Abstract: A highly compact heat integrated fuel processor, which can be used for the production of hydrogen from a fuel source, suitable to feed a fuel cell, is described. The fuel processor assembly comprises a catalytic reforming zone (29) and a catalytic combustion zone (28), separated by a wall (27). Catalyst able to induce the reforming reactions is placed in the reforming zone and catalyst able to induce the combustion reaction is placed in the combustion zone, both in the form of coating on a suitable structured substrate, in the form of a metal monolith. Fe—Cr—Al—Y steel foils, in corrugated form so as to enhance the available area for reaction, can be used as suitable substrates. The reforming and the combustion zones can be either in rectangular shape, forming a stack with alternating combustion/reforming zones or in cylindrical shape forming annular sections with alternating combustion/reforming zones, in close contact to each other.

Abstract: A highly compact heat integrated fuel processor, which can be used for the production of hydrogen from a fuel source, suitable to feed a fuel cell, is described. The fuel processor assembly comprises a catalytic reforming zone (29) and a catalytic combustion zone (28), separated by a wall (27). Catalyst able to induce the reforming reactions is placed in the reforming zone and catalyst able to induce the combustion reaction is placed in the combustion zone, both in the form of coating on a suitable structured substrate, in the form of a metal monolith. Fe—Cr—AI—Y steel foils, in corrugated form so as to enhance the available area for reaction, can be used as suitable substrates. The reforming and the combustion zones can be either in rectangular shape, forming a stack with alternating combustion/reforming zones or in cylindrical shape forming annular sections with alternating combustion/reforming zones, in close contact to each other.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator (100) includes: a hydrogen generating unit (1) configured to generate a hydrogen-containing gas by using a raw material gas; a hydro-desulfurizer (7) configured to remove a sulfur compound in the raw material gas supplied to the hydrogen generating unit (1); a first gas channel (5) through which the raw material gas supplied through the hydro-desulfurizer (7) to the hydrogen generating unit (1) flows; a recycle channel (10) through which the hydrogen-containing gas from the hydrogen generating unit (1) is supplied to the raw material gas in the first gas channel (5) located upstream of the hydro-desulfurizer (7); a raw material gas supply unit (6) disposed between the hydro-desulfurizer (7) and a meeting point where the first gas channel (5) and the recycle channel (10) meet; and a first on-off valve (8) disposed between the raw material gas supply unit (6) and the hydro-desulfurizer (7) to close when the hydrogen generator (100) stops.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include systems for using an expander. In a first embodiment, a system includes a flow path and a gasification section disposed along the flow path. The gasification section is configured to convert a feedstock into a syngas. The system also includes a scrubber disposed directly downstream of the gasification section and configured to filter the syngas. The system also includes a first expander disposed along the flow path directly downstream from the scrubber and configured to expand the syngas. The syngas comprises an untreated syngas.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides tunable catalytic gasifier systems suitable for gasifying coal, biomass, and other fuel sources. The gasifier reactors of the disclosed systems may be heated by, e.g., a catalytic tube or other jacket that generates heat by catalytically combusting syngas, which syngas may be syngas produced by the gasifier system.

Abstract: A gasification system including a gasifier, a feed injector, and a fuel feed system that includes a first feed line, a second feed line, and a controller that includes a processor. The processor is programmed to enable the first feed line to supply a fuel gas into the feed injector, enable the second feed line to supply oxygen into the feed injector, receive instructions to add a slurry to the gasifier, prevent the first feed line from supplying the fuel gas into the feed injector, enable the first feed line to supply the slurry into the feed injector, enable the second feed line to simultaneously supply the oxygen and the inert gas into the feed injector, and prevent the second feed line from supplying the inert gas into the feed injector.

