting the pipes. The pipe-plate has slits or openings to uniformly discharge the second fluid in an axial flow direction into the mixing zone. The pipes extend beyond the pipe-plate into the mixing zone to partialize an outlet flow of the first fluid. In one aspect, the pipes have different lengths to partialize the outlet flow. In another aspect, a terminal portion of the pipes partializes the outlet flow axially, radially, transversally or a combination thereof in the mixing zone.

Abstract: A methane-containing gas such as natural gas is converted to a clean-burning hydrocarbon liquid fuel in a process wherein the gas is fed to a reaction vessel to contact a metallic catalyst grid that is formed from windings of a transition metal supported on an iron frame immersed in a liquid petroleum fraction, in such a manner that a voltage is generated in the grid between the windings and the frame. Product gas in the vapor phase is drawn from the head space above the liquid level and condensed to form the product fuel.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method for treating a natural gas containing ethane, comprising the following stages: (a) extraction of at least one part of the ethane from the natural gas; (b) reforming of at least one part of the extracted ethane into a synthesis gas; (c) methanation of the synthesis gas into a methane-rich gas; and (d) mixing of the methane-rich gas with the natural gas. Installation for implementing this method.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator of the invention includes: a reformer for generating a hydrogen-rich gas from a feed gas and water by a reaction using a reforming catalyst body and sending it out from an outlet port; a material feed system for feeding the feed gas to the reformer; a burner for supplying, to the reforming catalyst body, heat generated by mixing a fuel gas with air and burning it; and an air supply system for supplying air to the burner; wherein, when purging an interior of the reformer using the feed gas in shutting down the hydrogen generator, an amount of the air supplied is increased to put out a flame of the burner, and a purge gas sent out from the outlet port by the purging is mixed and diluted with the air in the burner and is discharged outside.

Abstract: A process for the co-production of hydrogen and power through the integration of a hydrogen production unit and a power generation unit is provided. The hydrogen production unit comprises a gas heated reformer, a water gas shift reactor, and a hydrogen separator which produces a low-BTU hydrocarbon fuel stream and a purified hydrogen stream. The low-BTU hydrocarbon fuel stream, along with a compressed oxygen-containing stream extracted from the power generation unit, is combusted to provide heat to the reformer.

Abstract: A feed gas conditioner.

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

Abstract: A feed gas conditioner includes a pressure vessel that encloses at least part of a pre-heater. The pre-heater has an inlet for connection to a source of feed gas and an outlet for delivering the feed gas into the interior of the pressure vessel. An electrical heater element located within the pre-heater increases the temperature of the feed gas as it flows through the pre-heater. An expansion valve reduces the pressure of the feed gas as it flows from the pre-heater so as to initiate condensation. A super heater is at least partially located within the pressure vessel and has an inlet within the interior of the pressure vessel. A filter is in a flow path in the pressure vessel leading from the pre-heater heater to the super heater for removing condensate from the feed gas. An electrical heater element is in the super heater for heating the feed gas.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for generating at least two types of steam having different purities in steam reforming processes in which at least two steam reforming units (steam reformers) (are operated in parallel. The first steam stream having a higher purity than that of the second steam stream. The steam reformers operated in parallel are combined to form groups of at least two steam reformers (groups) within which the high purity steam is generated in one of the steam reformers by vaporization of degassed and demineralized water and low purity steam is generated in at least one of the other steam reformers by vaporization of degassed impurity-containing water (dirty water). The dirty water is formed at least in part from the condensate (process condensate) produced within a group, and is predominantly made up of water.

Abstract: A system for production of hydrogen comprises at least one steam reforming zone configured to receive a first fuel and steam to produce a first reformate gas stream comprising hydrogen using a steam reforming process. The system further comprises a mixed reforming zone configured to receive an oxidant to produce a second reformate gas stream comprising hydrogen, wherein the first reformate gas stream is sent to the mixed reforming zone to complete the reforming process.

