Heat Integrated Compact Membrane Reformer for Alcohol Steam Reforming

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Clemens Merten
• Subject Area: Chemical and Thermal Process Engineering
• Term: from 2004 to 2007
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5418524

The objective of the project is the provision of the scientific and engineering basis for the development of a novel, compact and fully integrated countercurrent reactor concept for the decentralized generation of hydrogen for fuel cells by steam reforming of alcohols. Alcohols are interesting feed stocks for hydrogen production since methanol is easily available from methane and a liquid ethanol/water mixture can be directly obtained by fermentation of bioproducts. Compactness and optimal fuel utilization are the major targets of the reactor concept. It includes and integrates process stages for feed evaporation, for steam-reforming, for hydrogen separation through Pd-coated inorganic membranes and for polishing the product gas by methanation. Optionally a water-gas shift stage can also be added. Fuel containing waste gas streams will be burned catalytically inside the reaction unit to directly supply the required heat to the reforming and evaporation stage. Countercurrent flow of all process streams ensures an efficient heat recovery. High performance catalysts and separation membranes with high hydrogen selectivity, large specific flux and safe and stable long time performance in the required operation range are the crucial elements for the realization of the concept. A novel reactor design is required, in order to exploit the features of the functional materials in an optimal way. Three partners participate in the project and contribute the required expertise from different areas: DICP will focus on the development of catalytic substances and the preparation of supported catalysts on metallic substrates. IGVT will provide their new, highly efficient capillary membranes and engage in the development and application of improved Pd alloys for safe and stable membrane operation. ICVT will design and implement the reactor concept by means of detailed modeling and simulation and provide and operate a test unit for experimental evaluation of the concept.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: China
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Shudong Wang