Patent ID: 6824904
Filing Date: 2004-11-30
Classification: B01J,C01B,H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
A preferential oxidation reactor for reducing a carbon monoxide content of a gas stream which contains hydrogen, the reactor comprising:at least first and second reactor sections; said first reactor section having a first gas passage through which the gas stream flows, and having a surface supporting a first catalyst comprising a first metal for promoting oxidation of carbon monoxide in the gas stream; said second reactor section having a second gas passage in flow communication with said first gas passage and having a surface supporting a second catalyst comprising a second metal different from the said metal; and control means for maintaining a first temperature within said first gas passage at a value different than a second temperature within said second gas passage; wherein said first catalyst is characterized by promoting oxidation of the carbon monoxide at a different rate at said first temperature, as compared to a rate at which said second catalyst is operable at said first temperature to oxidize the carbon monoxide.