Apparatus for converting hydrocarbon fuel into hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide

The present invention relates to the development of synthesis gas for use in power generation and, in particular, to the processing of hydrocarbon fuel to produce hydrogen gas. Hydrocarbon fuel reformer suitable for producing synthesis hydrogen gas from reactions with hydrocarbons fuels, oxygen, and steam. A first tube has a first tube inlet and a first tube outlet . The first tube inlet is adapted for receiving a first mixture including an oxygen-containing gas and a first fuel. A partially oxidized first reaction reformate is directed out of the first tube into a mixing zone . A second tube is annularly disposed about the first tube and has a second tube inlet and a second tube outlet . The second tube inlet is adapted for receiving a second mixture including steam and a second fuel. A steam reformed second reaction reformate is directed out of the second tube and into the mixing zone . From the mixing zone , the first and second reaction reformates may be directed into a catalytic reforming zone containing a reforming catalyst