the capital cost of steam reforming plants is prohibitive for small to medium size applications because the technology does not scale down well. conventional steam reforming plants operate at pressures between 200 and 600 psi (14 - 40 bar) with outlet temperatures in the range of 815 to 925 °c. however, analyses have shown that even though it is more costly to construct, a well-designed smr can produce hydrogen more cost-effectively than an atr.