Methane reformer

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A methane reformer is a device based on steam reforming, autothermal reforming or partial
oxidation and is a type of chemical synthesis which can produce pure hydrogen gas
from methane using a catalyst. There are two methane reformer technologies — autothermal
reforming (ATR) and steam methane reforming (SMR). Both methods work by exposing methane
to a catalyst (usuallynickel) at high temperature and pressure.

Contents
[hide]

 1 Steam reforming
 2 Autothermal reforming
 3 Partial oxidation
 4 Advantages and disadvantages
 5 See also
 6 References
 7 External links

Steam reforming[edit]
Main article: Steam reforming
Steam reforming (SR), sometimes referred to as steam methane reforming (SMR) uses an
external source of hot gas to heat tubes in which a catalytic reaction takes place that converts
steam and lighter hydrocarbons such as methane, biogas or refinery feedstock into hydrogen
and carbon monoxide (syngas). Syngas reacts further to give more hydrogen and carbon dioxide
in the reactor. The carbon oxides are removed before use by means of pressure swing
adsorption (PSA) with molecular sieves for the final purification. The PSA works by adsorbing
impurities from the syngas stream to leave a pure hydrogen gas.

Autothermal reforming[edit]
Autothermal reforming (ATR) uses oxygen and carbon dioxide or steam in a reaction with
methane to form syngas. The reaction takes place in a single chamber where the methane is
partially oxidized. The reaction is exothermic due to the oxidation. When the ATR uses carbon
dioxide the H2:CO ratio produced is 1:1; when the ATR uses steam the H2:CO ratio produced is
2.5:1
The reactions can be described in the following equations, using CO2:

2CH4 + O2 + CO2 → 3H2 + 3CO + H2O

And using steam:

4CH4 + O2 + 2H2O → 10H2 + 4CO

The outlet temperature of the syngas is between 950-1100 C
and outlet pressure can be as high as 100 bar.[1]
The main difference between SMR and ATR is that SMR
uses no oxygen. The advantage of ATR is that the H2:CO
can be varied, this is particularly useful for producing certain
 second generation biofuels, such as DME which requires a
1:1 H2:CO ratio.

Partial oxidation[edit]
Main article: Partial oxidation
Partial oxidation (POX) is a type of chemical reaction. It
occurs when a substoichiometric fuel-air mixture is partially
combusted in a reformer, creating a hydrogen-rich syngas
which can then be put to further use.

Advantages and disadvantages[edit]

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 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.[2]

See also[edit]

 Catalytic reforming
 Industrial gas
 Reformed methanol fuel cell
 PROX
 Partial oxidation

References[edit]

1. Jump up^ Topsoe ATR

2. Jump up^ AIA: Software Analyzes Cost of Hydrogen

Production - Archives - ASSEMBLY

External links[edit]

 Harvest Energy Technology, Inc. an Air Products and

Chemicals Incorporated company
Categories:
 Hydrogen production
 Fuel cells
 Chemical equipment
 Industrial gases
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