METHOD FOR SHUTTING OFF METHANOL REFORMING DEVICE

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To promptly cool a catalyst layer without causing a thermal runaway when shutting off a methanol reforming device. SOLUTION: An introduction of air is initially stopped to progress a steam reforming reaction which is an endothermic reaction while suppressing a partial oxidation reaction which is an exothermic reaction when shutting off a reforming container 23. A molar ratio of water/methanol is next switched to higher value than that when operated under normal conditions (e.g. 1.0-2.0) to further promote the endothermic reaction. An introduction of the water and the methanol is then stopped. A reforming catalyst layer 41 is promptly cooled by undergoing the steps. The molar ratio of the water/methanol which is to be switched is set to an outlier value (e.g. 4.6) to a rapid reaction region. Therefore, a mild shutoff is attained.