HTER features

Convection reforming technologies such as the Haldor Topsoe Exchange Reformer (HTER) have been developed to improve the energy efficiency in steam reformers and can increase capacity up to 20-30%. At the same time the steam production is reduced.

The HTER is suited for capacity revamps and new units where factors such as efficiency and compactness are important.

HTER process

The HTER is a gas heated reformer where the hot reformer effluent at high pressure is used as heating medium. The high pressure enables a more effective convective heat transfer compared to the convection reforming concept.

The novel reactor design in the HTER utilises a bayonet type or a two-bed system with catalyst on the inside and outside of the tubes, allowing for optimal utilisation of the heat transfer areas.

HTER catalysts

For reforming of light feedstocks such as natural gas Topsoe's steam reforming catalyst R-67-7H meets all the requirements of today's demanding processes. When heavier feedstocks are processed the R-67-7H is combined with Topsoe's series of RK-200 alkali-promoted catalysts. The RK-200 catalyst offers protection against carbon lay-down.

Market experience

The first HTER design was commissioned in 2005 and has operated very successfully. The HTER concept is today widely used in Topsoe's design of high-capacity hydrogen plants.