Experimental Investigation on Biogas Reforming for Syngas Production over an Alumina based Nickel Catalyst

AbstractBiogas is a green sustainable source of energy. Biogas mainly consists of combustible methane and non combustible carbon dioxide. Dry reforming reaction is of particular interest in the context of biogas as both main components of biogas (methane and carbon dioxide) are consumed to produce hydrogen rich syngas. Design and development of a fixed bed type reactor was carried out for reforming of biogas. The chemical equilibrium model was used for predicting the dry reforming reaction product composition followed by experimentation. In prediction of the product gas two ratios for biogas CH4: CO2=1:1 and CH4: CO2=1.5:1 were considered in the temperature range of 300 to 1000°C with the pressure at atmospheric. The catalyst γ -Al2O3 with 10% Ni was used for the dry reforming reaction. Experimentations were conducted with different Gas Hourly Space Velocity, temperature and biogas composition. Encouraging simulated and experimental results were obtained with the yield of almost 49% volume of H2 and 45% volume of CO with very low levels of CO2. Product syngas can be used in the engine for complete combustion and to fulfill the stringent emission norms. Syngas can be used as fuel in the fuel cell application for the remote integrated power generation system