Researcher describes speciation in the compression reformer

The Fuel Processing Team at DOE’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) has developed a concept for a reciprocating compression reformer capable of converting a variety of fuels, including pipeline natural gas
and transportation-quality liquid fuels, into forms suitable for operation of a fuel cell. The novel processor concept, recently submitted to the
U.S. Patent Office, uses contaminant-laden fuel sources to produce a synthesis gas of
concentrated H₂ and some CO. The invention
offers favorable economics and portability since it does not require external heat transfer and eliminates several unit operations required in conventional fuel processing technologies. NETL is working with Pennsylvania State University to develop a mechanical design analysis of the concept.