Studies on the steam and CO2 reforming of methane for GTL-FPSO applications

Steam CO2 reforming (SCR) of methane for the production of syngas was simulated using PRO-II and investigated over Ni-based catalysts for GTL-FPSO applications. The Ni-based catalysts were prepared by an impregnation method. The catalysts before and after the reaction were characterized by N2 physisorption, XRD and TEM techniques. The conversion of CH4 was increased by increasing the concentration of H2O and CO2 in the feed. For the application in Co-based Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, the synthesis gas ratio of H2/CO = 1.85–2.0 in the SCR was designed by the modeling of PRO-II simulator, and identified in a fixed bed reactor system by controlling the feed molar ratios of CH4:H2O:CO2. It was found that Ni/MgO catalyst is more desirable catalyst for the production of synthesis gas than Ni/γ-Al2O3 and Ru/TiO2 catalysts on the point of the low carbon formation and suitable H2/CO ratio for the GTL-FPSO applications with Co-based FT process.

Comparison of the simulation and experimental results for the SCR of methane over 20 wt% Ni/MgO catalyst.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (214 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► SCR of methane was simulated and investigated over Ni-based catalysts.
► The Ni-based catalysts were prepared by an impregnation method.
► Ni/MgO catalyst is more desirable catalyst for the GTL-FPSO applications.