Process for the production of synthesis gas

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A process starting from a hydrocarbon feedstock and aiming to produce a synthesis gas suitable either for methanol synthesis or for other applications requiring a low H2/CO ratio. In this process, the feedstock is first desulfurized if necessary, then divided into two fractions; a first fraction undergoes a primary steam reforming at high pressure and moderate temperature; the gas effluent from said primary steam reforming, as well as the second fraction of the feedstock, subsequently undergo jointly a secondary reforming by reaction with an oxygen containing gas in a reactor operating under essentially adiabatic conditions. The synthesis gas obtained as effluent from said secondary …