Catalysts and

Adsorbents for
Syngas
 Catalysts and Adsorbents
for Syngas
Performance
Technology

Catalysts
Clariant is a leading supplier of catalysts used in synthesis gas processes. These
processes include those for the production of ammonia, methanol, hydrogen,
HyCo (hydrogen/CO mixtures), and direct-reduced iron. Additionally, Clariant
offers several catalysts and adsorbents for the purification of feedstocks used in
these processes.

Our strength in syngas technology grows from our roots in Süd-Chemie, a leading
company in the development of process catalysts for chemicals markets. The
broad portfolio of highly innovative catalyst products is now part of the Catalysts
business unit of Clariant.

The Catalysts business unit is headquartered in Munich, Germany, and has

16 catalyst production sites and 11 R&D centers around the world. Our catalysts
contribute significantly to value creation in our customers’ operations, ensuring
that finite raw materials and energy are used efficiently in the production of
industrial chemicals, plastics, and fuels. Our products enable the use of alter-
native raw materials – such as natural gas, coal and biomass – as chemical and
energy feedstocks, and are used to clean emissions from industrial processes
and combustion engines to limit the impact on the environment.

We are committed to R&D and customer service to ensure that our products are
well positioned to meet the global challenges of raw material scarcity, energy
efficiency and responsible care for our environment.

2 3
Catalysts and Adsorbents
for Syngas – Reforming
Reformax®

Production of Ammonia, Hydrogen and Methanol Steam Reforming

The production of ammonia, hydrogen and methanol in- Selection of the optimum catalyst depends on several factors,
volves the use of several key unit operations, including: including furnace design, severity of service, and the type of
· Feed Purification hydrocarbon processed. Our recommended catalysts are shown in
· Prereforming the table below.
· Steam reforming
· Secondary or autothermal reforming ReforMax 330 LDP Plus ReforMax 210 LDP Plus
· Conversion of CO to CO2
Nominal Content [wt.%]
· Methanation
Typical feed NG NG/LPG
· Ammonia synthesis Secondary Reforming Autothermal Reforming
NiO 14 18
· Methanol synthesis The optimum catalyst for an air-fed secondary reformer Oxygen-fed autothermal reformers require a mixed
K2O - 1.5 depends on the design of the burner and the distance loading of catalysts, comprising an active heat shield
Prereforming Carrier CaAl12O19 CaK2Al22O34 between burner tip and top catalyst layer. If hexagonal and a reforming catalyst of excellent physical stability
A prereformer is an adiabatic fixed-bed reactor upstream Shape 8 Hole Rings 8 Hole Rings target bricks are not used, we recommend installation and thermoshock resistance. The standard catalyst
of the primary reformer. It allows increased flexibility Size [mm] 20 x 17 20 x 13
of a top layer of ReforMax 400 GG to serve as an active loading is approx. 5 - 10% of ReforMax 420 on top of
in the choice of feedstock, increased lifetime of the heat shield. This material is also ideal for a bottom active ReforMax 330 LDP catalyst.
steam reforming catalyst and tubes, and the option of support layer where extreme short loadings are required
increasing the overall plant capacity. Furthermore it ReforMax 330 ReforMax 210 ReforMax 250 and/or where high purity inert supports can be replaced ReforMax 420 ReforMax 330
allows operation at lower steam/carbon ratios. LDP LDP with an active catalyst. ReforMax 410 LDP catalyst is LDP
Nominal Content [wt.%] used for the bulk of the reactor loading. Nominal Content [wt.%]
ReforMax 100 is a prereforming catalyst designed to Typical feed NG NG/LPG Naphtha NiO 7.4 14
handle the entire range of hydrocarbon feedstocks from NiO 14 18 23 ReforMax 400 ReforMax 410 Carrier α-Al2O3 CaAl12O19
natural gas up to and including LPGs and naphthas. GG LDP
K2O - 1.5 6 Shape Extrusions 10 Hole Rings
Nominal Content [wt.%]
Carrier CaAl12O19 CaK2Al22O34 Magnesium, Size [mm] 30 19 x 16
ReforMax 100 Aluminate NiO 11.5 11.5
Nominal Content [wt.%] Shape 10 Hole Rings 10 Hole Rings Multihole Rings Carrier α-Al2O3 CaAl12O19
NiO 56.5 Size [mm] 19 x 16 19 x 12 16 x 16 Shape 6 Hole Rings 10 Hole Rings
Support and Promoter Balance Size [mm] 33 x 18 19 x 16
Shape Tablets
Size [mm] 4.7 x 4.7

