reformer for the catalytic cleavage of gaseous hydrocarbons.

摘要

A reformer for catalytic cracking of gaseous hydrocarbons, in particular in the presence of water vapour, for obtaining a reconstituted gas, comprises a pressurized tank (1), a plurality of cracking tubes (2) parallel to one another in said tank, and a catalyst (PK). The heat convected through the tube walls and originating from a burning heating gas is transferred to the processing gas passing through the catalyst. In order to facilitate, on the one hand, the replacement of the catalyst, the heating gas (HG) is conveyed through the cracking tubes (2') and the catalyst (PK) is introduced into the pressurized tank (1) between the cracking tubes in the form of a loose material, and, on the other hand, in order to improve the support system for the cracking tubes, the tubes (2') are jointly supported with the catalyst (PK) vertically on a vault (5) made of ceramic material, provided with gas passages (5b) and defining a gas-collection space (9) for the reconstituted gas (PD). During use of the reformer as a primary reformer in a primary and secondary reformer installation, it is envisaged that in order to simplify said installation and improve thermal economy, the primary reformer (PR) and secondary reformer (SR) are arranged in a single pressurized tank (19) and that the reconstituted gas (PD) from the secondary reformer (SR) is fed to the primary reformer for the purpose of convection heating of the latter.