Production of Hydrogen from Various Feedstock Options Using Non-Thermal Plasma Catalyzed Reforming

摘要

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. The reformer can operate with air, oxygen enriched air, or pure oxygen as an oxidant. The reformer uses the non-thermal plasma to form radicals to promote reforming much as would occur with a solid reforming catalyst. The reformer has been deployed in the field in sizes as large as 1 MMSCF per day of natural gas. The plasma unit has the advantages of being insensitive to sulfur (i.e. it is essentially a continually renewing catalyst), creating a highly active reforming zone, being fuel flexible, and being capable of operating in a number of orientations for packaging.