Certain configurations described herein comprise a reformer that is operative to liberate hydrogen gas from a hydrogen-rich feedstock in a catalytic reforming reaction, where a hydrogen purifier is effective to remove and purify hydrogen gas, in a thermally integrated assembly combining the reformer and purifier. Methods of using the combined reformer/purifier are also described.

A multiple adiabatic bed reforming apparatus and process are disclosed in which stage-wise combustion, in combination with multiple reforming chambers with catalyst, utilize co-flow and cross-flow under laminar flow conditions, to provide a reformer suitable for smaller production situation as well as large scale production. A passive stage by stage fuel distribution network suitable for low pressure fuel is incorporated and the resistances in successive fuel distribution lines control the amount of fuel delivered to each combustion stage.

Disclosed herein are continuous reaction systems comprising a reaction vessel defining an interior volume and containing a plurality of inert scaffold particles. The reaction vessel can comprise an inlet line to provide one or more reactants to the interior volume such that the one or more reactants contact the plurality of inert scaffold particles. The reaction vessel can further comprise an outlet line to remove one or more products from the interior volume that result from a contact between the one or more reactants and the plurality of inert scaffold particles. The reaction vessel can also include a sieve material disposed on the outlet line within the interior volume configured to reject the plurality of inert scaffold particles and allow the one or more products to pass into the outlet line.