Catalytic reforming of methane and other hydrocarbons

Reforming of hydrocarbons is possible by conversion with either oxygen from air (partial oxidation), steam, or a combination of both named oxidative steam reforming. Only in the case of a self-sustaining operation of an oxidative steam reformer, when the partial oxidation reaction produces sufficient heat for preheating the feed, supply of the endothermic steam reforming with energy, and compensation of the heat losses of the reactor to the environment, this process should be named autothermal reforming (Kolb 2008).