Intensified energetically enhanced steam methane reforming through the use of membrane reactors

Abstract

AbstractThis work focuses on the implementation of membrane reactors (MRs) in the production of hydrogen through steam–methane reforming (SMR). A novel equilibrium MR model featuring Gibbs Free Energy Minimization is introduced and applied to the SMR‐MR process. In addition, the concept of “energetically enhanced steam methane reforming (EER),” which allows for the use of a hybrid (methane combustion/renewable energy) energy supply in the production of hydrogen, is intensified. The UNISIM software (Honeywell™) is used to create a range of intensified flowsheets depicting the proposed IEER‐MR process as well as two baseline flowsheets depicting “a standard SMR‐MR process” and “a fully exothermic EER process.” Heat integration studies are carried out on the developed flowsheets, and the baseline designs are compared to the IEER‐MR designs to identify energetic intensification.