Patent Publication Number: US-2007113476-A1

Title: Fuel reformer and method of using the same

Description:
BACKGROUND  
      Fuel reformers, or fuel processors, are capable of converting a hydrocarbon fuel such as methane, propane, natural gas, gasoline, diesel, and the like, into various lower molecular weight reformates such as hydrogen (H), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), methane (CH 4 ), nitrogen (N 2 ), and water (H 2 O). Reformers can be produced in various configurations, such as, steam reformers, dry reformers, or partial oxidation reformers.  
      Steam reformers react fuel and steam (H 2 O) in heated cylinders filled catalytic media. Generally endothermic, heat is transferred into the cylinders, which promotes the conversion of hydrocarbons into primarily hydrogen and carbon monoxide. An example of the steam reforming reaction is as follows: 
 
CH 4 +H 2 O→CO+3H 2  
 
      Dry reformers produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the absence of water, employing oxidants, such as carbon dioxide, in the presence of catalysts. Similar to steam reformers, dry reformers are also endothermic and adsorb heat to in order to encourage conversion. An example of a dry reforming reaction is depicted in the following reaction: 
 
CH 4 +CO 2 →2CO+2H 2  
 
      Partial oxidation reformers burn a fuel/oxidant mixture in the presence of a catalyst to convert reactants into a reformate, such as, carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The process is exothermic and temperatures of about 600° C. to about 1,600° C. (degrees Celsius) can be experienced when converting the products into the desired effluent. An example of the partial oxidation reforming reaction is as follows:  
           CH   4     +       1   2     ⁢     O   2         →     CO   +     2   ⁢           ⁢     H   2             
 
