THERMODYNAMIC INVESTIGATION OF HYDROGEN-PRODUCTION BY STEAM METHANE REFORMING

The thermodynamic performance of the steam-methane reforming (SMR) process for producing hydrogen from natural gas is investigated by examining the flows of energy and exergy through the various steps of the process, using a computer code previously developed by the author. The analysis results indicate that the principal exergy losses occur in the reformer and are due to the irreversibilities associated with combustion and heat transfer across large temperature differences, and that the losses associated with cooling water and stack gas emissions, although significant on an energy basis, are relatively insignificant on an exergy basis. The results may prove useful to those involved in the design, optimization and modification of the SMR process for hydrogen production and other related processes.