Why improper catalyst loading can lead to deactivation of reforming catalysts

In a hydrogen plant with saturated refinery gas or naphtha as feedstock, the steam reformer is the heart of the entire hydrogen production process. At high temperatures and pressures, hydrocarbons are converted with steam to form CO, CO2 and H2. the key element in the conversion process is the conversion catalyst.

A catalyst is a special substance that changes the rate of a chemical reaction and does not change in quantity or chemical properties before or after the reaction. Hydrocarbon steam reforming catalysts are catalysts with nickel as the active component. In operation, the quality of catalyst loading, selection of raw materials, and process operation will affect the performance of the catalyst and even lead to deactivation. The following are the usual causes of deactivation of reforming catalysts.

If there are voids in the catalyst bed, then the external heat supply will not be absorbed by the heat-absorbing steam reforming reaction during normal operation, which will lead to localized overheating of the reformer tube. Bridging of the catalyst, which in subsequent production will manifest itself as a clear, well-defined hot band or "tiger's tail".