Design Targets for Syngas Generation from Natural Gas

Patel et al, 2007 developed a novel approach of synthesising processes from a mass, energy and entropy point of view. This design approach can be utilised to effectively set performance targets for the overall process. This can be done at the very earliest stage of the design of a process as the only data needed is simple thermodynamic information. These targets also provide a quick method of screening, evaluating and comparing the various design options, in order to identify promising routes. The conversion of natural gas and unconventional gas (such as coal-bed methane, stranded gas, and bio-gas) into syngas is a crucial intermediate step in the production of various important chemicals (hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol) and liquid fuels. The syngas generation step usually requires the largest capital investment of the process and may also be very energy intensive. Therefore, determining the most efficient method of converting feedstock into syngas of the correct CO: H2 ratio is of significant importance. The ratio of CO:H2 is usually dependent on the downstream production step. Different technologies for syngas generation are utilized such as steam methane reforming, partial oxidation, auto thermal reforming, and CO2 dry reforming. Often, there is a mismatch between the ratio of CO:H2 required downstream and the actual ratio produced using these different technologies. The aim of this work is to set design and performance targets for different CO:H2 ratios ( depending on the downstream requirements) in terms of the carbon efficiency ( including CO2 utilization or emissions), water usage and energy requirements. The work will also assist in identifying opportunities for combining the various technologies in order to increase both the carbon and energy efficiency of the syngas generation step. Based on these targets, the conceptual design of the process can be developed. References: