Nonthermal Plasma Reforming

Several types of nonthermal plasma systems have been reported in the literature for reforming of hydrocarbons to hydrogen-rich gas  

Simplified schematics of a gliding arc-type plasma reformer. 1 = Electrodes, 2 = discharges, 3 = vessel with insulation, and 4 = electrode connectors. 

The plasma reformer efficiency reached 12.3% and 26% in gasoline auto thermal and steam reforming regimes, respectively. The typical composition of the effluent gas from the reformer operating in steam reforming mode was (vol%) H2—28.7, CO—15, C02—3, and CH4—40. 

Micro-arc formation between excited methane and excited C02 increased the conversions of CH4 and C02 and favored the production of CO. The energy efficiency of the reaction reached a maximum at CH4/C02 = 1. 

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The plasma decomposition process is applicable to any hydrocarbon fuel, from methane to heavy hydrocarbons. Similar to oxidative plasma reforming, plasma decomposition processes fall into two major categories thermal and nonthermal plasma systems. 

Sugasawa, M., Terasawa, T., and Futamura, S. (2010) Effects of initial water content on steam reforming of aliphatic hydrocarbons with nonthermal plasma. 

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