Patent ID: 6926748
Filing Date: 2005-08-09
Classification: B01B,C01B,F28C,H01M,Y02E,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A fuel processor for rapidly achieving operating temperature, said fuel processor comprising: a reformer converting a hydrogen-containing fuel to H a shift reactor in fluid communication with said reformer, said shift reactor being operable to reduce carbon monoxide levels of said reformate; a preferential oxidation reactor in fluid communication with said shift reactor, said preferential oxidation reactor being operable to further reduce carbon monoxide levels of said reformate exiting said shift reactor; and a first combustion heater system coupled to at least one of said reformers said shift reactor, and said preferential oxidation reactor, said first combustion heater system operated in a lean state to produce thermal energy as a product of internal combustion of air and fuel in the form of a first heated exhaust stream that is passed through said at least one of said reformer, said shift reactor, said preferential oxidation reactor; a second combustion heater system coupled to at least another of said reformer, said shift reactor, and said preferential oxidation reactor, said second combustion heater system operated to produce thermal energy as a product of the combustion of air and fuel in the form of a second heated exhaust stream that is passed through said at least another of said reformer, said shift reactor, and said preferential oxidation reactor.