Demonstration of a Pilot-Scale Membrane Reactor Process for Hydrogen Production

Abstract

High performance, high-temperature hydrogen separation membranes represent a key enabling technology for efficient hydrogen production using synthesis gas derived from a variety of feedstocks. RTI International and Pall Corporation are developing high flux and selectivity hydrogen separation membranes by depositing thin Pd-alloy films on tubular ceramic/porous stainless steel composite substrates. Both the plating parameters and the inorganic substrate characteristics are being optimized for high hydrogen selectivity and membrane flux. The developmental Pd-alloy composite membranes were used in a membrane reactor configuration in a pilot-scale module for demonstrating water gas shift (WGS) reaction with simultaneous hydrogen separation producing high purity hydrogen from simulated synthesis gas. Substantially increased CO conversion was observed because of simultaneous hydrogen separation as predicted by membrane reactor model. Greater than 80% of maximum possible hydrogen was recovered in the product stream in membrane reactor operations at 375 and 550oC temperature and 100 and 150 psig pressure.