Production of synthesis gas from natural gas involves effecting both the reforming of a natural gas/steam mixture and also cooling of the obtained synthesis gas in a closed vertical reactor

摘要

Reforming of a natural gas/steam mixture and cooling of the obtained synthesis gas are performed in a closed vertical reactor in a process in which the mixture at 300-650[deg]C is catalytically and autothermally reformed at 35-100 bar with oxygen (-rich) gas at 250-500[deg]C to give synthesis gas which contains (dry volume basis) carbon monoxide (15-30%), carbon dioxide (5-30%), hydrogen (5-80%) and methane (=5%) and which is cooled by indirect heat exchange to =400[deg]C. An independent claim is also present for a reactor for the process which has a membrane wall-formed kettle (2) formed on all sides by intermediate volume (3) in a closed vertical pressure vessel (1) having (i) a fireproof material (4)-clad upper zone (5) which includes a furnace (8) and a catalyst bed (9) and (ii) a lower cooling zone (10).