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Dry reforming of methane in a direct irradiated solar powered system: Process design and optimisation

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  • Maharaj, Lavan
  • Lokhat, David

Abstract

This study investigates the dry reforming of methane (DRM) using solar energy to produce syngas at a pilot-scale level. A combined waste gas stream from a prominent South African petrochemical complex is considered as the system feed. A cryogenic distillation column operated at 30 bar with ceramic Berl saddle packing is found suitable for the initial removal of hydrogen sulfide from the waste gas stream. A shallow cross-flow fluidised bed reactor is optimised using available literature guidelines and ASPEN Plus simulation software. A nickel alumina catalyst is chosen for its efficiency, availability and affordability. A Langmuir Hinshelwood Houston Watson (LHHW) kinetic model closely matches experimental data for the applicable reaction kinetics. Results show a 93.55 % CH4 conversion, yielding syngas with 7.42 mol% CO and 7.43 mol% H2. An operating temperature of 800 °C is found to be optimal and requires a solar energy supply of 8.37 kW.

Suggested Citation

  • Maharaj, Lavan & Lokhat, David, 2025. "Dry reforming of methane in a direct irradiated solar powered system: Process design and optimisation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 377(PB).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:377:y:2025:i:pb:s0306261924019196
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.124536
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