Abstract: A system for reforming diesel fuel into hydrogen including feeds for water and diesel fuel, a supercritical water (SCW) reactor in fluid communication with the water feed and the diesel fuel, at least one pre-heater in thermal communication with the water feed, the diesel fuel feed that is configured to heat water from the water feed and diesel fuel from the diesel fuel feed to a predetermined temperature equal to or greater than the critical temperature of water before the water and the diesel fuel are mixed, a water-gas shift (WGS) reactor, and a hydrogen capturing system, where the SCW reactor reforms the diesel fuel into a synthesis gas comprising a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and outputs the synthesis gas, the synthesis gas output by the SCW reactor is fed into the WGS reactor which converts the carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and hydrogen and outputs an output gas including a higher percentage of hydrogen to carbon monoxide compared to the synthesis gas, and the hydrogen in the output ga

Abstract: A process and device for the material utilization of soot from the waste water of a gasification appliance (heavy oil POX) in which a hydrogen- and carbon monoxide-containing (crude synthesis gas) is generated from relatively high-boiling hydrocarbons by partial oxidation, is disclosed. The soot-loaded waste water from the heavy oil POX is mixed with naphtha and is subsequently introduced into a separator (decanter) from which a substantially soot-free water fraction and a substantially water-free naphtha/soot mixture are taken off separately, where the naphtha/soot mixture is fed as feed to a further gasification appliance (naphtha POX), in which appliance predominantly naphtha is converted into a crude synthesis gas by partial oxidation.

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 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 thermal reformer system (1) is provided that compromises a planar assembly including a reformer zone (5), a combustion zone (6), and various inlet and outlet manifolds with associated fluid flow passages (11, 20). The reformer system further compromises an inlet combustion fluid flow passage (31) connecting an inlet combustion fluid manifold (30) and the combustion zone (6), and an outlet combustion fluid flow passage (41) connecting the combustion zone (6) and the outlet combustion fluid manifold (40). In the thermal reformer system the heat transfer and recuperation from outlet fluid flows is efficiently transferred to inlet fluid flows, in order to minimize heat loss and insulation requirements.

Abstract: A system and process are disclosed for the controlled combustion of a wide variety of hydrocarbon feedstocks to produce thermal energy, liquid fuels, and other valuable products with little or no emissions. The hydrocarbon feeds, such as coal and biomass, are first gasified and then oxidized in a two-chamber system/process using pure oxygen rather than ambient air. A portion of the intermediate gases generated in the system/process are sent to a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process for conversion into diesel fuel and other desired liquid hydrocarbons. The remaining intermediate gases are circulated and recycled through each of the gasification/oxidation chambers in order to maximize energy production. The energy produced through the system/process is used to generate steam and produce power through conventional steam turbine technology.

Abstract: A system and process for maximizing the generation of marketable products from a variety of hydrocarbon feedstocks. The hydrocarbon feedstocks are first gasified and then oxidized in a two-chamber system and process using oxygen gas rather than ambient air. Intermediate gases generated in the system and process are recirculated and recycled to the gasification and oxidation chambers in order to maximize both energy generation and the resulting stoichiometric reaction products. The energy produced through the system and process is used to generate steam and produce power through conventional steam turbine technology. In addition to the release of heat energy, the hydrocarbon feedstocks are oxidized to the pure product compounds of water and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is subsequently purified and marketed. The water recovered from the system and process is collected and electrolyzed to generate oxygen and hydrogen gases.

Abstract: A supercritical water reformer (SCWR) and methods for using supercritical water to convert hydrocarbons, particularly hydrocarbon fuels such as diesel fuel or gasoline, into carbonaceous gases and hydrogen. The synthesis gas stream generated by the fuel reforming reaction can then be further refined to increase hydrogen content, and the resultant hydrogen can be utilized to power fuel cells.

Abstract: A reacting device includes a base plate, a first reaction unit provided on the base plate, a reaction material being supplied thereto, the first reaction unit being set at a first temperature, a reaction flow channel being formed such that the reaction material flows therein, the first reaction unit causing a reaction of the reaction material and at least one heating unit which sets the first reaction unit at the first temperature. The first reaction unit has a plurality of reactors that communicate with each other, and the heating unit is provided between the adjacent reactors.

