One use of these charts is to estimate the required temperature change for the
SMR reformer to target a specific methane slip. For instance, suppose you are
operating a unit on natural gas (methane) at 3.0 steam/carbon ratio and 300 psig
getting 7.5 % methane slip. On the upper chart for methane slip during methane
reforming, find 7.5 % methane slip. Follow the methane slip horizontally to the 3.0
steam/carbon ratio line. Follow the vertical index line straight down to the bottom
portion of the chart where the index crosses 300 psig. Your estimated equilibrium
temperature is about 1,465
F (you have to interpolate between the lines). This may
or may not be the same as the actual process outlet temperature, but you are only
going to use it as a reference in this example.
0.1
1.0
10.0
100.0
EQUILIBRIUM % METHANE IN DRY GAS
Steam/Carbon Ratio
100
Pressure, psig
Temperature,°F
200
300
400
500
Fig. 7 CH 4 slip equilibrium chart for steam/methane reforming of methane (After: Katalco 1970)
588
S.A. Treese
SMR reformer to target a specific methane slip. For instance, suppose you are
operating a unit on natural gas (methane) at 3.0 steam/carbon ratio and 300 psig
getting 7.5 % methane slip. On the upper chart for methane slip during methane
reforming, find 7.5 % methane slip. Follow the methane slip horizontally to the 3.0
steam/carbon ratio line. Follow the vertical index line straight down to the bottom
portion of the chart where the index crosses 300 psig. Your estimated equilibrium
temperature is about 1,465
F (you have to interpolate between the lines). This may
or may not be the same as the actual process outlet temperature, but you are only
going to use it as a reference in this example.
0.1
1.0
10.0
100.0
EQUILIBRIUM % METHANE IN DRY GAS
Steam/Carbon Ratio
100
Pressure, psig
Temperature,°F
200
300
400
500
Fig. 7 CH 4 slip equilibrium chart for steam/methane reforming of methane (After: Katalco 1970)
588
S.A. Treese