Syngas Production Using Gliding Arc Plasma

Abstract

Reforming characteristics and optimal operating condition for the syngas (synthesis gas) production were studied by using gliding arc plasma with catalytic reactor. Parametric screening studies were carried out for the variations of vapor flow ratio, CO2 flow ratio, input electric power, and reactant flow rate. When the vapor flow ratio, CO2 flow ratio, reactant flow rate, and input electric power were 0.65, 0.14, 14 L/min, and 1.37 kW respectively, the production of hydrogen and propane conversion rate showed the optimal levels as 62.6%. Under these optimal conditions, the concentrations of the syngas were as follows: H2 44.4%, CO 18.2%, CH4 11.2%, C2 H2 2.7%, C3 H6 1.9%, C2 H4 0.6%, and C3 H4 0.4%. Also, the conversion rate of carbon dioxide was 29.2% and H2/CO ratio was 2.4.