Lummus offers proprietary reformer furnace technologies that provide superior performance and efficient energy utilization. Over the past 50 years, Lummus has designed and supplied more than 200 plants around the world that range in capacity from less than 1 MMSCFD (1100 NCMH) to 237 MMSCFD* (264000 NCMH**). Lummus hydrogen plants are adapted to meet the needs of each customer and can process feedstocks ranging from natural gas to naphtha and any combination thereof.
Hydrogen Plant Overview
Lummus’ hydrogen plants are designed to maximize efficiency and reliability, while minimizing cost. The feed is first treated to remove catalyst poisons such as sulfur and chloride in the pretreatment section. The feed is then mixed with steam and sent to the SMR where hydrocarbons are reformed to hydrogen and carbon oxides. Heavier feedstocks will have a prereforming step, where the heavier components are partially reformed. The effluent from the SMR then passes through a water-gas shift reactor where residual CO is converted into additional hydrogen via the water-gas shift reaction. After the shift conversion step, the hydrogen rich gas stream is cooled and then purified to 99.9%+ in the PSA unit.
Lummus’ plant designs can be modified to suit the needs of each customer. The hydrogen plant can easily be designed to incorporate site specific requirements including, but not limited to, combustion air preheat to maximize fuel efficiency and/or reduce export steam, dual steam system or high pressure stripper to meet stringent steam quality specifications, Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to reduce NOx emissions, and blue hydrogen solutions to reduce CO2 emissions. Lummus also has extensive experience in the modularization of hydrogen plants. The hydrogen plant can be designed to easily fit in standard modules, reducing the CAPEX and accelerating the project schedule.
SMR Technologies
Lummus Technology offers innovative solutions for all capacities of hydrogen plants. Lummus’ proprietary round reformer technology, H2Drogen®, supports designs up to 12 MMSCFD* (13,400 NCMH**). For larger plants, Lummus offers a proprietary top-fired/down-flow box reformer technology, Hyforming®, which supports capacities up to 240 MMSCFD* (268000 NCMH**) in a single train. Both reformer technologies are best-in-class and offer distinct advantages over competing designs.
Hyforming® Box Reformers:
- Wider lane spacing and tube pitch minimizes adjacent tube shielding, increases tube life, and facilitates easier catalyst and tube replacement
- Co-current flow of combustion gas and process gas provides superior heat transfer and uniform tube temperatures
- Symmetrical design promotes uniform flow and temperature distribution
- Flue gas collection tunnels are designed to prevent bypassing and flow across tubes, which increases efficiency and maximizes tube life
- A single burner level provides ease of access for operations and maintenance
H2Drogen® Round Reformers:
- Wider tube pitch minimizes adjacent tube shielding, increases tube life, and facilitates easier catalyst and tube replacement
- Larger tube circle prevents flame impingement and hot spots
- Symmetrical design promotes uniform flow and temperature distribution
* MMSCFD – ‘Million Standard Cubic Feet per Day’ – wherein the condition of measurement are 60°F and 14.7 psia.
** NCMH – ‘Normal Cubic Meter per Hour’ – wherein the condition of measurement are 0°C and 1 atm.