HYDROGEN REFORMER – ULTRATEMP

The CANTY Ultratemp™ is a vision-based camera system used with the CANTY Vector System image processor to monitor temperature of the tubes inside a hydrogen reformer. The CantyVision™ Software accurately measures temperature as well as bend in the tube for complete control.  In comparison to thermocouples which are costly, not reliable, and monitor only one tube, a camera system can monitor multiple tubes at the same time. The CantyVision™ software can output a signal to alarm if the tube has increased in temperature over a certain time to an operator screen, PLC, or DCS for closed loop control.  The steam can then be introduced to clean the tube and avoid plugging and then switch back to the natural gas.  The pyrometer is not effective for controlling the temperature in the reformer due to the time intervals in between analysis is taken.  Also, not everyone measures at the same point and this could lead to a change in temperature when a change never occurred.  To calibrate the system the pyrometer can be used initially.  If the temperature in the tubes increase over 10°C over 10 min, a plug has a chance to take place.  With the Ultratemp™ this event can be avoided completely.