Maximizing H-2 production by combined partial oxidation of CH4 and water gas shift reaction

A dense ceramic membrane reactor has been constructed to exclusively transp ort oxygen for the partial oxidation of methane (CH4) to syngas (a mixture of CO and H-2) at temperatures of 850-900 degrees C. H-2 production is enha nced in a second catalytic reactor through the water gas shift reaction, in which the CO reacts with steam that is injected into the reactor at a cont rolled rate to produce CO2 and H-2. Experiments and thermodynamic calculati ons were used to establish the optimal lower temperature (approximate to 40 0 degrees C) and lower steam-to-CO ratio (approximate to 2) to achieve ther modynamic efficiency while maximizing H-2 production. No unusual synergisms were observed by the combination of the two processes and the experimental results are in good agreement with thermodynamic predictions. (C) 2000 Els evier Science B.V. All rights reserved.