Abstract: A method for producing a supercritical cryogenic fuel (SCCF) includes dissolving a hydrogen gas in fuel value proportions into a supercritical hydrocarbon fluid. The method is performed by placing a hydrogen gas and a hydrocarbon fluid at a pressure greater than the critical pressure of the hydrocarbon, placing the hydrogen gas and the hydrocarbon fluid at a temperature below or approximately equal to the critical temperature of the hydrocarbon forming the supercritical hydrocarbon fluid, and then mixing to dissolve the hydrogen gas into the supercritical hydrocarbon fluid. A system for performing the method includes a vortex mixer configured to turbulently mix the hydrogen gas and the supercritical hydrocarbon fluid. The supercritical cryogenic fuel (SCCF) produced by the method and the system includes the supercritical hydrocarbon fluid with a selected mole fraction of the hydrogen gas dissolved therein.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing a gas rich in hydrogen by thermal pyrolysis of hydrocarbons which consists in carrying out, in a reactor (R) a catalyst-free thermal cracking to pyrolyze a fuel selected so as to produce either a gas rich in hydrogen and free of carbon monoxide, or a gas rich in hydrogen and containing carbon monoxide and in using said gas effluents during pyrolysis and inert with respect to the cell as fuel at the burner (B) to heat the reactor so as to bring it to a reaction temperature, and which consists, subsequently, in burning the powder carbon produced in the reactor (R) during the pyrolysis reaction either to produce carbon monoxide or to produce carbon dioxide. The invention is useful in particular for supplying hydrogen to fuel cells and for producing synthesis gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for contacting a hydrocarbon and an oxygen-containing gas with a catalyst bed in a reactor at a space velocity of at least 10,000 h?1, said process being characterised in that a) the reactor has a polygonal internal cross-section at least in the section where the catalyst bed is held, b) the catalyst bed is made up of 2 or more layers of catalyst in the form of tiles of polygonal shape, said tiles have at least 4 sides, c) each layer of catalyst comprises at least 4 tiles which tessellate together to form said layer, and d) the edges where 2 tiles meet in one layer do not align with the edges where 2 tiles meet in an adjacent layer.

Abstract: Ion transport membrane oxidation system comprising (a) two or more membrane oxidation stages, each stage comprising a reactant zone, an oxidant zone, one or more ion transport membranes separating the reactant zone from the oxidant zone, a reactant gas inlet region, a reactant gas outlet region, an oxidant gas inlet region, and an oxidant gas outlet region; (b) an interstage reactant gas flow path disposed between each pair of membrane oxidation stages and adapted to place the reactant gas outlet region of a first stage of the pair in flow communication with the reactant gas inlet region of a second stage of the pair; and (c) one or more reactant interstage feed gas lines, each line being in flow communication with any interstage reactant gas flow path or with the reactant zone of any membrane oxidation stage receiving interstage reactant gas.

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 method and apparatus are disclosed for regenerating calcium oxide used in the production of hydrogen gas. The method includes steps of: (a) streaming a solid reactant into an inlet port of a contactor vessel; (b) streaming a purge oxidant into an oxidant port of the contactor vessel to reduce a partial pressure of a gas over the solid reactant; (c) venting the gas from a gas port of the contactor vessel; and (d) removing the solid reactant from a discharge port of the contactor vessel.

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 modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis. Each module includes a shell having an interior space defining a passageway for the flow of gas from a first end of the shell to a second end of the shell opposite the first end, and a processing core being contained within the interior space for effecting a chemical, thermal, or physical change to a gas stream passing axially through the module. the multi-step process includes: providing a fuel processor having a plurality of modules stacked end-to-end along a common axis; and feeding the hydrocarbon fuel successively through each of the modules in an axial direction through the tubular reactor to produce the hydrogen rich gas.

