What catalyst is used in the steam reforming process?
Steam reforming is the reaction of methane (and other higher hydrocarbons) with steam in the presence of a catalyst to form carbon oxides and hydrogen. Most industrial catalysts are based on using nickel as the catalytic component, although platinum group metals (pgms) are used for some specific duties.
Is steam reforming reversible?
Natural gas steam reforming is widely used in industrial markets for hydrogen and synthesis gas production. The reforming reaction is reversible and largely endothermic. High temperatures of 700–800°C are usually preferred for producing a hydrogen-rich gas in conventional reformers (Rostup-Nielsen, 1984).
What is secondary reforming?
The secondary reformer is a part of a subprocess in a higher scale unit of ammonia synthesis. It is located after the primary reformer in the ammonia plant where it is used in the synthesis of ammonia. The reactions in the secondary reformer reactor are assumed to be carried inside two reactors in series.
How does steam reforming work?
In steam-methane reforming, methane reacts with steam under 3–25 bar pressure (1 bar = 14.5 psi) in the presence of a catalyst to produce hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and a relatively small amount of carbon dioxide. Steam reforming is endothermic—that is, heat must be supplied to the process for the reaction to proceed.
What is catalytic reforming and isomerization?
Catalytic reforming is the process of transforming C7–C10 hydrocarbons with low octane numbers to aromatics and iso-paraffins which have high octane numbers. It is a highly endothermic process requiring large amounts of energy. Isomerization is a mildly exothermic reaction and leads to the increase of an octane number.
What makes a good catalyst for steam reforming?
Catalyst design influences process variables such as pressure drop, conversion, and heat transfer. A good catalyst design will have a low pressure drop to save on operating costs and have a high conversion. For steam methane reforming, heat transfer is also very important.
What is the reaction mechanism of steam reforming?
The reaction mechanism of steam reforming is dependent on the catalysts, primarily on the active metal and the nature of the support. Early work on the kinetics of the steam reforming of methane was based on the assumption that the methane adsorption.
Why is steam reforming used in the hydrogen economy?
ABSTRACT Steam methane reforming is a widely-used process to convert methane into a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide (syngas). Due to its maturity, high efficiency, and relatively low cost, steam reforming is considered a viable option for supporting a future hydrogen economy.
What is the purpose of steam reforming methane?
Steam methane reforming (SMR) is a widely-used process to convert hydrocarbons (mainly methane) into a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide (syngas). Currently, SMR is used in the petrochemical industry for the refining of fossil fuels; it is also used in the production of ammonia.