Patent ID: 6299995
Filing Date: 2001-10-09
Classification: B01J,C01B,H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
A process for the generation of a hydrogen-rich fuel gas stream for use in a fuel cell for the generation of electric power, said process comprising:a) passing a feed stream comprising a hydrocarbon or an oxygenate to a fuel processor comprising an integrated reforming and water gas shift conversion zone to produce a fuel stream comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and water;b) passing the fuel stream at an oxidation temperature between 70.degree. and less than 160.degree. C. in the presence of an oxygen-containing stream to a preferential oxidation zone containing a preferential oxidation catalyst to produce the hydrogen-rich fuel gas stream comprising less than about 50 ppm-vol carbon monoxide, said preferential oxidation catalyst consisting of ruthenium metal dispersed on an alumina carrier having an apparent bulk density of about 0.2 to about 0.4 g/cc and wherein at least a portion of said alumina carrier has an average pore size of about 800 to about 1500 angstroms; andc) passing the hydrogen-rich fuel gas stream to a fuel cell for the generation of electric power and withdrawing electric power.