Abstract: This invention is a reactor and a process for the conversion of organic waste material such as municipal trash, sewage, post-consumer refuse, and biomass to commercially salable materials. The invention produces the following: 1. Maximum energy conversion from the organic material 2. High volume consumption of the organic feed material 3. Less pollution of gaseous products than prior art systems 4. Solid residuals for disposal are minimal and non-hazardous. The conversion is accomplished by combining anaerobic gasification and pyrolysis of the feed organic material and making it into synthetic gas. The synthetic gas is a mixture of hydrocarbons (CxHy), hydrogen, and carbon monoxide with small amounts of carbon dioxide and nitrogen. An essential feature of the invention is a hot driver gas, devoid of free oxygen and rich in water, which supplies the entire thermal and chemical energy needed for the reactions.

Abstract: A method of starting up and shutting down a microchannel process is provided. Included are the steps of providing a first multi-planar process unit, preferably adapted to process an endothermic reaction, a second multi-planar process unit, preferably adapted to process an exothermic reaction, providing a containment vessel, the containment vessel containing at least a portion of the first, and preferably the second, process unit. In startup, the microchannel process is first checked for pressure integrity by pressurizing and checking the important components of the process for leaks. Subsequently, the process units are heated by introducing a dilute low-thermal energy density material, preferably to the second process unit, followed by the introduction of a dilute high-thermal energy density material, and adjusting the proportion of high-thermal energy density material as required. In shutdown, a purge material from the containment vessel is introduced into the first, and preferably the second, process unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a process for hydrogen production in which at least a part of a hydrocarbonaceous feed gas (a) is passed into a reformer (c), wherein the feed gas is contacted in the reformer with a catalyst and the feed gas is converted to hydrogen and solid carbon, for the direct production of a hydrogenous gas at filling stations for sale to a consumer, and also to a reactor (d) for hydrogen on.

Abstract: A fuel cell system including a fuel reforming processor having a catalyst therein constructed and arranged to produce a reformate stream including hydrogen and carbon monoxide, a water gas shift reactor downstream of the fuel reforming processor and wherein the water gas shift reactor includes a catalyst therein constructed and arranged to reduce the amount of carbon monoxide in the reformate stream, a preferential oxidation reactor downstream of the water gas shift reactor and wherein the preferential oxidation reactor includes a catalyst therein constructed and arranged to preferentially oxidize carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and to produce a hydrogen-rich stream, and a fuel cell stack downstream of the preferential oxidation reactor constructed and arranged to produce electricity from the hydrogen-rich stream, a first direct water vaporizing combustor constructed and arranged to combust fuel producing a high-temperature fuel combustion byproducts exhaust and to produce steam from water sprayed into th

Abstract: A chemical reaction apparatus includes a solid body in which a reaction flow path is formed, and a heater having a thin-film heater formed on the body to oppose the reaction flow path and at least partially exposed to the reaction flow path, and which supplies a predetermined heat amount to the reaction flow path by the thin-film heater.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods and apparatus for mixing feedgases and producing synthesis gas. The apparatus includes a vessel containing a mixing system comprising one or more channels and a reaction zone downstream of the mixing system. A first feedgas and a second feedgas are separately injected into different injection portions of each channel, such that the second feedgas is injected in an acute direction into the first feedgas flowstream. The injected feedgases thereafter mix in a mixing portion of the channel. The mixing portion of each channel may have a reduced cross-sectional area so as to increase the total velocity of the feedgases while they mix. A feedgas mixture exits each channel of the mixing system to feed the reaction zone where it gets converted. Preferred embodiments include mixing O2 with a hydrocarbon gas and converting the mixture in a catalytic reaction zone to produce synthesis gas.

