Catalytic Steam Reformer for Hydrogen Production from Logistics Fuels

Effective energy utilization from waste heat and poor quality fuels is of importance to a power generation unit for improving the overall system efficiency. Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) has developed a novel heat-integrated steam reforming reactor design based on Microlith^® technology, capable of utilizing the available waste heat and logistics fuels to produce H₂. The performance of the endothermic steam reforming stage is widely known to be limited by the heat transfer resistance from the combustion to the reforming side. PCI’s patented Microlith^® substrates provide the required leverage for remarkably high heat and mass transfer coefficients compared to conventional monolith substrates, thus enabling a highly compact, lightweight, efficient steam reforming reactor with rapid startup and ability to operate with sulfur containing fuels.

In this presentation, we will provide an overview of the steam reformer development effort at PCI. Test results that indicate potential for compact reactor size with the Microlith substrates will be presented. Preliminary test results with sulfur containing fuels will also be discussed along with the effort to optimize operating conditions to increase sulfur tolerance of the steam reforming catalyst. Finally, we will show the development of thermally-integrated (exothermic + endothermic), Microlith-based 5 kW_th steam reforming reactor prototype and will present performance results when operating the reactor at 1-3 atm pressure.

The results from the 5 kW_th steam reformer prototype testing, namely the effect of space velocity, S/C ratio, and thermal input on product composition, selectivity and system efficiency will be discussed. The results will also be compared with thermodynamic equilibrium analysis. The evaluation of the reactor performance results from these tests provides a measure of the reactor performance that can be expected under realistic conditions with readily available fuels. The results also give valuable insights to the system design and operation strategy for compact and optimized packaging of a burner-reformer assembly.