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Katalco
Steam reforming catalysts
Natural gas, associated gas and LPG
KATALCOJM 23-Series, KATALCOJM 25-Series and KATALCOJM 57-Series
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Information contained in this publication or as otherwise supplied to Users is believed to be accurate and correct at time of
going to press, and is given in good faith, but it is for the User to satisfy itself of the suitability of the product for its own particular
purpose. Johnson Matthey plc (JM) gives no warranty as to the fitness of the Product for any particular purpose and any implied
warranty or condition (statutory or otherwise) is excluded except to the extend that exclusion is prevented by law. JM accepts no
liability for loss or damage (other than that arising from death or personal injury caused by JM’s negligence or by a defective
Product, if proved), resulting from reliance on this information. Nothing here in should be considered to provide freedom to
operate under any Patent.
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Contents
Page

Introduction 2

Case studies 3

KATALCOJM PERFORMANCE - adding value to your plant 5

Advantages of choosing KATALCOJM 6

Additional capability with KATALCOJM PERFORMANCE 10

KATALCOJM catalyst selector 12

Catalyst characteristics 14
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Introduction
Steam reforming is the key process in the formation of
synthesis gas (syngas) for ammonia, methanol, hydrogen
and hydrogen/carbon monoxide (HyCO) production. The
reformer is the largest and most expensive piece of
equipment on these plants, and efficient and reliable
operation is key to the performance of the whole plant.
The choice of steam reforming catalyst is extremely important
and has a significant effect on the reformer and performance.
Choosing the correct catalyst has a direct impact on plant
rate, tube life, methane slip and the formation of carbon,
which can have a significant and detrimental impact on the
reformer performance and operation.
2
Johnson Matthey Catalysts is the world leader in steam
reforming catalysts with KATALCOJM™ and KATALCOJM
PERFORMANCE products. No one is better placed to help
you achieve the ultimate performance from your reformer.
Examples of how KATALCOJM PERFORMANCE has already
helped our customers:
A plant in Western Europe tried a number of competitive
catalysts before installing the KATALCOJM range of catalysts
in their reformer. In doing so, the plant more than doubled
the catalyst life and saved millions of dollars in catalyst and
associated shutdown costs.
Through a combination of a reformer survey and additional
consultancy, Johnson Matthey Catalysts worked with one
operator to identify a problem that was costing the
customer US$ 141,000 every year.
By changing to an optimized catalyst loading from Johnson
Matthey, a plant in Asia is now saving over US$ 250,000
every year due to greater efficiency, longer catalyst lives and
longer reformer tube lives.
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Case study 1 — KATALCOJM PERFORMANCE The furnace was found to be in need of balancing as shown
in the temperature plot below.
reformer survey improves plant throughput
As a direct result of Johnson Matthey Catalysts advice, the
plant is now making an additional product with a value of
US$ 3,300,000 each year.

The steam reformer is one of the most critical and most

complex process operations in syngas plants. Johnson
Matthey Catalysts has decades of steam reformer design
and operating experience. A reformer survey is one way
Johnson Matthey Catalysts helps customers get the best
performance out of their reformer and hence make the
most margin from their products.

The survey involves sending one or two Johnson Matthey

Catalysts personnel to the site for approximately two days.
The team initially discuss details of the survey procedure,
modelling and typical results with the plant operating team.
They then carry out the survey taking process and
temperature measurements on the plant. The results are
plotted as temperature profiles and confirmed by further
furnace measurements. Preliminary results are then
presented to the operating team and any specific questions
are addressed in the final report.
A methanol plant in Asia had a combination of
KATALCOJM 25-4 and KATALCOJM 57-4 installed in the
plant. The plant uses a natural gas feedstock. A reformer
survey was carried out to check the performance and
determine any possible optimization recommendations.
In addition it was demonstrated that the process gas
temperature could be safely increased without comprising
the life of the catalyst tubes. This was because the routine
measurement of tube temperatures was inherently
over-reading.
Detailed advice was given on how to balance this furnace,
and subsequently increase firing to reduce methane slip.
The plant has followed Johnson Matthey Catalysts advice on
the reformer operation and is currently making an additional
60 tonnes per day of methanol - worth US$ 3,300,000
each year.

