The purpose of a pre-reformer section is to decompose higher hydrocarbons to methane, carbon monoxide and hydrogen. HC&E product PRC-20 is a catalyst that is specifically developed for handling the pre-reforming situation, with an extremely high activity. The catalyst can convert longer chain hydrocarbons e.g saturated and unsaturated C2 and C3 molecules. The product is especially tailored for SOFC systems, but work well in several applications.

The conversion of hydrocarbons, ranging from methane to heavier compounds, are possible using the SRC-series from HC&E  with several potential materials depending on the feedstock composition and desired operating window. Although for heavier materials, a combination of a pre-reforming and steam reforming catalysts are recommended, to prolong lifetime, encompass more difficult fuels and lower the cost of the primary reformer.

The HC&E catalyst for partial oxidation, CPC-12, is based on basic support that makes it excellent for challenging feeds and uses high-temperature stabilised support material to tolerate high-temperature excursions. The active phase is tailored to the application. HC&E are happy to discuss the use of the catalyst in new applications.

For the water-gas shift, HC&E has developed a medium-temperature shift catalyst. WGC-19 uses a transition metal support in combination with a precious metal to generate a catalyst performing well with respect to activity and selectivity. The relatively low light-off temperature of the catalyst is ensured by structural promoters added to the catalyst after noble metal addition. The catalyst is chromium-free and very selective.

HC&E has also developed a low-temperature shift catalyst. WGC-20, which uses a transition metal support with precious metal to achieve extremely low light-off temperatures. the catalyst is highly active at temperatures as low as 140 °C.

Preferentially oxidising CO in hydrogen is a reaction, which puts high demands on catalyst selectivity. POC-15 is a catalyst developed by HC&E for preferential oxidation of CO. The catalyst display very low reverse water-gas shift activity, even at temperatures above 200 °C, and a remarkable oxygen selectivity. Even at a high oxygen surplus, only 40 % more oxygen than needed for the conversion of CO is consumed.

Selective methanation is an excellent option to remove low levels of carbon monoxide from hydrogen streams. HC&E can offer SMC-12, which is a highly selective CO methanation catalyst active at unprecedented low temperatures and protected by multiple patents. Reaching levels of CO well below 10 ppm is possible, with very little hydrogenation of carbon dioxide.

In certain situations, the recovery of heat is required from low energy-density gases containing lean mixtures of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane. This may be challenging using flame combustion, but as an alternative HC&E offer TCC-10, a catalyst suited for converting the component of these gases to carbon dioxide and water. The performance, especially with respect to methane is strongly dependent on operating conditions so please consult HC&E and we will assist in the specific application.