HEAT-EXCHANGER TYPE STEAM REFORMER FOR AMMONIA PRODUCTION.

A heat-exchanger type steam reformer for producing 1,000 ton/d of ammonia was designed for the purpose of comparing it with the heating furnace type steam reformer. The steam reformer designed for the case of supplying excess air is illustrated and data regarding its equipment is summarized. The diameter of the new steam reformer is only about 20% larger than that of the secondary reformer. Major design characteristics of the heat-exchanger type steam reformer are described: 1. Catalyst tube thickness can be reduced because of the small pressure difference between inside and outside (about 0. 1 MPa). The primary reformer as a whole can be compacted. The heat transmission principle is quite different between the two types of steam reformers. No troublesome burner operation is required. Consequently, temperature control can be simplified in the steam reforming section. Based on the data presented it is concluded that the heat-exchanger type steam reformer shows promise of contributing to operability and reduction in construction costs.