Steam Methane Reforming

Related Pages

• Introduction To Refining

• Vacuum Distillation Unit
• Atmospheric Distillation
• Fluidised Catalytic Cracker
• Visbreaker
• Steam Methane Reforming

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• A Glossary of Petroleum Refining Terms

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Summary

• Steam Methane Reforming is a process that strips the carbon molecules from Methane (Natural Gas) to produce high purity hydrogen.
• The hydrogen is for use in Hydrocracking or Hydrotreating processes

How It Works

• In steam-methane reforming, desulfurized gases are mixed with superheated steam (1,100°-1,600° F) and reformed in tubes containing a nickel base catalyst.
• The reformed gas, which consists of steam, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide, is cooled and passed through converters containing an iron catalyst where the carbon monoxide reacts with steam to form carbon dioxide and more hydrogen. The carbon dioxide is removed by amine washing. Any remaining carbon monoxide in the product stream is converted to methane.

Feed & Products

• Feed: Natural Gas, Other hydrocarbons
• Products: Hydrogen

Relevant Links

1. Description Of Petroleum Refining Processes And Related Health And Safety Considerations

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