Patent ID: 6245303
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: B01J,C01B,H01M,Y02E,Y02P

Abstract:
A reformer reactor for producing hydrogen gas from hydrocarbons comprising:(a) a first zone having a partial oxidation reaction vessel, the vessel having an opening for emission of reactants into the first zone;(b) a second zone adjacent the first zone, the second zone containing a first catalyst suitable for promoting an endothermic reaction;(c) a first partition separating the first and second zones, the first partition having a plurality of spaced openings to permit the flow of the reaction stream therethrough; and(d) a flow path for directing flow of a reaction stream in diverging directions from the first zone into the second zone, the flow of the reaction stream continuing in the same general diverging directions through the second zone and the reactor being configured such that during operation, heat from the reaction stream after partial oxidation reaction is transferred to the first catalyst sufficient to support a temperature to promote steam reforming in the presence of the first catalyst, wherein the number, size, and spacing of the partition openings is selected to control the flow rate and uniformity of the reaction stream from the first zone and into the second zone.