Methods and associated reactors and systems for plasma-based methane conversion
WO2026068346A3PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-06-04UNIVERSITEIT ANTWERPEN
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- UNIVERSITEIT ANTWERPEN
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-04
AI Technical Summary
Technical Problem
Plasma-based methane conversion processes are hindered by the formation of solid carbon, which disrupts the discharge and requires frequent reactor cleaning, leading to downtime and inefficiency.
Method used
A method and system that alternates gas flows within a single reactor, switching from methane-based plasma to carbon dioxide plasma to oxidize deposited carbon, utilizing a separate post-plasma reaction chamber with a grid or web structure to manage carbon deposition, allowing continuous operation without shutdown.
Benefits of technology
Reduces reactor downtime and increases efficiency by continuously removing deposited carbon, maintaining process continuity and enhancing syngas production with reduced operational costs.
✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.
Smart Images
Figure EP2025076775_04062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
A method is disclosed for plasma-based conversion of methane in a plasma reactor, the plasma reactor (1) comprising a reaction chamber and an energy source to create the plasma in the reaction chamber, the reaction chamber being fluidly connected to a separate post-plasma reaction chamber, the plasma reactor comprising a gas inlet, the post-plasma reaction chamber comprising a gas outlet, the method comprising: a) generating a plasma in the reaction chamber by activating the energy source; b) providing a first gas flow comprising a CH4 component through the gas inlet and into the reaction chamber, allowing plasma-based conversion of the CH4 component into gaseous H2 and solid carbon and allowing the continuous removal of produced H2 through the post-plasma reaction chamber and through the gas outlet; c) in consideration of a solid carbon deposit being formed on a predetermined portion of an inner wall of the post-plasma reaction chamber, replacing the first gas flow with a second gas flow, the second gas flow comprising a plasma-activated CO2 component, allowing the oxidation of the deposited carbon, and allowing the continuous removal of produced CO through the gas outlet until the deposited carbon is substantially removed; and associated reactors and reactor systems
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Citation Information
Patent Citations
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