Patent · US Active

Maximizing steam methane reformer combustion efficiency by pre-heating pre-reformed fuel gas

US10370248B2 · kind B2 · utility

11Cited by
3References
6Claims
0Family size

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Key dates

Filing dateJan 27, 2017
Grant dateAug 6, 2019
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 27, 2037

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02P20/129
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

An improved hydrogen generation system and method for using the same are provided. The system includes an HDS unit configured to remove sulfur, a first and second pre-reformers configured to pre-reform a process gas and fuel gas, respectively, a first and second heat exchangers configured to dry and heat the pre-reformed fuel gas, respectively, and a reformer configured to produce a syngas and flue gas. The method includes using a process stream selected from the group consisting of air, PSA off-gas, hydrocarbon gas, and combinations thereof to dry the fuel gas and using a process stream selected from the group consisting of the flue gas, the syngas, and combinations thereof to heat the dry fuel gas. The second pre-reformer is a low-pressure pre-reformer, so that the heat contents of the fuel gas is increased through converting heavy hydrocarbons in the fuel gas to CO and H2 by the second pre-reformer.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.