Autothermal Reforming
Another technology with one step reforming, Autothermal Reforming (ATR). This technology is well suited for very large-scale plants as well as for the production of methanol to olefins or fuel-grade methanol and the main licensor is Haldor Topsøse.
Another difference between SMR and ATR technologies is that the technology based on ATR has deficient of hydrogen. Therefore a hydrogen recovery unit is added to the purge gas. For large-scale plants, the total investment, including an oxygen plant, is approximately 10% lower than a conventional plant based on tubular steam reforming.
Methanol Production based on Two Step Reforming
The overall configuration of this technology which contain SMR as primary reformer and ATR as secondary reformer is shown in Figure 5. The main licensor of this technology is Haldor Topsøse.
This technology can be used for large and small-scale plants and offers a number of advantages compared to conventional steam reforming:
• The CO, CO2 and H2 produced are in a stoichiometric ratio, thus minimizing feed consumption.
• The syngas generation pressure is higher (about 40 bar), thereby reducing the energy requirement for make up gas compression (single stage compressor).
• In spite of the higher pressure, the methane slip remains at a permissibly low level.
• The steam reformer load is substantially reduced (down to 70%). Consequently, a smaller reformer and less fuel are required. This, in turn, reduces the required size of the related equipment in the flue gas duct area.