Lower energy. Consistent conversion.
More hydrogen from every cubic meter of feed. Less energy to get there.
Improve reformer efficiency across primary and secondary stages, processing natural gas, naphtha, LPG, or biogas-derived methane into consistent, high-purity hydrogen for ammonia synthesis using HYCO1's breakthrough syngas technologies.
The HYCO1 Advantage
The role of ammonia production in the low-carbon energy transition.
Ammonia production is one of the most energy-intensive processes in the chemical industry, with reformer efficiency directly determining operating cost and carbon footprint. As the market expands beyond fertilizers into industrial applications and emerging ammonia-as-fuel demand, the pressure to produce more ammonia at lower energy input and lower carbon intensity is only increasing. HYCO1's SMR+ Catalyst, part of CUBE Technology, improves methane conversion and reduces fuel consumption in both primary and secondary reformers without changing your process configuration.
The Clear Choice
Why HYCO1 for ammonia producers:
-
Broad Feedstock Compatibility: Processes natural gas, naphtha, LPG, and biogas-derived methane without coking, supporting both conventional ammonia plants and emerging green ammonia production from variable biomethane feeds.
-
Improved Reformer Efficiency: SMR+ Catalyst delivers higher methane conversion per pass in both primary and secondary reformers, reducing fuel firing requirements and lowering per-tonne energy costs.
-
Stable Synthesis Loop Inputs: Consistent methane conversion across varying feed rates and compositions means more stable H2:N2 ratios entering the synthesis loop, supporting reliable ammonia output without frequent adjustments.
-
Drop-In Replacement: SMR+ installs directly into existing reformer tubes at scheduled turnaround. No process modifications, no additional engineering, no changes to your secondary reformer air split.
Why it matters
From feed gas to ammonia synthesis gas, more efficiently.
- Feed Preparation: Natural gas, naphtha, LPG, or biogas-derived methane is desulfurized and conditioned ahead of the primary reformer. SMR+ Catalyst's non-coking properties provide tolerance to feed variability and allow lower steam-to-carbon ratios, reducing energy demand from the outset.
- Primary and Secondary Reforming: Feed gas enters the primary reformer loaded with HYCO1's SMR+ Catalyst, delivering improved methane conversion and more consistent tube temperatures compared to conventional catalysts. The partially reformed gas then passes to the secondary reformer, where air addition completes conversion and sets the H2:N2 ratio for the synthesis loop. SMR+'s stable conversion profile in the primary stage supports tighter ratio control at the secondary reformer outlet.
- Synthesis Gas Delivery: The resulting synthesis gas, cleaned and conditioned through standard shift conversion, CO2 removal, and methanation, feeds the Haber-Bosch loop to produce ammonia for fertilizer, industrial chemical, or emerging fuel applications.
“Tailored for your H2 goals. Trusted for long-term impact.”
Enabling more efficient ammonia production from any methane source.
Ammonia plants run on tight margins, and reformer performance is one of the few variables still available for improvement without a capital project. HYCO1's SMR+ Catalyst delivers that improvement as a direct drop-in at turnaround, across both reforming stages, from conventional natural gas plants to next-generation green ammonia facilities processing biogas-derived methane. The result is lower energy input, more stable synthesis loop operation, and a reduced carbon footprint per tonne of ammonia produced.
From waste to wealth
Benefits of HYCO1 ammonia solutions.
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Reduce energy costs | Higher methane conversion per pass lowers fuel consumption across primary and secondary reformers, cutting energy cost per tonne of ammonia. |
| Lower carbon intensity | Less fuel fired per unit of hydrogen produced reduces Scope 1 CO2 emissions, supporting low-carbon ammonia certification and ESG reporting. |
| Green ammonia ready | Non-coking catalyst performance across variable biogas-derived methane feeds supports reliable operation in green ammonia production from renewable or waste biomethane sources. |
| Drop-in at turnaround | SMR+ Catalyst replaces conventional catalyst in existing reformer tubes with no hardware changes, delivering performance gains from the next run without a capital project. |
Our Products
One performance platform. Two catalysts.
Whether upgrading an existing reformer or building from scratch, HYCO1 has the catalyst for your path.
Drop-in Upgrade
SMR+ Catalyst
Replace your existing SMR or ATR catalyst and immediately add a second reforming reaction — boosting output without changing core infrastructure.
-
Tail gas cut by over 80% — CO2 recycled into product
-
Higher throughput with lower natural gas consumption
-
Industry-leading crush strength — 2,200 N
-
Non-coking, no carbon buildup or downtime
-
Adjustable H2:CO ratio from 1.4:1 to 3.5:1
Full CO2 Utilization
CO2 Reforming Catalyst
The world's most advanced thermocatalytic CO2 conversion technology. CO2 and methane go in — high-value syngas comes out. No wells, no permits, no storage liability.
-
Converts 95%+ of CO2 and CH4 to syngas onsite
-
Up to 50% reduction in natural gas consumption
-
Eliminates need for Class VI injection wells
-
Ultra-low or negative carbon intensity scores
-
Qualifies for clean fuel tax credits
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.
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.