Types of Primary Reformers
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| Primary Reformers |
As a chemical engineer, knowledge of a process tool,
especially a tool in the chemical industry, is a must. After we have previously
discussed what events occur in the primary reformer on this page. In the next stage, we need to know what are
the types of primary reformers and their respective advantages.
Primary reformers are one of the key equipment in Ammonia, Methanol, and Hydrogen plants that provide synthesis gas and hydrogen for use downstream of a plant. There are various types of reformers based on the direction of the combustion flame
Top Fired Reformers
This type of reformer is one of the most widely applied in the industry where
combustion is on top of the reformer. The burner is arranged between the rows
of catalyzed tubes and the air in the combustion chamber is sucked by the ID
Fan so that the fire leads downward against the direction of gravity. The
highest heat flux is at the top of the catalyst tube so the tube experiences
the highest thermal pressure in this section. The horizontal bottom tube, which
is where the flow from the vertical tubes gathers, is the most susceptible to
crack damage because it has the highest wall temperature. The convection
section generally has additional combustion to increase the heat demand in the
convection section of the reformer. Generally, this type of reformer is used by
industries that use the Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR) process.
Terraced wall reformers
In terraced wall reformers developed by Foster Wheeler, burners are positioned on two levels on the side walls of the reformer. The burner flame is directed towards the refractory wall so that radiant heat transfer occurs from the flame and the wall. The multilevel arrangement helps to distribute heat more evenly, minimizing the formation of carbon deposits on the catalyst and reducing the risk of localized hot spots that could damage the reformer tubes. Overall, the use of terraced wall reformers in the steam methane reforming process can contribute to higher efficiency, increased productivity, and improved reliability in hydrogen production. Terraced wall reformers are often used in industries that utilize Amec Foster Wheeler technology.
Side Fired Reformers
In side-fired reformers, the burners are located on the side walls of the reformer furnace and
are oriented to direct the hot flue gases and combustion products toward the reformer tubes.
The placement of the burners along the side walls allows for more effective
heat transfer to the reformer tubes. The hot flue gas and combustion products
generated by the burners flow across the tubes, promoting efficient heat
transfer and maximizing the thermal efficiency of the reforming process.
Industries using process technology from the Topsoe company commonly use this
type of reformer.
Bottom fired Reformers
In bottom-fired reformers, the burner is placed at the bottom of the reformer and is arranged between rows of catalyzed tubes. Just like the top-fired reformer the heat accessibility to the tube wall is limited because the highest heat flux is at the bottom of the tube so the tube experiences the highest thermal stress at this section.
Each reformer has its characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Choosing which type of reformer to use is one of the tasks of a process engineer with a chemical engineering education background. Hopefully, this blog can help all of you, that's all, and thank you for your time