Patent ID: 8460409

Claim:
A reformer comprising: a plasma zone to receive a pre-heated mixture of reactants and ionize the reactants by applying an electrical potential thereto; a first thermally conductive surface surrounding the plasma zone and configured to transfer heat from an external heat source into the plasma zone; a reaction zone to chemically transform the ionized reactants into synthesis gas comprising a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide; a second thermally conductive surface surrounding the reaction zone and configured to transfer heat from the external heat source into the reaction zone, wherein the second thermally conductive surface and the first thermally conductive surface are both directly exposed to the external heat source; and a housing containing the plasma zone and reaction zone and physically configured such that the plasma zone and reaction zone are not co-axial, thereby imparting an elongated aspect ratio to the reformer, wherein the housing further comprises unobstructed open space between the plasma zone and reaction zone to facilitate heat transfer into and around the plasma and reaction zones.