Effects of Pressure and Input Gasses on a Methane Reforming Reaction
Faculty Sponsor
Peter Krenzke
College
Engineering
Discipline(s)
Solar Thermal Technology
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Symposium Date
Spring 4-29-2021
Abstract
This study analyzes the effects of different pressures and reactant compositions on the performance of a methane reforming reaction. The methane reforming reaction uses the elevated temperatures made possible by concentrated solar to react methane with oxygen to produce syngas. Syngas is a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide that can be used to synthesize different fuels. Some of these fuels include kerosene (jet fuel), diesel, and gasoline. A potential problem with this methane reforming process is solid carbon deposition. The formation of solid carbon in the reactor inhibits the reaction. Using analysis involving Gibbs Free Energy Minimization, predictions can be made about the performance of the reaction at different pressures and temperatures with different reactants. Using this technique an optimal pressure and reactant composition pairing was found that balances maximizing syngas production while minimizing carbon deposition.
Recommended Citation
DeGoede, Nate, "Effects of Pressure and Input Gasses on a Methane Reforming Reaction" (2021). Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 1000.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/1000
