Method and apparatus for obtaining enhanced production rate of thermal chemical reactions

Abstract

Reactors and processes are disclosed that can utilize high heat fluxes to obtain fast, steady-state reaction rates. Porous catalysts used in conjunction with microchannel reactors to obtain high rates of heat transfer are also disclosed. Reactors and processes that utilize short contact times, high heat flux and low pressure drop are described. Improved methods of steam reforming are also provided.

1 . (canceled)  
   
   
       2 . A process for the steam reforming of a hydrocarbon comprising: 
 passing a feed stream comprising hydrocarbon gas and steam into a reaction chamber;    said reaction chamber comprising a catalyst that catalyzes the reaction of said hydrocarbon gas and water gas to produce a gaseous mixture comprising at least carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas;    wherein said process produces more than 0.01 SLPM of hydrogen gas per cubic centimeter of reactor volume, where reactor volume is defined as the sum of the volume of the reaction chamber(s) and heat exchanger chamber(s) including the volume of chamber walls.    
   
   
       3 - 12 . (canceled)