Production of Synthesis Gas from Hydrocarbons

In the production of synthesis gases from hydrocarbons, the components hydrogen and carbon monoxide usually appear as complementary products, carbon dioxide can be obtained as a by-product as well. Apart from hydrocarbons and steam (steam reforming), some processes require carbon dioxide (CO2 reforming) as well as oxygen or air (partial oxidation and autothermal reforming) as feedstock. Usually, the process selection depends on two factors  

The desired product composition, usually characterized by the so-called H 2/CO-ratio in the raw synthesis gas. 

The feedstock available (natural gas, residual gases from refineries, LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), naphtha, heavy oils, distillation residues, pitch, coal, carbon dioxide, oxygen) and process utilities (steam, cooling water.). 

For a systematic structure, it is practical to distinguish between the actual synthesis gas generation and the synthesis gas processing. In processes requiring more or less pure oxygen (partial oxidation, autothermal reforming), the air separation plant that may have to be installed has to be considered with regard to the selection of the process and the economic evaluation [5.23]. 

In this process, light feedstock like natural gas, LPG, refinery residual gas (ROG) or naphtha are converted into carbon monoxide and hydrogen under the addition of water vapour. Based on the reaction of methane (GH4), representing the main component of natural gas, with water vapour the most important aspects of the reaction process will be explained  

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Simplified schematics of a thermal plasma reformer for the production of synthesis gas from hydrocarbons. 1 = Anode, 2 = cathode, 3 = discharge, and 4 = insulator. 

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