Thermodynamic Modeling of Propane Reforming Processes to Quantify Hydrogen and Syngas Production with and without Product Removal

Abstract

The present study aims to explore the possibility of promoting hydrogen and syngas production capacity and quality by steam (SRP) and oxidative steam (OSRP) reforming of propane with and without H2 and CO2 removal. Conditions studied are temperature range of 600–1,100 K under atmospheric pressure with steam to propane feed ratio (WPR) of 1–18, oxygen to propane feed ratio (OPR) and fractional removal of H2 and CO2 (f) ranging from 0–0.99. The results indicate that SRP with 99% H2 removal produces high H2 yield of 9.93 moles close to theoretical value of 10 moles at relatively low temperature (750 K) than SRP (950 K). Approximately identical results are achieved at 950 K with 99% CO2 removal at same conditions of WPR (12), pressure (1 atm), and complete conversion of propane. Thus, SRP with H2 removal is more energy saving process. In OSRP, lower OPR, higher WPR minimize CO and CH4 production but at the expense of H2 production. However, OSPR process is the most suitable process to provide most favourable H2/CO ratio in syngas. Molar H2/CO ratio in syngas in the range of 1–3 are found at T≥1,000 K, WPR≤6 in SRP, SRP with H2 removal (f=0.4–0.99) and OSRP (OPR=0.2–2). Thermal efficiency is higher than 80% in both SRP with H2 or CO2 removal than SRP(69.39%). The thermal efficiency in OSRP is less than 69%. Hence, propane reforming process in hydrogen selective membrane reactor, provides high quality of hydrogen at relatively lower energy utilization.

A Thermodynamic Analysis of Heavy Hydrocarbons Reforming for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Application as a Part of Hybrid Energy Systems

“…There are some publications, but the authors are focused on steam reforming of APG to methane-rich gas [23][24][25]. Other researchers are analyzing steam reforming of propane only [26][27][28]. The mathematical modes they are using are usually based on chemical kinetics, the Gibbs free energy minimization method, genetic algorithm, and chemical kinetics models with heat and mass transfer.…”