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Title: Development of a High Pressure Heat Exchange System (HiPHES) for reforming of methane

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6759552· OSTI ID:6759552

Stone Webster Engineering Corporation (Stone Webster), under a Cooperative Agreement with the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Industrial Programs, is developing a ceramic High Pressure Heat Exchange System (HiPHES) reactor for the convective reforming of natural gas. This report details the results and conclusions from Phase 1 of this planned three phase development program. In Phase 1 Stone Webster quantified the benefits of ceramic-based reforming, identified potential ceramic materials, developed cost estimates for three 1000 TPD methanol plants using both conventional radiant reforming (two cases) and ceramic-based convective reforming, identified future R D requirements, and conducted a survey of the potential market for a ceramic HiPHES reformer. Phase 2 will include testing of ceramic materials under reforming reaction conditions as identified in Phase 1, and preparation of a design for a demonstration facility to be built and operated in Phase 3. Stone Webster was assisted during Phase 1 by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), BP America, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Dr. John Haggerty of MIT conducted a review of currently available ceramic materials and recommended candidates for use as reformer tubes; the results of his review are included in Section 2 of this report. BP America provided consulting in the areas of reformer and ceramic heat exchanger design and methanol market potential. ORNL conducted a series of tests on the strength and resistance to chemical attack (by a synthesis gas) of eight sample ceramic materials supplied by five ceramic manufacturers. Stone Webster established the test plan and monitored the test program. 97 refs., 18 figs., 19 tabs.

Research Organization:
Stone and Webster Engineering Corp., Boston, MA (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE/CE
DOE Contract Number:
FC07-88ID12797
OSTI ID:
6759552
Report Number(s):
DOE/ID/12797-1; ON: DE90012983
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English