PROCESS TO SYNTHESIZE A CATALYST PERFORMING WATER-GAS SHIFT REACTION AT A HIGH TEMPERATURE

0001] The present invention concerns a process to synthesize a catalyst performing Water-Gas shift reaction at a temperature more than 300°C corresponding to a high temperature (HTS). Commercial HTS catalysts are today mostly made of Fe and Cr oxide. Plant operating issues can result from catalyst deactivation if the plant is operated at low steam loadings, due to the reduction of Fe oxide to metallic Fe that catalyze in these conditions the hydrocarbon and coke formation. Moreover the use of Cr is today in contradiction with safe plant operation, as Cr (VI) is harmful for grounds, plants, animals and humans. The water gas shift (WGS) reaction plays a key role in Steam Reforming (SR) plants, increasing the H2 production and reducing the CO content in the exit stream. The WGS reaction is most of the time performed in two successive steps: High Temperature Water-Gas Shift (HTS) and Low-Temperature Water Gas Shift (LTS). The high temperature step is generally performed on Iron and Chromium oxides based catalysts, at temperatures higher than 350°C., while the second step is performed at lower temperature (200°C) using Cu-based catalysts. Main advantages to use HTS technology are: Lowest production of by-products, like low molecular weight alcohols, that are favored by decreasing temperature and increasing Cu-content Lowest production of steam, strong advantage when steam is not or not well valorized by the plant Able to accept higher content of CO, resultant exothermic effect is not an issue because the catalyst is more robust against sintering Most robust against poisoning