Effect of ageing on a steam reforming catalyst

The present study investigates the effect of ageing on the performance of an industrial steam reforming catalyst. The surface and the composition of the catalyst were analyzed by using scanning electron microscopy and dispersive X-ray spectrometry methods. From the results, it was found that the changes in the surface properties and the chemical content of the catalyst reduced the catalyst activity. The reduction is attributed to the continuous increase in the furnace temperature which was required in order to maintain the same level of hydrocarbon conversion.