Apparatus for the production of hydrogen rich gas and process for starting this apparatus

摘要

An apparatus that generates a gas rich in H2 by the catalytic reforming of a water vapour and fuel mixture includes a stage (4) in which CO is removed by catalytic selective oxidation. This involves heat energy being transferred from this purification stage (4) to the reforming stage (3), the two stages of the apparatus being integrated into a single housing. Over the length of the reactor, metered inlets (8') are provided through which oxygen containing gas is introduced. The reaction rates of the two stages are adjusted so that when coupled together a predetermined and self-sustaining temperature level for the apparatus is established.