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Case study 2 — KATALCOJM gives improved
reformer performance
This case study is from a top-fired reformer in Western
Europe. The plant was going to be uprated at the next turn-
around and so a thorough review of the loading options for
the primary reformer was conducted. The previous charge
was KATALCOJM 25-4M and KATALCOJM 57-4 and REFORM
simulations found that this loading option would have limited
the maximum achievable plant rate after the turn-around.
Since the Geometric Surface Area (GSA) of KATALCOJM 25-4Q
is almost the same as for KATALCOJM 25-4M,
Parameter Previous charge
KATALCOJM catalyst types 25-4M/57-4
Methane slip dry mol % 9.19
ATE °C (°F) 2.1 (3.8)
Pressure drop bar (psi) 3.20 (46.4)
Maximum TWT °C (°F) 825 (1517)
Case study 3 — KATALCOJM PERFORMANCE
improves plant reliability
Johnson Matthey Catalysts offers a full range of catalyst
products for steam reforming hydrocarbon feeds for light
feeds such as natural gas or refinery off gas up to heavy
feeds such as naphtha. Appropriate combinations of catalysts
are recommended to best operate in differing circumstances.
For refinery hydrogen plants which operate on a combination
of hydrocarbon feeds up to light LPG, the catalyst
combination usually recommended is KATALCOJM 25-series
in the top (inlet) 50% and KATALCOJM 57-series in the
bottom (exit) 50% of the tube. The QUADRALOBE™ shape is
most commonly used such that the installed grades of
catalysts are KATALCOJM 25-4Q and KATALCOJM 57-4Q.
A refinery hydrogen plant in Western Europe experienced
various problems with competitive catalyst offerings. The
plant uses LPG feedstock usually in combination with
refinery off gas in a top-fired reformer. The problems
included difficulties with steaming the catalyst which proved
susceptible to carbon laydown due to exposure to
4
KATALCOJM 25-4M could be replaced with the lower
pressure drop KATALCOJM 25-4Q. Furthermore, the
GSA of KATALCOJM 57-4GQ is almost the same as for
KATALCOJM 57-4 so the KATALCOJM 57-4 could be replaced
with the low pressure drop KATALCOJM 57-4GQ. This would
offer considerable pressure drop savings whilst maintain the
activity within the reformer tubes and there would be no
penalty in methane slip or approach to equilibrium as
illustrated in the table below.
This charge is now on-line giving the pressure drop benefits
predicted above while maintaining the cool tubes and tight
approach to equilibrium.
New charge
25-4Q/57-4GQ
9.19
2.1 (3.8)
1.94 (28.1)
825 (1517)
hydrocarbon during plant trips which led to hot bands and
also pressure drop problems. Ultimately, this led to short
lives of catalyst charges. A further problem was the inability
to hold the competitive catalyst under steam only for more
than a short period in a hot stand-by mode.
The plant operator switched to a charge of KATALCOJM 25-4
and KATALCOJM 57-4. This catalyst combination can be
steamed if needed and is not sensitive to trace levels of
hydrocarbon during shut-down routines. The charge ran
for7 years without any major issue which far exceeds that
achieved before. Also, the operator has been able to hold
the reformer on hot stand-by with steam in order to
complete mechanical repairs. This has avoided a costly full
shut-down which would have been necessary with the
steam intolerant catalyst type used previously.
Thus, the switch to KATALCOJM 25-4 and KATALCOJM 57-4
combination has led to significant cost benefits in terms of
reduced catalyst purchases and additional on-line time.
This operator has now installed KATALCOJM 25-4Q and
KATALCOJM 57-4Q enabling even more reliable operation.
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KATALCOJM PERFORMANCE – adding value to

