CO2 Capture and Hydrogen Production in an Integrated Fluidized Bed Reformer-Regenerator System

Thermodynamic analysis Of CO2 capture and hydrogen production for steam methane reforming was carried out using ASPEN simulation software The integrated reaction system is composed of a sorbent-enhanced fluidized bed reformer coupled with a fluidized bed sorbent regenerator (calciner) Where fine CaO-based sorbents (similar to 100 mu m mean particle diameter) were used The system performance is evaluated as a function of a number of operating parameters for both the reformer and regenerator. The results indicate that the optimum operating parameters for reformer are temperatures from 550 to 600 degrees C, low pressure, steam-to-carbon molar feed ratio of 3.5, and sorbent circulation flow rate exceeding the minimum stoichiometric feed rate, of active sorbent: For the sorbent regenerator, the optimum conditions are temperatures above 850 degrees C, low Pressure, and enough sweep gas flow to completely calcine CaCO3. On the basis of thermodynamics, it should be possible to achieve a hydrogen purity of similar to 98% and a CO2 purity in excess of 99% after condensing sweep steam downstream. The predicted hydrogen purity is consistent with previous experiments. The high-concentration CO2 should be suitable for sequestration or for industrial use.