Dynamic analysis and open-loop start-up of an integrated radiant syngas cooler and steam methane reformer

Abstract

The transient performance of an integrated Radiant Syngas Cooler (RSC) of an entrained-bed gasifier and Steam Methane Reformer (SMR) is investigated. Base-case designs using either co-current or counter-current configurations are subjected to operating transients to evaluate the feasibility to transition to new steady-states. Each system, under open loop, is subjected to changes in key variables of the SMR feed on the tube side and disturbances to variables of the coal-derived syngas on the RSC side to determine the dynamics and stability of the integrated system. The results indicate that the co-current configuration is flexible to move to new operating steady-states and more safe than the counter-current configuration, although it provides less cooling and has poorer methane conversion. The variables likely to violate the design limit in the event of a disturbance are identified. A start-up procedure is also established based on industrial practices employed for entrained-bed gasifiers and methane reformers.