Secondary reforming features

In ammonia plants the methane reforming reaction from the tubular reformer is continued in the secondary reformer via the introduction of air to the reactor. The combustion of the air produces temperatures around 1,250ºC (2,300ºF)which result in further reforming of the methane. 

Topsoe's nozzled ring burner
Topsoe has developed a nozzled ring type burner for secondary reforming. The nozzled ring type burner is equipped with specially designed and patented nozzles installed on each of the air distribution holes, and has the following benefits:

• controlled and effective mixing at the burner nozzles
• low metal temperatures of the burner
• equal gas and temperature distribution at the inlet to the catalyst bed
• protection of the refractory lining from the hot flame core

Focal points

The improved Topsoe designed burner has since 1993 proven its excellent performance and high reliability with minimised maintenance in a large number of plants.

In a secondary reformer the thermal stability of the catalyst is of great importance. For this application Topsoe has developed the RKS-2-7H catalyst with high thermal resistance and stable activity.