Synthesis Gas by Steam Reforming of Natural Gas

Synthesis gas is carbon monoxide and hydrogen, the feed for methanol and ammonia. Steam and natural gas (mostly methane) pass through tubes of nickel catalyst at 800–900 °C and 20–30 bar: CH4 + H2O → CO + 3 H2. The reaction takes a great deal of heat. The carbon monoxide in it is a deadly gas. The picture: our diagram of the reformer.