Patent ID: 6426054
Filing Date: 2002-07-30
Classification: B01J,C01B,C01C,C07C,F28D,F28F,Y02P

Abstract:
Reforming apparatus for the conversion of methane and steam into CO, CO2 and H2 comprising:a substantially cylindrical external shell in which are defined an indirect heat exchange zone and a feeding zone for feeding a gaseous flow comprising methane and steam to the indirect heat exchange zone; an opening formed in said shell for feeding in said indirect heat exchange zone a heating gas flow as heat source for said conversion, characterized in that it also comprises: a plurality of floating head tubes containing a reforming catalyst extending longitudinally in said indirect heat exchange zone and in fluid communication with said feeding zone; a chamber for collecting a gaseous flow comprising CO, CO2 and H2 obtained from said conversion and positioned downstream of said tubes and directly connected thereto; an extraction duct open in said collection chamber for extracting from the shell said gaseous flow comprising CO, CO2 and H2, said extraction duct being arranged coaxially with said shell and extending parallel to said tubes through said indirect heat exchange zone and said feeding zone from said collection chamber to a gas outlet opening from said shell; and gas sealing means between said duct and a tube plate positioned between said feeding zone and said indirect heat exchange zone, said gas sealing means permitting movement of said duct and at the same time preventing gas leakage.