      Partial oxidation reformers can comprise a mixing zone and a reforming zone. In the mixing zone, air and fuel are mixed to form a fuel mixture and incinerated within a catalytic substrate, which comprises the reforming zone, producing the desired reformate.  
      Fuel is typically supplied into the mixing zone through a fuel injector. The fuel injector converts liquid fuel into a spray, or mist, of small droplets or particles that can be readily mixed with the air within the mixing zone. Unfortunately however, fuel injectors have difficulty providing small enough particles to provide efficient mixing. This is especially difficult in low-pressure fuel applications where fuel particles of 20 to 30 micrometers in diameter are common. In these applications it is typically that the mixing zone of the device is lengthened to allow longer residence times of the fuel mixture to promote additional vaporization and mixing of fuel particles prior to combustion.  
      High-pressure fuel injectors can be utilized in some fuel reformer applications. However, these applications have demonstrated to be energy intensive, costly, and still do not achieve a submicron particle size which provides for most efficient mixing.  
      Producing a uniform mixture is desirable for the reason that non-homogeneous mixtures burn less efficient than homogeneous mixtures. As a result, localized “hot-spots” can form on the reformer&#39;s substrate, which can decrease the working life of the component. In addition, as the uniformity of the mixture decreases, the quality of the reformate decreases as well.  
      Consequently, there is a need for further innovation of fuel reformer designs to address these issues. Simple, efficient solutions and compact designs are desired.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY  
      Disclosed herein are reformers and methods for using reformers. In one embodiment, the fuel reformer can comprise: an oxidant inlet, a mixing zone capable of receiving the oxidant and vaporized fuel to form a fuel mixture, a reforming zone disposed downstream of and in fluid communication with the mixing zone, wherein the reforming zone is capable of converting the fuel mixture into a gas stream, and a passive heat exchanger disposed in thermal communication with the gas stream and capable of heating the fuel prior to introduction to the mixing zone.  
      In another embodiment, the fuel reformer can comprise: an oxidant inlet, a mixing zone capable of receiving the oxidant and vaporized fuel to form a fuel mixture, a reforming zone disposed downstream of and in fluid communication with the mixing zone, a fuel supply for supplying fuel, a sensor capable of determining a temperature selected from the group consisting of a fuel temperature and a fuel mixture temperature, an active heat exchanger capable of forming the vaporized fuel, and a system controller in operable communication with the sensor and the active heat exchanger and capable of controlling the active heat exchanger based upon data from the sensor.  
      In one embodiment, the method for reforming fuel can comprise: heating a fuel in a passive heat exchanger, vaporizing the heated fuel in an active heat exchanger, introducing the vaporized fuel into a mixing zone, mixing the vaporized fuel with an oxidant, and reacting the fuel and the oxidant.  
      The above described are exemplified by the following figures and detailed description. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      Refer now to the figure, which is an exemplary embodiment.  
       FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional illustration of an exemplary fuel reformer, generally designated  100 .  
       FIG. 2  is an exposed view of an exemplary fuel system, generally designated  48 .  
       FIG. 3  is a partial and cross-sectional illustration of an exemplary modified fuel reformer, generally designated  200 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      Fuel reformers, or fuel processors, are utilized in many applications where “reformate” can be employed for useful purposes. One such application is on diesel vehicles where an “on-line” diesel fuel reformer can be utilized to produce reformate capable of regenerating NOx abatement devices.  
      In NOx abatement applications, as well as many others, the efficiency of reformate production influences overall system efficiency. It is advantageous to minimize the system demands for the production of reformate. Disclosed herein is an embodiment for a fuel reformer that utilizes vaporized fuel in lieu of liquid fuel supplied by fuel injectors that allows for more enhanced fuel mixing, enhanced uniformity in fuel mixture, greater operating efficiency, enhanced fuel mixture control, and a decreased overall reformer size.  
      Throughout this disclosure the term “reformate” will be used to indicate effluent produced by the reformer. In diesel NOx abatement applications, reformate can primarily comprise carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and hydrogen for regenerating system devices. However, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to this application or reformate compositions. It is acknowledged, although not discussed, that other useful reformates may be produced by various reformer, fuel, and catalyst configurations for beneficial purposes.  
      In addition, specific quantities and ranges will be discussed herein with respect to compositions. All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive and combinable (e.g., ranges of “up to about 25 wt %, or, more specifically, about 5 wt % to about 20 wt %”, is inclusive of the endpoints and all intermediate values of the ranges of “about 5 wt % to about 25 wt %,” etc). Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” and the like, as well as “primary”, “secondary”, and the like, do not denote any order or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. The suffix “(s)” as used herein is intended to include both the singular and the plural of the term that it modifies, thereby including one or more of that term (e.g., the metal(s) includes one or more metals).  
      Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a partial and cross-sectional view of an exemplary fuel reformer generally designated  100 , is illustrated (hereinafter referred to as “reformer”). In the illustration, four components can be assembled to form the basic housing of reformer  100 : mounting plate  2 , end-cone  4 , mixing cone  6 , and shell  8  (hereinafter referred to as the “housing components”). In this exemplary embodiment it is envisioned that mixing cone  6  can be connected (e.g., bolted, welded, and so forth) to mounting plate  2 , for example with bolt  54 . Shell  8  can be slip-fit over or in mixing cone  6 , and end cone  4  can be slip-fit over or in shell  8  and connected thereto (e.g., welded). Shell  8  can comprise flange  52 , which can be connected (e.g., bolted, welded, and so forth) to mounting plate  2 . Also connected to mounting plate  2  can be air supply port  32 , which is connected in fluid communication with mixing cone  6  through air inlet orifices  64  that extend through the mounting plate  2  and mixture inlet orifices  46  that extend through the end of the mixing cone  6 . It is envisioned that the air inlet orifices and the mixture inlet orifices  46  can be generally disposed in an annular array about the axis of the reformer  100  on their respective components, and comprise a plurality of orifices. However, any orientation, configuration, or number of orifices can be employed.  
      Supported within shell  8  can be a substrate  10 , a flame arrester  12 , and a heat exchanger  24 . Heat exchanger  24  can be disposed in contact with end-cone  4 , and substrate  10  can be disposed next to heat exchanger  24 . Disposed between substrate  10  and flame arrester  12  can be a combustion chamber  44 , in which ignition source  16  can be disposed. Combustion chamber  44  can comprise an open space, porous media, other flame management device(s), as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing. Ignition source  16 , which can be capable of igniting a fuel/oxidant mixture within fuel reformer  100 , is connected in operable communication (e.g., electrical communication) with system controller  36 .  
      When assembled, these components can be described as forming “zones”. More specifically, the zones can include: a mixing zone  38 , which comprises the internal volume of shell  8  and mixing cone  6  up to about flame arrester  12 ; a combustion zone  14 , which comprises the internal volume of the flame arrester  12  and combustion chamber  44 ; a reforming zone  40 , which comprises the volume of substrate  10 ; and, a heat exchanging zone  56 , which comprises the internal volume of heat exchanger  24  to end-cone  4 . Therefore, outlet  42  is in fluid communication with heat exchanging zone  56 , which is in fluid communication with reforming zone  40 , which is in fluid communication with combustion zone  14 , which is in fluid communication with mixing zone  38 .  
      Generally, the housing components, heat exchanger  24 , substrate  10 , and flame arrester  12 , are illustrated in a generally cylindrical geometry with a circular cross-section. However, they can be configured in any geometry (e.g., elliptical cylinder, and the like). Any material(s) can be employed for the construction of shell  8 , mixing cone  6 , end-cone  4 , and mounting plate  2 . The material(s) employed can be chosen so as to be capable of withstanding the service conditions of the device, such as temperature (e.g., cycling between about −40° Celsius (° C.) to about operating temperature), housing an oxidative reaction, external environmental conditions (e.g., sand, road salt, water, etc.), and so forth. Applicable material(s) can be, but are not limited to, ferrous metals, nickel, alloys comprising at least one of the foregoing, as well as mixtures comprising at least one of the foregoing, such as ferritic stainless steels (e.g., martensitic, ferritic, austenitic stainless materials), nickel alloys, and the like. Furthermore, it is envisioned that substrate  10 , heat exchanger  24 , and flame arrester  12 , can be fixed within shell  8  using any method applicable. Furthermore, it is envisioned that the housing components, as well as the ignition source  16 , are connected by any method applicable.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exposed view of the exemplary fuel system of reformer  100  is illustrated and generally designated  48 . In the illustration, fuel connectors  20  can be connected to mounting plate  2 , which can supply a fuel to the fuel system  48 . Fuel can flow through fuel connectors  20  into secondary fuel lines  28  and flow further to the heat exchanger  24 . Heat exchanger  24 , which is a passive heat exchanger, is capable of heating fuel flowing therein when the system is operational. The fuel thereafter flows into the primary fuel lines  22  in a liquid and/or vapor state. Primary fuel lines  22  can transport the heated fuel from the heat exchanger  24  to heating elements  26  in active heat exchanger  66  (see also  FIG. 1 ). Active heat exchanger  66  (e.g., closed loop heat exchanger, electric heat exchanger, heater, and so forth), which can be connected in operable (e.g., electrical) communication to system controller  36 , is also capable of heating the fuel flowing therein. More specifically, the active heat exchanger  66  can control (e.g., optimize) fuel temperature for subsequent down stream processing. As is illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the active heat exchanger  66  can comprise heating elements  26  and can comprise a sensor  34  that can measure the temperature of the heated and/or evaporated fuel in the heat exchanger  66 . The heated and/or evaporated fuel within active heat exchanger  66  can flow out of the active heat exchanger  66 , into injector tubes  50 , through fuel orifices  30 , and into mixing cone  6 .  
      Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a partial and cross-sectional view of an exemplary modified fuel reformer, generally designated  200 , is illustrated. In the illustration it can be seen that the modified fuel reformer  200  comprises many of the characteristics of the fuel reformer  100 , therefore for conciseness, only the alternative configuration of the components within the mixing zone  38  will be described. Within the mixing zone  38 , it can be seen that the active heat exchanger  66  are not connected in fluid communication with the mixing cone  6  via injector tubes  50 . Rather, in this embodiment, the heated fuel from the heat exchanger  66  is injected through fuel orifices  30  into the internal volume of shell  8 . The fuel, which can be in vaporized, atomized, and/or in droplet form, can therein mix with an oxidant supplied to the internal volume of shell  8  through air inlet orifices  64 . The air inlet orifices  64  can be configured in any orientation, as discussed above with regard to fuel reformer  100 .  
      The mixing of the oxidant and the fuel form a fuel mixture  58 , which can thereafter flow through mixture inlet orifices  46  and/or through turbulence generators  18  into the optional mixing cone  6 . The mixing cone  6  can be configured to comprise additional mixture inlet orifices  46  and/or additional turbulence generator(s), all of which can comprise any shape(s), and orientation(s). The mixing cone  6  can optionally be reconfigured to comprise a porous mixing-element (e.g., a screen, porous substrate, and so forth) that transverses the diameter of shell  8 .  
      Fuel connectors  20 , secondary fuel lines  28 , heat exchanger  24 , primary fuel lines  22 , active heat exchanger  66 , injector tubes  50 , and mixing cone  6  can be assembled, fixed, connected, and/or mounted to one another by various methods. Furthermore, the components of fuel system  48  can be constructed of any material(s) capable of withstanding the service conditions of the device, such as; prolonged exposure to fuels, maintaining operating fluid pressures, temperature cycling between about −40° C. to about operating temperature, external environmental conditions and a reducing environment (e.g., sand, road salt, water, etc.). Applicable materials include those described for use as the housing components.  
      As noted, it is apparent that the components of reformer  100  can be assembled in any configuration and utilizing any method applicable. These methods can comprise, but are not limited to, retention materials (e.g., intumescent matting, non-intumescent matting, meshes, fillers, and the like), housing features (e.g., flanges, sockets, extensions, and so forth), fasteners (e.g., screws, clamps, bolts, rivets, dowels, pins, press-fits, snaps, and so forth), metal working methods (e.g., swaging, stamping, welding, crimping, peening, and so forth), adhesives (e.g., ceramics, epoxies, and the like), by the use of retainers (e.g., retainer rings, snap-rings, o-rings, compression rings, springs, retainer pins, marmon clamps, and so forth), and the like, as well as combinations comprising at least one of the forgoing.  
      Reformer can operate using various reactants to produce various reformate compositions. Diesel fuel can be used in many applications, as it is readily available in vehicles employing reformer assisted NOx abatement systems. However, other hydrocarbon based fuels can be converted as well, such as, gasoline, ethanol, methanol, kerosene, diesel blends, natural gas, propane, butane, and so forth; and alternative fuels, such as biofuels, dimethyl ether, and so forth; as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing fuels.  
      In an embodiment of the reformer, a low pressure metering fuel pump can be employed to provide the appropriate volume of fuel to reformer  100 , with the system controller  36  optionally can be connected in operable communication with the fuel pump to control its operation. It is noted that other system components can be employed such as flow valve(s), sensor(s) (e.g., pressure sensor(s), temperature sensor(s), gas sensor(s) (such as oxygen, hydrocarbon, NOx, and so forth), and so forth, adjust, monitor, and/or control the system, oxidant, fuel, and/or reformate. For example, sensor(s) can be employed and positioned in any location and in any configuration to provide readings of process variables (e.g., fuel temperature, fuel vapor temperature, heating element temperature, fuel mixture  58  temperature, reformate temperature, substrate temperature, environmental temperatures, and the like, as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing).  
      Oxidant supplied to the reformer  100  can comprise oxygen (e.g., pure oxygen, air, recirculated exhaust gas (such as exhaust gas from a turbine, an engine, a fuel cell, and so forth), and the like). The oxidant can optionally be heated prior to mixing with the fuel. Any method can be employed to achieve this function, such as, but not limited to, employing an electrical heating element, heat exchanger(s), and the like. In addition, pump(s), compressor(s), turbine(s), fan(s), and/or the like, can be utilized to pressurize the oxidant, if desired.  
      To promote mixing of the oxidant and the condensed fuel vapor, turbulence generators  18  can be employed within the mixing zone  38  of the reformer  100 . The turbulence generators can be of any size, shape, or geometry, and configured in any orientation or multiplicity that can produce the desired airflow, such as, but not limited to, laminar flow, turbulent flow, flow eddy&#39;s, a vortex, a diffuser, as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing. For example, turbulence may be employed to increase air/fuel mixing or provide a relatively balanced flow front of the fuel mixture  58  on flame arrester  12 .  