4 5
Catalysts and Adsorbents
for Syngas – CO Conversion
Shiftmax®/Shiftguard™

CO Conversion High temperature CO Conversion Low temperature CO Conversion Sour Gas Shift
Most ammonia plants convert CO to CO2 by high tem- The HTS catalyst ShiftMax 120 combines high activity The LTS catalyst ShiftMax 200 series contains state-of- Sulfur-resistant water gas shift catalysts, known as sour
perature water-gas shift followed by low temperature with extremely good physical robustness. In addition, the art products featuring excellent copper dispersion gas shift catalysts, overcome the challenge of high sulfur
water-gas shift. For special process designs, it can be this catalyst is very effective in preventing Fischer- leading to an extremely high activity for water-gas shift. concentrations in syngas from coal gasification. Clariant
advantageous to combine these two steps to form one Tropsch by-product formation when operating at low These catalysts feature high CO conversion for a long offers a diverse portfolio of such catalysts, optimized to
isothermal or adiabatic step called medium tempera- steam to gas conditions. ShiftMax 120 is now offered in catalyst life, high resistance to poisons, and superior suit different gasification applications. Clariant’s latest
ture CO conversion (MTS). a version designated ShiftMax 120 HCF with the same physical strength. The promoter in ShiftMax 217 sup- generation of sour gas shift catalysts, ShiftMax 821,
performance, but the HCF version contains essentially presses the formation of methanol by more than 95% enables a new sour gas shift process with significant end-
no hexavalent chrome. compared to standard LTS catalysts without decreasing user advantages in terms of cost efficiency, safety, and
activity. feedstock flexibility. ShiftMax 820 is an industry-proven
ShiftGuard 100 is a shaped inert guard material based catalyst used in numerous commercial applications
on high temperature fired alumina that with its superior ShiftGuard 200 effectively adsorbs and strongly retains around the world. ShiftMax 822 is specifically designed
strength and surface area effectively protects the HTS chlorides so that the downstream LTS catalyst, like for for very low inlet temperatures, such as in coal-to-
catalysts against upstream Waste Heat Boiler leaks. example ShiftMax 217, is fully protected and can show hydrogen applications. All Clariant sour gas shift catalysts
its superior activity and longevity. can be supplied pre-sulfided to simplify start-up and
ShiftMax 120 ShiftMax 120 HCF reduce off-stream time and avoid safety hazards with
ShiftGuard 200 shows in addition to its outstanding sulfur compounds onsite.
Nominal Content [wt.%]
mechanical strength a high initial CO shift activity with
Fe2O3 > 80 > 80
low MeOH byproduct formation, which will strongly ShiftMax ShiftMax ShiftMax
Cr2O3 8.5 8.5
support the LTS reaction in the main catalyst bed. 820 821 822
Cr(VI) <2 n.d. Nominal Content [wt.%]
CuO 2 2 ShiftGuard ShiftMax ShiftMax ShiftMax Carrier Alumina Alumina Alumina
Shape Tablets Tablets 200 207 210 217
Active Metals Co, Mo Co, Mo Co, Mo
Size [mm] 6x6 6x6 Nominal Content [wt.%]
Promoter - - Proprietary
other sizes on other sizes on CuO 45 45 42 45
request request Shape Extrusions Extrusions Extrusions
ZnO - 44 47 44
Size [mm] 3.2 5.5 3.5
Al2O3 Balance Balance Balance Balance
ShiftGuard 100 (together with
propietary ShiftMax ShiftMax ShiftMax
Alumina Support
metal oxide) 820S 821S 822S
Shape 6 Hole Rings
Promoter - - - 1 Nominal Content [wt.%]
Size [mm] 33 x 18
Shape Tablets Tablets Tablets Tablets Carrier Alumina Alumina Alumina
Size [mm] 4.8 x 4.8 5x3 5x3 5x3 Active Metals Co, Mo Co, Mo Co, Mo

Promoter - - Proprietary

Sulfur <10% <10% <10%

Shape Extrusions Extrusions Extrusions

Size [mm] 3.2 5.5 3.5

6 7
Catalysts and Adsorbents
for Syngas – Ammonia and Methanol
Synthesis, Hydrogen Production,
Methanation
Meth® amomax®
megamax® Reformax®

Methanol Reforming
Hydrogen and carbon monoxide can be produced by
means of steam reforming of methanol, which is per-
formed with ReforMax M.

