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Changes in crushing strength of hydrocarbon steam‐reforming catalyst along the reactor tube under operating conditions
Author(s) -
Redwan D. S.,
Lee A. K. K.,
Aitani A. M.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
journal of chemical technology and biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1097-4660
pISSN - 0268-2575
DOI - 10.1002/jctb.280470403
Subject(s) - catalysis , hydrocarbon , steam reforming , materials science , pellets , tube (container) , chemical engineering , catalytic reforming , nickel , waste management , metallurgy , chemistry , composite material , hydrogen production , organic chemistry , engineering
The catalytic hydrocarbon steam reforming process for the production of synthesis gas is accomplished using a nickel‐based catalyst. The catalyst is designed to suit fixed‐bed continuous‐flow tubular reactor operation. It is manufactured in cylindrical form and possesses a relatively high crushing strength. The nickel active ingredient is homogeneously dispersed on the carrier surface in its oxide form. The currently applied reformers are vertical continuous‐flow reactors consisting of several hundred tubes in which the reactants—hydrocarbon and steam—are introduced at the top of the reactor tubes and the reformed gaseous products are collected at their bottom ends. Performance and long‐term uninterrupted operation of hydrocarbon steam reformers are severely affected by the alteration of the crushing strength of catalyst pellets. Changes in the crushing strength of the catalyst along the reformer tube under actual operating conditions were investigated and the results are presented here. The usefulness of the crushing strength as a diagnostic test for catalysts is discussed. This test has direct bearing on the selection of prospective catalyst charge, the reuse of partially used catalyst charge, and the investigation of catalyst failures.