Abstract: A method of operating a methanation reactor to reduce carbon monoxide concentration in a reformate stream in a fuel cell reformer. The reactor includes a flowpath with a noble metal catalyst supported by a ceramic support such that the reactor preferentially converts carbon monoxide via methanation over that of carbon dioxide. The reduced level of carbon monoxide present in the reformate stream after passing through the methanation reactor reduces the likelihood of poisoning of the catalyst used on the fuel cell anode.

Abstract: A reformer having a combustion unit including a combustion part to burn air and fuel, a combustion gas distributor to distribute the burned combustion gas, and first and second combustion gas passages to guide the distributed combustion gas into an outlet. A fuel-converting catalytic reaction unit includes two reforming reaction parts preparing a reforming reaction reformate, each having a reforming catalyst to reform feed and water supplied from a feed/water inlet, and a water gas shift reaction part preparing a water gas shift reformate, between the two reforming reaction parts to decrease a concentration of carbon monoxide in the reforming reacting reformate. The two units are structured as six cylindrical pipes to realize optimal heat exchange efficiency, and preferential oxidation reactor is provided between first air fuel preheating passages in the combustion part to decrease the concentration of carbon monoxide in the water gas shift reformate to a predetermined level or lower.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing hydrogen with reforming catalysts. 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 be an oxidic support having a ceria and zirconia promoter, or may include a neodymium stabilizer. The support material may also include at least one Group IA, Group IIA, manganese, or iron metal promoter. The primary reactor may have a first and second reforming reaction zones, where upstream catalysts located in the first reforming reaction zone and downstream catalysts located in the second reforming reaction zone may be selected to perform optimally under the conditions in their respective reforming reaction zone.

Abstract: A system and method for creating reformate with decreased carbon deposition. The system is made up of a steam source, a superheater, a fuel injection device, a prereformer, and a reformer with catalyst linings. The system functions to superheat steam while maintaining the fuel at a lower temperature prior to injection and mixing with the steam. After injection and mixing, the steam and fuel mixture is then passed through a prereformer where catalysts treat a portion of the fuel and steam mixture. After these portions are treated with a catalyst, the mixture is passed through to a reformer where further treatment of the material by catalyst takes place.

Abstract: A system and process for maximizing the generation of electrical power from a variety of hydrocarbon feedstocks. The hydrocarbon feedstocks are first gasified and then oxidized in a two-chamber system and process using oxygen gas rather than ambient air. Intermediate gases generated in the system and process are recirculated and recycled to the gasification and oxidation chambers in order to maximize energy production. The energy produced through the system and process is used to generate steam and produce power through conventional steam turbine technology. In addition to the release of heat energy, the hydrocarbon feedstocks are oxidized to the pure product compounds of water and carbon dioxide, which are subsequently purified and marketed. The system and process minimizes environmental emissions.

Abstract: A reformer includes a burner that generates thermal energy, and a reforming reaction unit that is supplied with thermal energy from the burner to generate a hydrogen-rich gas from a fuel, wherein the burner includes a burner main body having first and second portions that are constructed by bending the burner main body to form bended portions and coupling the bended portions together, wherein the burner main body is disposed in an inner portion of the reforming reaction unit, and wherein a first catalyst is filled in an inner portion of the burner main body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extracting hydrogen from a gas containing methane, especially natural gas. Hydrocarbons contained in the gas are catalytically broken down in a reformer (4) by steam in order to form hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Catalytic conversion of the obtained carbon monoxide with steam occurs in a downstream conversion step in order to form carbon monoxide and water. Carbon dioxide is removed from the converted gas flow (8) by gas washing (7), and the washed hydrogen-rich gas flow (10) is subsequently divided in a pressure-swing adsorption system (11) into a product gas flow (12) made of hydrogen and a waste gas flow (13). The waste gas flow (13) is introduced with hydrogen (14), which is separated from the gas flow (10) after gas washing, into a reformer (4) which is essentially a carbon-free combustible gas, and is combusted there. The invention also relates to a system for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A small cylindrical reformer according to the embodiments of the present invention are suitable for use in the production of hydrogen from fossil fuels for a small fuel cell power plant. In the small cylindrical reformer, a reforming reactor, a water gas shift reactor (high temperature or low temperature), a combustor, a heat exchanger, a steam generator, etc., may be integrated in a single container to form an optimal heat exchanging network, minimize heat loss and optimize heat exchange efficiency. Thereby, the reformer is designed to be easily processed and manufactured and to have a compact size, thus realizing high efficiency, light weight and ease of mass production.

