Heat exchanger mechanization to transfer reformate energy to steam and air

Apparatus for synthesizing hydrogen gas from a fuel comprising, said apparatus comprising:

• a primary reactor having a catalyst situated between an inlet adapted to receive a fuel stream and an oxygen-containing stream, and an outlet adapted to provide product gases, one of said gases being hydrogen;
• and
• a heat exchanger annularly disposed around said primary reactor, said heat exchanger having a plurality of inlet conduits and a plurality of outlet conduits, said inlet conduits being in fluid communication with said inlet of said primary reactor, and said outlet conduits being in fluid communication with said outlet of said primary reactor, wherein said inlet conduits and said outlet conduits are adapted to provide a counter flow transfer of heat energy therebetween.

Apparatus for synthesizing hydrogen gas from a fuel comprising, said apparatus comprising:

• a primary reactor having a catalyst situated between an inlet adapted to receive a fuel stream and an oxygen-containing stream, and an outlet adapted to provide product gases, one of said gases being hydrogen;
• and
• a heat exchanger annularly disposed around said primary reactor, said heat exchanger having an inner shell and an outer shell, and having a plurality of inlet conduits and a plurality of outlet conduits situated between said inner and outer shells, said inlet conduits being in fluid communication with said inlet of said primary reactor, and said outlet conduits being in fluid communication with said outlet of said primary reactor, wherein said inlet conduits and said outlet conduits are adapted to provide a counter flow transfer of heat energy therebetween.