your plant
A reformer survey on a world scale methanol plant revealed Reformer tube life is directly related to the difference
that the furnace was not balanced and that there was scope between the operating tube wall temperature and the
to increase the firing. Following Johnson Matthey Catalysts design value. The tube wall temperature can be significantly
advice, the plant balanced the reformer and gradually increased or decreased by the correct choice of catalyst and
started to increase the firing on the reformer. This resulted in by good operation. By installing an optimized load of
an additional 60 tonnes per day of methanol produced, KATALCOJM, a customer in Asia reduced their maximum tube
worth in excess of US$ 3,300,000 per year. wall temperature by approximately 10°C. This increased the
tube lives from 10 to 15 years, delaying a US$ 3,000,000
A reformer survey on a large natural gas reformer in
expenditure on new tubes by 5 years.
Western Europe identified a temperature imbalance across
the furnace. Johnson Matthey Catalysts investigated the
reasons for this and showed that it was not due to
conventional process reasons. On our recommendation, the
plant investigated the combustion air system during the next
shut-down and found some mechanical problems. Repairs
were made and on start-up the temperatures across the
furnace were shown to be well balanced. Identifying both the
problem and the root cause allowed the plant to reduce the
methane slip from the reformer, reduce the fuel gas usage
and made more syngas. For a large-scale ammonia plant this
is equivalent to a saving of US$ 141,000 per annum.

Installing an optimized loading of KATALCOJM reforming

catalyst on an ammonia reformer in North America reduced
the pressure drop across the reformer by over 50%
compared to the previous charge (based on SOR
conditions). This resulted in a plant rate increase of 4% with
no additional plant changes, equivalent to 15,000 tonnes
per year additional production (this plant did not have an air
compressor limitation). This increase in production is worth
an addition US$ 1,270,000 in profits each year.

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Advantages of choosing KATALCOJM
Catalyst selection for plant optimization
Although many plants may have the same design conditions,
the operation of each plant is unique, and depends on a
variety of factors including the gas feed, the plant rate, steam
to carbon ratio and operating pressure and temperature.
These differences in plant performance are critical when it
comes to the selection of a steam reforming catalyst.
KATALCOJM 23-series and KATALCOJM 57-series catalysts are
non-alkalised high activity steam reforming catalysts suitable
for light hydrocarbon feeds. KATALCOJM 25-series are lightly
alkalised steam reforming catalysts, widely used to achieve
longer life in problem plants with feedstocks containing
higher hydrocarbons or operating under severe conditions.
KATALCOJM 25-series are typically used in combination with
non-alkalized catalysts for steam reforming natural gas.
6
Johnson Matthey Catalysts is the world leader in steam
reforming for the production of ammonia, methanol, hydrogen
and HyCO for a very good reason. Not only is KATALCOJM
the best commercially available range of steam reforming
catalysts, but KATALCOJM PERFORMANCE is tailored for
each plant on an individual basis in order to meet the
operator’s specific requirements. Our world-class reformer
simulation programme, REFORM, allows us to accurately
predict the exact performance of any given catalyst
combination. Whether we recommend a combination of
alkalized and non-alkalized catalysts or a variety of catalyst
sizes you can have confidence in your plant performance.
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Reliability
The KATALCOJM steam reforming catalyst ranges have the
well-earned reputation for delivering the world’s most
reliable reformer operation. They are physically strong to
withstand plant upsets. High activity, now even greater with
QUADRALOBE, plus the tailored use of potash delivers
carbon free operation in the most highly loaded plants. If
carbon is formed the ability to remove carbon is greatly
enhanced by the resistance of the KATALCOJM steam
reforming catalysts to steaming and the acceleration of
carbon removal by the potash promotion.
Feedstock versatility
Johnson Matthey steam reforming catalysts operate with
every normal feedstock processed using steam reforming
technology. These include refinery off-gas containing
hydrogen, natural gas, associated gas, LPG and naphtha.
Feedstocks may also include recycled carbon dioxide.
KATALCOJM 23-series and KATALCOJM 57-series catalysts are
designed for use on natural gas or hydrogen rich feeds. For
more severe duties such as high reforming heat flux, low steam
to carbon ratio, or heavier hydrocarbons feeds, catalysts must
be selected with a higher resistance to carbon laydown. In
these situations, the alkalized KATALCOJM 25-series catalysts
are used in the upper part of the steam reformer tubes in
conjunction with KATALCOJM 23-series or KATALCOJM 57-series
unless the hydrocarbon feedstock is butane or heavier in which
case alternative catalysts from the Johnson Matthey Catalysts
range are required.
Long catalyst lives
Johnson Matthey Catalysts have delivered lives in excess of
8-10 years. Long catalyst lives are achieved through
formulations that deliver high stable activity and the ability to
recover from plant upsets. High activity is required at the top
of the tubes to prevent carbon formation and at the bottom
of the tubes (along with high heat transfer) to keep tube wall
temperatures within acceptable limits. KATALCOJM 25-series,
KATALCOJM 23-series and KATALCOJM 57-series catalysts are
designed to maintain a high activity in steam reforming
applications. Catalyst activity is unaffected by periods of
prolonged steaming during plant upsets or frequent start-up
or shut-down procedures. Low temperature activity is stable
and ensures maximum reaction at the top of the tubes to
minimize tube wall temperature in top-fired furnaces.
The alkali in KATALCOJM 25-series increases the margin
against carbon formation and accelerates its removal during
operation and steaming.
Use of optimized shapes further enhances activity and
assists in reducing tube wall temperatures when compared
with other commercially available shapes. The additional
activity provided by the QUADRALOBE shape is expected to
deliver more than an additional one years life in most plant
cases when compared to the KATALCOJM 4-hole equivalent.
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Long tube lives
The major cost in running a reformer is tube replacement.
Tube replacement costs are typically double the catalyst cost
on an annualized basis. Tube lives can be halved by a 20°C
increase in temperature so catalyst activity and heat transfer
are critically important. The high stable activity of Johnson
Matthey steam reforming catalysts keeps tube temperatures
low throughout their length. The 4-hole and QUADRALOBE
shapes also achieve the highest heat transfer from the tube
wall to the process gas. This is particularly important towards
the tube exit since in most plants this is where the maximum
tube wall temperature occurs.
High plant rates
The high activity and low pressure drop of the 4-hole and
QUADRALOBE shapes enable plant rate increases with little
or no penalty on tube wall temperature or methane slip. The
4-hole shape has enabled rate increases approaching double
plant design and QUADRALOBE can deliver another 5-10%.
The Johnson Matthey Catalysts REFORM program faithfully
accurately simulates all standard reformer types and enables
selection of the best catalyst formulation and size
combination to achieve the desired operating conditions.
8
Low pressure drop
Pressure drop across steam reformers is becoming
increasingly important and is directly related to plant rate for
many operators. KATALCOJM 23-series, KATALCOJM 57-series
and KATALCOJM 25-series catalysts are available in a range of
different sizes. Combined with their excellent activity, this
allows optimized reformer loadings to minimize pressure drop.
The high strength of KATALCOJM steam reforming catalysts
minimizes the pressure drop increase during the catalysts life.
The introduction of KATALCOJM 57-4XQ offers the lowest
pressure drop available.
Strength
KATALCOJM 25-series, KATALCOJM 23-series and KATALCOJM
57-series catalysts have high stable strength during
operation and retain more than 80% of initial strength
after five years of operation.
Low silica
In order to avoid all problems associated with silica
migration, KATALCOJM 25-series, KATALCOJM 23-series and
KATALCOJM 57-series catalysts contain less than 0.2% silica.
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Size range Ease of reduction

