Rolls-royce Corporation

Robert D Collins

Gerard D Agnew

Robert Hay Cunningham

Philip D Butler

Michael J Oakley

A reformer module () comprises a hollow support member () having at least one passage () extending longitudinally therethrough. The hollow support member () has an external surface (), a barrier layer () arranged on at least a portion of the external surface () of the hollow support member (), a catalyst layer () arranged on the barrier layer () and a sealing layer () arranged on the catalyst layer () and the external surface () of the hollow support member () other than the at least a portion of the external surface of the hollow support member (). By providing the barrier layer () and the catalyst layer () on the exterior surface () of the hollow support member (), the distribution of the barrier layer () and/or the catalyst layer () may be more precisely controlled and thus a non-uniform distribution of barrier layer () and/or catalyst layer () may be achieved.

Reformer module

A combined reformer and shift reactor comprises a cylindrical reforming chamber arranged within and on the axis of a cylindrical vessel. An annular steam generator is arranged within, and coaxially with, the vessel. The steam generator is arranged around the reforming chamber. A plurality of shift reactors extend axially, with respect to the vessel, through the steam generator. Methane and steam are supplied via helically coiled pipe to the reforming chamber and air is supplied via helically coiled pipe. The methane and steam mixture and air flowing through the pipes are preheated by the reforming chamber product gases flowing in annular passage. The shift reactors convert carbon monoxide and water in the product gases to carbon dioxide and hydrogen and the heat produced is transferred to the water in the steam generator to produce steam.

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Derby, United Kingdom

Robert D Collins