Simulation of the Performance of the Reforming of Methane in a Primary Reformer

Steam reforming is industrially important as it is 
incorporated in several major chemical processes including the 
production of ammonia, methanol, hydrogen and ox alcohols. Due to 
the strongly endothermic nature of the process, a large amount of heat 
is supplied by fuel burning (commonly natural gas) in the furnace 
chamber. Reaction conversions, tube catalyst life, energy 
consumption and CO2 emission represent the principal factors 
affecting the performance of this unit and are directly influenced by 
the high operating temperatures and pressures. 
This study presents a simulation of the performance of the 
reforming of methane in a primary reformer, through a developed 
empirical relation which enables to investigate the effects of 
operating parameters such as the pressure, temperature, steam to 
carbon ratio on the production of hydrogen, as well as the fraction of 
non converted methane. 
It appears from this analysis that the exit temperature Te, the 
operating pressure as well the steam to carbon ratio has an important 
effect on the reforming of methane.

• A. Alkattib
• M. Boumaza

• Reforming
• methane
• performance
• hydrogen
• parameters.

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