A steam/hydrocarbon reformer employing a conventional radiantly heated
first reformer section and a flue-gas heated second reformer section is
disclosed. The second reformer section comprises catalyst-containing
tubes for partially reforming a hydrocarbon stream. The
catalyst-containing tubes in the second reformer section are disposed in
a conduit for conveying flue gas from the first reformer section, thereby
receiving heat from the flue gases. The flue gases flow either cocurrent
or countercurrent to the process gas in the catalyst-containing tubes in
the second reformer section. The partially reformed hydrocarbon stream
from the second reformer section is fed to the catalyst-containing tubes
in the first reformer section thereby producing a hydrogen-rich synthesis
gas.