Comparative experimental study between methane partial oxidation 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 reactorwith spark discharge has provided an opportunity to compare methane partial oxidation and direct cracking ofmethane at the same feed temperature and input power. Experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of feed flow rate and feed composition regarding partial oxidation of methane process. In addition, this plasma reactor was employed to examine the reactor performance regarding operating conditions such as feed flow rateand input power in direct cracking of methane process. The results indicated that using O2 in the feed favors the methane conversion and promotes the formation of hydrogen at low O2/CH4 molar ratio but higherconcentration of O2 in feed decreases hydrogen selectivity due to H2O production

Keywords:

methane , hydrogen , plasma , POX , cracking