      Flame arrester  12  can be incorporated in the design of the reformer  100 . More specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a flame arrestor  12  combined with combustion chamber  44  (e.g., porous media, open space, flame management system(s), and so forth), form combustion zone  14 . Combustion zone  14  is disposed between the mixing zone  38  and the reforming zone  40  to prevent high temperatures from the reforming zone  40  from heating the fuel mixture  58  within the mixing zone  38  and causing premature gas phase reactions. Zone  14  allows combustion and ignition, and allows flow distribution (balances velocity across the face), while inhibiting flame propagation into mixing chamber. Flame arrestors  12  can comprise ferrous materials (e.g., stainless steel, and the like), metallic alloys (e.g., copper, nickel, aluminum, and the like), metallic oxides (e.g., aluminum oxide), as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing materials. Flame arrester  12  can also be of any shape, with a geometry resembling the geometry of substrate  10  desirable.  
      The active heat exchanger  66  can be an electrical resistive heater(s) comprising designs such as, but not limited to, cartridge, strip, bayonet, coil, infrared, tubular, immersion designs, and so forth, capable of vaporizing the fuel. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , active heat exchanger  66  is depicted inside shell  8  and supported by mounting plate  2 . It is intended to be apparent that one or more active heat exchanger  66  can be utilized, which can be located or oriented in any configuration enabling the heating the fuel, such as, but not limited to, direct fluid communication with the fuel, conduction methods not in fluid communication with the fuel, convection methods, radiation methods, and the like. It is also envisioned that insulating materials may be employed in conjunction with active heat exchanger  66  to provide insulation of various components (e.g., sensor  34 , heat exchanger  24 , fuel connectors  20 , system controller  36 , and the like), as well as the entire reformer.  
      The active heat exchanger  66  is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger  24 , which can comprise any shape and type of exchanger capable of heating fuel flowing therein, and in particular, a passive heat exchanger. Desirably, this heat exchanger utilizes heat from the exothermic reaction within the reformer, heat generated from the exhaust, and/or heat from the internal combustion system. The size, shape, and location of heat exchanger  24  can be configured to the specific system in which it is employed.  
      System controller  36  and sensor  34  can be incorporated into reformer  100 , for example, to improve system efficiency. The system controller  36  can utilize information from various system components (e.g., sensors) to control the reformer and the operation thereof; e.g., to provide temperature-feedback and control. This could include a controller employing a predetermined cycle during which energy supplied to heating element  26  is reduced based on time, or through the use of feedback gathered from operating conditions, such as, but not limited to, temperature, time, flow-rate, and the like, as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing. Furthermore, without being bound by theory, an “on/off” controller, proportional controller, and/or a proportional-integral-derivative controller with “fuzzy-logic” capabilities, can be employed.  
      Substrate  10  supports the catalyst that facilitates the reaction of the fuel mixture  58  to produce the gas stream  60 . This substrate can form zone  40 , and/or zones  40  and  56  (i.e., zones  40  and  56  can be combined into a single zone). Although many configurations of substrates  10  can be employed (e.g., packing material, spheres, fibers, foils, monoliths, sponges, particulate, sieves, and the like), configurations comprising a multitude of channels axially disposed within the substrate  10  at approximately 400 or more channels per square inch are efficient. Furthermore, substrate  10  can comprise, materials such as, but is not limited to, metals (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, and so forth), cordierite, silicon carbide, mullite, titanium oxides, titanium phosphates, aluminum oxides (alpha-aluminum oxides), aluminates (lanthanum aluminate, lanthanum hexaaluminate, zirconia toughened aluminate (ZTA)), alumino silicates, aluminum phosphates, aluminum titanates, zirconium oxides, zirconium phosphates, lanthanum zirconate, magnesium silicates, stabilized versions of the preceding, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing. In addition, substrate  10  can also comprise catalyst(s) capable of facilitating the desired reaction. These catalyst(s) can include materials such as alkali metal(s), alkali earth metal(s), lanthanide series metal(s), and/or transitional metals, such as but not limited to, platinum, iridium, cerium, ruthenium, rhodium, and/or oxides, salts, or alloys as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing.  
      Optionally, one or more porous media combustion zones can be incorporated into flame arrester  12 , substrate  10 , or as an individual component disposed within reformer  100  as desired (e.g., as a thin layer on the combustion zone  14  side of flame arrester  12  for example). The porous media combustion zone can comprise any porous media (e.g., spheres, fibers, sponges, particulate, sieves, packing material, pre-forms, substrates, and the like) that is capable of diffusing the combustion reaction to ensure even distribution of the combustion reaction. Furthermore, the elements employed as a porous media combustion zone can comprise catalysts such as the metals listed above (e.g., alkali, alkali earth, lanthanide series, and transitional metals) to provide additional benefit.  
