Frost L., Hartvigsen J., Elangovan E.
Ceramatec Inc, US
Keywords: autothermal, hydrogen, plasma, reforming
Ceramatec has developed a method for reformation of various hydrocarbons using a non-thermal plasma system to catalyze the reformation process. The plasma provides the same type of catalytic activity as a solid catalyst but since the plasma is constantly renewed it is not sensitive to sulfur or various other contaminants that adversely affect traditional solid catalysts. The reformer can operate in a partial oxidation or steam reforming mode but these modes are usually combined in an autothermal process. Any hydrocarbon that can be vaporized can be reformed with the system. Examples of hydrocarbons that have been successfully processed include: natural gas, anaerobic digester gas, diesel, gasoline, JP-8, NATO F-76, and condensed paint solvents. The system has been demonstrated in conjunction with fuel cells successfully. The reformer can operate with air, oxygen enriched air, or pure oxygen as an oxidant. The reformer has been deployed in the field in sizes as large as 1 MMSCF per day of natural gas. Up to five (5) reformers have been placed on a common manifold to provide larger reforming capability. The reformers can accommodate natural gas that contains some natural gas liquids without the need of a pre-reformer. The proposed presentation will discuss the technology and present data on the resulting output gases from various input feedstock options.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Materials for Energy, Efficiency and Sustainability: TechConnect Briefs 2016
Published: May 22, 2016
Pages: 110 - 113
Industry sector: Energy & Sustainability
Topic: Fuel cells & Hydrogen
ISBN: 978-0-9975-1171-0