Reformer and membrane modules plant to optimize natural gas conversion to hydrogen

Abstract

Abstract Membrane technology may play a crucial role in the efficient production of hydrogen from natural gas and heavy hydrocarbons. The present work assesses the performance of a hydrogen production plant utilizing by reformer and membrane modules (RMM), by which the hydrogen produced in reaction units is separated by Pd‐based membranes. A major advantage of RMM architecture is the shift of chemical equilibria favoring hydrogen production due to the removal of hydrogen through membranes at each reaction step, thus improving hydrogen yield while simultaneously allowing methane conversion at temperatures below 650 °C. Lower operating temperatures allow location of the modules downstream of a gas turbine, achieving an efficient hybrid system producing electric power and hydrogen with a significant reduction in energy consumption of approximately 10% relative to conventional systems. Fundamental concepts are analyzed and integrated into a process scheme. Effects of variables including reactor temperature outlet, steam‐to‐carbon ratio and recycle ratio throughout pinch and sensitivity analysis are described. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.