Abstract: The heat required for the steam reforming reaction is generated by flameless catalytic combustion. The heat thus-generated is passed to a steam reforming reactor zone by means of heat pipes.

Abstract: The heat required for the steam reforming reaction is generated by flameless catalytic combustion. The heat thus-generated is passed to a steam reforming reactor zone by means of heat pipes.

Abstract: An apparatus for an endothermic reaction, such as steam reforming of hydrocarbon gas, comprises a reaction vessel sandwiched or surrounded by heat generating apparatus. In the heat generating apparatus, a primary fuel gas and air are supplied and mixed therein, then pass through a fuel gas heating section therefor, a combustion catalyst bed, a combustion section and a discharge section in that order. A secondary fuel gas is supplied into the combustion section, typically in a plurality of stages. The primary fuel gas mixture is heated up or ignited in the preheating section, burns and passes through the catalyst bed. At least a part of the combustion section is packed with heat transfer bodies. The gas from the catalyst bed burns in the combustion section with the secondary fuel. The heat transfer bodies receive heat from the combustion gas passing therethrough by convection and radiates the heat to the reaction vessel.