THERMODYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF SYNTHESIS GAS AND HIGHER HYDROCARBONS PRODUCTION FROM METHANE

Abstract

This chapter focused on thermodynamic chemical equilibrium analysis using method of direct minimization of Gibbs free energy for all possible methane reactions with oxygen (partial oxidation of methane), carbon dioxide (CO2 reforming of methane), steam (steam reforming of methane), and autothermal reforming. Effects of feed ratios (methane to oxygen, carbon dioxide, and/or steam feed ratio), reaction temperature, and system pressure on equilibrium composition, conversion, and yield were studied. In addition, operating regions of carbon and no carbon formation were also considered at various reaction temperatures and feed ratios in the equilibrium system. It was found that the reaction temperature above 1100 K and CH4/CO2 ratio unity were favorable for synthesis gas production for methane – carbon dioxide reaction. The Carbon Dioxide Oxidative Coupling of Methane reaction to produce ethane and ethylene is less favorable thermodynamically. In addition, steam reforming of methane is the most suitable for hydrogen production from methane with low coke formation from thermodynamic point of view.