eREACT™

eREACT is the electrified counterpart to the world's most common hydrogen production method: steam methane reforming (SMR). The main difference between eREACT and SMR lies in the heat generation process. SMR relies on the combustion of natural gas for heat generation, which results in CO₂ emissions. eREACT, on the other hand, relies on (renewable) electricity to drive the same reaction, resulting in ultra-low carbon intensity, and a remarkable reduction of over 99% in CO₂ emissions compared to SMR.

With eREACT, you can support the energy transition with your existing hydrocarbon infrastructure (natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), or naphtha), and future-proof your low-carbon production. 

Topsoe, a global leader in carbon emission reduction technologies, and Aramco, a global integrated energy chemicals company, have entered into a collaboration to demonstrate the eREACT^TM technology for the production of low-carbon hydrogen (also commonly referred to as blue hydrogen).

Read full article: Topsoe and Aramco to demonstrate groundbreaking low-carbon hydrogen production technology

A sneak-peek on the eREACT process

Let's look at some of the process details of eREACT - from hydrocarbon feedstock to syngas. 

It all starts with desulphurization of the hydrocarbon feedstock, such as natural gas, LPG, or naphtha, before it's combined with steam. The mixed gas is efficiently preheated using electrical heating. It then enters the prereformer for a partial reforming of the gas. 

This prereformed gas is then fed to the electrical reactor in which the methane is converted to synthesis gas by the steam reforming reaction. The compact reactor of eREACT features a catalyst bed designed and manufactured by Topsoe and requires an electricity input of approximately 1 kWh/Nm³ of hydrogen. 

Finally the gas is cooled down in a waste heat boiler. This cooling process generates steam, which is used for the reforming process. 

The final syngas is treated based on its intended application. For hydrogen production, the syngas is directed to a shift reactor, where it's purified through a hydrogen PSA (Pressure swing adsorption) unit, and a CO2 capture unit. This yields high-purity hydrogen. 

Catalysts can accelerate chemical reactions, control selectivity, and reduce energy requirements. Their ability to optimize process efficiency and product quality make them indispensable in industrial processes.