(EP951529-A1)   NOVELTY - A steam reformer with an internal hydrogen purification system has a concentric cylindrical architecture with the outermost shell nesting an annular combustion region, annular reforming region, an annular hydrogen transport region comprising a hydrogen-permeable membrane and an innermost polishing region for the product.    USE - In producing hydrogen of sufficient purity for use in a fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE - The apparatus combines steam reforming and purification of the hydrogen product in a practical way. The by-product gases, plus an amount of the hydrogen produced, provide the heat needed to drive the process and an additional fuel source is not required. Applying a second, polishing process to the hydrogen product to convert impurities into compounds which do not affect the operation of a fuel cell allows a cheaper, thin palladium alloy membrane to be used in the steam reforming process. A non-flammable fuel feedstock may be used. Using a concentric architecture with an outermost annular combustion chamber allows efficient integration of heat transfer and a compact design.    (US5997594-A)   NOVELTY - A steam reformer with an internal hydrogen purification system has a concentric cylindrical architecture with the outermost shell nesting an annular combustion region, annular reforming region, an annular hydrogen transport region comprising a hydrogen-permeable membrane and an innermost polishing region for the product.    USE - In producing hydrogen of sufficient purity for use in a fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE - The apparatus combines steam reforming and purification of the hydrogen product in a practical way. The by-product gases, plus an amount of the hydrogen produced, provide the heat needed to drive the process and an additional fuel source is not required. Applying a second, polishing process to the hydrogen product to convert impurities into compounds which do not affect the operation of a fuel cell allows a cheaper, thin palladium alloy membrane to be used in the steam reforming process. A non-flammable fuel feedstock may be used. Using a concentric architecture with an outermost annular combustion chamber allows efficient integration of heat transfer and a compact design.    (JP2000510526-W)   NOVELTY - A steam reformer with an internal hydrogen purification system has a concentric cylindrical architecture with the outermost shell nesting an annular combustion region, annular reforming region, an annular hydrogen transport region comprising a hydrogen-permeable membrane and an innermost polishing region for the product.    USE - In producing hydrogen of sufficient purity for use in a fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE - The apparatus combines steam reforming and purification of the hydrogen product in a practical way. The by-product gases, plus an amount of the hydrogen produced, provide the heat needed to drive the process and an additional fuel source is not required. Applying a second, polishing process to the hydrogen product to convert impurities into compounds which do not affect the operation of a fuel cell allows a cheaper, thin palladium alloy membrane to be used in the steam reforming process. A non-flammable fuel feedstock may be used. Using a concentric architecture with an outermost annular combustion chamber allows efficient integration of heat transfer and a compact design.