Abstract: A reactor intended to carry out partial oxidation reactions starting from liquid feedstocks that can go from GPL to gas oil for the purpose of producing synthesis gas is characterized by finely controlled hydrodynamics and a high degree of thermal integration, and comprises an elongated jacket along an axis of any orientation, means (12) for supplying a preheated gas that contains oxygen and optionally water vapor, means (9) for supplying a hydrocarbon feedstock, means (11) for evacuation of a hydrogen-rich effluent, a first internal chamber (5) inside of which is carried out an essentially isothermal partial oxidation reaction that is connected to means (9) for supplying the hydrocarbon feedstock and to means (12) for supplying preheated gas, gas turbulizing means that are suitable for creating a perfect mixing flow, means (8) for linking first chamber (5) to a second chamber (7) with a suitable volume for carrying out a piston flow, linking means (8) that comprise at least one orifice, and second chamber (7

Abstract: Methods and systems for a gasifier having a partial moderator bypass are provided. The gasifier includes a partial oxidation reactor including an inlet and an outlet and a primary reaction zone extending therebetween, the partial oxidation reactor configured to direct a flow of products of partial oxidation including fuel gases, gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation, and unburned carbon, and a secondary reaction chamber coupled in flow communication with the partial oxidation reactor, the secondary reaction chamber is configured to mix a flow of moderator with the flow of gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation and unburned carbon such that a concentration of fuel gases is increased.

Abstract: Methods and systems for decomposing ammonia in a gasifier are provided. The system includes a gasifier including a pressure vessel and an injection nozzle extending through the pressure vessel and including a nozzle tip at a distal end of the injection nozzle, the injection nozzle further includes a passage configured to direct a fluid stream including ammonia proximate the nozzle tip such that the fluid stream including ammonia facilitates reducing a temperature of at least a portion of the nozzle tip.

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 system for producing synthesis gas includes a regeneration zone. The regeneration zone includes a first fluidized bed configured to receive an oxidant for producing a regenerated oxygen transfer material. The system further includes a mixed reforming zone comprising a second fluidized bed configured to receive a first fuel and the regenerated oxygen transfer material to produce a first reformate stream and a steam reforming zone comprising a third fluidized bed configured to receive the first reformate stream, a second fuel and steam to produce the synthesis gas. The regeneration zone, mixed reforming zone and steam-reforming zone are in fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: A gas mixture containing a fuel, water and air is supplied to one end of a reforming room, and a reformed gas containing hydrogen is discharged from the other end thereof. Two or more such reforming units are connected in series, and the upstream part of each reforming room is filled with a first catalyst which catalyzes a partial oxidation reaction in an oxygen-rich environment, and the downstream part is filled with a second catalyst which performs the reforming reaction. The gas mixture which has been heated in a heating unit passes through a distribution tube and is distributed evenly to the reforming units. The reforming room is composed of a reforming tube in which a reforming catalyst is charged, or two or more such reforming tubes, parallel to each other. After being reformed the high-temperature reformed gas is passed around the reforming tubes, and fed back to a manifold.

Abstract: A heat exchanger design is provided for optimal transfer of thermal energy between a primary reactor-out reformate and a primary reactor-in steam and air. In particular, one embodiment of the present invention comprises a prime-surface true counter axial flow heat exchanger positioned around the primary reactor.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a temperature control apparatus including: a resistance heater to have a characteristic such that a resistance value of the resistance heater changes dependently on a temperature thereof; a signal generator to output a control signal having two voltage levels of an on-voltage and an second-voltage; a switching section to flow a first current through the resistance heater when the voltage level of the control signal is the first-voltage, and to flow a second current having a current value smaller than that of the first current through the resistance heater when the voltage level of the control signal is the second-voltage; and a voltage measuring instrument to measure a voltage value across the resistance heater at the time when the second current flows through the resistance heater, wherein the signal generator controls the temperature of the resistance heater based on the voltage value measured by the voltage measuring instrument.