All KATALCOJM steam reforming catalysts are available in a
range of sizes to suit individual requirements. All steam
reformers are different therefore the catalyst requirements
vary from plant to plant.
MQ, Q and GQ sizes of QUADRALOBE have been optimized
to give the same pressure drop as our previous 4-hole
product, resulting in higher activity catalysts. The XQ size has
been optimized to give the same activity and thus even lower
pressure drop when compared to our 4-hole G size product.
Hence, the QUADRALOBE catalyst range offers products with
the highest activity and lowest pressure drop commercially
available.
Using Johnson Matthey Catalysts expertise in steam reforming
operations and detailed modelling capability, it is possible to
optimize the performance of a given steam reformer by
selecting the correct size range to give the required activity,
heat transfer, and pressure drop.
KATALCOJM 25-series, KATALCOJM 23-series and
KATALCOJM 57-series catalysts are supplied with the nickel in
the oxide form and so need reducing to become active. These
catalysts are easily reduced in the plant using well-established
procedures, advice on which is given in the appropriate
Johnson Matthey Catalysts Operating Manual. In the rare
cases where low reformer inlet temperature makes full
reduction of the catalyst at the tube inlet difficult, the catalysts
can be supplied in the pre-reduced form. The pre-reduced
material is only required in the inlet 1-2 m (3-6 ft) of the
reformer tube where the operating temperature is lowest.
Stability
All KATALCOJM steam reforming catalysts will withstand
typical plant problems, e.g.,
• short exposure to temperature in excess of 1000°C
(1830°F)

