Steam reformers

Hydrogen and syngas from a full range of feedstocks

Many industrial processes rely on hydrogen. This is typically produced by the steam reforming process, where a hydrocarbon-steam mixture is converted into a hydrogen-rich gas in the presence of a catalyst at elevated temperatures and pressures. Selas-Linde has delivered over 250 reforming furnaces worldwide.

Our reformer designs are in operation around the world, treating virtually all types of feedstocks from natural gas to naphtha, converting these to:

Hydrogen
Mixtures of hydrogen and carbon monoxide synthesis gas for methanol or oxo-chemical production
Mixtures of hydrogen and nitrogen for ammonia production
Natural gas substitutes

Optimized to suit your needs

Optimization of the reformer along with the waste heat recovery section can be tailored to multiple design cases for varying feedstock, fuel and steam requirements. Waste heat recovery from flue and process gas is an important aspect of our overall reformer design. Our technology encompasses a complete range of heat recovery concepts and equipment choices. This may take the form of combustion air preheat systems, steam generation, carbon dioxide recovery and gas turbine integration. In each case, we work with you to select the type of heat recovery system that best suits your needs.

The reformer process design is modeled to predict the reforming process for a variety of feedstocks and reformer configurations (such as top-fired, wall-fired or floor-fired). Our top-fired design provides the most uniform and forgiving tube metal temperature profile.

Selas-Linde was one of the original developers of the side-fired reformer furnace configuration. We continue to support this design with service and spare parts. For some applications and plant sizes, Linde Engineering’s HYDROPRIME^® Mid modular, cylindrical reformers, HYDROPRIME^® Min skid-mounted hydrogen generators and HYDROPRIME^® Max single row box reformers provide the most cost-effective solution.

Advantages of Selas-Linde’s top-fired design:

Compact firebox with fewer burners relative to the number of tubes. The smaller surface area per unit volume when compared with wall-fired reformers minimizes heat loss and reduces construction time.
Single operating level of burners allows easy access and simplified combustion control.
Allows the use of horizontal or vertical heat recovery section to match plot space requirements.
Catalyst tubes are top-supported, eliminating compressive stress.
Maximum reforming efficiency by achieving the highest heat flux at the location of the highest endothermic reaction (the upper one-third length of the catalyst tube).

Opportunities for more sustainable operation

Linde Engineering’s carbon capture technologies present various options for production of blue hydrogen
Revamps and modernizations of existing reformers to reduce emissions and optimize efficiency and performance