A reactor and process for production of hydrogen gas from a carbon-containing fuel in a reaction that generates carbon dioxide is described. The carbon-containing fuel can be, for example, carbon monoxide, alcohols, oxygenates bio-oil, oil and hydrocarbons. In preferred embodiments, the reactor includes a monolithic structure form with an array of parallel flow channels. Methods of using the reactor are also described. In the reactor apparatus of the present invention, the catalytic reaction for hydrogen formation is conducted in conjunction with a carbonation reaction that removes carbon dioxide that is produced by the reactor. The carbonation reaction involves reaction of the carbon dioxide produced from the hydrogen formation reaction with metal oxide-based sorbents. The reactor apparatus can be periodically regenerated by regeneration of the sorbent. A carbon dioxide sorbent system comprising a solid sorbent and a eutectic, mixed alkali metal molten phase is also described.

A flow reactor for photochemical reactions comprises an extended flow passage (20) surrounded by one or more flow passage walls (22), the flow passage having a length and a light diffusing rod (30) having a diameter of at least 500 m and a length, with at least a portion of the length of the rod (30) extending inside of and along the flow passage (20) for at least a portion of the length of the flow passage (20).

Described herein are expandable center arrangements for use in a tubular reactor, such as a reformer, for enhancing heat transfer and reactor efficiency. The expandable center arrangement can include a cone being expandable in the radial direction and an expansion weight for promoting expansion of the cone. The cone and expansion weight can be slidably arranged on a center support. Expansion of the cones in the radial direction forces reactor components radially outward to an outer tube that houses the reactor components and expandable center arrangement. Expansion of reactor components towards the outer tube promotes heat for carrying out catalytic reactions.

Systems, devices, and methods for transferring heat associated with an interface corresponding to a reactor. In some aspects, a system includes a sleeve having a body portion that defines a channel that extends from a first end to a second end of the body portion. The channel is configured to define a flow path that extends through a flange that is coupled to a pipe via a welding point a lip portion extending radially away from the first end and configured to be positioned between the flange and a reactor.