Novel Autothermal Reforming Process for Pure Hydrogen Produc

ABSTRACT
Steam reforming of heptane for hydrogen production is investigated in a
novel Circulating Fluidized Bed Membrane Reformer-Regenerator system
(CFBMRR) utilizing a number of hydrogen and oxygen selective
membranes. It is shown that although the amount of carbon deposition is
significant, the effect on catalyst deactivation is negligible due to the large
solid to gas mass feed ratio and the continuous catalyst regeneration in the
system. The combustion of the deposited carbon in the catalyst regenerator
supplies the heat needed for the endothermic steam reforming as well as the
combustion of flammable gases from the riser reformer. Autothermal
operation is achievable for the entire adiabatic reformer-regenerator system
when the exothermic heat generated from the regenerator is sufficient to
compensate the endothermic heat consumed in the reformer. Multiplicity of
the steady states exists in the range of steam to carbon feed ratio of 1.444-
2.251 mol/mol. The novel configuration has the potential advantages not only
with respect to hydrogen production but also energy minimization.

Novel Autothermal Reforming Process for Pure Hydrogen Produc