Combustion steam reformer design pressurized

Residual methane is present at the exit of the combustion zone. In the catalytic bed, the methane steam-reforming and the water shift reactions take place. The gas leaving the ATR reactor is in chemical equilibrium. Normally, the exit temperature is above 900-1100°C. The catalyst must withstand very severe conditions when exposed to very high temperatures and steam partial pressures. One example of an ATR catalyst is nickel supported by magnesium aluminum spinel. For compact design, the catalyst size and shape is optimized for a low pressure drop and high activity. 

C, and the temperature of the tube wall may be 900°-950°C or more. This high temperature and the high pressure constitute severe conditions that require expensive materials of construction at the reformer outlet and careful design and operation. The heat in the combustion gas leaving the reformer is used successively to produce steam, to preheat the incoming feedstock-steam mixture, and, where fuel economy is important, to preheat combustion air. 

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