Importance

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Abstract

A reformed gas composed mainly of hydrogen and carbon monoxide to be used for a fuel cell is produced by using a multi-tubular reformer provided with bayonet type double-wall catalyst tubes and feeding hydrocarbon gas such as natural gas and steam to the reformer. Porous media of a ceramic material are arranged in such a manner in a shell side flue gas inlet part of the interior of the reformer as to envelop the leading end parts of the catalyst tubes. The transfer of heat from the flue gas to the catalyst tubes is enhanced because the porous media accumulate the heat from the flue gas and radiate the accumulated heat in the direction of the walls of the outer tubes of the catalyst tubes. The otherwise possible uneven transfer of heat to the catalyst tubes is prevented because the wall effect and the channelling of the flue gas are repressed. This invention, therefore, permits effective utilization of the thermal energy of the flue gas for the reforming reaction and enables the reformer to be stably operated.

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First Claim