Industrial scale experience on steam reforming of CO2-rich gas

  • Peter Mølgaard Mortensen Haldor Topsøe A/S, Denmark
  • Ib Dybkjær Haldor Topsøe A/S, Denmark
Keywords: CO2-reforming, Dry reforming, DMR, SPARG, Methanol synthesis

Abstract

This paper summarises experiences on industrial scale reforming of CO2-rich natural gas. Methane can react in a direct route with CO2 to form a synthesis gas consisting of CO and H2, so called dry reforming (DMR). This reaction is closely related to steam methane reforming (SMR). DMR has received much attention as it in theory off ers a way of using CO2, which is considered in many industries as a waste product and environmentally as a polluting greenhouse gas. In an industrial scale with realistic feedstock, water cannot be completely omitted from the reaction, as this specifi cally will be needed for removal of higher hydrocarbons. Instead, high severity CO2-reforming can be done, which have been proven in several industrial plants. Sulfur passivated reforming (SPARG) has demonstrated that CO2-reforming can be achieved without use of expensive noble metals. In addition to thermodynamic consideration, mass balance constrains must be considered. Mass balance dictates that high severity CO2
-rich gas will result in a synthesis gas with low H2/CO ratio. Thus, the commercial feasibility of CO2-reforming is highly dependent on the desired product. CO2 reforming may be an attractive solution for product requiring lower H2/CO ratio, such as higher alcohols, reducing gas, and acetic acid, etc.

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General flow sheet of a reforming process. Dotted lines indicate optional con- figurations. CO2 can be added to adjust the feed gas composition or recycle from the CO2 removal unit. H2S import is only used for the SPARG process
Published
2015-10-26
How to Cite
Mortensen, P. M., & Dybkjær, I. (2015). Industrial scale experience on steam reforming of CO2-rich gas. Petrovietnam Journal, 10, 56 - 61. Retrieved from http://pvj.vn/index.php/TCDK/article/view/849
Section
Articles