Reactor control method

A method for controlling the operating temperature of a catalytic partial oxidation reactor in a catalytic partial oxidation process, the method comprising:

• a) setting an initial setpoint temperature as a maximum operating temperature for operation of the catalytic partial oxidation reactor in the catalytic partial oxidation process, wherein a liquid distillate fuel is contacted with oxygen in the presence of a catalyst within the reactor under reaction conditions sufficient to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide;
• b) operating the reactor at the initial setpoint temperature while measuring the operating temperature simultaneously at a plurality of locations within the reactor;
• c) selecting a maximum observed operating temperature within the reactor from the measurements of step (b);
• d) selecting a minimum observed operating temperature within the reactor from the measurements of step (b);
• e) calculating a temperature differential between the maximum observed operating temperature selected in step (c) and the minimum observed operating temperature selected in step (d);
• f) modifying the initial setpoint temperature based upon the temperature differential by (1) varying a flow of fuel at a fixed air flow, or (2) varying a flow of air at a fixed fuel flow, or (3) alternating flows between (1) and (2);
• and
• g) operating the reactor at the modified setpoint temperature until the temperature differential is less than a selected threshold temperature differential.