Conference article

This paper presents the optimization of the consumption and production rates of a steam reforming plant using natural gas as raw material for generating hydrogen as principal product. Different strategies are applied to select the most adequate techniques and to obtain different configurations or alternatives for the process. The methodology used in this work includes both quantitative and qualitative analyses. The aim of this work is to apply various possible alternatives to control emissions and reduce energy inputs; according to the recommendations of the European IPPC Bureau and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The actions are oriented towards reducing the consumption of the plant by improving process heat recovery and improving energy integration. The results will be focused on the energy consumption analysis for the different alternatives; showing the best option to design the plant; maximizing production and optimizing energy use. This approach produces large amounts of hydrogen; decreases environmental impacts and increases economical profits.

Hydrogen production; Natural gas; Energy efficiency; Best Available Techniques