Reformer Reactor for Gas Reforming Units | Technical Specifications

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Reformer Reactor

Definition

The reformer reactor is the core component of a Gas Reforming Unit where endothermic or exothermic reforming reactions occur. It houses catalyst beds and provides controlled temperature and pressure conditions to convert natural gas, naphtha, or other hydrocarbons into hydrogen-rich syngas (primarily H₂ and CO) via steam reforming, autothermal reforming, or partial oxidation processes. The reactor is designed to operate under severe conditions, with design pressures typically ranging from 1.0 to 1.6 MPa and design temperatures from 450 to 550°C. The shell is commonly fabricated from chromium-molybdenum steel (e.g., SA387 Gr.22 per ASTM A387) with wall thicknesses between 20 and 60 mm, and the design code is typically ASME BPVC Section VIII Div.1. The catalyst volume ranges from 5 to 50 m³, and the gas hourly space velocity is typically 5000 to 10000 h⁻¹. Pressure drop across the reactor is kept between 0.05 and 0.15 MPa to maintain throughput, and catalyst bed temperature uniformity is maintained within ±5°C to ensure uniform reaction rates. The reactor dimensions typically range from 2 to 4 meters in diameter and 10 to 20 meters in height, with a weight between 20 and 80 tonnes. Inlet and outlet nozzle sizes are typically DN150 to DN600 per ASME B16.5. Materials on file include high-temperature alloy steel (e.g., HK-40, HP-modified), refractory lining, and nickel-based catalyst. These values are reference ranges and must be verified with the legal manufacturer or supplier for specific models and applications.

Working Principle

Hydrocarbon feedstock mixed with steam and/or oxygen enters the reactor vessel, flows through catalyst-filled tubes or beds where it undergoes catalytic reactions at elevated temperatures (700-950°C) and pressures (15-30 bar). Heat is supplied externally (for steam reforming) or generated internally (for autothermal/partial oxidation). The catalyst (typically nickel-based) facilitates the breaking of C-H bonds and promotes water-gas shift reactions to maximize hydrogen yield while minimizing carbon formation.

Common Materials

High-temperature alloy steel (e.g., HK-40, HP-modified), Refractory lining, Nickel-based catalyst

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Design Pressure	1.0–1.6 MPa
Design Temperature	450–550 °C	Above 550°C material creep accelerates
Catalyst Volume	5–50 m³	Determines syngas production capacity
Gas Hourly Space Velocity	5000–10000 h⁻¹	Higher values reduce conversion efficiency
Pressure Drop	0.05–0.15 MPa	Excessive drop reduces throughput
Catalyst Bed Temperature Uniformity	±5 °C	Ensures uniform reaction rate
Shell Material	SA387 Gr.22	Chromium-molybdenum steel for high temperatureASTM A387
Wall Thickness	20–60 mm	Based on pressure and temperatureASME BPVC
Weight	20–80 t	Affects foundation and lifting requirements
Dimensions (Diameter × Height)	2–4 × 10–20 m	Fits typical reforming unit layouts
Inlet/Outlet Nozzle Size	DN150–DN600 mm	Matches piping systemASME B16.5
Design Code	ASME VIII Div.1	Commonly used for pressure vesselsASME BPVC

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Catalyst Tubes
Contain catalyst pellets and provide heat transfer surface

Material: High-temperature alloy steel
Refractory Lining Part
Insulate reactor shell from high temperatures

Material: Ceramic fiber/insulating brick
Inlet Distributor
Evenly distribute feed gas across catalyst bed

Material: Stainless steel
Outlet Collector
Collect product gases from multiple catalyst tubes

Material: High-temperature alloy
Reactor Shell
The pressure vessel that holds the tubes and takes the 15-30 bar.

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Gas Reforming Unit

View system integration details

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical design pressure range for a reformer reactor?

According to the directory reference, the design pressure is typically 1.0 to 1.6 MPa. However, the exact value must be confirmed with the legal manufacturer or supplier for the specific model and application.

What materials are commonly used for the reactor shell?

The shell is often made of chromium-molybdenum steel, such as SA387 Gr.22 per ASTM A387. High-temperature alloy steels like HK-40 or HP-modified may also be used. The wall thickness typically ranges from 20 to 60 mm, based on pressure and temperature requirements.

How does the catalyst volume affect syngas production?

Catalyst volume directly determines the syngas production capacity. The reference range is 5 to 50 m³. A larger catalyst volume generally allows for higher throughput, but the optimal volume depends on the specific reforming process and feedstock.

What is the significance of gas hourly space velocity (GHSV)?

GHSV indicates the flow rate of gas per unit volume of catalyst per hour. The reference range is 5000 to 10000 h⁻¹. Higher values can reduce conversion efficiency, so it must be optimized for the desired reaction completion.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

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pressure:	15-45 bar (operating pressure range)
flow rate:	Varies by design, typically 10,000-100,000 Nm³/h syngas production
temperature:	700-950°C (typical reforming range)
slurry concentration:	Not applicable (gas-phase catalytic reactor)

Reformer Reactor

Product Specifications

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