ReforMax M

Nominal Content [wt.%]

CuO 60
ZnO 30
Methanation Ammonia Synthesis Methanol Synthesis
Depending on the severity and product purity require- AmoMax 10 is a wustite-based ammonia synthesis For the synthesis of methanol from carbon oxides and Al2O3 Balance

ments of the application, Clariant supplies two different catalyst that features significantly higher activity than hydrogen, Clariant produces the MegaMax 700 and 800 Shape Tablets
types of methanation catalysts. magnetite-based catalysts. This high activity level is catalyst, which is used in isothermal reactors (Lurgi-­ Size [mm] 6x4
also evident at low operating temperatures, allowing type) and all other plant designs, such as adiabatic
METH 134 and METH 135 consist of alumina supported improved conversion at thermodynamically more quench type reactors. MegaMax 800 has extremely
Ammonia Dissociation
NiO. For extremely low temperature applications favorable conditions. Wustite contains less oxygen than good low temperature activity, which allows it to be
NH3 is an undesirable component often present in off-
(T < 170 °C) Clariant provides METH 150, which is magnetite which means that reduction time and the operated at more thermodynamically favorable condi-
gases. To reduce environmental emissions, it is typically
comprised of ruthenium on an alumina support. water produced during reduction can be significantly tions. This catalyst also has excellent selectivity, even
dissociated at high temperatures to yield N2 and H2.
reduced. AmoMax 10 also features excellent long-term with high CO-content feed gas.
Due to the extreme temperatures, the application
METH 134 METH 135 METH 150 stability and is stronger than magnetite-based catalysts.
requires a very rugged catalyst.
Nominal Content [wt.%]
AmoMax 10 is available in oxidic and pre-reduced, MegaMax 800 MegaMax 700
stabilized forms.
NiO 25 43 - Nominal Content [wt.%] The ReforMax 117 nickel on MgO carrier catalyst is
Ru - - 0.3 CuO Proprietary Proprietary supplied in an enhanced surface area ribbed ring for
AmoMax 10
Support Balance Balance Balance ZnO Proprietary Proprietary maximum activity.
Nominal Content [wt.%]
Shape Spheres Spheres Tablets Al2O3 Proprietary Proprietary
Fe - ReforMax 117 RR
Size [mm] 3-6 3-6 4.5 x 4.5 Shape Tablets Tablets
FeO 92 Nominal Content [wt.%]
Size [mm] 6x4 6x4
Promoter Balance NiO 6
Shape Granules Al2O3, MgO Balance
Size [mm] 1.5 - 3 Shape Ribbed Rings
other sizes on request
Size [mm] 30 x 28 x 11

8 9
Catalysts and Adsorbents
for Syngas – Feed Purification
HDMAX® Actisorb®

Hydrodesulfurisation ActiSorb Series H2S Removal

The standard catalysts for the hydrogenation of organic sulfur
compounds in hydrocarbon feedstocks are the cobalt-molybdenum-
type catalysts from the HDMax 200 series. These catalysts are used
in both liquid and gas phase for all types of hydrocarbons, such as
naphtha, LPG, natural gas and off-gases. For the hydrogenation of
organic nitrogen compounds and/or olefin saturation, our nickel-
molybdenum-based HDMax 300 catalyst is recommended.
The ActiSorb series of adsorbents and catalysts are used for the The ActiSorb S series of ZnO based adsorbents is used for the removal
purification of almost all hydrocarbon feedstocks. This purification of sulfur components such as hydro­gen sulfide, mercaptans and
is typically a combination of a reaction using a pre-treatment COS from hydrocarbon feedstreams. ActiSorb S 2 is the perfect
catalyst, i.e. hydrogenation by e.g. HDMax 200/300, followed by solution when operating at high space velocities and elevated
adsorption with the ActiSorb adsorbent. The following table gives temperatures, while ActiSorb S 3 is recommended in applications
a general overview of the different families of ActiSorb materials. with lower space velocities and higher inlet sulfur concentrations.

