AM-04-62 Increase Hydrogen Production Using KBR’s KRES Technology

Description:

One of the economically attractive and environmentally friendly ways to increase hydrogen production is KBR’s (Kellogg Brown& Root’s) Reforming Exchanger System - KRES, a simple heat exchanger based steam reforming process used to enhance the generation of hydrogen. KRES can be used either for a grassroots hydrogen plant or for increasing the reforming capacity of an existing hydrogen plant, while at the same time reducing the natural gas fuel requirement and lowering NOx and CO2 emissions. In many situations, KRES will enable a refiner to meet the increased hydrogen requirements for diesel and gasoline desulfurization with a low cost revamp of the existing hydrogen facilities. The first KRES and Autothermal Reforming - ATR application was commissioned in Pacific Ammonia Incorporated’s facility at Kitimat, British Columbia, Canada, in October 1994. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the various flow schemes where incorporating a KRES unit can effectively reduce the fuel cost, lower NOx and CO2 emissions; and increase the capacity of the existing hydrogen plant. The paper also highlights the cost, environmental, reliability and operability benefits KRES provides to the refiner.