The general ranges for key operating conditions in the purification section of an
SMR hydrogen plant are:
Hydrotreating
Temperature
550–750
F
Pressure
350–500 psig
GHSV
<3,000–4,000 h
À1
Catalyst
CoMo, NiMo
Absorbers (chloride and sulfur)
Temperature
650–750
F (from hydrotreater)
Pressure
300–500 psig
GHSV
500–3,000 h
À1
Catalysts
Chlorides
Activated alumina
Sulfur
Zinc oxide
Combined function catalyst/sorbents also available
Now, we have sweet, clean, hot gas feedstock available for the SMR reaction.
Primary Reforming
The simplified process flow diagram for the primary reforming section of most
SMR plants is shown in Fig. 3. The preheat and heat recovery arrangements can
vary. This is where most of the hydrogen will be made.
Fuel Gas
Atm
PSA Offgas/Tail Gas
350400°F
800-1150°F
Steam Drum
Steam Drum Makeup
Stack
HDS Reactor
Steam Drum
Induced
Draft Fan
SCR
Module
700-750°F
SMR Process Effluent
to WHB
Purified Feed Gas
750°F, 250-350 psig
Boiler Water
Circulation
Process Steam
Feed Gas
Boiler Feed Water
Boiler Water
Circulation
SMR Furnace
Firebox
2000-2200°F
0.5-1.5"H2O Draft
Convection
Inlet
1750-1850°F
1350-1740°F
250-350psig
Fig. 3 Typical down-fired primary reformer simplified process flow diagram
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