Syngas Production from Propane Using Atmospheric Non-thermal Plasma

Fakhreddine Ouni (1) , Ahmed Khacef (1) , Jean Marie Cormier (1)

1 GREMI - Groupe de recherches sur l'énergétique des milieux ionisés

Propane steam reforming using a sliding discharge reactor was investigated under atmospheric pressure and low temperature (420 K). Non-thermal plasma steam reforming proceeded efficiently and hydrogen was formed as a main product (H2 concentration up to 50%). By-products (C2-hydrocarbons, methane, carbon dioxide) were measured with concentrations lower than 6%. The mean electrical power injected in the discharge is less than 2 kW. The process efficiency is described in terms of propane conversion rate, steam reforming and cracking selectivity, as well as by-products production. Chemical processes modelling based on classical thermodynamic equilibrium reactor is also proposed. Calculated data fit quiet well experimental results and indicate that the improvement of C3H8 conversion and then H2 production can be achieved by increasing the gas fraction through the discharge. By improving the reactor design, the non-thermal plasma has a potential for being an effective way for supplying hydrogen or synthesis gas.

Mots clés: Non-thermal plasma; Sliding discharge; Propane; Hydrogen; Synthesis gas

Domaines: Physique des plasmas [physics.plasm-ph]

Fakhreddine Ouni, Ahmed Khacef, Jean Marie Cormier. Syngas Production from Propane Using Atmospheric Non-thermal Plasma. Plasma Chemistry and Plasma Processing, 2009, 29, pp.119-130. ⟨10.1007/s11090-009-9166-2⟩. ⟨hal-00363375⟩