摘要:
An apparatus for carrying out a multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel (200) to a substantially pure hydrogen gas (216), includes a plurality of reaction zones (208, 210, 212 and 214) arranged in a common reaction chamber (20) and a heat exchanger (202) internally positioned through the length of the reaction chamber (20) so as to provide heat or remote heat as required by a particular reaction zone. The multi-step process includes providing the fuel (200) to the reaction chamber (20) so that as the fuel reacts and forms the hydrogen rich gas (216), the intermediate gas products pass through each reaction zone as arranged in the reaction chamber (20) to produce the hydrogen rich gas (216).
摘要:
The methods and apparatus for heating a catalyst bed (410) for start-up and for providing heat to a catalyst bed (410) during transient operation to maintain desired reaction temperatures. An electrical heating element (400) may directly or indirectly heat the catalyst. The direct heating of catalyst is achieved by having direct contact of the heater element (400) with the catalyst. Indirect heating is achieved by direct heating of a fluid, such as a process flow, which in turn flows through the catalyst, thereby transferring heat to the catalyst. Additionally, indirect heating may be achieved by placing the heating element (400) within a sheath that is then either in direct contact with the catalyst or fluid that flows through the catalyst. By these means, catalyst of many forms may employ this catalyst heater (400), including pellets, extrudates, spheres, and monoliths. The catalyst heater (400) in accordance with this invention can be made of any resistive wire, cartridges, or rods that may be coupled to a power source to provide the energy to produce the heat.
摘要:
Method and apparatus for steam reforming of sulfur containing hydrocarbon fuels. The apparatus includes a desulphurization unit (30), a pre-reformer (50), and a steam reforming unit (60). A carbon dioxide fixing material is present in the steam reforming catalyst bed. Fuel processors having multiple catalyst beds and methods and apparatus for generating electricity utilizing such fuel processors are also disclosed.
摘要:
A portable fuel processing apparatus and enclosure (110) including an enclosure (110) having an outer wall that defines an interior space and provides a gas impermeable barrier (105). Attached to the enclosure (110) is porting means (90) for use in moving the enclosure (110) from one location to another. A fuel reformer (115) capable of providing sufficient hydrogen-rich reformate to a fuel cell stack for use in generating at least about 1 kW per hour is disposed within the enclosure (110). An optional gas detection system includes a sensor (180) disposed within the enclosure (110) to monitor the interior of the enclosure (110) for presence of combustible gases. The portable apparatus can have a number of connectors (122, 124) for connecting the enclosure (110) and the fuel processing systems to a source of a reformer fuel and water as well as a domestic drain (150).
摘要:
A method for start-up and shut down of a fuel processor including an autothermal reformer employing a non-pyrophoric shift catalyst is disclosed. Also disclosed are a computer programmed to start-up or shut down a fuel processor including an autothermal reformer employing a non-pyrophoric shift catalyst or a program storage medium encoded with instruction that, when executed by a computer, start-up or shut down a fuel processor including an autothermal reformer employing a non-pyrophoric shift catalyst.
摘要:
An apparatus for carrying out a process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a hydrogen rich gas utilizes heat pipes (504) to control the temperatures of the reactor beds (502), manage heat and integrate the heat management in a simple and efficient manner.