Compact Reformer Technology

BP and Kvaemer Process were finalizing the demonstration of their Compact Reformer Technology in 2001. This technology involves the integration of combustion, heat transfer and catalytic reaction within a simple tubular module. This reformer is about 30% lighter (in weight) than a conventional reformer of equivalent capacity90. 

In conclusion, compared to conventional steam reforming technology, our new-concept steam reformer lends itself to short vertical heights that are suitable for packaging into transportable containers with minimum field erection. Therefore, the system is uniquely compact, low cost, and highly energy efficient. 

The sanction for the 300 bpd GTL demonstration plant in Nikiski, Alaska was given in July 2000. In addition to demonstration of the fixed bed FT process and catalyst described in this paper this facility will also demonstrate the Compact Reformer syngas generation technology jointly developed by BP and Davy Process Technology. A commercial hydrocracking process is the final step leading to the synthetic crude product. 

Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. (TGC) has developed a 40 Nm /h-class membrane reformer system with the world s highest efficiency (a value of 81.4%). The company has demonstrated the use of the hydrogen produced to refuel fuel cell vehicles (FCV), together with CO2 capture at the hydrogen station. An advanced hydrogen separation membrane module consisting of a palladium alloy membrane on a structured porous catalyst, which can be used to produce a membrane reformer that is more compact and less expensive, has also been developed. This chapter introduces the development of these two membrane reformer technologies. 

Figure 8.10 Experimental compact reformer reactors 2, proof-of-concept Advantica natural gas reformer, a diffusion-bonded multi-channel reactor block (3 x 3 x 10 cm). (Reproduced by kind permission of Advantica Technologies Ltd.)...

Compact GTL (UK) Offshore gas-to-liquids facilities. Developing steam reforming and Eischer—Tropsch reactor technologies [6]... 

Ereeman, H. D., Marco, J. L., Roberts, G. L., VanderWiel, D. P., A compact steam reforming reactor for use in an automotive fuel processor, in Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Microreaction Technology, IMRET 4, pp. 358-363 (5-9 March 2000), AIChE Topical Conf. Proc., Atlanta, USA. 

The development of MEMS technology during the 80s induced a strong research effort focused on fluid and heat flow studies in microchannels. Since then, various silicon-based systems such as microbiochips, MOEMS, etc... have contributed to reinforce this trend and a lot of experimental results were published. In parallel to these studies, very compact heat exchangers for air conditioning purposes were developed and have lead to research programs on minichannels. In the same manner, the possible use of such minichannels in other systems such as reformers, fuel cells,... has also produced considerable interest in this field. 

Tonkovich, A.Y., Perry, S., Wang, Y., Qiu, D., LaPlante, T., and Rogers, W.A. MicroChannel process technology for compact methane steam reforming. Chemical Engineering Science, 2004, 59 (22-23), 4819. 

If the water quantity added as feed increases up to a value corresponding to neutral energetic balance between exothermic and endothermic reaction steps, the overall process is denominated autothermal reformer (ATR). This approach combines both SR and POX catalytic processes and it has been recently proposed to optimize the performance in terms of compactness and efficiency of small-medium production plants. This technology could permit a compromise between the good efficiency of SR and the fast start up of POX. However, it needs a careful control of in going mass stream [6, 7]. 

Use innovative, compact natural gas steam reforming system and appliance-quality hydrogen compressor technologies. 

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