What is the role of recycled hydrogen? Why is the compressor considered the heart of the reforming unit?

Thread Content

The main functions of the reforming cycle hydrogen are three: (1) improving the temperature distribution within the reactor, acting as a heat carrier； ⑵Inhibits coking reactions and protects the catalyst’s active life span ； ⑶Dilute the reaction feedstock to distribute the material more evenly throughout the bed. Since a recirculation compressor enables hydrogen to circulate within the system, just as a human heart drives blood circulation in the body, it is apt and vivid to describe the recirculation compressor as the heart of the reforming unit. Once the recycle compressor fails and stops operating, the hydrogen-containing gas in the system ceases to flow, causing the catalyst to coking rapidly; as a result, the catalyst’s activity and lifespan are reduced, which is extremely dangerous. Just as when a person’s heart stops beating, emergency measures must be taken to save the situation, such as stopping the supply of fuel, reducing temperature, extinguishing the fire, and ceasing the injection of chlorine. If there’s anything wrong, please point it out!