Patented Double-Tube™ Reformer

The Double-Tube™ reformer is a novel design that combines high reliability and high thermal efficiency. This unique steam-hydrocarbon reformer is a compact furnace enclosure ideally suited for hydrogen production in the range 1,875 - 15,000 scfh.

The reformer contains a single reaction tube fired on two sides from the bottom. The furnace enclosure is wide at the bottom to accommodate the burners and tapered at a height several feet above the length of the flames to a narrow upper section. The reaction tube consists of an annular portion filled with catalyst and a center return tube. The reaction tube is supported from the bottom and allowed to thermally expand upward through the use of a counterweight system attached at the top of the tube.

The combination of the furnace enclosure geometry and the reaction tube with a center return tube results in an even temperature profile over the length of the reaction tube and a high thermal efficiency in the furnace.

Cylindrical Reformer

The cylindrical reformer is a compact furnace enclosure with multiple catalyst-filled reaction tubes arranged around the inside wall of the furnace shell. The reaction tubes are supported at the top and allowed to thermally expand downward. A single burner is installed at the center of the furnace floor and a flue gas outlet duct is connected at the center of the furnace ceiling.

The steam/hydrocarbon feed gas mixture enters the circular reaction tube distribution header at the bottom of the furnace shell. Each reaction tube is connected to the distribution header with flexible metal hoses. The feed gas passes upward through each reaction tube catalyst bed and into the circular reaction tube collection header at the top of the furnace shell. The reaction tubes are connected to the collection header with flexible metal conduits.

The single pass, up flow, up fired configuration combines high thermal efficiency with low average heat flux resulting in low tube wall temperatures.