Steam Reforming of Methane on Sponge Iron: Influence of Gas Composition on Reaction Rate

Abstract

Direct Reduction processes use gases (CO and H2) for iron reduction and production of sponge iron or direct reduced iron (DRI). The generation of this gas occurs through methane reforming, which can be done in a reformer or inside the reduction shaft with the sponge iron as a catalyst. The latter occurs in the auto-reforming processes. The kinetics of steam reforming of methane catalyzed by sponge iron was studied at temperatures between 875°C and 1050°C. Results showed that sponge iron acts as a catalyst and methane conversion is increased in higher temperatures and with higher H2/H2O ratio in the inlet gas. The inlet gas composition like one of the industrial auto-reforming processes led to intense carburization and hindered the catalytic reforming reaction.