Abstract: A reactor is proposed for partial oxidations of a fluid reaction mixture in the presence of a heterogeneous particulate catalyst, comprising one or more cuboidal thermoplate modules (1) which are each formed from two or more rectangular thermoplates (2) arranged parallel to each other while in each case leaving a gap (3) which can be filled with the heterogeneous particulate catalyst and is flowed through by the fluid reaction mixture; the heat of reaction being absorbed by a heat carrier which flows through the thermoplates (2) and thus at least partly evaporates, and also having a predominantly cylindrical shell (4, 15, 16) which releases the pressure at the thermoplate modules, completely surrounds them and comprises a cylinder jacket (4) and hoods (15, 16) which seal it at both ends and whose longitudinal axis is aligned parallel to the plane of the thermoplates (2), and also having one or more sealing elements (7, 23) which are arranged in such a way that the fluid reaction mixture, apart from flowing

Abstract: A process for the production of a synthesis gas from a light hydrocarbon feed, steam and an oxygen-containing stream is provided in which the feed components are mixed to form a feed mixture. The process provides an inert disengaging zone separating the mixing zone from an active catalyst zone.

Abstract: A system for reacting fuel and air into reformate, with a reformer (10) which has a reaction space (12), a nozzle (14) which at least in part is formed as a Venturi nozzle for supply of a fuel/air mixture to the reaction space (12), the Venturi nozzle part has a small diameter area (16) from which a diffuser extends to the reaction space. A first gas supply means (20) is provided on the side of the small diameter area which side faces away from the diffuser, and second gas supply means (26, 28) are provide at the small diameter area. A fuel supply (22) is also provided for supplying fuel to the nozzle and it preferably extends along the longitudinal axis of the nozzle.

Abstract: A reforming and hydrogen purification system operating with minimal pressure drop for producing free hydrogen from different hydrogen rich fuels includes a hydrogen reforming catalyst bed in a vessel in communication with a core unit containing a hydrogen permeable selective membrane. The vessel is located within an insulated enclosure which forms an air inlet passageway and an exhaust passageway on opposite sides of the vessel. Air and raffinate pass through a burner within the air inlet passageway, providing a heated flue gas to heat the catalyst to the reaction temperature needed to generate free hydrogen from the feedstock. The burner flue gas flows laterally over and along the length of the bed between the input and output ends of the bed. Hydrogen is recovered from the core for use by a hydrogen-consuming device such as a fuel cell. The remaining unrecovered hydrogen in the reformed gases is contained in raffinate and is used to supply process heat via the burner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reacting a hydrocarbon containing feed stream by steam methane reforming reactions to form a synthesis gas. The hydrocarbon containing feed is reacted within a reactor having stages in which the final stage from which a synthesis gas is discharged incorporates expensive high temperature materials such as oxide dispersed strengthened metals while upstream stages operate at a lower temperature allowing the use of more conventional high temperature alloys. Each of the reactor stages incorporate reactor elements having one or more separation zones to separate oxygen from an oxygen containing feed to support combustion of a fuel within adjacent combustion zones, thereby to generate heat to support the endothermic steam methane reforming reactions.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus arranged to maximize heat utilization for a hydrocarbon steam reforming process to produce synthesis gas. The apparatus comprises a refractory lined vessel with partition walls that divide the inside of the vessel into (1) a combustion chamber(s) containing one or more burners, and (2) convection chambers used as a means to remove combustion products from the combustion chamber through one or more openings at the opposite end of the burner end. The combustion chamber contains one or more reformer tubes in which a mixed-feed of hydrocarbon and steam flow co-current with combustion products and receive direct radiant heat from the combustion flame through the tube wall. The convection chambers contain a tube-in-tube device filled with catalyst in the annuli.

Abstract: A gasification furnace and a combustion furnace are integrated with each other to form a single fluidized-bed gasification and combustion furnace in which unburned char generated in the gasification furnace is combusted in the combustion furnace, and the thus generated heat of combustion is utilized as a heat source for gasification. The fluidized-bed gasification and combustion furnace (1) comprises a gasification furnace (3) and a combustion furnace (4) which are divided by a first partition wall (2). In the gasification furnace (3), a revolving flow of the fluidized medium is formed by diffusion devices (32, 33) provided on furnace bottoms, and an upward flow of the fluidized medium partly flows in the combustion furnace (4). The combustion furnace (4) is divided into a main partition wall (5).

