Steam generation system

Abstract

Steam generating system comprising a steam generator and a steam drum, wherein the downpipe, coming from the steam drum, passes through the water jacket of the steam generator above the heating tube or tubes of the steam generator and extends therein as far as the water jacket volume region which is situated below the heating tube or tubes.

1 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A steam generating system comprising:
 a steam generator having a water jacket and at least one heating tube extending therein for the passage of a heat transfer medium;   a steam drum;   at least one riser pipe configured to connect the water jacket of the steam generator hydraulically to the steam drum to enable the steam to be passed into the steam drum; and   at least one downpipe configured to connect the steam drum hydraulically to the water jacket of the steam generator to enable the water to be returned from the steam drum to the water jacket of the steam generator,   wherein the downpipe, coming from the steam drum, passes in its upper half through the water jacket of the steam generator and extends therein as far as its lower half.   
     
     
         11 . The steam generating system according to  claim 10 , wherein the steam generator and the steam drum are arranged in such a way relative to one another, and the riser pipe and downpipe are designed in such a way that the water to be evaporated can be moved between the water jacket of the steam generator and the steam drum by natural circulation. 
     
     
         12 . The steam generating system according to  claim 10 , wherein at least one pump is installed to assist the water circulation between the steam generator and the steam drum. 
     
     
         13 . The steam generating system according to  claim 10 , wherein the steam generator and the steam drum are designed as horizontally arranged, cylindrical pressure vessels. 
     
     
         14 . The steam generating system according to  claim 13 , wherein the riser pipes and the downpipes enter the water jacket of the steam generator in the 0 o'clock position and enter the steam drum jacket in the 6 o'clock position. 
     
     
         15 . The steam generating system according to  claim 10 , wherein the steam generator is designed as a shell-and-tube evaporator. 
     
     
         16 . The steam generating system according to  claim 15 , wherein the downpipe is passed around the tube bundle within the water jacket of the steam generator. 
     
     
         17 . The steam generating system according to  claim 15 , wherein the downpipe is passed through the tube bundle within the water jacket of the steam generator. 
     
     
         18 . A method of using a steam generating system that is arranged downstream of a steam reforming reactor, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing the steam generating system as claimed in  claim 10 ; and   using the synthesis gas emerging from the steam reforming reactor as a heat transfer medium in the steam generator of the steam generating system.