Small-Scaled Production of Blue Hydrogen with Reduced Carbon Footprint

Yuriy Zagashvili,George Buslaev,Aleksey Kuzmin,Valentin Morenov

doi:10.3390/en14165194

Abstract

This article reviews a method of hydrogen production based on partial non-catalytic oxidation of natural gas in an original synthesis gas generator. The working principles of the unit are similar to those of liquid-propellant rocket engines. This paper presents a description of the operation and technical characteristics of the synthesis gas generator. Its application in the creation of small-scaled plants with a capacity of up to 5–7 thousand m3/h of hydrogen is justified. Hydrogen production in the developed installation requires a two-stage method and includes a technological unit for producing a hydrogen-containing gas. Typical balance compositions of hydrogen-containing gas at the synthesis gas generator’s outlet are given. To increase the hydrogen concentration, it is proposed to carry out a two-stage steam catalytic conversion of carbon monoxide contained in the hydrogen-containing gas at the synthesis gas generator’s outlet using a single Cu–Zn–cement-containing composition. Based on thermodynamic calculations, quasi-optimal modes of natural gas partial oxidation with oxygen are formulated and the results of material balance calculation for the installation are presented. In order to produce “blue” hydrogen, the scheme of carbon dioxide separation and liquefaction is developed. The conclusion section of the paper contains the test results of a pilot demonstration unit and the recommendations for improving the technology and preventing soot formation.

Highlights

Due to the existing trend toward a low-carbon economy based on hydrogen, the issues of creating an infrastructure for the production, transport and storage of H2, despite considerable efforts required, are becoming important [1]
An important issue in the design of promising synthesis gas generator (SGG) prototypes is the use of modern heat-resistant materials for construction of elements working with a hydrogen-containing gas at pressures up to 8.0 MPa and at temperatures up to 1600 ◦ C
Installation consisted of four parts: hydrogen production unit, gas separation unit, compressor unit, and CO2 utilization unit

Summary

Introduction

Due to the existing trend toward a low-carbon economy based on hydrogen, the issues of creating an infrastructure for the production, transport and storage of H2 , despite considerable efforts required, are becoming important [1]. Development and improvement of hydrogen production technologies are among the priority trends in world science. More than 85 million tons of hydrogen are produced in the world currently. Chemical industry and petroleum refining consume the most hydrogen (70% and more than 20%, respectively) whereas metallurgy consumes about 7%; the share in transport does not exceed 1% of total consumption [1,2]. Various physical and chemical processes and technologies are used to produce hydrogencontaining compounds, which can be transported. For example, include application of hydrides, such as ammonia and cyclohexane, to bind hydrogen for subsequent transport [3,4,5]

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion