Electrically-heated metal vaporizer for fuel/air preparation in a hydrocarbon reformer assembly
US7736399B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 7, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jun 15, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/12
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A catalytic reformer assembly and methods of operation, including fast start-up, are provided. The reformer assembly includes an electrically-conductive metallic vaporizer having a very high surface area. At start-up of the reformer, electric current is passed through the vaporizer to heat the material by resistance heating, providing a high-temperature, high-surface area environment for fuel vaporization. Preferably, the electric current is started a few seconds before starting fuel flow. The fuel is sprayed either onto or through the heated vaporizer, preferably before the fuel is mixed with incoming air to minimize convective cooling by the air and to reduce the pressure drop in the fuel flow. As the reformer warms up, energy from the reforming process heats the vaporizer via radiation and/or conduction such that electric power is needed only during the start-up phase. A control circuit regulates the amount and duration of electric power supplied to the vaporizer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.