METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RAPID HEATING OF FUEL REFORMING REACTANTS

摘要

Apparatus for rapidly heating reactants for use in a reformer including a combustion section having a combustion chamber (36) containing a catalyst (16) providing a non-diffused flow path through the combustion chamber (36). A heat recovery section is in fluid communication with the combustion section and defines a heat recovery chamber (38). At least one heat exchange element (18) is located within the heat recovery chamber (38) for heating a fuel reforming reactant. The combustion section is elevated relative to the heat recovery section such that heated combustion gases are displaced down into the heat recovery section. The combustion and heat recovery sections have outer walls (6 and 8, respectively) that are continuous with one another to form a housing that is preferably cylindrical.