Separation Science and Technology, Vol.41, No.4, 665-682, 2006
Optimization of the production of hydrogen from syngas using a 1 : 7 mass ratio of hematite to calcium oxide in a pressurized fluidized bed
A set of response surface experiments were designed to determine the optimum conditions for the production of high-purity hydrogen from wet syngas of composition (44% CO, 23% steam, and 33% hydrogen) using 50 grams of a 1:7 mass ratio of Fe 2 O 3 : CaO loaded into the fluidized bed reactor. Pressure was varied between 50 psi and 515 psi and temperature between 725 degrees C and 800 degrees C. Results indicated: High purity hydrogen production is possible at reactor conditions of 725 degrees C & 50 psi, as well as 725 degrees C & 250 psi; Optimum high purity hydrogen production (largest mass in 15 minutes with no CO x ) occurred near conditions of 725 degrees C and 250 psi; Mass of produced high-purity hydrogen increased most significantly with pressure; Methane production increased linearly with pressure due to the catalytic effect of the high nickel content of the reactor walls; The chemical reaction rate is predicted to be a controlling factor in the percentage of CO and CO 2 in the outlet at lower pressures.