Experimental study of the application of a NiO/NiAl sub(2)O sub(4) catalyst and a CaO-based synthetic sorbent on the Sorption Enhanced Reforming process

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 40; no. 1; pp. 219 - 232
• Main Authors: Garcia-Lario, Ana L, Aznar, Maria, Martinez, Isabel, Grasa, Gemma S, Murillo, Ramon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 05.01.2015
• Subjects: Calciners; Calcium carbonate; Catalysts; Drying; Hydrogen-based energy; Purification; Reforming; Sorbents; Sorption
• ISSN: 0360-3199
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2014.10.033

A CaO-based synthetic sorbent and a NiO/NiAl sub(2)O sub(4) catalyst are synthesized and tested under Sorption Enhanced Reforming (SER) conditions in a fixed bed reactor. The effect of temperature, steam-to-methane ratio (S/C) and sorbent-to-catalyst proportion (Z) are studied. A SER based plant simulation model is implemented to evaluate if the operating conditions chosen allow for a self-sustained plant from a thermal energy consumption standpoint. The most appropriate temperature for SER test is 650 degree C. At 600 degree C the catalyst seems to be not sufficiently active, while at 700 degree C, a longer breakthrough period results. SER equilibrium is reached even at the lowest S/C ratio of 1.6, obtaining H sub(2) purity of 82 vol.% (dry basis). For the SER based plant simulation developed, the low S/C ratio of 1.6 allows a self-sustained plant where the energy required in the calciner for CaCO sub(3) decomposition is supplied by burning the off-gas from the H sub(2) purification unit.