Integrated reformer and shift reactor

A hydrocarbon fuel reformer for producing diatomic hydrogen gas comprising:

• a first reforming reaction vessel containing a reforming catalyst bed;
• a shift reactor vessel annularly disposed about the first reaction vessel and including a first shift reactor zone, the first shift reactor zone having a first shift catalyst bed, an input side for receiving reformats constituents including carbon monoxide and an outlet side for discharging shift-reacted constituents including carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas;
• and,
• a first helical tube disposed within the first shift reactor zone contacting the catalyst of the shift catalyst bed and having an inlet end communicating with a water supply source.

A fuel processor for producing diatomic hydrogen gas comprising:

• a vessel having a first end, a second end, and an outer wall;
• a partial oxidation zone disposed in the vessel, extending between the first and second ends, and bounded by a first inner wall;
• and
• a steam reforming zone interposed between the first inner wall and the outer wall, the first inner wall having a port disposed near the first end to define a first transition between a first flow path of reactants through the partial oxidation zone and a second flow path of reactants through the steam reforming zone in a direction substantially opposite the first flow path.

A reactor for producing hydrogen from hydrocarbons comprising:

• a reforming reaction vessel containing a reforming catalyst;
• a first shift reaction zone annularly disposed about the reforming reaction vessel, the shift reaction zone containing a first shift catalyst;
• and,
• a boiler tube in the first shift reaction zone for carrying a heat transfer medium, the tube being located so as to permit heat transfer between a first portion of the tube and reaction constituents in the first shift reaction zone.