Ceramic Counterflow Reactor for Efficient Conversion of CO sub(2) to Carbon-Rich Syngas

• Published in: Chemie ingenieur technik Vol. 87; no. 6; pp. 726 - 733
• Main Authors: Kelling, Rene, Dubbe, Hendrik, Eigenberger, Gerhart, Nieken, Ulrich
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.06.2015
• Subjects: Carbon dioxide; Ceramics; Coke; Combustion; Constants; Conversion; Formations; Mathematical models; Reactors
• ISSN: 0009-286X; 1522-2640
• DOI: 10.1002/cite.201400128

CO sub(2) is a suitable feedstock for syngas production. Possible co-reactants to convert CO sub(2) are hydrogen or methane. Hydrogen can be produced from electrolysis of water with renewable energy, whereby pure oxygen is obtained. Consequently, a simultaneous partial combustion of the energy-rich co-reactants (H sub(2) or CH sub(4)) with oxygen is possible to compensate for the required heat of reaction and to achieve high temperatures. This is crucial for both, high CO sub(2) conversion and the prevention of harmful coke formation. For this application a new, scalable reactor concept is proposed. A proof of concept is presented both experimentally and model-based. The model predicts high CO sub(2) conversion and syngas production in industrial scale while maintaining defined temperature limits so that coke formation is avoided. The conversion of CO sub(2) with H sub(2) or CH sub(4) is a promising route to produce carbon-rich syngas. Both reactions are coupled with simultaneous oxidation to enable an autothermal operation. In the new multitubular, ceramic reactor concept constant temperatures above 1000 degree C are easily obtained through depicted oxygen injection and efficient heat-recovery.