Steam Reforming

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.

The Uhde proprietary reformer design has stood the acid test of performance over the past decades, satisfying the demands of various applications. Developments in all areas of concern have resulted in a high degree of all-around reliability. Consequently, many customers use the Uhde Reformer Technology.