Vortex tube reformer for hydrogen production, separation, and integrated use
US11444302B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 2017 |
| Grant date | Sep 13, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 5, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01M2008/147
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A reformer assembly includes a vortex tube receiving heated fuel mixed with steam. A catalyst coats the inner wall of the main tube of the vortex tube and a hydrogen-permeable tube is positioned in the middle of the main tube coaxially with the main tube. With this structure the vortex tube outputs primarily Hydrogen from one end and Carbon-based constituents from the other end. In some embodiments a second vortex tube receives the Carbon output of the first vortex tube to establish a water gas shift reactor, producing Hydrogen from the Carbon output of the first vortex tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.