Methane reforming, whether dry (with CO2) or steam (with H2O), runs hot and endothermic, and it deactivates catalysts by coking. The two variants place different demands on the fixed-bed rig, and the differences are worth knowing before the first campaign.
Feed: CH4 and CO2, typically near equimolar. The rig is simpler, no evaporator, but the chemistry is coke-prone, especially on catalysts with poorly dispersed active metals. Monitor pressure drop across the bed as a coking indicator, and plan regeneration cycles (air or steam) into the campaign rather than pretending deactivation will not happen.
Feed: CH4 plus steam, often with excess steam for carbon suppression. The rig needs a vaporizer and heated lines to prevent condensation before the bed, and a steam-to-carbon ratio control loop. The higher the S/C ratio, the lower the coking, but also the higher the energy penalty, so it is a genuine experimental variable.
CH4 conversion, syngas ratio (H2/CO differs sharply: dry reforming gives about 1, steam reforming gives about 3), and stability over time-on-stream. Temperature control is critical, the reaction absorbs heat, and cold spots in the bed read as inactive catalyst.
Both need high-temperature materials and seals rated above the operating point, bed thermocouples to catch endotherm zones, and carbon-balance closure as a standing health check.
Perfectlight's catalytic reaction systems handle high-temperature reforming; see catalysis solutions.
