Steam-hydrocarbon reformer with a support system for catalyst tubes therein

Abstract

Abstract A steam-hydrocarbon reformer which includes a source of a gaseous charge with parallel inlet manifolds being coupled to the source. Two parallel rows of vertical catalyst tubes are provided which are connected by inlet tubes to the inlet manifolds. One outlet manifold is provided which is connected by outlet tubes to the catalyst tubes. A counterweight system suspends the catalyst tubes in vertical attitude to relieve the inlet and outlet tubes of the weight thereof. A system is provided at the bottoms of the catalyst tubes permitting horizontal movement of the same but restricting vertical movement thereof. A further counterweight system acts on the bottoms of the catalyst tubes to put the outlet tubes under tension. Sheets are arranged at the tops of the catalyst tubes to which latter freely extend to accommodate thermal expansion of the catalyst tubes. The catalyst tubes are connected together in their respective rows. The inlet manifolds and sheets are supported at the centers thereof to permit outward thermal expansion in opposite directions. A further counterweight system is provided for supporting the inlet manifolds.

Inventors

• 👤 M Tuncer

Bibliographic Details