KBR has licensed more than 200 plants based on synthesis gas production. Synthesis gas is a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. It is used to make ammonia, hydrogen, methanol, other basic chemicals and fuel-range hydrocarbons.
Synthesis gas can be made by steam reforming or by partial oxidation. Steam reforming is used when the feed is light hydrocarbons, and when hydrogen is the main product. Partial oxidation is used with heavier feeds, or when a relatively high yield of carbon monoxide is desired.