Patent ID: 6159256
Filing Date: 2000-12-12
Classification: B60K,C01B,C10G,H01M,Y02E,Y02T

Abstract:
A method for desulfurizing an undiluted hydrocarbon fuel stream so as to convert the hydrocarbon fuel stream into a hydrogen-rich gas, which hydrogen-rich gas is suitable for use in a cell stack assembly in a fuel cell power plant, said method comprising the steps of:a) providing an undiluted hydrocarbon fuel stream, said hydrocarbon fuel stream being a hydrocarbon fuel selected from the group consisting of gasoline and diesel fuel;b) providing a nickel desulfurization station containing a nickel reactant which is operative to convert sulfur contained in organic sulfur compounds in the hydrocarbon fuel stream to nickel sulfide;c) introducing the hydrocarbon fuel stream into said nickel desulfurization station; andd) maintaining said nickel desulfurization station at operating temperatures in the range of about 250.degree. F. to about 525.degree. F. during performance of the method.