      Generally, there can be two modes of operation for reformer  100 , however additional operating modes can be incorporated. The first mode is start-up, and the second mode is reforming operation. In one embodiment, during start-up, a predetermined amount of oxidant (e.g., air) is supplied to mixing cone  6  through air inlet orifice  64 . Simultaneously, a predetermined amount of fuel is supplied through fuel connectors  20 , which advances within the secondary fuel lines  28 , through heat exchanger  24 , into the primary fuel lines  22  and into active heat exchanger  66 . As the fuel flows through active heat exchanger  66 , it is heated above its vaporization temperature and vaporizes. The vaporized fuel then flows through injector tubes  50 , through fuel orifice  30 , and into mixing cone  6  where it can form a condensate (e.g., an ultra-fine condensate; such as particles having a major axis of less than 10 micrometers) and mix with the oxidant to form a fuel mixture  58 . Disposed within mixing cone  6  can be turbulence generators  18  that can encourage turbulent flow and/or promote a desired flow of fuel mixture  58 . At a predetermined time, as directed by system controller  36 , ignition source  16  provides a source of ignition, which can initiate the combustion of the fuel mixture  58 . The ratio of air to fuel during start-up can be referred to as a “combustion mixture”, which can be about 1:1 to about 15:1 (i.e., about 15 parts air to about 1 part fuel).  
      After the initial combustion of the fuel mixture  58 , additional oxidant is introduced (e.g., metered) into mixing zone  38  and mixed with additional vaporized fuel to sustain the combustion reaction. At this point the components of reformer  100  in fluid communication with mixing zone  38  and disposed downstream of flame arrestor  12  (e.g., substrate  10 , heat exchanger  24 , mixing cone  6 , shell  8 , and the like) begin to increase in temperature due to the combustion reaction. As these components increase in temperature, fuel flowing from the secondary fuel lines  28  can be heated within heat exchanger  24  prior to entering the primary fuel lines  22 . When the heated fuel flows through active heat exchanger  66  it is vaporized and advances through the injector tubes and fuel orifices into the mixing zone  38 .  
      As the temperature of the heat exchanger  24  increases, the heat transferred into the fuel by heat exchanger  24  increases as well. As a result, the temperature of the fuel entering the active heat exchanger  66  increases, therefore, active heat exchanger  66  then uses less energy to vaporize the fuel. This can be controlled by employing a system controller  36 , which can be capable of communicating with a sensor  34  to determine the temperature of the fuel supplied to active heat exchanger  66  by heat exchanger  24 . Using this measurement, system controller  36  can determine the appropriate amount of energy to supply to active heat exchanger  66  to ensure vaporization of the fuel, without supplying an unnecessary surplus of energy.  
      As the combustion reaction progresses, substrate  10  continues to increase in temperature up to a point at which it can support a reforming reaction. System controller  36  can determine this point through monitoring process variables (e.g., temperature, effluent composition, and the like), switching based on a preset inputs (e.g., time), and/or other process inputs to and/or instructions from system controller  36 . When the temperature that will support reforming is reached, the system controller  36  can adjust the fuel mixture  58  from the “combustion mixture” to a richer “reforming mixture” that allows for efficient production of reformate. At this point, the process is considered to be operating under reforming operating conditions (“reforming mode”). It should be noted that prior to reaching a temperature and providing a fuel mixture conducive for the production of reformate, the emissions from the reformer can comprise non-catalytically reacted combustion products. Therefore, it is to be apparent that in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , gas stream  60  can comprise any products produced by the reformer.  
      During reforming mode, reformer  100  can operate with minimal additional heat energy from heating element  26  to produce vaporized fuel. When reformer  100  reaches operating temperature, which is dependent on system design, any heat supplied by heating element  26  is reduced from that supplied during start-up, while continuing to perform the fuel vaporization function. Since during the reforming operation the quantity of fuel and/or air supplied to reformer  100  can be varied to meet changing demands of the system in which it serves, the amount of energy employed to vaporize the fuel can also change accordingly. The system controller  36  can control the amount of energy employed to maintain fuel vaporization as the quantity of fuel and/or other variable(s) change.  
      The following examples are provided merely to further illustrate the disclosed reformer and method, and not to limit the broad scope thereof.  
     EXAMPLE 1  
      In the following calculations, which are exemplary and theoretical, the heat energy to vaporize diesel fuel at a known flow rate and the heat energy produced by the reformer  100  operating at a “combustion mixture” and at a “reforming mixture” are calculated. These reactions are then compared to establish that reformer  100  is capable of producing enough heat energy to vaporize diesel fuel.  
      First, the amount of heat energy required to vaporize diesel fuel at a known flow rate is calculated. Using the approximation that approximately 1,000 watts of heat energy is required per gram per second (g/s) to raise the temperature of diesel fuel from about 22° C. to about 450° C., the heat energy is calculated to be approximately 958 watts. This is illustrated in the following equations: 
 