• prolonged steaming at operating temperatures

• steaming to remove carbon deposited on the catalyst or

to remove sulphur poisoning

• the effects of condensing steam

4 Hole Q Shape
Quadralobe 1st took the
benefit from improved shape
to offer more activity for our 57-4M
Pressure Drop

standard 3 sizes
57-4MQ

57-4
57-4Q

57-5G
57-4GQ
Lower

New 4th size variant

offers lowest possible
57-4XQ PD in market

Activity Higher

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Additional capability with KATALCOJM PERFORMANCE
Johnson Matthey provides more than just catalysts to our
customers. Our background in plant operations, together
with our catalyst know-how, has made us the number one
supplier of steam reforming catalysts world-wide. We now
offer a unique range of products directly related to steam
reformer operation, all of which are designed to improve your
plant performance. KATALCOJM PERFORMANCE is designed
to address plant operating issues including efficiency,
reliability, throughput, environment and safety. Johnson
Matthey Catalysts will recommend the relevant products from
the KATALCOJM PERFORMANCE portfolio to address the
specific issues on your plant. Some of the products and
services offered by KATALCOJM PERFORMANCE are outlined
below. Please contact us for further details.
UNIDENSE™ for catalyst tubes
This patented technique, licensed to Johnson Matthey
Catalysts, eliminates the need for socks and allows quicker
and more even loading of the steam reformer tubes. This
results in more even process gas distribution and tube
temperatures, so allowing the full capability of the reformer
furnace to be realised.
LOTIS™ inspection system for catalyst tubes
The Laser Optic Tube Inspection System (LOTIS) system uses
highly accurate laser measurement to determine the
diameter of the reformer tubes. This is done using a spinning
probe which is inserted into the empty reformer tubes
where it takes many thousands of measurements as it
traverses the tube length. The scanning period is typically
3 minutes per tube, thus allowing the inspection to be
conveniently conducted in conjunction with the catalyst
loading. The accurate measurement of tube diameter gives
detailed information on creep damage, leading to a better
understanding of ageing of the catalyst tubes and giving an
indication of appropriate burner adjustments.
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Reformer surveys and operational audits
Johnson Matthey Catalysts has developed a number of
performance monitoring techniques to assess steam
reformer operation and identity options for improvement.
The performance improvement may come from
adjustments to process variables and reformer firing or from
the recognition that instrumentation or key parts of the
furnace may need upgrading. The scope of the reformer
survey is tailored to meet individual client situations and can
be extended to include convection section heat recovery
and synthesis gas cooling train.
Catalyst tube temperature measurement
A number of different measurement devices are available
for determining the temperature of catalyst tubes during
reformer operation. The common method is the infrared
pyrometer. However, infrared measurements are affected by
emissivity of the material and reflected radiation. Johnson
Matthey Catalysts has developed a shielded radiation probe,
which makes direct contact with the catalyst tubes and can
be used to determine emissivity and calibrate infrared
pyrometers and also measure tube wall temperatures.
Managing the life cycle of reformer
catalyst tubes
For effective operation, reformer catalyst tubes operate at
temperatures high enough to cause material creep, and hence
they are designed for a finite life. The determination of the
actual rate of creep damage and the prediction of likely future
life before failure involves careful consideration of inspection
data together with plant operating history and the ability to
accurately simulate reformer temperatures at proposed future
conditions. Johnson Matthey Catalysts is able to combine skills
in all these areas to help determine appropriate operating
conditions and timing for future changes.
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Reformer process and mechanical design
consultancy and engineering services
Through our operational experience in running large steam
reformers, Johnson Matthey Catalysts have developed
design skills and knowledge that can be shared for the
benefit of our catalyst customers. This includes advice on
options for taking advantage of new materials for reformer
tubes, reconfiguring tube support systems or replacing
collection and transfer headers.
Reformer consultancy
Experienced Johnson Matthey Catalysts engineers can be
made available to assist in identifying operational problems,
whether related to process operation or mechanical
equipment, and in developing appropriate solutions.
Pressure drop management
To improve the accuracy of loading catalyst tubes, Johnson
Matthey Catalysts has developed a simple and reliable piece
of equipment for measuring catalyst pressure drop. The device
is used during catalyst charging to characterise the variation in
loaded density in the tubes as a way of ensuring balanced
operation of the furnace. The pressure drop equipment is
available for purchase or can be used by a Johnson Matthey
Catalysts technician during reformer loading.
Combustion systems advice
Practical Johnson Matthey Catalysts experience gained on a
range of different steam reformers and other furnaces can
be applied to improve design and operation of combustion
systems. This includes sharing of experience related to new
types of burners and appropriate strategies for burner
management and maintenance.
Further details on these and other services capabilities are
available from Johnson Matthey Catalysts.
Steam reformer modelling - REFORM
Accurate modelling of steam reformers is critical for
predicting reformer operation and determining the correct
catalyst selection for any given plant.
REFORM, the Johnson Matthey Catalysts reformer simulation
model, looks at all aspects of the steam reformer.
It models the flue gas side from the flame heat release,
radiation from the flame, radiation from the gas, radiation
from the wall of the furnace and radiation from the coffins.
As well as receiving the radiation on the tubes it considers
which direction the radiation is coming from and hence the
temperature distribution both axially along the tube and
radially around the tube circumference.
The inside of the tube is modelled by considering the heat
transfer between the tube inside wall and the gas phase, the
catalyst and the catalyst reactions in both an axial and a
radial direction. This is then used to work out the tubes
stresses very precisely. Carbon formation and detailed
pressure drop through the catalyst are also calculated.
With a model of this detail we are able to precisely predict
how different catalyst combinations are going to work under
any given set of conditions. This allows us to recommend the
optimum catalyst solution for any type of steam reformer.
Johnson Matthey Catalysts also uses this program in
troubleshooting problems on steam reformers as part of our
steam reforming optimization studies.
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KATALCOJM catalyst selector

