Define the terms efficiency, heating value and lower heating value in connection with hydrogen production.
Lower Heating Value:
All energy when an amout of fuel is converted into energy by combustion from 25°C back to 150C (120 MJ/kg or 33,3 kWh/kg)
Higher Heatig Value:
All energy when an amout of fuel is converted into energy by combustion from 25°C back to 25°C (140 or 39,4)
What challenges are there associated with catalysts in hydrogen production?
expensive
Over time Ni-Particles form agglomerates (sintering)
Corbon precipitation (coking) deactivation of catalyst
sulfor poisoning
Explain the term CO2 equivalent. What is the unit of measurement?
the diffrent green house gases have different ability to heat the atmosphere. In order to be able to compare them, they are converted to corresponding values for CO2
the measurment is called GWP - global warming potential- and is given for a selected period of time (usually 100 years)
GWP (Co2) = 1
How does a catalyst work? Draw and explain.
Explain the principles of the three main methods used to produce hydrogen from fossil fuels. Write down the corresponding chemical reaction.
Steam reforming of natural gas
Sulphur removal
Conversion of methane and water vapour to hydrogen and CO – synthesis gas (syngas)
Conversion of CO and water to CO2 and hydrogen (water-gas shift reaction, WGS)
The WGS reaction reduces the amount of CO to ~0.2%
Removal of CO2 from hydrogen streamand separation of hydrogen from gas-stream (Pd membranes)
CO is a useful industrial gas. CO2 is not that much used
Autothermal reforming
Combining steam reforming and partial oxidation
Conversion of hydrocarbon and oxygen to CO and hydrogen (partial oxidation)
Conversion of hydrocarbon and oxygen to CO2 and hydrogen (partial oxidation)
Conversion of methane and water vapour to hydrogen and CO (steam reforming)
Conversion of CO and water to CO2 and hydrogen (water-gas shift reaction)
Uses a mixture of air and water as an oxidizing agent
Must have catalyst. Often fixed-bed catalyst.
Partial Oxidation
Conversion of hydrocarbon and oxygen to hydrogen and CO
Uses pure oxygen as an oxidizing agent,30-50% of the amount needed for complete combustion
Can also be used for heavier hydrocarbons, and coal.
Exothermic process (ΔH<0)
Must have catalyst. Often fixed-bedcatalyst.
Bigger problem with solid carbon precipitation. Removed with water,carbon slurry.
Why is it so difficult to remove sulfur that binds to a catalyst?
Natural gas contains H2S and other sulfur compunds which hinders other reactions
even small amounts destroy the catalyst over time
If CO2 is to be captured from steam reforming of natural gas, how does this affect the cost of production?
costs go up
( production costs are higher but if you sell the hydrogen you don’t have to pay CO2 taxes and the end costs differ not that much)
How do pressure, temperature and the steam/carbon ratio affect the efficiency of steam reforming of natural gas?
Last changeda year ago