Conventional catalytic reforming of heavy hydrocarbons (e.g. autothermal reforming) to produce hydrogen for use in fuel cells has several disadvantages. Conventional catalysts are sensitive to impurities in the input fuel (e.g. sulfur) and also suffer mechanical degradation over time.

Ceramatec has been developing a new type of reformer that uses a low temperature plasma to catalyze the reformation of heavy hydrocarbons (e.g. JP8). This system has been operated in both a partial oxidation (exothermic) and steam reforming mode (endothermic).

This paper will report on work done in reforming both naturally occurring hydrocarbons and synthetic hydrocarbons. The design of the cold plasma system, operating parameters of the system, and planned modifications will be discussed. The results of several multi-hundred hour tests using hydrocarbons with and without sulfur will be reported. Plans to run the system with liquids bearing solid particles (i.e. coal water slurry) will also be reported and the required modifications to the existing unit discussed.