Process assessments for low-temperature methane reforming using oxygen carrier metal oxide nanoparticles

Abstract

The utilization of low-temperature waste heat in the endothermic hydrocarbon reforming reaction can improve the energy efficiency of the chemical product synthesis system. In this study, process assessments are conducted, and potential technologies to realize the reforming process using low-temperature waste heat are discussed. Based on the assessment and process design, a low-temperature methane reforming process using circulating fluidized beds is proposed. An investigation into the use of metal oxide nanoparticles fabricated by the supercritical method as an oxygen carrier serves as a partial proof-of-concept for the low-temperature reforming process. The requirements for the oxygen carrier in the process are calculated based on a target for the amount of methane reformed in the methanol production plant.