Process Intensification for Hydrogen Generation using Micro-Channel Steam Reforming

摘要

Today, the advantages of micro-channel technology for next generation steam reforminghave been demonstrated on a pilot scale. Modeling and experimental efforts are reported in the context ofPower & Energy, Inc's (P&E) development of a radial tube-in-tube microreactor (TTμR) for efficient,scalable production of hydrogen (H_2) and/or synthesis gas (CO, H_2) from natural gas at competitive costs.The novel radial micro-channel reactor allows manipulating heat- and mass-transport phenomena incatalytic-wall heat-exchanger microreactors to achieve increased catalyst utilization, processintensification and reactor stability. Using similar time proven production methods as used in hydrogenpurifier manufacturing, a successful commercialization of the novel microreactor technology is expectedwith the potential to achieve transformative breakthroughs in system cost, durability and thermalefficiency as compared to existing planar μreactor systems.