(89c) SPERΑ Hydrogen Process for Large Scale H2 Storage & Transportation

Chiyoda Corporation proposes a global hydrogen supply chain concept by using Organic Chemical Hydride (OCH) technology with toluene (C₇H₈) / methylcyclohexane (MCH: C₇H₁₄) system, named as “SPERA Hydrogen” Process.  In this process, hydrogen reacts with toluene (hydrogenation) and is converted to MCH which can be transported by chemical tanker, in a similar manner to toluene. On the hydrogen demand side, MCH is re-converted to hydrogen and toluene by dehydrogenation reaction, the toluene being recycled back for hydrogenation. MCH and toluene are ideal for large scale storage and long distance transportation due to their stability as liquids under ambient conditions with relatively lower risk of explosiveness and toxicity.

However, OCH technology has not been technically established due to severe deactivation of dehydrogenation catalyst. Nevertheless, in recent years, we have developed a high performance and long life catalyst, in addition to a successful process technology. Since April 2013, demonstration tests are being conducted in a 50Nm₃-H₂/h capacity pilot plant located in Yokohama, Japan. As of September, we have achieved over 3,000 hours of successful and trouble-free operation with excellent performance. Through extensive and continuous data acquisition, the process modeling and simulation tools are being fine-tuned.

SPERA Hydrogen Process is a highly promising technology for large scale and long distance hydrogen storage and transportation, aimed at contributing to realize a low-carbon society. This presentation will review the development of these basic technologies and operation of the demonstration plant. Additionally, the ongoing work will be discussed in brief.