Reactor for producing hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels

A reformer reactor for producing hydrogen-rich gas comprising:

• a first zone for containing a reaction stream with reactants, said first zone comprising a partial oxidation reaction vessel having an opening for emission of the reactants into the first zone;
• a collection space for collecting gaseous product;
• at least one intermediate zone interposed between the first zone and the collection space, wherein at least the intermediate zone immediately adjacent to the first zone contains a catalyst suitable for promoting an endothermic reaction;
• a partition separating the first zone from the zone immediately adjacent to the first zone, the partition having a plurality of spaced openings to permit the flow of a reactant stream therethrough;
• and
• a means for directing the heated reactant stream in diverging directions from the first zone to the collection space primarily in the direction coinciding with the direction of a substantial portion of the overall heat flux out of the vessel;
• wherein the reactor is configured such that heat is transferred from the partial oxidation vessel to at least the zone immediately adjacent to the first zone so as to support a temperature promoting steam reforming in the presence of the catalyst.