Natural Gas Conversion Using Tandem Technology
Natural Gas Conversion Using Tandem Technology
The Tandem system includes two main vessels: tubular reactor and secondary reforming reactor that are interconnected with two pipelines. In addition, there is an effluent waste heat recovery and feed preheating system. The system may be integrated into the ammonia, methanol or hydrogen train. The Tandem system delivers converted gas that can be used to produce hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, higher alcohols and GtL fuel.
Converted gas leaving the secondary reformer at 1000 оC supplies heat to the tubular reactor. The endothermic reaction of methane steam reforming takes place in tubes of the tubular reactor while utilizing the heat input. The autothermic performance at similar flowrate and composition of feed flows is ensured by adding oxygen to secondary reforming to maintain temperature. Methane content in the converted gas is about 0.3% vol.
Benefits of Tandem Technology:
- Simplified process flow due to elimination of the power section
- Cheaper equipment and reduced CAPEX: the entire system is at least 2 times cheaper than a conventional reforming system
- Possibility to deliver prefabricated equipment of high completion level
- Reduced installation period
- Highly reliable tubes withstanding max. 1-3 atm. pressure drop at the wall
The technology demonstrates a well-pronounced positive environmental effect. In the design conditions, thermal and chemical air pollution from flue gas emissions is reduced by 20-50% (assuming that all workload resulting from capacity expansion is borne by the tubular furnace).