A tubular catalytic plasma reactor for hydrogen-rich gas production

In response to specified challenges in conventional hydrocarbon cracking methods for hydrogen production, hydrocarbons cracking assisted by nonthermal plasmas have been developed recently. Plasma reactors can be operated at ambient condition, over a wide range of (adjustable) process parameters. High hydrogen production rate, high selectivity, no catalyst deactivation due to coke deposition and compatibility with a wide range of fuels, including heavy hydrocarbons are other advantages of plasma processing. In this study, continuous processing of C16H34 in a novel catalytic DBD plasma reactor using nano-second pulsed high voltage power supply has been investigated. Hydrogen and light hydrocarbons in the range of C1-C4 were produced through plasma cracking and the effect of catalyst type is discussed on the energy efficiency, quantity and quality of products.

Keywords:

Hydrogen production , Catalytic DBD plasma reactor hydrocarbons cracking