Hydrogen production process and plant

A plant (1) for the production of hydrogen, comprising:

• a first steam reforming section (3) for producing a first synthesis gas from a feedstock containing hydrocarbons;
• a first synthesis gas shift and cooling section (4) connected to the first steam reforming section (3) to treat the first synthesis gas therefrom;
• a separation section (6) connected to the first synthesis gas shift and cooling section (4) to separate the first synthesis gas in a high concentration hydrogen stream and a tail gas stream;
• the plant (1) being characterized by comprising a second low pressure steam reforming section (20), operating at a pressure lower than the first steam reforming section (3) and connected to an outlet of the separation section (6) via a gas line (21) to convey the tail gas produced in the separation section (6) to the second low pressure steam reforming section (20);
• a second synthesis gas shift and cooling section (24), connected to the second low pressure steam reforming section (20) to receive a second synthesis gas from the second low pressure steam reforming section (20);
• a CO2 removal section (26), connected to the second synthesis gas shift and cooling section (24) to remove carbon dioxide from the second synthesis gas obtaining a fuel grade hydrogen stream having a titre greater than or equal to 90% and less than 99.9%;
• and a first H2 recirculating line (27a) connecting the CO2 removal section (26) with a fuel inlet of the first steam reforming section (3);
• and a second H2 recirculating line (27b) departing from the first H2 recirculating line (27a) and connected to an inlet of the second low pressure steam reforming section (20).