Allothermal Methane Reforming with Physical Energy Recovery

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The patent describes a process for allothermal methane reforming, where methane is converted to synthesis gas (a mix of carbon monoxide and hydrogen) using carbon dioxide as a reactant. The process takes place in a packed bed reactor containing electrically conductive and catalytic particles, which are electrically heated to high temperatures. Additionally, a gas expansion turbine is used downstream of the reactor to recover physical energy from the high-temperature synthesis gas.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Hydrogen production for industrial applications or as a clean fuel
• Synthesis gas (syngas) production for chemical manufacturing (e.g., ammonia, methanol)
• Carbon dioxide utilization and conversion into valuable fuels and chemicals
• Integration into renewable energy systems (e.g., coupling with renewable electricity sources for heating)
• Efficient energy recovery systems in chemical process plants

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Improved energy efficiency through physical energy recovery via a gas expansion turbine
• Utilizes carbon dioxide as a reactant, contributing to CO2 utilization and reduction
• Allows precise temperature control via electrical heating of reactor bed
• Potential for integration with renewable electricity, supporting decarbonized chemical production
• Produces high-purity synthesis gas suitable for various downstream processes

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Patent Abstract

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur allotherme Methan-Reformierung mit physikalischer Energierückgewinnung, wobei Methan mittels Kohlenstoffdioxid zu Synthesegas, bestehend aus Kohlenstoffmonoxid und Wasserstoff, reformiert wird. Dabei werden die Ausgangsgase CH4 und CO2 in einen Festbettreaktor bestehend aus elektrisch leitfähigen und katalytischen Partikeln geleitet, die elektrisch auf Temperaturen von ca. 1000 K erhitzt ist. Im Festbett erfolgen die Umsetzung der Edukt-Gase sowie die Erhitzung des erzeugten Synthesegases. In der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung ist dem Reformergehäuse eine Gasentspannungsturbine zur Energierückgewinnung nachgeordnet.