Reforming of methane to syngas in a microwave plasma torch at atmospheric pressure

Carbon dioxide was converted to synthesis gas (syngas) in a microwave plasma torch by methane reforming at atmospheric pressure. The microwave plasma torch converts CO2+CH4 into synthesis gas. This study examined conversion rates as a function of gas temperature for dry methane reforming. The temperature of the torch flame is measured 6760 K by making use of optical spectroscopy. The CO2/CH4 reforming can be completely converted into synthesis gas (conversions: 68.4%, CO2; 96.8%, CH4) through their reforming reactions at a microwave power of 6 kW. When the reforming gas (CO2:CH4) mole ratio was 1:1, the resulting synthesis gas (H-2:CO) mole ratio was 0.9:1.1. The H-2 and CO mass yield rates increased to 0.24 kg/h and 1.86 kg/h, respectively. Also, the energy yield are 240 g/h and 41.4 g/kWh. The CO2 microwave plasma torch not only exhibited noteworthy results for CO2 reduction and syngas production, but the H-2:CO mole ratio of the gas produced is easily controlled by adjusting the CO2:CH4 ratio during the feeding process. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.