The generation of steam from the heat produced in the reformer is essential for economic viability of this energy-intensive operation.

a. At what rate (kg/h) is superheated steam at 4.8 MPa and 100°C superheat generated by recovering heat from the reformer combustion gases? The superheated steam is formed from boiler feed water at 30°C and 4.8 MPa.

b. How much additional superheated steam (at 100°C superheat and 4.8 MPa) is produced by cooling the hot synthesis gas leaving the reformer?

c. The process specification states that the hot synthesis gas is to be cooled in the steam generator to 15°C above the temperature of the superheated steam in the waste-heat boiler. Provide both an advantage and a disadvantage to changing this specification so that the synthesis gas is cooled to within 5°C of the generated steam.