Method and apparatus for oxidizing carbon monoxide in the reactant stream of an electrochemical fuel cell

摘要

A method and apparatus oxidizes the carbon monoxide present in an incoming reactant fuel stream and/or carbon monoxide produced by the reverse water-shift reaction to carbon dioxide in a reactant stream introduced to an electrochemical fuel cell. The reactant stream comprises hydrogen, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. A first oxygen-containing gas stream is introduced into the reactant stream through a first port disposed between the reactant stream inlet and the reactant stream outlet. A further oxygen-containing gas stream is introduced into the reactant stream through at least one secondary port located between the first port and the reactant stream outlet.