Synthesis gas production from methane and propane in a miniaturized GlidArc® reformer

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2014-08, Vol.39 (24), p.12657-12666
• Main Authors: Spasova, Berta, Tiemann, David, O'Connell, Martin, Ziogas, Athanassios, Kolb, Gunther, Hessel, Volker
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternative fuels. Production and utilization; Applied sciences; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Fuels; GlidArc® reformer; Gliding arc discharge; Hydrogen; Methane; Miniaturization; Non-thermal plasma; Synthesis gas
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2014.06.065

The current paper focuses on the miniaturization and utilization of the GlidArc® principle for the reforming of fuel gases (such as methane and propane) to synthesis gas (H2 + CO). The reforming characteristics and optimal operating conditions to achieve maximum synthesis gas yield were determined. Parametric screening studies were performed with different (i) atomic ratios of oxygen to carbon (O/C) in the range from 1 to 2, (ii) and feed flow rates from 2 to 10 L/min using alternating current voltage to produce the plasma in the reactor, which was varied from 2.8 to 4.6 kV. A Higher synthesis gas ratio of H2/CO ≈ 2.35 was achieved when methane was processed at O/C = 1 in comparison with propane (H2/CO ≈ 1.52). •A miniaturized gliding arc reformer was designed and put into operation.•It was successfully applied for the autothermal reforming of methane and propane.•At residence times between 20 and 100 ms conversion above 10% could be achieved.•Main by-products were higher unsaturated hydrocarbons and NOx.