Process for regenerating a carbon monoxide oxidation reactor

Abstract

A process for regenerating a selective oxidizer bed, by the introduction of oxygen is provided. In a single oxidizer bed environment, regeneration may be carried out on shut-down or on start-up. On start-up, the process includes providing a selective oxidizer bed as well a fuel processor. The selective oxidizer bed is heated to approximately 180° F. Air is passed through the selective oxidizer bed while maintaining the selective oxidizer bed at a temperature of approximately 180° F. for 1-2 minutes. The selective oxidizer is then purged with steam to remove residual air therefrom. Fuel is then introduced from the fuel processor into the selective oxidizer. On shut-down, residual fuel is purged from the oxidizer bed and then air is passed therethrough while maintaining the bed at a temperature between approximately 180° F. to approximately 220° F. The oxidizer is allowed to cool to ambient temperature and then heated to 180° F. Residual air is then purged from the oxidizer for subsequent introduction of fuel. Multiple oxidizer beds may be provided in parallel to one another to enable continuous, uninterrupted operation with bed remaining operation at all times while the other is being regenerated. Regeneration may also be carried out by thermal cycling of the selective oxidizer bed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.