Abstract: A process for an endothermic reaction includes the steps of carrying out an exothermic reaction in which a fuel is combusted to generate heat for transfer to a feedstock subject to an endothermic reaction, the waste heat from the exothermic and endothermic reactions being transferred to at least three fluid streams within a single heat recovery zone downstream of the endothermic and exothermic reactions, the apparatus therefor being contained within a single vessel.

Abstract: Described herein is a fuel processor that produces hydrogen from a fuel source. The fuel processor comprises a reformer and burner. The reformer includes a catalyst that facilitates the production of hydrogen from the fuel source. Voluminous reformer chamber designs are provided that increase the amount of catalyst that can be used in a reformer and increase hydrogen output for a given fuel processor size. The burner provides heat to the reformer. One or more burners may be configured to surround a reformer on multiple sides to increase thermal transfer to the reformer. Dewars are also described that increase thermal management of a fuel processor and increase burner efficiency. A dewar includes one or more dewar chambers that receive inlet process gas or liquid before a burner receives the process gas or liquid. The dewar is arranged such that process gas or liquid passing through the dewar chamber intercepts heat generated in the burner before the heat escapes the fuel processor.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for reacting a hydrocarbon, molecular oxygen, and optionally water and/or carbon dioxide, to form synthesis gas. The preferred embodiments are characterized by delivering a substochiometric amount of oxygen to each of a multitude of reaction zones, which allows for optimum design of the catalytic packed bed and the gas distribution system, and for the optimization and control of the temperature profile of the reaction zones. The multitude of reaction zones may include a series of successive fixed beds, or a continuous zone housed within an internal structure having porous, or perforated, walls, through which an oxygen-containing stream can permeate. By controlling the oxygen supply, the temperatures, conversion, and product selectivity of the reaction can be in turn controlled and optimized. Furthermore the potential risks of explosion associated with mixing hydrocarbon and molecular oxygen is minimized with increased feed carbon-to-oxygen molar ratios.

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: A shell and tube reactor module for hydrogen production is provided.

Abstract: A process for the producton of pure syngas (hydrogen and carbon dioxide) by fast gasification of liquid, muddy, or solid raw materials, either produced for the purpose or from industrial processes in which they can not be recycled, or fuels from wastes or biomass, which process is carried out in a modular reactor including a raw materials feeding area, a gasification area, a discharging area of the residues in powdery or vitrified form. The obtained syngas is sent to a purification and compression step.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a heat exchanged membrane reactor for electric power generation. More specifically, the invention comprises a membrane reactor system that employs catalytic or thermal steam reforming and a water gas shift reaction on one side of the membrane, and hydrogen combustion on the other side of the membrane. Heat of combustion is exchanged through the membrane to heat the hydrocarbon fuel and provide heat for the reforming reaction. In one embodiment, the hydrogen is combusted with compressed air to power a turbine to produce electricity. A carbon dioxide product stream is produced in inherently separated form and at pressure to facilitate injection of the CO2 into a well for the purpose of sequestering carbon from the earth's atmosphere.

Abstract: A process, control system and apparatus for controlling the air side flows to the major components of a fuel processor apparatus are provided. The control system employs a multi-capacity blower provides process air to a partial oxidation reactor and a preferential oxidation reactor. The multi-capacity blower preferably provides a portion of the process air through a control valve to the partial oxidation reactor and the remaining portion of the process air is passed through a flow restrictor to supply process air to the preferential oxidation reactor. The control system of the present invention is simple, low cost and reliable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conversion of solid and liquid fuels to a synthesis gas, steam and/or electricity in which about 10% to about 40% of a solid fuel and/or a liquid fuel is introduced into a gasifier and gasified, resulting in formation of a synthesis gas. The remaining portion of the solid fuel and/or liquid fuel is introduced into a first stage of a multi-stage combustor, resulting in formation of products of combustion and ash and/or char. The synthesis gas is introduced into a second stage of the multi-stage combustor disposed downstream of the first stage and overfire oxidant is introduced into a third stage of the multi-stage combustor disposed downstream of the second stage. The ash and/or char from the multi-stage combustor is then recycled into the gasifier.

