Partial oxidation reformer

Abstract

Hydrogen-rich reformed gas is produced by reaction including partial oxidation of feed gas in a reforming reaction section ( ). In this case, for the purpose of reducing temperature variations in the reforming reaction section ( ), improving the thermal efficiency thereof and providing a reformer (A) with a simple and compact construction, the reformer (A) is formed in a double-wall structure consisting of a housing ( ) and partitions ( ), ( ) inside of the housing ( ), the reforming reaction section ( ) is contained between the partitions ( ), ( ), and a feed gas passage ( ) is provided by the space between the housing ( ) and the partition ( ). In this manner, the feed gas passage ( ) is provided in the surrounding area of the reforming reaction section ( ). The reforming reaction section ( ) is thermally insulated by the feed gas passage ( ) so that temperature variations in the reforming reaction section ( ) can be reduced. The feed gas in the feed gas passage ( ) is preheated by heat of reaction in the reforming reaction section ( ) so that the self-recovery of heat can improve thermal efficiency of the reformer (A). In addition, a preheater for preheating the feed gas can be formed integrally between the feed gas passage ( ) and the reforming reaction section ( ) thereby compacting the construction of the reformer.