A hydrogen production reactor and method for plasma-assisted catalytic decomposition of methane

Abstract

The application provides a hydrogen production reactor and method for plasma-assisted catalytic cracking of methane, comprising: a reactor body provided with a methane inlet, a catalyst inlet, a microwave feed port and an exhaust port; the reactor body has a gas phase fluidization zone, and the microwave ionized methane in the gas phase fluidization zone is subjected to catalytic cracking reaction to generate hydrogen; a traction mechanism comprising a traction bed body, a support assembly and an electromagnetic tractor; wherein the electromagnetic tractor, when powered, rotates the traction bed body relative to the support assembly to be in an unfolded state or a folded state; when in the unfolded state, the traction bed body is located in the gas phase fluidization zone, so as to promote the catalyst to participate in the reaction; when in the folded state, the traction bed body is separated from the gas phase fluidization zone, so as to release the carbon deposition catalyst after the reaction. Through the hydrogen production reactor provided by the application, the design of the reactor is optimized, the conversion rate of methane and the yield of hydrogen are improved, the energy consumption and cost are reduced, and the wide application of laboratory and industrial scale is met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of hydrogen production equipment technology, and in particular to a plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking hydrogen production reactor and method. Background Technology

[0002] With increasing environmental awareness, hydrogen energy has become a top choice for next-generation green energy due to its advantages such as high calorific value, clean byproducts, and large-scale production capabilities. Hydrogen production is key to its effective utilization. Globally, the main methods of hydrogen production are fossil fuel-based hydrogen production and industrial byproduct extraction. Companies typically purchase raw materials such as coal, natural gas, and oil, and use equipment to produce hydrogen for production and heating. Globally, natural gas accounts for nearly half of the raw materials for hydrogen production. Currently, traditional natural gas-to-hydrogen processes mainly rely on methane thermal cracking, methane steam reforming, and partial oxidation, leading to significant carbon dioxide emissions and water consumption. This is inherent to the traditional methane-to-hydrogen principle and is unavoidable.

[0003] However, plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking for hydrogen production is still in the research and development stage. Existing hydrogen production systems face major challenges such as low methane conversion rate and hydrogen yield, high energy consumption and cost, and significant technical and economic disadvantages, and have not yet achieved industrial-scale application. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, one objective of this invention is to provide a plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking reactor for hydrogen production. This reactor optimizes design, improves methane conversion and hydrogen yield, reduces energy consumption and cost, and meets the needs of widespread laboratory and industrial-scale applications. A second objective of this invention is to provide a plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking method for hydrogen production, offering a new pathway for the sustainable development of hydrogen energy and contributing to the development and utilization of clean energy.

[0005] The first aspect of this invention provides a plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking hydrogen production reactor, the technical solution of which is:

[0006] A plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking hydrogen production reactor, comprising:

[0007] The reactor body is equipped with a methane inlet, a catalyst inlet, a microwave feed port, and an exhaust port;

[0008] The reactor body has a gas phase fluidization zone, and the position of the microwave feed port corresponds to the position of the gas phase fluidization zone, so that the methane after microwave ionization in the gas phase fluidization zone can undergo a catalytic cracking reaction to generate hydrogen.

[0009] A traction mechanism, located within the reactor body, comprises:

[0010] The traction bed is located below the catalyst inlet;

[0011] Support components are connected to the reactor body and the traction bed, respectively.

[0012] An electromagnetic traction device is connected to both the support assembly and the traction bed.

[0013] When the electromagnetic traction device is energized, it pulls the traction bed to rotate relative to the support assembly to either an unfolded or folded state. When in the unfolded state, the traction bed is located within the gas-phase fluidization zone, prompting the catalyst to participate in the reaction. When in the folded state, the traction bed separates from the gas-phase fluidization zone, releasing the carbonized catalyst after the reaction.

[0014] As one preferred embodiment, the support component includes:

[0015] The drive shaft is fitted with the traction bed body on its outer periphery;

[0016] Support rods are fixed to the inner wall of the reactor body;

[0017] The reactor also includes:

[0018] The drive unit is located outside the reactor body and is connected to the drive shaft through a transmission mechanism to drive the drive shaft to rotate the traction bed.

[0019] As one preferred embodiment, the traction mechanism further includes:

[0020] A return spring is connected at one end to the drive shaft and at the other end to the outer edge of the traction bed, so that when the electromagnetic traction device is de-energized, the return spring drives the traction bed to switch from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0021] As one of the preferred options, in the unfolded state, the outer edge contour of the mesh bed is adapted to the inner edge contour of the reactor body.

[0022] As one preferred embodiment, the electromagnetic traction device includes an electromagnet and a magnetic movable block that cooperate with each other. The electromagnet is fixed on the transmission shaft, and the magnetic movable block is movably sleeved on the outer periphery of the transmission shaft and connected to the hinge rod.

