Liquid fuel reformer apparatus

Abstract

liquid fuel reformer apparatus includes a reactor tube having at a first end and injector for introducing droplets of liquid fuel and an inlet for introducing an air flow, and at a second end an outlet for discharging a reformate fuel stream. A reforming catalyst for converting the liquid fuel to the reformate fuel stream is disposed within the reactor tube, and at least one regulator member is disposed between the first end of the tube and the catalyst. At least a portion of the regulator member is permeable to the liquid fuel and to air flow.

1 . A liquid fuel reformer apparatus comprising: 
 a reactor tube having at a first end an injector for introducing liquid fuel and an inlet for introducing an air flow, and at a second end an outlet for discharging a reformate fuel stream;    a reforming catalyst disposed within said reactor tube for converting said liquid fuel to said reformate fuel stream; and    at least one regulator member disposed between said first end and said catalyst, at least a portion of said regulator member being permeable to said liquid fuel and said air flow.    
   
   
       2 . The liquid fuel reformer apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said regulator member comprises a metal mesh.  
   
   
       3 . The liquid fuel reformer apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said regulator member comprises a first portion permeable to said liquid fuel and said air flow and a second portion impermeable to said liquid fuel and said air flow, said regulator member operating to reduce the size of liquid fuel droplets and to increase the velocity of air flow passing through said first portion.  
   
   
       4 . The liquid fuel reformer apparatus of  claim 3  wherein said second portion comprises a centered circular portion of said regulator member.  
   
   
       5 . The liquid fuel reformer apparatus of  claim 4  wherein said second portion further comprises a peripheral circular portion of said regulator member.  
   
   
       6 . The liquid fuel reformer apparatus of  claim 3  wherein said regulator member comprises a first surface proximate said catalyst and a second surface distal said catalyst, said first surface being adapted to absorb thermal radiation from said catalyst.  
   
   
       7 . The liquid fuel reformer apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said regulator member comprises a honeycomb structure.  
   
   
       8 . The liquid fuel reformer apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said regulator member is adapted for externally applied electrical heating.