APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING THE ACCURATE CALCULATION OF A STEAM-CARBON RATIO IN A HYDROCARBON REFORMER

摘要

Systems and methods for accurately calculating a steam-carbon ratio in areformer or the like are shown and described. In one embodiment, a controlvalveregulates the amount of water entering the process side of a heat exchangerupstream ofthe reformer. A steam/process outlet directs steam from the heat exchanger tothereformer. A level control device operates the control valve to maintain thewater at aconstant level. A meter upstream of the heat exchanger measures the amount ofwaterentering the heat exchanger. By maintaining a constant water level in theprocessportion of the heat exchanger, the reading on the meter equates to the amountof steamdirected from the heat exchanger to the reformer or vaporizer. With thisreading, thesteam-carbon ratio at the reformer can be accurately counted. In anotherembodimentof the present invention, a process gas inlet incorporates an elongated bodyextending atleast partially through the process portion of the heat exchanger. Openingsspaced apartalong the length of the body distribute the process gas along the length ofthe heatexchanger. In still another embodiment of the invention, a plurality ofdividers isspaced apart along a width of the process portion of the heat exchanger. Thedividersare positioned to receive the process gas as it rises from the process gasinlet, and todisperse the process gas along the width of the heat exchanger.