Catalyst for steam reforming of hydrocarbons

Abstract

An improved catalyst is described which comprises a normally cylindrical refractory support having gas passages communicating from end to end and oriented parallel to its axis and having gas passages in the shape of segments of circles (pie-shaped), square, hexagonal, circular, oval or sinusoidal. The exterior and interior surfaces are coated with catalytic compositions. The length of the refractory support is significantly less than the diameter. Further, there is a definite ratio of height to effective internal diameter (H:ID) of each of the gas passages. These catalysts are especially effective for endothermal reactions because both the internal and external surfaces of the support are coated with catalysts and are more efficiently heated. This is especially true for the internal surfaces of the support (i.e., the walls of the axially oriented gas passages) which heretofore have been shielded from the infra-red rays radiating from the tubes of the catalytic reactor. Thus, heat transfer to the catalyst surface is more effective in maintaining the interior surface at the desired elevated reaction temperature. The structures are especially effective for the steam-hydrocarbon reforming reaction, particularly when the hydrocarbon is in the boiling range of naphtha or below.