Patent ID: 7135154

Claim:
An autothermal reforming module for use in a compact fuel processor, comprising: a module inlet for receiving a feed stream; a module outlet for producing an effluent stream; a fixed bed reactor having a reactor inlet, a reactor outlet, and autothermal reforming catalyst; an inlet spiral passage in fluid communication with the module inlet to the reactor inlet; an outlet spiral passage in fluid communication with the reactor outlet to the module outlet; a flow distribution manifold in fluid communication with the reactor inlet for evenly distributing flow into the reactor; a flow collection manifold in fluid communication with the reactor for directing hot reactor product to the reactor outlet; and a cover fitted to a side of the reforming module; wherein the flow distribution manifold is disposed between the reactor and the cover for evenly distributing flow into the reactor; and wherein the feed stream is introduced to the module inlet, passes through the inlet spiral passage, and is heated by the hot reactor product passing through the outlet spiral passage.