Hydrogen Production via Steam Reforming with CO2 Capture

Hydrogen demand in refineries is increasing vigorously due to the stringent transportation fuel specifications, furthermore the interest in the so-called hydrogen economy developed in the recent years put the hydrogen as energy carrier in the centre of a growing interest. More than 95% of the hydrogen for refinery use is nowadays produced via hydrocarbon steam reforming, where Foster Wheeler plays an active role both as a technology and steam reforming furnace (the Terrace WallTM) supplier. Depending on the quality of the feedstock (natural gas, rich gases, naphtha, etc.), one ton of hydrogen produced will also produce 9 to 12 tons of CO2. As a consequence, from carbon emissions point of view, besides the optimisation of the hydrogen balance (Stockle and Bullen, 2008) and the improvements in production technologies, CO2 capture is also an option to be considered. The paper will examine the possibilities of CO2 capture in a steam reforming based plant, and its impact on the economics of hydrogen production.