Experimental study of methane dry reforming in an electrically heated reactor

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is an interesting process as it allows for CO2 utilization and production of CO-richer syngas compared to methane steam reforming (SMR). Due to the endothermic reaction, reformer concepts suitable for high heat fluxes have to be developed. In this work, we therefore experimentally investigate a novel electrically heated reformer. Heating elements consisting of a FeCrAl alloy are coated with a LaNi0.95Ru0.05O3 catalyst at different washcoat thicknesses. The effects of different operating parameters on the performance of the DRM reaction and the reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reaction are evaluated. A combined operation of dry and steam reforming is also investigated. The results show a maximal CH4 conversion of 29.4% using one heating element at 900 °C. The H2/CO ratio in the gas can be varied between 0.4 and 12.3 by combining steam and dry reforming. However, CH4 conversion decreased when steam is added.