Patent ID: 6468480
Filing Date: 2002-10-22
Classification: B01J,C01B,H01M,Y02E,Y02T

Abstract:
A reformer for converting hydrocarbon fuel into hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide comprising:a first tube having a first tube inlet and a first tube outlet, the first tube inlet connected to a supply of a first mixture, the first mixture including oxygen-containing gas and a first fuel and a first tube outlet adapted for directing a partially oxidized first reaction reformate out of the first tube; a second tube having a second tube inlet and a second tube outlet, the second tube inlet connected to a supply of a second mixture, the second mixture including steam and a second fuel and the second tube outlet adapted for directing a steam reformed second reaction reformate out of the second tube; a catalytic reforming zone annularly disposed about the second tube, wherein the first reaction reformate and second reaction reformate can be conducted through the first tube outlet and the second tube outlet, respectively, to the catalytic reforming zone for further reforming of said mixtures; and, wherein one of either the first tube or the second tube is disposed about the other, the second tube includes a first reforming catalyst, and wherein the first and second tubes communicate thermally such as to permit transfer of heat from the area which is inside of the first tube to an area which is outside of the first tube, but inside of the second tube.