Hydrogen Generation by Gasification

The commercial production of H2 typically involves one of the following processes (1) steam reforming, (2) water shift gas reaction, (3) partial oxidation, or (4) autothermal reforming. Electrolysis of water could be used to make H2, but process economics are high when compared to the others processes listed for that reason, electrolysis of water is not included. Currently, the production of H2 by steam reforming has the lowest production cost of any process and is the most widely used, but as mentioned earlier, the cost and availability of the carbon feedstock may change that production cost in the future.  

Water shift gas reactions form CO2 and H2 using water and CO at elevated temperature, as shown in equation 1.4. The reaction may be used with catalysts, which can become poisoned by S if concentrations are high in the feed gas. The water shift gas reaction is used as a secondary means of processing syngas when greater amounts of H2 are desired from gasification. 

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