 Q   fuel   =m[C   pL   ΔT   L +278,000 +C   pv   ΔT   v ]  (I) 
 
 Q   fuel =1 e− 3[1,800*200+278,000+1,600*200]=958 watts   (II) 
 
 where: Q fuel =Heat Energy of Diesel Fuel 
 
      m=Mass flow of Diesel Fuel  
      C pL =Specific Heat Capacity of liquid Diesel Fuel  
      ΔT L =Temperature change of liquid in ° C.  
      C pv =Specific heat of vapor  
      ΔT v =Temperature change of vapor in ° C.  
      Next, the heat energy generated by reformer  100  can be calculated while operating under a “reformate mixture” with a fuel mixture  58  of 5:1 (i.e., 5 g/s air to 1 g/s diesel fuel). Utilizing the following calculations, this is determined to be approximately 6,250 watts:  
      Reaction: 
 
1.027C 12 H 26 +5H 2 O→2.03CO+0.159H 12 +3.818N 2    (III) 
 
      Molar Balance: 
 
C 12 H 26 +6H 2 O→12CO+13H 2 +23N 2    (IV) 
 
      Molecular weights on a mole basis (note: grams per second (g/s) times mole per gram (mole/g) equals moles per second (mole/s)): 
 
C 12 H 26 =12*12+26=170 g/mole   (V) 
 
CO=12+16=28 g/mole (  VI) 
 
      Conservation of energy for a control volume 
 
 E   in   +E   g   −E   out   =E   st    (VII) 
 
E in =Σm dot     i   C p     i   T i    (VIII) 
 
 E   g   =ΣΔH   p   −ΣΔH   R   =ΔH   EX    (IX) 
 
E out =Σm dot     o   C p     o   T o    (X) 
 
      Body Flux Load for the catalyst  
                     E   st     =         E   in     +     E   g     -     E   out         BrickVolume   ⁡     (     mm   3     )                     =                 m   dota     ⁢     C   Pa     ⁢     T   i       -                   (         m   dotco     ⁢     C   pco       +       m     dotH   ⁢           ⁢   2       ⁢     C     pH   ⁢           ⁢   2         +       m     dot   ⁢           ⁢   N   ⁢           ⁢   2       ⁢     C     pN   ⁢           ⁢   2           )     ⁢     T   o       +     H   EX               BrickVolume   ⁡     (     mm   3     )                       (   XI   )                       ∑     Δ   ⁢           ⁢     H   p         =       ⁢         2.03   28     ⁢   Δ   ⁢           ⁢       H   f     ⁡     (   CO   )         +       0.159   2     ⁢   Δ   ⁢           ⁢     H   f     ⁢     (     H   2     )       +                     ⁢       3.818   28     ⁢   Δ   ⁢           ⁢       H   f     ⁡     (     N   2     )                     =       ⁢       2.03   28     ⁢     (     -   110541     )                   =       ⁢       -   8     ,   014.22   ⁢           ⁢   watts                   (   XII   )                       ∑     Δ   ⁢           ⁢     H   R         =       ⁢         1.027   170     ⁢   Δ   ⁢           ⁢       H   f     ⁡     (       C   12     ⁢     H   26       )         +       5   28.926     ⁢   Δ   ⁢           ⁢       H   f     ⁡     (   Air   )                               ⁢     =       ⁢       1.027   170     ⁢     (     -   292162     )                     =       ⁢       -   1     ,   765.0   ⁢           ⁢   watts                   (   XIII   )                 ∴     Δ   ⁢           ⁢       H   EX     ⁡     (       5   ⁢           ⁢   g     s     )       ⁢   massairflow       =       -   6     ,   250   ⁢           ⁢   watts             (   XIV   )             
 
