Novel Circulating Fluidized Bed Membrane Reformer-Regenerator System for the Production of Hydrogen for Fuel cells from Heptane

摘要

Steam reforming of heptane for hydrogen production is investigated in a novel circulating fluidized bed membrane reformer-regenerator system (CFBMRR) utilizing a number of hydrogen and oxygen selective membranes. It is shown that although the amount of carbon deposition in the bed is significant, the effect on catalyst deactivation is negligible due to the large solid to gas mass feed ratio and the continuous catalyst regeneration in the system. The combustion of the deposited carbon in the catalyst regenerator supplies the heat needed for the endothermic steam reforming as well as the combustion of flammable gases from the riser reformer. Autothermal operation is achievable for the entire adiabatic reformer-regenerator system when the exothermic heat generated from the regenerator is sufficient to compensate the endothermic heat consumed in the reformer. Multiplicity of the steady states exists in the range of steam to carbon feed ratio of 1.444-2.251 mol/mol. The novel configuration has the potential advantages not only with respect to hydrogen production but also energy minimization.