PURPOSE: To enhance transfer of heat to a catalyst layer and uniformize heat distribution, by providing an annular catalyst layer in a heating chamber, and providing a multiplicity of communicating pipes for passing a heating gas therethrough so that the pipes penetrate from the inner side to the outer side of the annular layer.
CONSTITUTION: A multiplicity of connecting pipes 16 are provided in a catalyst layer 9 of an annular reactor 8 to penetrate from the inner side to the outer side of the layer 9, and a heating gas is passed through the pipes 16. As a result, transfer of heat to the entire body of the catalyst layer 9 is enhanced, and a uniform heat distribution can be obtained. Therefore, reactivity of a fuel gas at the catalyst layer 9 is enhanced, and a high reaction efficiency with less side reactions can be achieved. The annular reactor 8 is provided in a heating space 7, and the catalyst layer 9 is packed in the reactor 8. The reactor 8 has a lower end communicate with an evaporator 1 through a connecting part 12, and has an upper end communicate directly with a collecting chamber 11.
GOTO TORU
SUZUKI YASUO
