Patent ID: 8814964
Filing Date: 2014-08-26
Classification: C01B,C10J

Abstract:
1. A method for reforming fuel, the method comprising: a. contacting the fuel to a metallic foam and then an oxidation catalyst so as to partially oxidize the fuel and generate heat wherein the metallic foam preheats the fuel with the generated heat, wherein said oxidation catalyst operates at a first temperature; b. warming the partially oxidized fuel with the heat while simultaneously warming a reforming catalyst with the heat; and c. reacting the partially oxidized fuel with steam using the reforming catalyst, wherein the reforming catalyst operates at a second temperature lower than the first temperature wherein the foam and catalysts are contained within a housing, the housing defining an upstream end proximal to an inlet gas preheater region containing the foam and a downstream end, the method further comprising directing the heat from the oxidation catalyst towards said inlet gas preheater region, wherein said inlet gas preheater region is wider in flow through diameter than the downstream end.