Abstract
This project will optimize the plasma-based conversion of CO2 into the production of green syngas, with co-reactant CH4 and higher hydrocarbons, also known as dry reforming of methane (DRM), ethane or propane.
First we will start by baselining DRM, by systematically increasing the CH4/CO2 feedstock ratio, for varying power inputs and flow rates, which determine the specific energy input (SEI). An optimal feedstock ratio will be determined, which gives rise to the best syngas ratio. However, DRM's inherent limitation of plasma quenching due to soot formation limits the CH4 fraction that can be employed, thus restricting syngas ratio. To mitigate this, we will evaluate the addition of water vapour to DRM. This allows for a higher contribution of H-atoms, increasing the syngas ratio while suppressing soot formation.
Secondly, we will focus on regarding soot formation not as an unwanted by-product, but as a valuable intermediate repurposed for gasification with CO2. This will be explored in a novel cyclic reforming-gasification process, developed by PLASMANT. The first phase of the cycle allows for soot buildup by using higher CH4 fractions until plasma quenching, and in the second phase the soot is utilized in a gasification reaction, leading to a pure CO output stream.
Industrial demand rises for the electrification of higher hydrocarbon cracking. Therefore, we will expand feedstock flexibility by evaluating the conversion of CO2 with ethane/propane and assess the potential for syngas and valuable olefin production. An initial roadmap will be developed, identifying optimal ethane/propane – CO2 mixtures regarding syngas output and soot formation. Following this, the process can be optimized by tuning the SEI, identifying energy efficiencies across different hydrocarbons and soot formation.
Finally, these results will be combined into the fourth objective, where we will implement the results on Optanic's pilot reactor. The main focus is on validating operational reproducibility, maintaining syngas output under increased throughput and identifying any scale-dependent thermal issues and soot formation.
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