Reformer and Partial Oxidation Designs

Compact regenerative reformers with concentric annular catalyst beds 

Idatech is now marketing a 2.5-kW packaged PEM power plant system, powered by a catalytic steam reformer, to serve the residential market. Eor this and its other fuel processor developments, Idatech has focused on using liquid fuels, including methanol. 

Non-catalytic partial oxidation is applied indnstrially by Texaco and Shell for the conversion of heavy oils to synthesis gas. In the ease of the Shell, basic partial oxidation process, liqnid fnel is fed to a reactor together with oxygen, and steam. A partial combustion takes place in the reactor, which yields a product at around 1150°C. It is this high temperature that poses a particular problem for conventional partial oxidation. The reactor has to be made of expensive materials to withstand the high temperatures, and the 

Several other developers have built CPO reactors for both mobile and stationary fuel cell applications. Shell has developed their CPO technology for reforming gasoline within the DaimlerChrysler/Ballard company Excellsis as well as in collaboration with UTC Fuel Cells for stationary applications. CPO of methanol proceeds with much lower heats of 

CATALYST (Platinum or chromium oxide on refractory support) 

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