New basic shape of catalysts for natural gas reforming reactors

In this paper, we consider the necessity for a transition from the currently widespread, mainly cylindrical basic shape of catalysts for natural gas reforming reactors to a spherical shape. It is shown theoretically, experimentally, and, finally, using data of practical industrial natural gas reforming, that spherical catalyst granules are conducive to a considerable reduction in the pressure drop across a tube furnace, without compromising performance. Their use can also permit an increase in tube furnace output without extensive revamping.

► Stages of reforming catalysts’ shape development. ► Trends of catalyst bed parameters. ► Cylinder based shapes have exhausted their potential of bed quality improvement. ► Sphere based shape gains in terms of both bed parameters and industrial operating.