Patent ID: 7179313
Filing Date: 2007-02-20
Classification: B01J,C01B

Abstract:
1. A steam reformer comprising: a) an elongated reactor having a thermally conductive partition which divides the reactor into first and second channels, both channels being coated with catalysts which are suitable for promoting both combustion and steam reforming reactions, the reactor having an inlet end and an outlet end, b) an inlet valve connected to direct a first stream comprising fuel and air, and a second stream comprising fuel and steam, into said channels at the inlet end, wherein in a first valve position, the first stream is directed into the first channel and the second stream is directed into the second channel, and wherein in a second valve position the first stream is directed into the second channel and the second stream is directed into the first channel, c) an outlet valve connected, at the outlet end, to direct gas streams from said first and second channels into conduits for combustion products and reformed products, wherein in a first valve position, the outlet valve directs gas from said first channel into said conduit for combustion products and directs gas from said second channel into said conduit for reformed products, and wherein in a second valve position, the outlet valve directs gas from said first channel into said conduit for reformed products and directs gas from said second channel into said conduit for combustion products, and d) means for simultaneously switching positions of said inlet valve and said outlet valve such that both of said valves are in a same position.