Patent ID: 7731935
Filing Date: 2010-06-08
Classification: B01J,C01B,F28D,F28F

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for steam reforming of hydrocarbons comprising a heat exchange reformer having a process fluid off-take zone at a first end, a heat exchange zone, and a process fluid feed zone at a second end opposite the first end, said heat exchange reformer comprising a plurality of vertical catalyst-filled tubes disposed within said heat exchange zone and having external tube surfaces, wherein: (i) said plurality of vertical catalyst-filled tubes are adapted to allow for passage of a process fluid comprising hydrocarbon and steam; (ii) heat may be transferred to said plurality of vertical catalyst-filled tubes by a heat exchange medium flowing around the external tube surfaces; (iii) the catalyst of the catalyst-filled tubes extends for a catalyst depth within the heat exchange zone from a first position near the first end to a second position near the second end; and wherein said apparatus further comprises heat exchange enhancement means comprising transverse baffles provided within the heat exchange zone so that the catalyst-filled tubes have a zone of lower heat exchange extending from the first position of the catalyst-filled tubes to a level in the range of 5 to 25% of the catalyst depth, wherein no heat exchange enhancement means are provided in said zone of lower heat exchange.