Patent ID: 6790247
Filing Date: 2004-09-14
Classification: B01D,B01J,C01B,F28D,H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
An apparatus for converting hydrocarbon fuel to hydrogen rich gas, comprising:a container having a bottom and substantially vertical sides; a removable top for the container, wherein the removable top comprises a manifold; a plurality of connected process units positioned in a spiraling geometry within the container; and a ceramic casting that fills the void space inside the container, wherein the plurality of connected process units forms a channel through the ceramic casting; wherein the plurality of connected process units comprises: an autothermal or steam reforming catalyst bed; a first heat exchanger positioned adjacent to the autothermal reforming catalyst bed; a desulfurization agent bed positioned adjacent to the first heat exchanger; a second heat exchanger positioned adjacent to the desulfurization agent bed; a water gas shift catalyst bed positioned adjacent to the second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger positioned adjacent to the water gas shift catalyst bed; and a carbon monoxide oxidation catalyst bed positioned adjacent to the third heat exchanger.