Steamforming

Steamforming is a process used in various industrial applications, primarily in the petrochemical and metallurgical sectors. In a general sense, it involves the reaction of a hydrocarbon with steam at high temperatures to produce hydrogen gas and carbon oxides, typically carbon monoxide. The most common application is in steam reforming of natural gas, a mixture primarily composed of methane. The overall reaction for methane steam reforming is CH4 + H2O <=> CO + 3H2. This reaction is endothermic, meaning it requires heat input to proceed.

The steam reforming process is a cornerstone in the production of hydrogen, which is a crucial feedstock for ammonia synthesis, methanol production, and petroleum refining. It is also a key step in the steam reforming of other hydrocarbons like naphtha and heavier fractions. Beyond hydrogen production, steam reforming principles can be applied in metallurgy, for example, in the reduction of metal oxides using a reducing gas mixture produced by steam reforming. The efficiency and economics of steam reforming are influenced by factors such as feedstock composition, steam-to-carbon ratio, temperature, pressure, and the catalyst used. Catalysts, often based on nickel, are essential to achieve practical reaction rates.