Johnson Matthey Catalysts manufactures three main
catalysts for use in steam reformers using lighter
hydrocarbon feedstocks ranging from refinery off gas,
natural gas to lighter LPG.
KATALCOJM 23-series
This catalyst is nickel oxide on an alpha alumina support.
KATALCOJM 57-series
This catalyst is nickel oxide on a calcium aluminate support.
KATALCOJM 25-series
This catalyst is a lightly alkalized nickel oxide catalyst on a
calcium aluminate support.
These catalysts are made in a range of sizes allowing
optimum reformer loading for each individual plant.
Ammonia plants
Selecting the right catalyst for your application is essential
for good steam reformer performance. Johnson Matthey
Catalysts will make detailed recommendations based upon
your individual operating conditions. However, some generic
guidelines are given below.
Typical catalyst loadings depend on the product being
produced and the reformer type; however, some
generalisations can be made to allow the operator to
determine the optimal catalyst loading for a reformer. In
general, it is necessary to use KATALCOJM 25-series
catalyst in the inlet 40 - 50 % of the steam reformer tube
where conditions are more difficult. This can be where the
steam to carbon ratio is low, heat flux is high or there is a
higher content of C2+ hydrocarbons. In these cases, the
KATALCOJM 25-series catalyst will be loaded with either
KATALCOJM 23 or KATALCOJM 57-series catalyst in the
remainder of the steam reformer tubes. At less severe
conditions, these catalysts will be used throughout the
steam reformer tube.

Feedstock type KATALCOJM PERFORMANCE catalyst recommendation

High methane content gas, design plant rates 57 or 23-series

Feedstock with significant levels of higher hydrocarbons A combination of 25-series with 57/23-series
Low steam to carbon ratio, high methane content gas A combination of 25-series with 57/23-series

Plant limitation Recommendation

Low pressure drop (high plant rates) XQ, GQ and Q size combination
Low tube wall temperatures MQ and Q size combination
High methane slip MQ and Q size combination

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Methanol plants

Feedstock type KATALCOJM PERFORMANCE catalyst recommendation

High methane content gas, design plant rates A combination of 25-series with 57/23-series
Feedstock with significant levels of higher hydrocarbons A combination of 25-series with 57/23-series
Low steam to carbon ratio, high methane content gas A combination of 25-series with 57/23-series

