Multi-Metallic Catalysts For Pre-Reforming Reactions

A process for pre-reforming a hydrocarbon feed stream prior to the hydrocarbon feed stream being injected into a steam hydrocarbon reforming unit, the process comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a hydrocarbon feed stream source, a heat exchanger to heat the hydrocarbon feed stream source and a pre-reformer unit comprising a pre-reformer vessel, a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a catalyst system disposed within the pre-reformer vessel, the catalyst system comprising:
• (i) at least one multi-metallic coke resistant catalyst composition comprising nickel and an enhancing component selected from at least one member of the group consisting of ruthenium, palladium, platinum, rhodium, cobalt, gold and silver on a support, the nickel being present in the coke resistant catalyst composition in an amount from 0.1 to 50 weight percent;
• and
• (ii) at least one sulfur capturing component selected from the group comprising copper oxide and zinc oxide;
• (b) injecting the hydrocarbon feed stream into the heat exchanger and heating the hydrocarbon feed stream to a temperature that ranges from 300 to 700 C;
• (c) withdrawing the heated hydrocarbon feed stream from the heat exchanger and injecting the heated hydrocarbon feed stream into the pre-reformer vessel;
• and
• (d) bringing the heated hydrocarbon feed stream into contact with the catalyst system of the pre-reformer vessel in order to decrease the amount of sulfur in the hydrocarbon feed stream and decrease the amount of coke typically caused by the pre-reforming step thereby producing a sulfur free hydrocarbon feed stream;
• and
• (e) withdrawing the sulfur free hydrocarbon feed stream and passing it on for further treatment in a steam hydrocarbon reforming unit.