Patent ID: 8562700

Claim:
A multi-functional compact fuel converter apparatus to provide heat, hydrogen and olefins comprising: a reactor; a continuous supply of fuel to the top of the reactor; a continuous supply of oxygen to the top of the reactor; an electrostatic atomized fuel injection device located in the reactor below said supply of fuel and said supply of oxygen; a droplet source extending from and coupled to the fuel injection device; a grounded mesh screen located below the fuel injection device, wherein a voltage difference applied between the droplet source and the grounded mesh creates an electrospray, the grounded mesh screen being located approximately 1-2 cm from the droplet source to sustain the electrospray; a pre-heat region in the reactor below said supply of fuel and said supply of oxygen having sufficient temperature and length to fully vaporize said atomized liquid fuel; a source of heat for vaporization of atomized liquid fuel; a fuel-oxidizer mixing region in the reactor; and a catalyst on a foam support near the bottom of the reactor.