Simulation of natural gas steam reforming furnace

A mathematical model for natural gas reformer is established to draw up homogeneous phase one-dimensional reaction kinetics equation in the reforming tubes, and compute the tube external radiant heat transfer with zone method. Simulation result is compared with the operating data carried on Selas reformer used in Brown and Root Braun 1000 t NH3/day production system in Urumqi Second Ammonia Plant, and they match well. This model has laid the foundation for the design variable optimization research, for example, the relations among specific heat transfer area of furnace tube, tube outlet temperature, tube pressure drop and maximum tube-wall temperature, as well as the effect of tube pitch, furnace chamber width, burner arrangement, furnace wall blackness, production load, water carbon ratio and fuel distribution on operation behaviors.