GB772788A - Improvements in or relating to apparatus for performing a process of manufacturing gases containing hydrogen - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0772788/III/1> <PICT:0772788/III/2> Apparatus, for carrying out the process of Specification 772,787 for manufacturing gases containing hydrogen by catalytic conversion of liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons with steam in successive cycles each consisting of a heating phase and a conversion phase separated from each other by steam scavenging, with or without a reduction phase, comprises a chamber having a metal casing lined with refractory, heat-insulating brickwork and containing a single catalyst-supporting perforated plate, wherein there are three alternative arrangements. In Fig. 1, liquid hydrocarbon and some conversion steam are introduced through injector 2 and the remainder of the conversion steam, scavenging steam, and combustion and reduction gases are introduced through inlet 3. All gases pass through catalyst 4 on perforated plate 5 and are withdrawn through outlet 6. In Fig. 2, a series of substantially vertical tubes 15 have their open ends just above perforated plate 12 and gaseous hydrocarbon and conversion steam, scavenging steam, and reduction gases are introduced therethrough from supply conduit 14. These gases are withdrawn through the catalyst 11 at 17. Combustion gases travel in the opposite direction from inlet 10 to outlet 13. In Fig. 4 (not shown), a chamber, which can be used for conversion of liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons, is equipped with a spray injector as in Fig. 1, but removable horizonal tubes are provided in place of the vertical tubes of Fig. 2. These horizontal tubes are perforated in their upper part, rest on the perforated plate, and are covered with perforated bricks.