(409e) Production of Hydrogen from Various Feedstock Options Using Plasma Reforming

Ceramatec has developed a method for reformation of various hydrocarbons using a non-thermal plasma system to catalyze the reformation process.  The plasma provides the same type of catalytic activity as a solid catalyst but since the plasma is constantly renewed it is not sensitive to sulfur or various other contaminants that adversely affect traditional solid catalysts.  The reformer can operate in a partial oxidation or steam reforming mode but these modes are usually combined in an autothermal process.  Any hydrocarbon that can be vaporized can be reformed with the system.  The reformer can operate with air, oxygen enriched air, or pure oxygen as an oxidant.    The reformer has been deployed in the field in sizes as large as 1 MMSCF per day of natural gas.  The paper will discuss the technology associated with plasma reforming, the results using various feedstock options (natural gas, high sulfur diesel fuels, condensed solvents, and residuals from biomass gasification), and current programs for further development.