Catalyst and process development for hydrogen preparation from future fuel-cell feedstocks. Final report, October 1, 1978-June 30, 1981

The objective of this contract was to develop and demonstrate processes for the production of gaseous fuel cell feeds from high sulfur distillate fuels. The processes considered and studied in this program were high temperature steam reforming with hydrogen recycle, catalytic partial oxidation, and autothermal reforming. Even with hydrogen recycle, high temerature steam reforming of No. 2 oil proved to be dfficult due to carbon formation in the preheat section. Several steam reforming catalysts were evaluated during this phase of the program. (WHK)