Method for removal of contaminants from a hydrogen processor feed stream, as in a fuel cell power plant

2 Method and apparatus are provided for removing contaminants from a hydrogen processor feed stream, as in a fuel cell power plant. Inlet oxidant, typically air, required by a catalytic hydrogen processor in a fuel processor for a fuel cell stack assembly in the power plant, may contain contaminants such as SOand the like. A cleansing arrangement, which includes an accumulator/degasifier acting as a scrubber, and possibly also a water transfer device, receives the inlet oxidant and provides the desired cleansing of contaminants. Water in the water transfer device and in the accumulator/degasifier serves to dissolve the water-soluble contaminants and cleanse them from the oxidant stream. The cleansed oxidant stream (′) is then delivered to the hydrogen processor and to the fuel cell assembly, with minimal inclusion of detrimental contaminants such as sulfur.