TUBE FOR REFORMING WITH INTERNAL HEAT EXCHANGE Russian patent published in 2017 - IPC C01B3/38 B01J8/06 

FIELD: chemistry.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a tubular reforming apparatus to convert hydrocarbon starting materials, preferably natural gas and light liquid hydrocarbons into the product - synthesis gas. The tubular apparatus comprises an outer tube open at one end and closed at the opposite end of the apparatus. Wherein the outer tube comprises a strewn layer of solid catalyst active in steam reforming, and is adapted to the external heating. Input for the incoming gas stream is located at the open end of the tube and has a fluid connection to catalyst strewn layer. Inside the strewn layer of the catalyst there is at least one helically bent heat-exchange tube. The inlet end of the tube has a fluid connection with the strewn catalyst layer, and the outlet end has a fluid connection with an outlet for the stream of product - synthesis gas. Heat-exchange tube is by means of heat-exchange in heat-exchange relation with the strewn catalyst layer and incoming gas stream flowing through it. Product discharge is at the open end of the apparatus and has a fluid connection with the outlet end of the heat-exchange tube but has no fluid connection with the inlet for incoming gas stream. The incoming gas stream first passes through the strewn catalyst layer and then goes in the counterflow through the heat-exchange pipe. The heat-exchange tube is 90% of its length (located inside the strewn catalyst layer) helically curved, but in the rest of its length it runs straight, and/or spiral turn angle inside the strewn catalyst layer is changed.

EFFECT: invention minimizes pressure loss and susceptibility to corrosion.

16 cl, 1 tbl, 5 dwg