Reformers
Steam reformers are the key components in process-technology plants in the chemical and petrochemical industry, and are used to produce hydrogen, carbon monoxide and synthetic gases.
The starting media are, in particular, methane or natural gas (including LNG), propane, butane or naphtha.
The reaction takes place in tubes filled with a catalyst; in these tubes, the initial gas is transformed at a temperature range from 500 - 900°C in the presence of water vapour. The process pressures are between 3 and 42 bar-g.
| since 1957 |
|
over 270 new plants and 2 upgrades |
| 1988 to 2003 |
|
23 new plants and 2 upgrades |
| Large reformer, made as box furnaces: |
|
|
| Hydrogen production: |
|
10,000 Nm³/h - 100,000 Nm³/h |
| Carbon monoxide production: |
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2,000 Nm³/h - 31,500 Nm³/h |
| Small reformer, made as round furnace: |
|
Standardised performance parameters |
| Hydrogen production: |
|
1,500 Nm³/h - 4,600 Nm³/h |
| NOx emissions: |
|
<100mg/Nm³ ( depending on air preheating ) |
| Delivery time: |
|
Large reformer 15 months
Small reformer 12 months |
| Use of product: |
|
Natural gas - naphtha
also e.g.
light LPG
propane
butane
Refinery off-gases (hydrocarbons max C7 and little S) |
| Firing: |
|
Ceiling or side wall firing |
| Burners: |
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Natural draft: 1.0 - 2.0 MW/burner
Forced circulation: 1.0 - 3.3 MW/burner |
| Waste heat for: |
|
Process preheating up to approx. 600°C Air preheating 250 - 440°C Steam generation (process and export) |
