2. Steam reforming process

2.1 Expenses

Steam reforming is designed for light feedstocks, mainly natural gas, but also refinery fuel gas, liquefied petroleum gas (propane, butane) or light naphtha. Heavier charges preferably require preforming. These feedstocks must be free of impurities that could deactivate the catalysts used, mainly sulfur, which must be in very low quantities in the feedstock (a few ppm) and is completely eliminated in the pretreatment incorporated in the steam reforming unit.

If the feedstock contains higher levels of sulfur, it should be treated...