Patent ID: 6936238
Filing Date: 2005-08-30
Classification: B01B,B01J,C01B,H01M,Y02E,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A method of operating an autothermal reactor for reforming a hydrocarbon fuel into a hydrogen-rich reformate stream, comprising the steps of: operating a thermal partial oxidation reactor of the autothermal reactor for a first period for thermally reforming the fuel and generating heat; heating components of the autothermal reactor during said first period; switching to a second period after said components achieve an operational temperature; premixing the hydrocarbon fuel stream with at least one of air and steam for producing a mixed reactant stream; reforming said mixed reactant stream in a first stage catalytic reformer of the autothermal reactor for producing an effluent stream; reforming said effluent stream in a second stage catalytic reformer of the auto-thermal reactor for producing the reformate stream; and simultaneously transferring heat between components of the autothermal reactor for maintaining operational temperatures thereof during said second period.