HDMax 200 HDMax 300 ActiSorb S 2 ActiSorb S 3

Organic Chlorides

Organic Fluorine

Silica Compounds
Nominal Content [wt.%] Nominal Content [wt.%]
Organic Sulfur

Heavy Metals
CoO 3.5 - ZnO 90 90
Thiophens

NiO - 3.5 Al2O3 Balance Balance

Mercury
MoO3 10 10 Shape Extrusions Extrusions
COS

HCl
H2S

HF

O2
Al2O3 Balance Balance Size [mm] 4.5 4.5
Shape Extrusions Extrusions ActiSorb S • • • •
TRX Extrusions TRX Extrusions
ActiSorb Cl • •
Size [mm] 2.5 2.5
ActiSorb Hg 1 •
ActiSorb Hg 2 • •
ActiSorb 301 • •
ActiSorb Si •
ActiSorb O •

10 11
Catalysts and Adsorbents
for Syngas – Feed Purification
Actisorb®

COS Hydrolysis
ActiSorb 410 catalyst selectively promotes the hydrolysis
of COS, CS2 and HCN. The high selectivity of ActiSorb
410 allows to process gases with very high CO concen-
trations.

Feed to the COS hydrolysis reactor usually contains nickel

and iron carbonyls. These carbonyls decompose on the
ActiSorb 410 catalyst into CO and the respective metals,
In some cases, it is necessary to remove the sulfur to a Purification of natural gas containing low concen­ leading to deactivation of the ActiSorb 410 catalyst. It
level below 10 ppb H2S. ActiSorb S 6, a copper-promoted trations of total sulfur can also be performed by is therefore necessary to install a guard reactor with
zinc oxide, is placed in the bottom of the standard zinc ActiSorb G 1, a promoted ZnO catalyst. Simultaneous ActiSorb 400 to selectively decompose any traces of
oxide reactor and removes the remaining H2S to a value hydrodesulfurisation and H2S pick-up is a feature metal carbonyls on the guard catalyst.
< 10 ppb H2S under a wide range of operating conditions. unique to ActiSorb G 1. Even when saturated, the
ActiSorb G 1 catalyst fully retains its hydrogenation ActiSorb 400 ActiSorb 410
capabilities. Nominal Content [wt.%]
Cr2O3 - 11
ActiSorb S 6 ActiSorb G 1
K2O - 6
Nominal Content [wt.%] Nominal Content [wt.%]
Al2O3 < 20 Balance
CuO Proprietary CuO 1-2
SiO2 Balance -
ZnO Proprietary MoO3 3-4
Shape Spheres Tablets
Al2O3 Balance ZnO + Binder Balance
Size [mm] 5 4.5 x 4.5
Shape Tablets Shape Extrusions
Size [mm] 5x3 Size [mm] 4.5

12 13
Catalysts and Adsorbents
for Syngas – Feed Purification
Actisorb®
14
Purification of Natural Gas
To produce pipeline grade and LNG grade natural
gas a combination of different adsorbents is required.
Depending on the impurities and the required specifi-
cations H2S, COS, AsH3 and Hg have to be removed.
Clariant delivers a most comprehensive portfolio of
high performance and reliable adsorbents technologies
with its ActiSorb GP Series. Engaging our unique
combination of innovative research and development,
application development and service support enables
our customers to improve the efficiency and operability
of their assets.
15
Chlorine Removal
Clariant offers a range of adsorbents for the removal of
HCl, ammonium chlorides and organic chlorine com-
pounds, depending on the hydrocarbon feedstock and
operating conditions.
ActiSorb Cl 6 is used for liquid phase applications,
while ActiSorb Cl 2 and ActiSorb Cl 3 adsorbents are
recommended in the gas phase.
ActiSorb Cl 3 and ActiSorb Cl 6 are developed as traps
for HCl and organic chloride for Continuous Catalytic
Reforming (CCR) outlet streams to avoid chloride
corrosion, polymer deposit and green oil formation
on downstream equipment.
Mercury Removal
The adsorbents of the ActiSorb Hg series and ActiSorb
GP 400 series remove traces of mercury from all types
of feed to non-detectable levels. ActiSorb Hg adsorbents
are used for Hg removal from:
· Natural gas
· LPG
· Mercury – ore – furnace gas
· Incinerator vent gas
· Vent streams from laboratories
· Off-gases in manufacture of electrical devices and
operation of power plants
Fluorine Removal
ActiSorb F adsorbs organic fluorine compounds and HF
in hydrocarbon feedstocks.
Silica Removal
ActiSorb Si is a specially promoted alumina that is
designed to remove silicon-based antifoaming agents
from hydrocarbon feeds.
Clariant International Ltd
Rothausstrasse 61
4132 Muttenz
Switzerland

Catalysts
syngas@clariant.com

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