Microlith catalytic reactors for reforming iso-octane-based fuels into hydrogen

Recent advances in the development of short contact time (SCT) reactor design approaches allow reformers capable of overcoming current barriers of cost, size, weight, complexity and efficiency associated with conventional reactor design approaches. PCI has developed an SCT based approach using a patented substrate (trademarked Microlith®) and proprietary coating technology [1]. The high heat and mass transport properties of the substrate have been shown to significantly reduce reactor size while improving performance. Resistance to coking, especially at low H2O:C ratios, has also been observed with these reactors. This paper summarizes the results of auto thermal reforming (ATR) of an iso-octane-based liquid fuel. In addition Microlith-based water gas shift (WGS) and preferential CO oxidation (PROX) reactors were also examined for fuel processing applications. Surprisingly, selectivity advantages for these kinetically controlled reactions were observed [2]. Examples described here include low methanation selectivity in WGS applications and large operating windows for PROX at very high space velocities. A complete reformer system with Microlith ATR, WGS and PROX reactors has been identified. Sensitivity of system size with regard to steam:carbon ratios, and the resulting implications for reactor/heat exchanger sizes were documented and a compact system identified.