Analysis of the Thermal Efficiency Limit of the Steam Methane Reforming Process

The thermal efficiency limit of the steam methane reforming (SMR) process is analyzed on the basis of energy balance and pinch analysis. The composite heat exchange curves of the SMR process are characterized by internal pinches. These internal pinches determine the process efficiency limit. An analytical solution for the process efficiency limit is derived from energy balance across the composite heat exchange curves. The solution can be used to calculate the process efficiency limit for any given set of reaction and process conditions.