Abstract: A cylindrical steam reforming unit contains a plurality of cylindrical bodies consisting of a first cylindrical body, a second cylindrical body and a third cylindrical body of successively increasing diameters disposed in concentric spaced relationship, a radiation cylinder disposed within and concentrically with the first cylindrical body, a burner disposed in the radial central portion of the radiation cylinder, and a reforming catalyst layer with a reforming catalyst filled in a gap between the first and second cylindrical bodies, wherein a CO shift catalyst layer and a CO removal catalyst layer are disposed in a gap between the second and third cylindrical bodies, the CO shift catalyst layer being formed in a gap with the direction of flow reversing at one axial end of the reforming catalyst layer and through a heat recovery layer of predetermined length.

Abstract: The compact chemical reactor includes a first substrate, a second substrate attached to the first substrate. A micro flow path is defined between the first substrate and the second substrate. A thin film heater provided in the flow path.

Abstract: A compact chemical reactor has a first substrate. A catalyst layer is provided on an inner surface of a groove formed in a first surface of the first substrate. A second substrate, in which a concave portion to receive a portion of the catalyst layer is formed on a surface opposite to the first surface of the substrate, contacts the first substrate on the opposite surface.

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 present invention relates to a catalytic process for the continuous production of carbon monoxide-free hydrogen from methane or methane-rich hydrocarbons using a solid catalyst comprising at least one group VIII metal in two parallel catalytic reactors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing hydrogen are provided. The methods and apparatus utilize reforming catalysts in order to produce hydrogen gas. The reforming catalysts may be platinum group metals on a support material, and they may be located in a reforming reaction zone of a primary reactor. The support material may an oxidic support having a ceria zirconia promoter. The support material may be an oxidic support and a neodymium stabilizer. The support material may also be an oxidic support material and at least one Group IA, Group IIA, manganese, or iron metal promoter. The primary reactor may have a first and second reforming reaction zones. Upstream reforming catalysts located in the first reforming reaction zone may be selected to perform optimally under the conditions in the first reforming reaction zone. Downstream reforming catalysts located in the second reforming reaction zone may be selected to perform optimally under the conditions in the second reforming reaction zone.

Abstract: Carbonaceous material is removed from a catalyst within an autothermal reformer by introducing an isolated oxidant stream into the autothermal reformer prior to introduction of hydrocarbon fuel into the reformer. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into the autothermal reformer following removal of the carbonaceous material. A concurrent supply of the hydrocarbon stream and the oxidant stream to the autothermal reformer is maintained such that an exothermic reaction driven by the oxidant stream provides heat to an endothermic reaction driven by water vapor in the hydrocarbon stream. In accordance with 37 CFR 1.72(b), the purpose of this abstract is to enable the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract will not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.

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: This invention relates to a method for providing controlled heat to a process utilizing a flameless distributed combustion.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a method for gasifying organic materials which is simple to carry out and requires minimal equipment and which produced an undiluted gas of high calorific value. The inventive method should eliminate the need to use fluid beds and heat exchangers with high temperatures on both sides, with the heat being transferred from the furnace to a heat-carrying medium in a particularly defined way. To this end, the feed material is divided into a volatile phase and a solid carbon-containing residue in the pyrolysis reactor by circulating a hot heat-carrying medium. After the reaction agent has been added, said volatile phase is converted into the product gas by further heating in the reaction area, also using the heat-carrying medium. The solid, carbon-containing residue is separated from the heat-carrying medium in the separating stage and burnt in the furnace.

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.