Patent ID: 6869456

Claim:
A method for starting a fast light-off catalytic reformer for converting hydrocarbon fuel and air to reformate, the reformer including a reactor tube, a reforming catalyst disposed within the reactor tube, an ignition device for igniting a fuel/air mixture within the reactor tube, and a control system for controlling fuel and air flow rates into the reactor tube and for controlling the ignition device, the method comprising the steps of: a) setting a first fuel flow rate and a first air flow rate into said reformer to form a first fuel/air mixture having a first and predetermined mass ratio; b) providing said first fuel/air mixture into said reformer for a first predetermined length of time; c) igniting said first fuel/air mixture with said ignition device within said reformer at least once during said first predetermined length of time; d) passing exhaust products of said ignition through said reforming catalyst to raise the temperature thereof; e) terminating flow of fuel into said reformer at the end of said first predetermined length of time, and simultaneously beginning a second predetermined length of time during which second predetermined length of time no fuel flows into said reformer; f) terminating ignition action in said reformer during said second predetermined length of time; g) at the end of said second predetermined length of time, flowing fuel and air into said reformer at a second fuel flow rate and a second air flow rate to form a second fuel/air mixture having a second and predetermined mass ratio; and h) passing said second fuel/air mixture into contact with said catalyst to reform said mixture into reformate.