NOVELTY - A catalytic partial oxidation processor comprises a shell and at least one catalytic partial oxidation reactor. The shell has an inlet for receiving a flow of heat exchange fluid and an outlet for discharging the flow of heat exchange fluid. The reactor is disposed in the shell to transfers the heat resulting from partial oxidation in the reactor to the heat exchange fluid in the shell.    USE - For production of syngas used in fuel cells and the production of electric power.    ADVANTAGE - The processor produces syngas with reduced more reliably and safely due to transfer of exothermic heat produced by the catalytic partial oxidation reaction. The heat exchange fluid controls the temperature of the catalytic partial oxidation reactor and the surrounding environment; and the heat exchange fluid reduces the possibility of the heat damage to the reaction in the surrounding area and allows for safe, efficient and reliable operation of the reactor. The processor is compact and lightweight.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for the following:    (a) catalytic partial oxidation of hydrocarbon fuel involving: feeding a fed gas mixture of an oxygen containing gas and a hydrocarbon fuel through at least one of the catalytic partial oxidation reactor; reacting the feed gas mixture in presence of an oxidation catalyst to form an exit gas mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide; passing a heat exchange fluid through the shell and past the at least one oxidation reactor with the heat exchange fluid in the shell flowing in the same direction of reactant flow in the reactor tube such that heat from partial oxidation in the at least one reactor transfers from the at least one reactor to the heat exchange fluid in the shell; and directing the exit gas mixture to the solid oxide fuel cell system; and    (b) a system for producing electric power comprising the catalytic partial oxidation processor and a fuel cell disposed for receiving the exit gas stream and consuming the hydrogen.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a side elevation view of the catalytic partial oxidation processor.    catalytic partial oxidation reactor or reactor tubes (19)    shell (27)    heat exchange fluid inlet (56)    heat exchange fluid outlet (58)    catalytic reaction zone. (22)