Effect of O2/CH4 ratio on the optimal specific-energy-input (SEI) for oxidative reforming of biogas in a plasma-shade reactor

In a novel plasma-shade reactor for oxidative reforming of biogas (CH4/CO2 = 3/2), the effects of specific-energy-input (SEI) on CH4 and CO2 conversions and energy cost of syngas were investigated at O2/CH4 ratios ranged from 0.42 to 0.67. At each of O2/CH4 ratios, V-shape profiles of energy cost of syngas increasing with SEI were observed, reaching the lowest value at the optimal SEI (Opt-SEI). With the increase of O2/CH4 ratio, the Opt-SEI decreased significantly. Moreover, at the Opt-SEI, O2 and CH4 conversions and dry-basis concentration of syngas increased and energy cost of syngas decreased greatly with the increase of O2/CH4 ratio.