Honeywell and ZoneFlow Reactor Technologies, LLC (ZFRT) have announced the successful pilot plant testing of the ZoneFlow Reactor at Université Catholique de Louvain in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. According to a press release from Honeywell, the testing validated a 15% increase in steam reforming capacity compared to conventional pellets, without higher methane slip and without affecting tube skin temperature or pressure drop. This enhanced production of hydrogen allows the steam methane reformer to convert hydrocarbon feeds like natural gas or naphtha and steam into synthesis gas.
In 2021, Honeywell UOP and ZFRT signed a joint development agreement to commercialize the ZoneFlow Reactor technology. The technology’s aim is to offer significant improvements in productivity and cost-effectiveness for steam methane reforming used in hydrogen and syngas production.
“As ZoneFlow’s reactors can increase hydrogen production with existing assets, this ready-now technology can play a major role in the energy transition as refineries look to burn hydrogen instead of natural gas to lower their carbon emissions,” said Ted Faiella, vice president and general manager of Equipment, Honeywell UOP Process Technologies.
