Pure Hydrogen by Steam Reforming of Methane

The Polybed pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process developed by UOP, can produce hydrogen of any purity, typically 90% to 99.9999+ %. Impurities removed include N2, CO, CH4, C02, H20, Ar, C2-C8+, CH3OH, NH3, and H2S. Typical feed and product temperature is 40—120°F. This process also can be used for other separations such as methane from ethane, C02 from nitrogen, etc. [182], 

Purification is based on advanced PSA technology. The process units contain 3 12 adsorber vessels. One or more adsorbers are on the adsorption step, while the others are undergoing various stages of regeneration. No feed treatment other than entrained liquid removal is required. Materials for piping and adsorbers are carbon steel. According to the licensor of the technology, UOP, 

Szmant H. H., Organic Building Blocks of the Chemical Industry, John Wiley Sons, New York, 1989, p. 33. 

The Petrochemical Industry Market and Economics, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1970, p. 151. 

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