Can AVANT steam reforming catalysts reshape hydrogen production in evolving refineries?
Currently, foreign hydrocarbon steam reforming units are moving towards large-scale development, with newly built units having a capacity of over 80,000 m³/h. The prevalent energy-saving process involves pre-reforming combined with top-fired (or side-fired) furnaces, utilizing PSA purification technology. Hydrocarbon steam reforming feedstocks are lightened, primarily using natural gas with supplementary hydrogenation dry gas.
The majority of domestic refining enterprises in China source their hydrogen demand from hydrocarbon steam reforming, with only a few large-scale refineries using coal for hydrogen production. The design and supporting catalysts for hydrocarbon steam reforming hydrogen production units have all been localized. Domestic refining enterprises typically adopt a phased construction approach, gradually building multiple sets of hydrocarbon steam reforming units. Individual units are smaller in scale, primarily using top-fired furnaces with capacities ranging from 5,000 to 40,000 m³/h. PSA purification technology is employed, avoiding the use of pre-reforming energy-saving processes to save on investment. The raw materials used are diverse, mainly derived from hydrogenation dry gas, catalytic dry gas, coking dry gas, liquefied gas, and various gases from refineries. Small amounts of natural gas or feedstocks such as overhead gas, bottom oil, and light naphtha are supplemented, with high impurity content and variable composition.
In the context of these developments, the integration of AVANT steam reforming catalysts stands out as a cutting-edge solution. AVANT catalysts enhance the efficiency of the steam reforming process, optimizing reactant and product flow with ample active centers. The technology contributes to a speedy start-up, extended catalyst service life, robust toxicity resistance, simplified operation, and adaptable application across various conditions, making it an essential component in the evolving landscape of hydrogen production. The limited and non-renewable nature of hydrocarbon resources, coupled with increasingly stringent environmental regulations, has greatly promoted technological advancements in hydrogenation processes, leading to the widespread application of fully hydrogenation-oriented refining processes. As hydrogen, an essential feedstocks in the hydrogenation process, witnesses a growing demand, it propels the large-scale construction of hydrogen production units and technological advancements. Therefore, continuous development and application of advanced hydrogen production processes, high-performance catalysts, large-scale units, and the use of cost-effective raw materials are essential to reduce production costs and conserve resources in the hydrogenation process.
