2 Hydrogen Generation Plant via Natural Gas Reforming

Summary

This video explains the process of hydrogen generation through natural gas reforming. It details the components of the plant, such as the reformer, heat recovery unit, and PSA system, which work together to convert natural gas into hydrogen. The process includes several stages, including desulfurization, steam mixing, reforming, heat exchange, and hydrogen purification through PSA. Emphasizing its efficiency and safety, the system uses a wide range of feedstocks, recycles heat, and operates with a high degree of automation, offering low consumption and modular technology. The method is safe, reliable, and suitable for various raw materials.

Takeaways

• 😀 The hydrogen generation plant uses natural gas reforming, which involves a compact system of reformer, heat recovery unit, and PSA system.
• 😀 The feedstock natural gas is compressed, desulfurized, and mixed with water steam before entering the reformer.
• 😀 The reforming gas undergoes a catalytic reaction in the radiation section, where it is heated by combustion of natural gas and PSA off-gas.
• 😀 After the reforming process, the gas is cooled down in a waste heat boiler to generate steam.
• 😀 The shift gas, produced during reforming, exchanges heat with saturated water and demineralized water to reach the desired temperature before being sent to the PSA unit.
• 😀 The PSA unit purifies hydrogen by removing impurities, achieving a hydrogen purity level of 99.9% to 99.999%.
• 😀 The PSA unit operates through a continuous process involving adsorption, pressure equalization, and regeneration, ensuring effective hydrogen purification.
• 😀 Impurities are adsorbed by the adsorbent during the adsorption step, and the adsorbent is regenerated through depressurization and purging.
• 😀 Syngas components like H2, CO2, and CH4 are discharged from the bottom of the absorber and undergo further processing.
• 😀 The plant incorporates heat recovery mechanisms, recycling heat from combustion, processed gas, and flue gas to improve energy efficiency and reduce consumption.

Q & A

What is the main process used for hydrogen generation in the plant?

The main process used for hydrogen generation in the plant is steam methane reforming (SMR) via natural gas reforming technology.

What are the key components of the reforming system in the hydrogen generation plant?

The key components include the reformer, radiation section, convection section, heat recovery unit, PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) system, and compression system tie-in platform.

How is natural gas processed before entering the reforming section?

Natural gas is first boosted by a compressor, then undergoes heat exchange in the convection section, desulfurized, and mixed with water steam before entering the reforming section.

What role does the catalyst play in the reforming process?

The catalyst in the reforming section facilitates the conversion of natural gas into hydrogen by aiding in the chemical reaction that generates reforming gas.

How is heat supplied to the reforming reaction?

Heat for the reforming reaction comes from combustion of fuel natural gas and PSA off-gas in the radiation section.

What happens to the reforming gas after leaving the radiation section?

The reforming gas enters a waste heat boiler where it exchanges heat and cools down, generating steam.

What is the shift gas process in the hydrogen generation system?

Shift gas is produced by converting CO in the reforming gas into hydrogen through a shift reaction. The shift gas then exchanges heat with saturated water and demineralized water before being sent to the PSA unit.

What is the function of the PSA unit in hydrogen purification?

The PSA unit purifies hydrogen by adsorbing impurities through a cyclic process of adsorption, pressure equalization, purging, and regeneration, yielding hydrogen with a purity of 99.9% to 99.999%.

How does the PSA system ensure continuous operation?

The PSA system uses a program-controlled valve system that switches between adsorption and regeneration phases in a closed-loop, ensuring a continuous supply of raw materials and output of purified hydrogen.

What are some alternative feedstocks that can be used in the hydrogen generation plant?

In addition to natural gas, alternative feedstocks such as biogas, LPG, light naphtha, coal bed methane, and landfill gas can also be used.