Methane Oxyforming for Synthesis Gas Production

Abstract

This article is concerned with the reforming of methane to synthesis gas; a review of the steam reforming Rxn is presented, and the dry reforming and partial oxidation Rxns introduced. Collectively, these processes are known as “oxyforming.” A background to oxyforming, industrial practice, and some of the most important latest developments will be presented, along with a section on the uses of synthesis gas. The current understanding of the Rxn mechanisms for the three processes and the problem of deactivation by carbon deposition will be discussed in detail. Finally, the economics of synfuel production will be addressed and compared with the production of other fuels, and the future directions and outlook for oxyforming will be forwarded. This article should allow the reader to make comparisons between these three important industrial reactions.