TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - Preferred Process: The performing of lean combustion in the primary reactor during the first phase of the start sequence includes supplying a stream of air to the primary reactor at a variable flow rate; supplying a stream of fuel to the primary reactor at a flow rate predetermined to produce an air to fuel ratio equal to or greater than stoichiometric; mixing the air and fuel streams together to form a combustible air-fuel mixture; and combusting the air-fuel mixture in the primary reactor. The maximum airflow rate occurs at the beginning of the first phase. The airflow rate continuously decreases throughout the first phase of the start sequence. The fuel flow rate varies during the first phase of the start sequence. The air-fuel ratio is stoichiometric at the end of the first phase of the start sequence. It is equal to or greater than stoichiometric throughout the entire first phase of the start sequence. The airflow rate varies in inverse proportion to a change in the total pressure within the primary reactor. The increase in total pressure in the primary reactor causes a corresponding decrease in the airflow rate. The performing of autothermal reforming in the primary reactor during a second phase of the start sequence comprises supplying respective streams of air, steam, and fuel to the primary reactor at respective flow rates; and performing steam reformation within the primary reactor. The minimum airflow rate occurs at the end of the second phase. The airflow rate at the end of the second phase is substantially zero. The water is continuously supplied to the primary reactor throughout the second phase of the start sequence. The water flow rate varies during the second phase of the start sequence. The ratio of air to fuel is zero at the end of the second phase of the start sequence. The ratio of air to fuel is stoichiometric at the beginning of the second phase. The airflow rate varies in inverse proportion to a change in the total pressure in the primary reactor. The increase in total pressure in the primary reactor causes a corresponding decrease in the airflow rate. The beginning of the first phase corresponds with the beginning of the start sequence. The end of the second phase corresponds with the end of the start sequence. The end of the first phase corresponds with the beginning of the second phase. Preferred Component: The fuel comprises hydrocarbon(s). It is gasoline, methanol, diesel, or their mixtures.