Autothermal reforming catalysts

Autothermal reforming (ATR) increases the conversion of methane to hydrogen and, in an ammonia process, adds nitrogen to the process by introducing air. The mechanical and physical requirements of an autothermal reformer are the most demanding in the plant.

Johnson Matthey combines advanced computational fluid dynamic (CFD) techniques and process modelling, calibrated with data from our reforming pilot plant, to ensure the best performance from our state of the art range of authothermal reforming catalysts.

Our portfolio includes specialised products such as KATALCO™ 89-6Q and KATALCO 89-9Q, specifically designed for use in the top of the autothermal reformer where both temperature and steam partial pressures are high. Normally, this combination can lead to fast volatilisation of alumina in conventional catalysts, triggering process gas maldistribution issues within the bed and degredation of downstream equipment. However, our catalyst can ensure high activity and long-term stability in your autothermal reformer.