Reformer apparatus and method with heat exchange occurring through a cross-flow configuration

摘要

A multiple adiabatic bed reforming apparatus and process involving stage-wise combustion and multiple reforming chambers. Co-flow and cross-flow occurs under laminar flow conditions. A reformer suitable for small scale production as well as large scale production. A passive stage-by-stage fuel distribution network suitable for low pressure fuel wherein the resistances in successive fuel distribution lines control the amount of fuel delivered to each combustion stage. Heat is captured from reforming syngas product to preheat gases before entering the reformer. Conditions that would produce unwanted coking or metal dusting are avoided or localized away from the heat exchangers to locations which can be cost effectively protected. A chemical reactor which has a core composed of a stack of metal plates that are diffusion bonded in face-to-face relationship.

主权项

1. A reforming apparatus, comprising a multiple adiabatic bed reformer comprising a stack of plates, including:
a) successive reforming chambers, extending transversely through adjacent plates in the stack, into which reforming reactants are fed through a first group of microchannels and in which reforming reactions occur; b) successive combustion chambers, defined by a further arrangement of aligned apertures in adjacent plates in the stack, into which air and fuel are fed through a second group of microchannels and in which successive combustions occur to provide heat to the reforming reactants through heat exchangers, and wherein the heat exchange occurs through a cross-flow configuration; c) a fuel distribution system comprising a third group of microchannels that form a portion of the second group of microchannels and that provide fuel to the successive combustion chambers; and d) a reforming catalyst that is located in at least one reforming chamber.