Apparatus for steam-methane reforming

摘要

Methane reacts with steam generating carbon monoxide and hydrogen in a first catalytic reactor; the resulting gas mixture undergoes Fischer-Tropsch synthesis in a second catalytic reactor. In the steam/methane reforming, the gas mixture passes through a narrow channel having mean and exit temperatures both in the range of 750° C. to 900° C., residence time less than 0.5 second, and the channel containing a catalyst, so that only reactions having comparatively rapid kinetics will occur. Heat is provided by combustion of methane in adjacent channels. The ratio of steam to methane may be about 1.5. Almost all methane will undergo the reforming reaction, almost entirely forming carbon monoxide. After Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, the remaining hydrogen may be fed back to the combustion channels. The steam for the reforming step may be generated from water generated by the chemical reactions, by condensing products from Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and by condensing water vapor generated in combustion.

主权项

1. An apparatus for processing stranded or associated gas, wherein the apparatus comprises one or more modules for performing at least one of steam methane reforming and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, wherein each module comprises a plurality of reactors, and at least one module comprises a plurality of Fischer-Tropsch reactors and wherein at least one reactor comprises a compact reactor comprising a plurality of metal sheets arranged to define first and second flow channels, the channels being arranged alternately to ensure good thermal contact between fluids within the channels.