Reformer and reforming process for production of hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuel
US7727419B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 22, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P20/52
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The invention provides methods and systems for catalytic reforming of a hydrocarbon fuel to produce hydrogen, which may be used as a power source for a fuel cell. In some embodiments, hydrogen is produced by partial oxidation or autothermal reforming of fuel in an oxygen containing gas stream that is rich the majority of the time, with periodic conversion to a lean gas stream for short periods of time to maintain catalytic activity. In one embodiment, hydrogen peroxide is used as the oxidant in an autothermal reforming process. In some embodiments, hydrogen is produced by steam reforming at a low steam to carbon ratio, with a periodic increase in the steam to carbon ratio for short periods of time to maintain catalytic activity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.