Comparative experimental study between dry reforming of methane and direct cracking of methane for hydrogen production by plasma reactor

A novel type of plasma reactor, having a rotating ground electrode, was proposed for hydrogen production from methane without a catalyst at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. This plasma reactor with spark discharge has provided an opportunity to compare dry reforming of methane and direct cracking of methane at the same feed temperature and input power. Results indicated that employing rotating groundelectrode leads to stable discharge for any period. Effects of feed composition, feed flow rate and applied power on the reagents conversions as well as the products selectivity were investigated. Increasing CO2/CH4 molarratio in the feed favors the reagents conversion and consequently promotes the formation of hydrogen and carbon monoxide at low CO2/CH4 molar ratio but higher increase in the CO2 amount in feed decreases hydrogen selectivity due to H2O production

Keywords:

methane , hydrogen , plasma , dry reforming