Patent ID: 7828864
Filing Date: 2010-11-09
Classification: B01J,C01B,F23D,H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method for producing hydrogen gas, the method comprising: drawing a fuel stream comprising methanol and at least 25 vol % water from a supply containing a liquid mixture of methanol and at least 25 vol % water; delivering the fuel stream to a burner assembly; combusting the fuel stream with air to produce a heated exhaust stream; heating a hydrogen-producing reforming region with the heated exhaust stream to at least a minimum hydrogen-producing temperature, wherein the reforming region contains a steam reforming catalyst adapted to produce a mixed gas stream at the minimum hydrogen-producing temperature, wherein the mixed gas stream comprises hydrogen gas as a majority component and further comprises other gases; drawing a feed stream comprising methanol and at least 25 vol % water from the supply; delivering the feed stream to the reforming region; and producing the mixed gas stream from the feed stream by a steam reforming reaction.