Evaluation of process variables on the performance of Sorption Enhanced Methane Reforming

An H2 concentration close to equilibrium (≈95 vol.% for S/C = 3.2) is achieved working at both lower (0.01 mol CH4 h−1 (gcatalyst + gsorbent)−1 or 769 h−1) and higher MHSV (0.04 mol CH4 h−1 (gcatalyst + gsorbent)−1 or 3000 h−1). The practical operation window for the combination of the sorbent and catalyst used should be below 0.044 mol CH4 h−1 gsorbent−1, and around 0.44 mol CH4 h−1 gcatalyst−1. The stabilities of both solids (sorbent and catalyst) working cyclically are demonstrated, despite the demanding and realistic regeneration environments used. Thus, H2 purity close to equilibrium (≈88 vol.% for S/C = 2) is attained under SER conditions and no carbon deposition is found. In summary, the results obtained confirm the good joint performance of the synthesized solids in the SER process even when working under demanding conditions.