Steam Reformer for Carbonmonoxide plant

Steam reforming of hydrocarbons is a well-established process for the generation of synthesis gas, hydrogen etc. The steam reforming process comprises the high temperature reaction of methane or higher hydrocarbons over a catalyst to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide in accordance with the following reaction equation:
CnH2n+2 + nH2O nCO + (2n +1)H2
The reforming takes place in tubes packed with catalyst and arranged vertically in gas-fired steam reformers. A nickel catalyst is used and applied to a supporting structure. The operating conditions of the steam reformer vary depending on the application, with temperatures ranging from 740 °C to 950 °C and pressures of up to 50 bar. This wide range of operating conditions necessitates a versatile reformer design.