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

Abstract: An apparatus removes CO from a hydrogen-rich gas stream in a hydrogen fuel cell system. CO fouls costly catalytic particles in the membrane electrode assemblies. Both a catalyst adapted to perform a water gas shift reaction, and a carbon dioxide adsorbent are disposed in a rotating pressure swing adsorber housing. The adsorption of carbon dioxide shifts equilibrium toward carbon monoxide consumption. A second adsorbent may be disposed in the housing for adsorbing carbon monoxide at low temperatures, and is adapted to desorb carbon monoxide at high temperatures. The present invention advantageously eliminates a unit operation from a space-constrained fuel cell vehicle by combining the WGS catalyst and a CO2 adsorbent in a single reactor/housing. The apparatus further eliminates the use of a PROX reactor, by providing an apparatus which incorporates CO2 adsorption and consequent carbon monoxide consumption in the place of the PROX reactor.

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 stand-alone fuel processor (10) for producing hydrogen from a hydrocarbon fuel for a fuel cell engine in a vehicle. The fuel processor (10) includes a primary reactor (14) that dissociates hydrogen and other by-products from the hydrocarbon fuel as a reformate gas. The reformate gas is applied to a WGS reactor (48) to convert carbon monoxide and water to hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The WGS reactor (14) may include an adsorbent for adsorbing carbon monoxide. The reformate gas from the WGS reactor (48) is then sent to a rapid-cycle PSA device (12) for adsorbing the undesirable by-products in the gas and generates a stream of pure hydrogen. A liquid water separator (70) separates water from the reformate gas before it is applied to the PSA device (12). The PSA device (12) uses a portion of the separated hydrogen as a desorbing gas to purify the adsorbent in the PSA device (12). The by-products of the reformate gas can be used as a fuel in a combustor (30) that generates heat for the primary reactor (14).

Abstract: A hydrogen generator of the present invention is provided with: a reformer for generating a reformed gas containing hydrogen from a feed material containing an organic compound at least containing carbon and hydrogen and water; a heater for heating the reformer to a temperature required for generating the reformed gas; a carbon monoxide reducing unit having a carbon monoxide reducing catalyst for reducing carbon monoxide contained in the reformed gas generated in the reformer; and a temperature detector for detecting at least one of a temperature of the reformed gas in the carbon monoxide reducing unit and a temperature of the carbon monoxide reducing catalyst, wherein an amount of the feed material to be supplied to the reformer is controlled based on a comparison between a detected temperature detected by the temperature detector and a reference temperature set in accordance with the amount of the feed material.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for rapidly heating one or more reactants for use in a fuel reformer. The apparatus includes a combustion section having an outer wall enclosing a combustion chamber and a catalyst disposed within the combustion chamber. A heat recovery section is in fluid communication with the combustion section and has an outer wall defining a heat recovery chamber. At least one heat exchanging element is located within the heat recovery chamber having an inlet for receiving a fuel reforming reactant and an outlet for directing a heated reactant out of the heat recovery section. The combustion section is elevated relative to the heat recovery section such that heated combustion gases are displaced down into the heat recovery section. The housing has an internal diameter of less than about 10 inches, or alternatively, has a length and a diameter in a ratio of between about 7:1 and about 4:1.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement in the process of producing hydrogen from hydrocarbon-containing streams. A cyclic reforming process, referred to as pressure swing reforming, provides an efficient means for producing a hydrogen containing synthesis gas for fuel cell applications. Pressure swing reforming may be integrated with shift reactions, preferential oxidation, and membrane separation, achieving thermal and material efficiencies relative to conventional hydrogen production. In one embodiment, at least some synthesis gas which is first produced in the pressure swing reforming process is combusted with air to provide the heat for the regeneration step of the pressure swing reforming process.

