Unmatched SMR performance
SMR Refined.
HYCO1’s SMR+ Catalyst redefines what’s possible in syngas production, setting a new industry standard for performance, reliability, and efficiency.
Robust. Efficient. Flexible.
SMR+ supercharges your reformer with a second reaction that transforms unconverted methane and by-product CO2.
As a breakthrough technology, it surpasses every SMR catalyst
that has come before, delivering unmatched operational robustness and flexibility to meet the evolving demands of industrial gas processing. With innovative features like pre-sintered design for exceptional high-temperature durability, non-coking properties for superior feedstock optimization, and an industry-leading crush strength, the SMR+ Catalyst is engineered to last longer and perform better under the most demanding conditions. Its advanced design ensures optimized heat transfer, minimized pressure drops, and consistent gas flow for unparalleled operational efficiency. Add to this the ability to precisely control the hydrogen-to-carbon monoxide ratio, and you have the most flexible, high-performance catalyst
ever created. Backed by HYCO1’s unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, the SMR+ Catalyst represents a transformative leap forward in syngas technology.
The Clear Choice
Key advantages of HYCO1’s SMR+ Catalyst.
Robust
• Wider Operating Range: Capable of withstanding higher temperatures and more variable conditions compared to traditional SMR catalysts.
• Pre-Sintered Design: Eliminates common failure mechanisms like sintering and metal migration, ensuring long-lasting performance.
• Superior Durability: Industry-leading crush strength (2200 N) ensures resistance to wear and attrition over its extended service life.
Efficient
• Lower Steam Requirement: Reduces energy demand for steam production, cutting operational costs significantly.
• Production Debottlenecking: Frees up capacity in production pipelines, enabling increased throughput.
• Lower Carbon Intensity: Improves carbon monoxide (CO) output while minimizing overall carbon emissions.
• Reduced Environmental Impact: Achieves a lower carbon footprint and decreases greenhouse gas emissions.
• Optimized Energy Use: Enhances heat and mass transfer efficiency, leading to reduced energy consumption.
Flexible
• Tailored Syngas Ratios: Allows precise control of hydrogen-to-carbon monoxide ratios, ranging from 1.4:1 to 3.5:1, meeting diverse process requirements.
• Improved Steam-to-Carbon Ratio: Non-coking properties enable operators to fine-tune steam-to-carbon inputs for maximum efficiency and composition control.
• Versatility Across Applications: Adaptable to various syngas production processes, including steam reforming and dry methane reforming.
• Flexible Turndown Rate: The ability to slow feed by up to 50% with no change in conversion efficiency.
Unmatched efficiency
SMR+ outperforms traditional SMR catalysts.
Low pressure drop in reformers
HYCO1 spheres pack evenly and predictably creating near uniform void patterns throughout a catalyst tube creating similar gas flow channels across the many tubes in the reactor. Spheres create an optimal void to active surface area of the catalyst for the maximization of reaction area to reformer volume.
Catalyst alloy surface impregnation
HYCO1 uses a proprietary method for catalyst coating that allows for improved surface area of the metal alloy while lowering the overall cost of production for the catalyst. The method allows for simplification and improved quality control in the catalyst production process. The method also results in a higher heat transfer coefficient (HTC), reducing the tube temperature while accelerating mass transfer of the reactants to the active catalyst sites providing an overall increase in operational efficiency.
Heating and cooling of tubes
Traditionally, as hot tubes expand and cool, the catalyst repositions, leading to uneven catalyst levels and increased pressure drops. These pressure drops place additional strain on the tubes, accelerating wear and reducing their operational lifetime. In contrast, HYCO1’s SMR+ spheres remain largely stationary in the central core, preserving their original arrangement. This stable core and uniform packing prevent the formation of large voids, avoiding cascading pellet shifts, significant rearrangements from the initial loading, and the associated strain on the tubes.
Optimized gas flow
HYCO1’s sphere shaped SMR+ catalyst offers superior performance over irregularly shaped traditional catalysts by ensuring consistent airflow and uniform contact within the reformer. The spherical shape promotes even packing within the catalyst bed, minimizing voids or gaps that can disrupt flow patterns. This uniform arrangement facilitates a steady, predictable airflow, reducing the risk of pressure fluctuations that can impact reformer efficiency. Additionally, the consistent contact between the spheres and reactants optimizes the catalytic reaction, enhancing heat and mass transfer efficiency. These characteristics contribute to more stable reformer operations, improved reaction rates, and reduced energy consumption compared to traditional, irregularly shaped catalysts.
How to work with us
Adopt our technology platform your way.
Whether you're upgrading an existing plant, licensing for new construction, or want us to handle everything end-to-end.
01
Catalyst Swap
Already running an SMR or ATR? Drop in our SMR+ Catalyst for immediate efficiency and output gains — no major capital required.
02
License & Expand
Have an existing reforming facility? License CUBE™ Technology to upgrade your current plant — improving carbon efficiency, boosting output, and debottlenecking production without starting from scratch.
03
License & Build New
Planning a greenfield project? License CUBE™ Technology and build the most carbon-efficient syngas facility on the market.
04
Syngas Supply
Don't want the capital burden? HYCO1 designs, builds, owns, and operates the reformer. You receive reliable low-carbon syngas on a supply agreement.
Industries we serve
Built for any syngas application.
Deployable across every major industry that uses syngas, hydrogen, or carbon monoxide as a core process input.
Ammonia & Urea
Maximize H2 yield, slash natural gas costs, and lower carbon intensity for fertilizer production.
Biogas
Turn agricultural and industrial waste streams into high-value syngas with biogenic CO2 utilization.
Carbon Products
Enable solid carbon pathways, including carbon fiber and other high-value carbon products built from low-carbon process inputs.
Methanol
Maximize CO yield, unlock flexible H2:CO ratios, and integrate CO2 feedstock for methanol synthesis.
Refining
Boost hydrogen purity, reduce natural gas consumption, cut flare losses, and improve reformer performance.
Specialty Chemicals
Support acetyls, oxo-alcohols, and other specialty chemical value chains with tailored syngas and carbon monoxide output.
Steel
Produce low carbon intensity steel with CO-rich syngas from CO2 and methane feedstocks.
Syngas & H2
Increase syngas or hydrogen output with less energy, lower feedstock costs, and a clearer path to low-carbon production.
Synthetics & SAF
Achieve exact gas ratios and lower carbon scores for synthetic fuels, lubricants, and polymers.
Get Started
Ready to turn your CO2 into a competitive advantage?
Whether you want to upgrade an existing reformer or build the cleanest syngas plant on earth — our team is ready.