Novel sliding discharge reactor for hydrogen production through hydrocarbons
Résumé
Hydrogen-rich gas can be efficiently produced in compact plasma reformers by the conversion of a variety of hydrocarbon fuels including natural gas and gasoline. This paper presents a study of progress in syngaz production field from propane and methane using a sliding discharge reactor. Experiments have been carried out in a compact device operating at low consumed power (1-2 kW). Studies were achieved at atmospheric pressure and a temperature equal to 150 °C. For both methane and propane a high level hydrogen production (up to 55 %) was obtained. In addition a small amount of by-products (C2 hydrocarbons and CO2) were produced. The process efficiency is described in terms of hydrocarbon conversion, steam reforming and cracking selectivity, syngas and by-products production.