Hydrogen production

Abstract

Many petroleum refining processes require hydrogen. Some is generated as a by-product from other units, such as catalytic reformers, but additional on-purpose production is required to meet increasing demands to process heavier feeds and meet tighter fuel and lubricant base oil specifications. In this chapter, we describe technology for on-purpose H2 production, which is accomplished by four different processes – steam methane reforming (SMR), SMR with oxygen enrichment (SMR/O2R), autothermal reforming (ATR), and thermal partial oxidation (POX). Designs can be adjusted to produce hydrogen, pure carbon monoxide, or mixtures of H2 and CO (synthesis gas). All aspects of SMR, SMR/O2R, and ATR are described: chemistry and thermodynamics, process design parameters and options, hydrogen purification, environmental protection, operation, process monitoring, processes improvements, safety, and economics.