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Process development and deployment for the direct reforming of crude oil to hydrogen and carbon materials


    Problem Statement

    Hydrogen is a clean energy source and carrier because of its non−polluting combustion, making it an excellent alternative to the current fossil fuel-dominated energy scenario. Nonetheless, there are several critical challenges to implementing a broad sustainable use of hydrogen. In this project, we develop a laboratory−scale setup with stable operation and high hydrogen production.

    We aim at assessing (i) different hydrocarbon feedstock (from n-heptane to crude oil) fed to the reactor with water as emulsions, carried by steam or vaporized; (ii) steam reforming (SR) and auto thermal reforming (ATR); and (iii) stable and energy efficient catalysts for the efficient production of hydrogen inside packed, fluidized, and multifunctional reactors. These, coupled with carbon capture technologies, minimize the carbon footprint of the overall process.

    We support our research with simulations and techno−economic analysis to assess the approach's feasibility. C2H can use the current refinery infrastructure to reduce costs and the impact of market volatility on refinery operations.

    C2H-REF

    Goals

    • Develop and scale up advanced catalysts and reactors for converting crude to hydrogen
    • Model process simulations to analyze the viability of the process 
    • Scaling the technical catalysts for their demanding application: endothermic process, poisoning, massive coke deposition, and fluidized-bed reactors
    • Analyze different process conditions to optimize hydrogen production and stability in the process

    Related People

    Related Publications

    Role of Oxygenates and Effect of Operating Conditions in the Deactivation of a Ni Supported Catalyst During the Steam Reforming of Bio-oil

    by Ochoa, Aramburu, Valle, Resasco, Bilbao, Gayubo, Castaño
    Green Chem. Year: 2017

    Extra Information

    Green Chemistry Hot Articles.

    Abstract

    This work investigates the correlation of the reaction conditions (temperature and steam-to-carbon ratio (S/C)) and the reaction medium composition with the deactivation behavior of a Ni/La2O3-αAl2O3 catalyst used in steam reforming of bio-oil, aiming at sustainable hydrogen production from lignocellulosic biomass. The reaction was performed in an in-line two-step system consisting of thermal treatment of bio-oil at 500 °C for retaining the thermal pyrolytic lignin and in-line steam reforming of the remaining oxygenates in a fluidized bed catalytic reactor. The reforming step was conducted at 550 and 700 °C and S/C ratios of 1.5 and 6. Fresh and deactivated catalyst samples were characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, TPO, XPS, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy. The catalyst deactivation was mainly due to the amorphous and encapsulating coke deposition whose formation is attenuated when both the temperature and S/C ratio are increased. Although the highest catalyst stability is attained at 700 °C and/or an S/C ratio of 6, Ni sintering is noticeable under these conditions. The encapsulating coke is highly oxygenated, in contrast with the more aromatic and condensed nature of filamentous coke. Based on the correlation between the composition of the coke and the reaction medium, it was established that bio-oil oxygenates are the precursors of the encapsulating coke, particularly phenols and alcohols, whereas CO and CH4 are the possible precursors of the coke fraction made of filaments whose contribution to catalyst deactivation is hardly significant.

    Keywords

    REF W2C ANW MKM