Application: Topsøe’s proprietary and patented HTER-p (Haldor Topsøe Exchange Reformer— parallel installation) technology is a revamp option for production increase in a steam-reforming-based hydrogen plant. The technology allows hydrogen capacity increases of more than 25%. This option is especially advantageous because the significant capacity expansion is possible with minimal impact on the existing tubular reformer, which usually is the plant bottleneck.
Description: The HTER-p is installed in parallel with the tubular steam methane reformer (SMR) and fed independently with desulfurized feed taken upstream the reformer section. This enables individual adjustment of feedrate and steam- and process steam-to-carbon ratio to obtain the desired conversion. The hydrocarbon feed is reformed over a catalyst bed installed in the HTER-p. Process effluent from the SMR is transferred to the HTER-p and mixed internally with the product gas from the HTER-p catalyst. The process gas supplies the required heat for the reforming reaction in the tubes of the HTER-p. Thus, no additional firing is required for the reforming reactions in the HTER-p.
Economics: An HTER-p offers a compact and cost-effective hydrogen capacity expansion. The investment cost is as low as 60% of that for a new hydrogen plant. Energy consumption increases only slightly. For a 25% capacity increase, the net energy consumption is 3.13 Gcal / 1,000 Nm3 H 2 (333 MM Btu / scf H 2 ).
Licensor: Haldor Topsøe A/S.
