Hydrogen Production Principle of Natural Gas Hydrogen Generation Unit
2020.05.08
As a manufacturer of natural gas hydrogen production units, Suzhou Jiarui Gas hereby introduces the principle of natural gas-to-hydrogen production:
The principle of natural gas hydrogen production is as follows: natural gas is first pretreated, then methane and steam are converted into carbon monoxide, hydrogen and other components in a reformer. After waste heat recovery, carbon monoxide is converted into carbon dioxide and hydrogen in a shift converter. This technology is developed on the basis of natural gas steam reforming.
In the shift converter, under the action of a catalyst and controlled reaction temperature, carbon monoxide in the reformed gas reacts with water to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide.
Under appropriate pressure and temperature, alkanes in natural gas undergo a series of chemical reactions to form reformed gas. After heat exchange and condensation, the gas automatically passes through a PSA unit filled with various adsorbents. Impurities such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are adsorbed by the adsorption towers, while hydrogen is delivered to the consuming units. The adsorbent loaded with impurities is regenerated through desorption, and the desorbed gas can be sent to the reformer as fuel.
The main reaction equations are as follows:
Natural gas reacts with water at 800~900 °C under a nickel oxide catalyst to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
Reaction: CH₄ + H₂O → CO + 3H₂ − Q
Carbon monoxide reacts with water at 300~400 °C under an iron(III) oxide catalyst to produce carbon dioxide and hydrogen.
Reaction: CO + H₂O → CO₂ + H₂ + Q
In addition, the relevant technical indicators during production are as follows:
Operating pressure: generally 1.5~2.5 MPa
Natural gas consumption: 0.4~0.5 m³ per m³ of hydrogen
Operating time: > 8000 hours per year
Industrial capacity: 1000 m³/h ~ 100000 m³/h
The above information is compiled and released by Suzhou Jiarui Gas, a manufacturer of natural gas hydrogen production units.
Suzhou Jiarui Gas System Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise specializing in the R&D of gas separation and purification technologies. The company is equipped with a technology R&D building and a gas separation equipment assembly workshop. It provides customers with services including pressure swing adsorption for hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen production, as well as carbon dioxide purification and removal. We look forward to win-win cooperation with you.