Syngas (synthesis gas, oxogas), a mixture of H2 and CO, is produced by the steam reforming and partial oxidation of hydrocarbons or a combination of both processes (tandem reforming). The desired H2/CO ratio can be adjusted by conversion
or H2/CO separation.
Linde plants supply syngas with an H2/CO relationship of from 1.6 and a capacity of from 1,000 Nm3/h to over 100,000 Nm3/h.
Syngas is utilized in the production of oxo alcohols, methanol or synthetic fuel (Fischer-Tropsch products).
Process
The feedstocks natural gas, liquid gas and naphtha are generally converted by catalytic steam reforming to a raw synthesis gas consisting of hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO). This is then further processed depending on the desired final products. In the case of pure hydrogen, the process includes such features as the catalytic conversion of the CO and a pressure swing adsorption unit, in which all
impurities are
removed in a single step.
Heavy oil feedstock ranging from residual oil to asphalt as well as coal are partially combusted with oxygen in a non-catalytic partial oxidation to produce a raw gas, which is then further processed into saleable products. Here, such process steps as CO conversion, sour gas removal with a RECTISOL® wash and
membrane separation of H2 and CO
are used.
In plants for the purification of hydrogen and carbon monoxide both chemical and physical wash processes are used to remove the carbon dioxide, as well as low-temperature processes for product purification with a downstream pressure swing adsorption unit to produce high-purity hydrogen.