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: A process and a device are provided for producing hydrogen gas from water and carbon. The process includes introducing steam and powdered carbon in stoichiometric ratio of carbon to water into a preheated oxidization chamber in such a way that a gas plasma is produced in which the steam is decomposed into its hydrogen and oxygen gas components and oxygen is combined with carbon to form carbon dioxide gas in an exothermic reaction at temperatures above 2000° C., and separating the carbon dioxide gas from the hydrogen gas. The device for conducting this process has an oxidization chamber defined in a hollow body and being provided with a preheater and having at least one inlet port for introducing steam into the oxidization chamber, at least one inlet port for introducing powdered carbon into the oxidization chamber, and at least one exit port for carrying off generated hydrogen gas and/or generated carbon dioxide gas from the oxidization chamber.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon fuel reformer for producing diatomic hydrogen gas is disclosed. The reformer includes a first reaction vessel, a shift reactor vessel annularly disposed about the first reaction vessel, including a first shift reactor zone, and a first helical tube disposed within the first shift reactor zone having an inlet end communicating with a water supply source. The water supply source is preferably adapted to supply liquid-phase water to the first helical tube at flow conditions sufficient to ensure discharge of liquid-phase and steam-phase water from an outlet end of the first helical tube. The reformer may further include a first catalyst bed disposed in the first shift reactor zone, having a low-temperature shift catalyst in contact with the first helical tube.

Abstract: A method of producing hydrogen by reforming a hydrocarbon or an aliphatic alcohol. The method includes preparing a columnar catalytic member having many axial passages and containing a reforming catalyst, a shift catalyst and an oxidation catalyst; preparing a reformable gas containing a hydrocarbon or an aliphatic alcohol and water vapor mixed together; rotating the columnar catalytic member, while passing the gas therethrough transversely with respect to its cross-section such that the gas first flows along a forward path extending in one direction through a first portion of the axial passages and then flows along a backward path extending in the other direction through a second portion of the axial passages, thereby causing the gas to undergo reforming and shift reactions to form hydrogen for recovery, while the gas makes a round trip along the forward and backward paths; and introducing an oxygen containing gas into the forward path and/or the backward path.

Abstract: A reformer for a solid state polymer electrolyte fuel cell includes a burner 1 forming a flame, a reforming portion 2 surrounding the burner and having an exhaust port 22 and exhausting a reformed gas from the exhaust port 22; and a heat exchanger 4 having a higher temperature side, the higher temperature side being connected directly with the exhaust port 22 of the reforming portion 2, the heat exchanger 4 establishing heat exchange between the reformed gas and a raw material gas.

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: 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: The present invention provides an apparatus for the production of hydrogen by the reformation of a hydrocarbon or aliphatic alcohol having a hollow cylindrical frame; a columnar catalytic member having a multitude of axial passages, mounted in and supported by the cylindrical frame so as to be rotatable relative thereto by a drive unit; a lid body, closing an upper end of the cylindrical frame and making a space immediately above the columnar catalytic member; a partition wall for subdividing the space into a first and a second independent space; a gas inlet port formed in the lid body for introducing a mixture gas of hydrocarbon or aliphatic alcohol and water vapor into the first space; a hydrogen outlet port formed in the lid body for recovering hydrogen generated from the second space; and an oxygen inlet port for introducing oxygen into a region of the catalytic member, wherein the oxygen inlet port may make further use of the gas inlet port and/or be additionally provided for communication with a closed

Abstract: A method for upgrading a hydrocarbon in which an oxygen source and a hydrogen source are ignited and the resulting synthetic gas is used to initiate a predominantly gas phase heavy oil upgrade reaction. The upgrade reaction is quenched with an additional source of un-upgraded hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A fuel reforming apparatus for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, characterized in that each of a reformer, a carbon monoxide converter, a carbon monoxide selective oxidizing reactor, a cooling device for cooling the inlet port of the carbon monoxide converter, and a cooling device for cooling the inlet gas of the carbon monoxide selective oxidizing reactor is formed cylindrical, the reformer is arranged in the center, the carbon monoxide converter is arranged on the outer circumferential portion of the reformer, and the carbon monoxide selective oxidizing reactor is arranged on the outer circumferential portion of the carbon monoxide converter so as to make reformer, transformer and reactor integral.