INHIBITION OF CARBON DEPOSITION ON FUEL GAS STEAM REFORMER WALLS

摘要

A fuel gas reformer assembly includes fuel gas passages (2), which contain a particulate alumina packing (12). The walls (4) of the passages (2) are provided with an alumina coating (8) which protects the walls (4) from corrosion. The alumina coating (8) and alumina packing (12) are both overlain by an alkaline earth metal oxide layer (10), that acts to limit carbon build-up on the surfaces of the coated walls (4). The carbon build-up-limiting layer is formed on components of the passages (2) by applying a water-based slurry of alkaline earth metal compounds (10) to the reformer passage surfaces, and then drying the slurry so as to solidify it. The formation of the desired crystalline phase of the coating occurs in situ on the coated passage surfaces during intial operation of the reformer.