Plant limitation Recommendation

Low pressure drop (high plant rates) GQ and Q size combination
Low tube wall temperatures MQ and Q size combination

Hydrogen and HyCO plants

Feedstock type KATALCOJM PERFORMANCE catalyst recommendation

Refinery off gas and high methane content gas, 57 or 23-series
design plant rates
Natural gas with significant levels of higher hydrocarbons A combination of 25-series with 57/23-series
Pre-reformed feedstock 57 or 23-series, optionally with 25-Series for
additional operability
LPG feedstock with high C3 content and/or high steam: A combination of 25-series with 57/23-series
carbon ratio
HyCO production from natural gas or A combination of 25-series with 57/23-series
pre-reformed feedstock

Plant limitation Recommendation

Low pressure drop (high plant rates) XQ, GQ and Q size combination
Low tube wall temperatures MQ and Q size combination

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Catalyst characteristics
KATALCOJM 23-series

Important note
KATALCOJM 23-4MQ
The loaded density values are typical values. Depending on
reformer type, loading technique etc, actual achieved density
KATALCOJM 23-4Q may be different from these values. Also, if alternative shapes
are provided by special arrangement, the density values may
differ significantly and should be confirmed.
KATALCOJM 23-4GQ

Composition

Nickel oxide dispersed on an alpha alumina ceramic support.

Physical properties (typical)

Catalyst 23-4Q 23-4MQ 23-4GQ

Form QUADRALOBE 4-hole cylinders with 4-hole cylinders with 4-hole cylinders with
4 flutes and domed edges 4 flutes and domed edges 4 flutes and domed edges
Length (mm) 17 13 20
OD (mm) 13 10.5 16
Hole ID (mm) 3.3 2.7 4.4
Typical loaded density
(kg/m3) 1090 1140 1050
(lb/ft3) 68 71 66

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Catalyst characteristics
KATALCOJM 57-series

KATALCOJM 57-4MQ

KATALCOJM 57-4Q

KATALCOJM 57-4GQ

KATALCOJM 57-4XQ

Composition

Nickel oxide dispersed on a calcium aluminate ceramic

support.

Physical properties (typical)

Catalyst 57-4Q 57-4MQ 57-4GQ 57-4XQ
Form QUADRALOBE 4-hole cylinders with 4-hole cylinders with 4-hole cylinders with 4-hole cylinders with
4 flutes and 4 flutes and 4 flutes and 4 flutes and
domed edges domed edges domed edges domed edges
Length (mm) 17.5 13 20 20
OD (mm) 13 10.5 16 19.7
Hole ID (mm) 3.3 2.7 4.4 5.5
Typical loaded density
(kg/m3) 850 900 760 650
(lb/ft3) 53 56 47 41

Important note

The loaded density values are typical values. Depending on

reformer type, loading technique etc., actual achieved density
may be different from these values. Also, if alternative shapes
are provided by special arrangement, the density values may
differ significantly and should be confirmed.

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Catalyst characteristics
KATALCOJM 25-series

KATALCOJM 25-4MQ

KATALCOJM 25-4Q

KATALCOJM 25-4GQ

Composition

Nickel oxide dispersed on a calcium aluminate ceramic

support promoted by alkali.

Physical properties (typical)

Catalyst 25-4Q 25-4MQ 25-4GQ

Form QUADRALOBE 4-hole cylinders with 4-hole cylinders with 4-hole cylinders with
4 flutes and domed edges 4 flutes and domed edges 4 flutes and domed edges
Length (mm) 17.5 13 20
OD (mm) 13 10.5 16
Hole ID (mm) 3.3 2.7 4.4
Typical loaded density
(kg/m3) 870 950 790
(lb/ft3) 54 59 49

Important note

The loaded density values are typical values. Depending on

reformer type, loading technique etc., actual achieved density
may be different from these values. Also, if alternative shapes
are provided by special arrangement, the density values may
differ significantly and should be confirmed.

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For further information on Johnson Matthey Catalysts, contact your local sales office or visit our website at www.jmcatalysts.com
KATALCO and QUADRALOBE are trademarks of the Johnson Matthey Group of companies. UNIDENSE is a trademark of UNIDENSE GmbH.
LOTIS is trademark of Quest Trutech Inc.

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