Catalytic Reformer−Combustor:  A Novel Reactor Concept for Synthesis Gas Production

Abstract

A novel reactor design, so called a reformer−combustor, has been proposed for performing CO2 reforming of methane to synthesis gas with high yield and energy efficiency. In this reactor that consists of two interconnected fluidized beds, i.e. reformer and combustor, heat that is needed for the highly endothermic CO2 reforming is generated by catalytic combustion of methane over a reforming catalyst. The heat generated in the combustor is supplied to the reformer with circulating solid particles. Circulation of solids is used not only for heat transport but also for catalyst regeneration. The experimental studies of CO2 reforming as well as of catalytic combustion of methane over a Ni (1 wt %)/α-Al2O3 catalyst that were performed in a laboratory-scale fluidized-bed reactor (i.d. = 5 cm) confirmed the feasibility of this reactor concept.