Patent ID: 7553476

Claim:
A method of recycling process stream condensate from a steam reforming system that produces an uncontaminated superheated steam stream and at least one process condensate stream contaminated with products of a steam reformer of the steam reforming system, said method comprising: collecting condensate from the at least one process condensate stream and forming a contaminated condensate stream therefrom; pressurizing the contaminated condensate stream; transferring heat from a first part of the uncontaminated superheated steam stream to the contaminated condensate stream, after having been pressurized, to form a contaminated superheated steam stream and to condense the first part of the uncontaminated superheated steam stream, thereby to form an uncontaminated condensate stream; combining a second part of the uncontaminated superheated steam stream with the contaminated superheated steam stream to form a combined superheated steam stream; recycling the uncontaminated condensate stream to the steam reforming system as make up for the uncontaminated superheated steam stream; and combining at least part of the combined superheated steam stream with a hydrocarbon containing stream to form a hydrocarbon steam containing process stream as a feed to the steam reformer.