      The calculations shown above illustrate that a reformer  100  operating at a reformate mixture of approximately 5:1 can produce ample heat energy to vaporize diesel fuel.  
     EXAMPLE 2  
      The following example illustrates an exemplary operating method of reformer  100  as researched. In this method, the reformer operation incorporates a start-up mode, a reforming mode, and a soak mode. First, the reformer  100  is ignited similar to the methods discussed above. The reformer  100  maintains combustion of a “combustion mixture” for a total of ten seconds. At the lapse of start-up mode, system controller  36  can initiate a reforming mode at 2.5 g/s mass air flow for 200 seconds. The duration allows for the production of reformate (e.g., as desired by the application). Next, system controller  36  can initiate a soak cycle for 45 seconds (e.g., if desired by the application). During the soak cycle the fuel and/or oxidant supply is shut off in order to temporarily discontinue reformate production. Many systems that employ reformers require reformate intermittently, therefore, the soak cycle is used so as to only supply reformate when needed by the system to maximize fuel efficiency. (Furthermore, the reformer  100  can be designed to retain enough heat to provide an acceptable start-up time.) After the soak cycle, the system controller  36  can initiate another reforming cycle wherein the mass flow of fuel mixture  58  is adjusted richer than the previous cycle to about 5 g/s mass air flow for 10 seconds (e.g., to that used by the system in reforming mode). After this second reforming cycle, another 45 second soak cycle can be initiated. During operation of the system, the reformer can be alternated between the reforming cycle and the soak cycle, to control reformate production to an amount that will be used by the system to which the reformer is connected; e.g., to meet reformate demand.  
     EXAMPLE 3  
      Operation of the reformer can comprise several steps (with additional step(s), including possible steps occurring before, after, or between the following steps also possible). Repeating steps of 3 thru 6 can be used for more cycling.  
      Step 1—Combustor on for 10 seconds.  
      Step 2—Reform at 2.5 g/s mass air flow for 200 seconds.  
      Step 3—Soak for 45 seconds.  
      Step 4—Reform at 5 g/s mass air flow for 10 seconds.  
      Step 5—Soak for 45 seconds.  
      Step 6—Reform at 5 g/s mass air flow for 10 seconds.  
      As disclosed herein, the reformer can utilize active heat exchanger(s) (e.g., heat exchanger  66 ) that introduces heat into the fuel from another source, and passive heat exchanger(s) (e.g., heat exchanger  24 ) that introduces heat to the fuel from the reformer (e.g., exotherms in the reformer), to vaporize fuel prior to introducing the fuel into the mixing zone  38 . In the mixing zone  38 , the vaporized fuel can condensate in ultra-fine particles and mix with the oxidant prior to combustion and conversion into reformate.  
      The benefits of producing an ultra fine condensate (e.g., less than or equal to about 10 micrometers) are numerous. Firstly, an ultra-fine condensate mixes with the oxidant more readily than larger droplets, such as those supplied by a fuel injector (e.g., generally 20 micrometers to 30 micrometers). This produces a more uniform fuel mixture  58 , which burns more efficiently and can be controlled more precisely than a mixture produced from a fuel injector. This results in greater overall system control. Second, the reformer can utilize small, energy efficient metering pumps to supply fuel to the system, which are more energy efficient than reformers employing high-pressure pumps generally employed to compliment high-pressure fuel injectors. Thirdly, in high or low-pressure fuel injector based reformers, lengthy mixing zones are incorporated to allow fuel droplets additional “residence time” to vaporize and to mix with the air. This results in a longer overall device length. The reformers disclosed herein do not require lengthy mixing zones as the ultra fine condensate mixes readily with the air. Therefore, the disclosed devices can be smaller in overall length than fuel-injected systems. Finally, as a result of the increased uniformity of the fuel mixture  58 , a more consistent mixture can be reacted on and/or within substrate  10 , which results in a decreased number of “hot spots” on the substrate  10  surface and improves overall substrate  10  life.  
      While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for element thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or element to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.