Compact multi-fuel autothermal reforming catalytic reactor for h2 production

Distributed hydrogen production to feed fuel cells needs compact and versatile reforming system: AIR reaction assures compactness and process self-sustainability. The aim of this work is to realize and test a thermally integrated catalytic reactor able to realize the ATR of gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons. Heat recovery from reaction products for pre-heating of reactants allows to feed reactants at room temperature. Preliminary experimental results performed with the integrated multi-fuel reactor showed that the system is very fast to reach the steady conditions, with a very high thermal exchange efficiency, and a good approach to the equilibrium gas phase composition at the reactor outlet in terms of adiabatic temperature, hydrocarbon conversion and hydrogen production.