Hydrogen Production: Natural Gas Reforming

Natural gas is considered among the most abundant and cost-effective sources for hydrogen production. Its primary component is methane, a greenhouse gas that affects the Earth’s climate system and temperature, and accounts for about 12% of greenhouse gas emissions from human activity in the United States.

Hydrogen is a clean energy carrier, which transports and stores copious amounts of energy. Its large-scale production is crucial in industrial uses, such as generating electricity, heat and power.

What Is Natural Gas Reforming?

Natural gas reforming is an integral part of hydrogen production. It converts hydrogen into energy and other by-products through two key processes — steam methane reforming (SMR) and partial oxidation.

Steam Methane Reforming

SMR is the most common natural gas reforming process, and it produces most hydrogen in the U.S. today. It works by using high-temperature steam between 700-1000 degrees Celcius (1292-1832 degrees Fahrenheit). The steam causes methane to react in the presence of a catalyst, followed by a water-gas shift reaction. This process results in the production of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

Another reason for the popularity of steam methane reforming for hydrogen is its efficiency. SMR has an efficiency of 65%-75%, among the highest when it comes to commercially available hydrogen production methods.

While natural gas reforming is seen as an effective hydrogen production method, the process also creates significant environmental implications due to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Refineries are looking into hydrogen production from steam methane reforming with CO2 capture. Carbon capture and storage technologies are being integrated into hydrogen production methods to address harmful emissions and create a more environmentally sustainable process.

Partial Oxidation

Also known as auto-thermal reforming (ATR), partial oxidation combines steam and oxygen in the natural gas reforming process. It’s called “partial oxidation” because the methane reacts to the limited amount of oxygen, which isn’t enough to fully oxidize the hydrocarbons and convert them into water or carbon dioxide.

Due to insufficient oxygen, this process produces hydrogen, carbon monoxide and a small amount of carbon dioxide. Whereas steam methane reforming for hydrogen production is an endothermic process, ATR is exothermic, meaning it gives off heat. Also unlike SMR, ATR uses less energy because of the partially self-sustaining reaction from methane combustion.

Natural Gas Reforming Advantages

Natural gas reforming plays a critical role in hydrogen production. This relatively inexpensive process has plenty of advantages, including:

• Cost-effectiveness: Natural gas reforming is a more affordable source of hydrogen compared to other fossil fuels. It’s readily available and easier to handle and process than other hydrogen production methods.
• Existing infrastructure: Producing hydrogen from steam methane reforming is a reliable method because of the maturity of the technology. It’s a well-developed process with existing infrastructure that makes it more efficient.
• Scalability: The existing infrastructure makes natural gas reforming processes easily scalable. Technology accessibility makes it easy to meet large industrial demands for hydrogen.

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