Introduction

Process for the production of conditioned syngas, with H2/CO ratio predisposed for the downstream syntheses, from methane or natural gas without any greenhouse flue gases emissions. The zero-emissions target is not achieved by means of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) techniques but thanks to the introduction of a solid electrolysis fuel cell (SOEC) into the process.

Technical features

The invention (TRL 7) is a process for producing syngas. At first, methane, oxygen and steam are fed to a burner where the first combustion reaction takes place. The output gases, consisting of CO2 and steam, are sent to a bi-reformer where steam and dry reforming reactions take place in an autothermal regime. The stream is then sent through heat exchangers and, producing steam, is cooled to the T of the de-watering units, from which low-grade syngas (low H2/CO ratio value) will eventually be produced. In order to have a higher grade syngas, the previously generated steam is sent to a SOEC solid oxide electrolytic cell, in which there is the production of oxygen, which is recirculated to the burner, and hydrogen, which is mixed with the syngas stream thus obtaining the desired specifications.

Possible Applications

• Production of organic chemical compounds;
• Production of syngas and hydrogen.

Advantages

• Reduction of production costs and decrease in operating expenses;
• Increased flexibility, controllability and operability;
• Net-zero emission production of syngas;
• Highly controllable H2/CO ratio for downstream synthesis;
• No firebox with flue gas.