DESULFURIZATION OF LIQUID HYDROCARBON FUEL FOR FUEL CELLS.

Abstract

It was the purpose of this contract to investigate the feasibility of using, and to select a method for utilizing, sulfur-bearing fuels of the JP-4, CITE or Diesel type in fuel cell powerplants by desulfurization of the fuel. System studies were made and catalytic guard chamber materials evaluated experimentally to select a desulfurization technique and guard chamber catalyst-absorbent material. These investigations show that using the optimum desulfurization process with a 100-hour replaceable cartridge results in approximately a 3% weight increase in the indirect hydrocarbon-air fuel cell system if JP-4 with 400 ppm sulfur is used rather than a sulfur-free hydrocarbon fuel. Two catalysts (both of which are high nickel content, hydrogenation catalysts) were found to perform very effectively as catalyst-absorbent materials for desulfurization in the presence of steam reformer reactants. Finally, a demonstration test with JP-4 containing 470 ppm sulfur was run using an existing hydrogen generator modified for operation with a desulfurization cartridge and utilizing recycled dilute hydrogen. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 30, 1966
Accession Number
AD0643183

Entities

People

  • Arthur Kaufman
  • Herbert Setzer

Organizations

  • Pratt & Whitney

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Catalysts
  • Cells
  • Contracts
  • Demonstrations
  • Desulfurization
  • Fuel Cells
  • Generators
  • Hydrocarbon Fuels
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Hydrogen
  • Hydrogenation
  • Materials

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Petroleum Engineering
  • Thermal Physics or Thermal Science.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology