Thermodynamic Equilibrium Study of Methane Reforming with Carbon Dioxide, Water and Oxygen

Abstract : Waste and biomass valorization can be achieved by biological degradation processes. The resulting biogas can be transformed into liquid fuels or chemicals via reforming processes. This paper aims to study the thermodynamic equilibrium of methane reforming with different oxidants: CO2, H2O, and O2 at atmospheric pressure using FactSage software (6.3. version). The reaction temperature plays crucial role in all cases. High methane conversion together with high selectivity in syngas (H2 and CO) can be only obtained above 750°C. An excess in oxidants is also required to limit the formation of solid carbon. Taking into account the fact that biogas usually contains more CH4 than CO2, steam addition to biogas reforming medium is recommended to get high methane conversion and to increase the molar ratio of H2/CO, which is favorable for liquid fuels or chemical production via Fisher-Tropsch synthesis, methanol synthesis or hydrogen production.