Evaluation of membrane reactor with hydrogen-selective membrane in methane steam reforming

A comparative analysis of a conventional industrial process and a membrane reactor plant for hydrogen production via natural gas steam reforming is proposed by calculating two sustainability metrics: mass and energy intensities. The analysis takes into account membrane reactors equipped with hydrogen-selective membranes (Pd-based) which can operate at milder temperature (500 °C) and pressure (1.0 MPa) conditions and at higher CH4 conversion levels (90–100%) than that achieved in conventional industrial systems.The use of the MR retentate stream to produce the steam required as feed for the reforming section is proposed and for this option a reduced mass intensity is calculated (reduced amount of fuel to the process) with respect to the conventional plant. The reduction is in the range 25–32% for the MRs operated at m=3 and 44–50% for the MRs operated at m=2. A more important saving concerns the energy use.