Method and apparatus for gas purification in energy conversion systems

A reformate gas generating device for an energy conversion device comprises a trapping system (110) comprising a filter element (124) and a trap element (140), and a reforming system (100). The reforming system (100) is coupled to the trapping system (110), which is positioned after said reforming system (100). The trapping system (110) is monitored by a combination of devices including an on-board diagnostic system, a temperature sensor (116), and a pressure differential sensor (118), which can individually or in combination determine when to regenerate the trapping system (110). The method for trapping sulfur and particulate matter using the trapping system (110) comprises dispensing fuel into the energy conversion device. The fuel is processed in a reformer system (100) to produce a reformate. The reformate is introduced into the trapping system (110) and filtered to remove particulate matter and sulfur.