High-Temperature Gas-Cooled-Reactor Steam-Methane Reformer Design.

摘要

The concept of the long distance transportation of process heat energy from a High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (HTGR) heat source, based on the steam reforming reaction, is currently being evaluated as an energy source/application for use early in the 21st century. The steam-methane reforming reaction is an endothermic reaction at temperatures approximately 700 exp 0 C and higher, which produces hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The heat of the reaction products can then be released, after being pumped to industrial site users, in a methanation process producing superheated steam and methane which is then returned to the reactor plant site. In this application the steam reforming reaction temperatures are produced by the heat energy from the core of the HTGR through forced convection of the primary or secondary helium circuit to the catalytic chemical reactor (steam reformer). This paper summarizes the design of a helium heated steam reformer utilized in conjunction with a 1170 MW(t) intermediate loop, 850 exp 0 C reactor outlet temperature, HTGR process heat plant concept. This paper also discusses various design considerations leading to the mechanical design features, the thermochemical performance, materials selection and the structural design analysis. (ERA citation 07:010771)