VORTEX TUBE REFORMER FOR HYDROGEN PRODUCTION, SEPARATION, AND INTEGRATED USE

摘要

A reformer assembly includes a vortex tube (214/700/800/900) receiving heated fuel mixed with steam. A catalyst (226) coats the inner wall of the main tube of the vortex tube and a hydrogen-permeable tube (222) 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 (224) and Carbon-based constituents from the other end (220). In some embodiments a second vortex tube (708/804/902) 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.