(DE19639150-A1)      Arrangement for the preparation of heat energy for a gas production system, consists of: (a) a central component with a main combustion chamber in which a fuel is catalytically oxidised with the aid of an oxygen-containing gas; (b) a first pipe for introducing a fuel/gas mixture to the chamber; (c) a second pipe for removing the reacted fuel/gas mixture; and (d) a device for transferring heat energy from the chamber to the gas production system. The novelty is that two further combustion chambers (3, 4) are provided containing catalyst material (24) for oxidising the fuel. The second combustion chamber (3) is the cold start component and contains an electrical heater (27). The untreated third chamber (4) is used to react any residual gas. Also claimed is a process for starting up the arrangement.    USE -   Used in the operation of fuel cells for mobile purposes, in which hydrogen is produced from a hydrocarbonaceous crude gas, especially methanol, by steam reforming or partial oxidation.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste gas emissions are reduced.    (DE19639150-C2)      Arrangement for the preparation of heat energy for a gas production system, consists of: (a) a central component with a main combustion chamber in which a fuel is catalytically oxidised with the aid of an oxygen-containing gas; (b) a first pipe for introducing a fuel/gas mixture to the chamber; (c) a second pipe for removing the reacted fuel/gas mixture; and (d) a device for transferring heat energy from the chamber to the gas production system. The novelty is that two further combustion chambers (3, 4) are provided containing catalyst material (24) for oxidising the fuel. The second combustion chamber (3) is the cold start component and contains an electrical heater (27). The untreated third chamber (4) is used to react any residual gas. Also claimed is a process for starting up the arrangement.    USE -   Used in the operation of fuel cells for mobile purposes, in which hydrogen is produced from a hydrocarbonaceous crude gas, especially methanol, by steam reforming or partial oxidation.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste gas emissions are reduced.    (EP831055-B1)      Arrangement for the preparation of heat energy for a gas production system, consists of: (a) a central component with a main combustion chamber in which a fuel is catalytically oxidised with the aid of an oxygen-containing gas; (b) a first pipe for introducing a fuel/gas mixture to the chamber; (c) a second pipe for removing the reacted fuel/gas mixture; and (d) a device for transferring heat energy from the chamber to the gas production system. The novelty is that two further combustion chambers (3, 4) are provided containing catalyst material (24) for oxidising the fuel. The second combustion chamber (3) is the cold start component and contains an electrical heater (27). The untreated third chamber (4) is used to react any residual gas. Also claimed is a process for starting up the arrangement.    USE -   Used in the operation of fuel cells for mobile purposes, in which hydrogen is produced from a hydrocarbonaceous crude gas, especially methanol, by steam reforming or partial oxidation.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste gas emissions are reduced.    (US6187066-B1)      Arrangement for the preparation of heat energy for a gas production system, consists of: (a) a central component with a main combustion chamber in which a fuel is catalytically oxidised with the aid of an oxygen-containing gas; (b) a first pipe for introducing a fuel/gas mixture to the chamber; (c) a second pipe for removing the reacted fuel/gas mixture; and (d) a device for transferring heat energy from the chamber to the gas production system. The novelty is that two further combustion chambers (3, 4) are provided containing catalyst material (24) for oxidising the fuel. The second combustion chamber (3) is the cold start component and contains an electrical heater (27). The untreated third chamber (4) is used to react any residual gas. Also claimed is a process for starting up the arrangement.    USE -   Used in the operation of fuel cells for mobile purposes, in which hydrogen is produced from a hydrocarbonaceous crude gas, especially methanol, by steam reforming or partial oxidation.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste gas emissions are reduced.