Reformer tube having a structured catalyst and improved heat balance

A reformer tube for converting a hydrocarbon-containing feed into a synthesis gas product containing carbon oxides and hydrogen under steam reforming conditions, the reformer tube comprising:

• (a) a reaction chamber comprising an outer, pressure-bearing casing tube, which is configured to receive heat from the outside, wherein the casing tube is demarcated at a first end from an adjacent outlet chamber by means of a separating plate and is closed at a second end by means of a closure device;
• (b) at least one structured packing disposed in the reaction chamber and containing a catalyst which is active for steam reforming;
• (c) an inlet for a feed gas stream comprising the hydrocarbon-containing feed arranged on the reaction chamber, where the inlet is disposed at an end of the reaction chamber closest to the separating plate and is in fluid communication with a gas inlet into the structured packing;
• (d) a heat exchanger tube disposed within the reaction chamber and within the structured packing and having a heat exchanger inlet end that is in fluid communication with a gas outlet from the structured packing, wherein the heat exchanger tube further comprises a heat exchanger outlet end that is in fluid communication with the outlet chamber, where the feed gas stream flows, after entry into the reaction chamber, firstly through the structured packing and subsequently countercurrently through the heat exchanger tube, wherein the heat exchanger tube and the synthesis gas product stream flowing through the heat exchanger tube are in a heat exchange relationship with the structured packing and the feed gas stream flowing through the structured packing;
• (e) a collection conduit for the synthesis gas product which is in fluid communication with the outlet chamber, where
• (f) the outlet end of the heat exchanger tube passes through the separating plate, opens into the outlet chamber and is in fluid communication with the collection conduit so that the synthesis gas product can go from the reaction chamber via the outlet chamber into the collection conduit, wherein
• (g) the outlet chamber comprises an inner tube having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is proximate the separating plate, and the lower end is proximate the collection conduit, and wherein
• (h) there is an absence of a gas tight connection between the inner tube and the separating plate, such that either the inner tube abuts the separating plate or the inner tube is at a distance from the separating plate.