Our plant has a hydrogen production unit with a capacity of 7200 m3/h; why is the water-to-carbon ratio 3.5?
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The hydrogen production process involves the steam reforming of hydrocarbons; one unit of carbon requires one unit of water to produce CO. If CO2 is to be produced, two units of water are needed. Isn’t there an excess of water, which could increase the conversion rate of hydrocarbons? Then why is 3.5 chosen? The water-carbon ratio (H2OΣC) is 3.5
When theory differs from practice, direct experience comes first!
In the reaction materials used for hydrogen production from hydrocarbons, water is the cheapest and most readily available substance; therefore, an elevated water content is used to promote the forward progression of the reaction and ensure that as many hydrocarbons as possible react. As a result, the water-to-carbon ratio must be slightly higher than the theoretical value!
The larger the ratio, the more heat is required for vaporization; it’s necessary to consider the cost-benefit analysis