Patent ID: 6254848
Filing Date: 2001-07-03
Classification: B01J,C01B

Abstract:
A process for starting a reformer, comprising:during a cold starting phase, feeding a fuel and air mixture into a gas purification stage comprising a catalyst for selectively oxidizing carbon monoxide in a reformate gas;oxidizing the fuel and air mixture on the catalyst, thereby releasing heat;directing the heat into a reformer by a heat exchange surface between the gas purification stage and the reformer thereby heating the reformer to an operating temperature, wherein the reformer comprises a catalyst for catalytic water vapor reforming of a water vapor and fuel mixture;after conclusion of the starting phase, stopping the feeding of the fuel and air mixture to the gas purification stage;feeding the water vapor and fuel mixture to the reformer and catalytically reforming the water vapor and fuel mixture, thereby generating the reformate gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide; andfeeding the reformate gas into the gas purification stage and selectively oxidizing the carbon monoxide.