“Thermodynamic analysis of glycerol steam reforming”

MARIA L DIEUZEIDE; NORMA AMADEO

Lisboa

Simposio; Hypothesis VIII Simposio Internacional – Hydrogen Power Theoretical and Engineering Solutions.; 2009

In this study thermodynamic analysis for the steam reforming of glycerol, using the stoichiometric method has been performed. Two different models have been proposed: (a) CO as primary product and (b) CO2 as primary product, with the aim of studying product distributions at equilibrium and coke formation. Product distribution at equilibrium has been analyzed in a broad range of operative conditions, like temperature (600-1200K), water to glycerol feed molar ratio (0:1-10:1) and pressure (1-9 atm) The obtained results indicated that the conversion of glycerol is complete over the whole range of temperature, water to glycerol feed molar ratio and pressure analyzed. Therefore product distribution is determined by the water gas shift (WGS) and methanation reactions. The present study reveals that the best conditions for hydrogen production are high temperatures, high water to glycerol feed molar ratios and atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, under this conditions both methane and coke formations are minimized.