[0023] As one of the preferred embodiments, in both the unfolded state and the folded state, the electromagnetic traction device is at a distance from the gas-phase fluidization zone.

[0024] As one preferred embodiment, the transmission mechanism includes a bevel gear transmission mechanism to convert the horizontal rotational motion of the drive device into the vertical rotational motion of the transmission shaft.

[0025] As one preferred embodiment, the reactor further includes:

[0026] A regenerator, which is connected to the bottom of the reactor body via a regeneration pipe, is used to regenerate the carbonized catalyst.

[0027] The regeneration pipe extends downward at an angle.

[0028] A second aspect of the present invention also provides a plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking method for hydrogen production, the method relying on a plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking reactor as provided in the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising:

[0029] Methane, catalyst, and microwave energy are respectively introduced into the reactor body through the methane inlet, catalyst inlet, and microwave feed port.

[0030] The methane, after microwave ionization, undergoes a catalytic cracking reaction in the gas-phase fluidization zone within the reactor body;

[0031] The hydrogen produced by the reaction is discharged through the exhaust port;

[0032] In the first stage of the reaction, an electromagnetic traction device is used to control the traction bed to be in an expanded state within the reactor body, thereby prompting the catalyst to participate in the reaction.

[0033] In the second stage of the reaction, an electromagnetic traction device is used to control the traction bed to be in a folded state within the reactor body, releasing the carbonized catalyst after the reaction.

[0034] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following advantages:

[0035] This invention proposes a plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking hydrogen production reactor, comprising: a reactor body having a methane inlet, a catalyst inlet, a microwave feed port, and an exhaust port; the reactor body having a gas-phase fluidization zone, the microwave feed port being positioned corresponding to the gas-phase fluidization zone, so that the catalyst and microwave-ionized methane undergo a catalytic cracking reaction within the gas-phase fluidization zone to generate hydrogen; and a traction mechanism located within the reactor body, the traction mechanism comprising: a traction bed located below the catalyst inlet; a support assembly connected to both the reactor body and the traction bed; and an electromagnetic traction device connected to both the support assembly and the traction bed; wherein, when energized, the electromagnetic traction device pulls the traction bed to rotate relative to the support assembly to either an unfolded state or a folded state; when in the unfolded state, the traction bed is located within the gas-phase fluidization zone, promoting catalyst participation in the reaction; when in the folded state, the traction bed separates from the gas-phase fluidization zone, releasing the carbonized catalyst after the reaction.

[0036] By adopting the technical solution of this application, the catalyst in the gas-phase fluidized zone catalyzes the microwave-ionized methane to undergo a catalytic cracking reaction, generating the target product hydrogen and the high-value byproduct carbon materials, achieving efficient catalytic cracking of methane to produce hydrogen at low temperatures. The traction mechanism controls the position of the catalyst within the gas-phase fluidized zone, allowing more catalyst to participate in the cracking reaction in the expanded state, while simultaneously removing the deactivated catalyst from the reaction zone in the folded state. This further improves the methane conversion rate and hydrogen yield in the plasma-assisted methane cracking process, reducing energy consumption and cost. It is suitable not only for laboratory and small-scale experimental stages but also for industrial-scale applications, enhancing the industrial application potential of plasma-assisted methane cracking technology, contributing to the further development of hydrogen production technology, and promoting the feasibility of using plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking to produce clean energy.

[0037] The plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking hydrogen production method provided in this embodiment of the invention has the same advantages as the above-mentioned reactor compared with the prior art, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0038] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application, the drawings used in the description of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking hydrogen production reactor described in one embodiment of this application in its deployed state;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the overall structure of a plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking hydrogen production reactor in a folded state, according to another embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the steps of a plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking method for hydrogen production according to another embodiment of this application.

[0042] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0043] 1. Methane inlet; 2. Catalyst pipeline; 3. Exhaust port; 4. Regenerator; 5. Gas phase fluidization zone; 6. Mesh bed; 7. Return spring; 8. Electromagnetic traction device; 9. Drive shaft; 10. Support rod; 11. Catalyst; 12. Carbonized catalyst; 13. Bevel gear transmission mechanism; 14. Drive unit; 15. Microwave feed port. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0045] Reference Figures 1-2 As shown, Figure 1 and Figure 2 Internal cross-sectional views of the plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking hydrogen production reactor of the present invention are shown in both the deployed and folded states, exemplarily illustrating the position of catalyst 11 at different reaction stages, wherein the arrows indicate the direction of gas flow. Figures 1-3 As shown, the present invention provides a plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking hydrogen production reactor, comprising: a reactor body having a methane inlet, a catalyst inlet, a microwave feed port 15, and an exhaust port 3; the reactor body having a gas-phase fluidization zone 5, the position of the microwave feed port 15 corresponding to the position of the gas-phase fluidization zone 5, so that the methane ionized by microwave in the gas-phase fluidization zone 5 undergoes a catalytic cracking reaction to generate hydrogen; a traction mechanism located within the reactor body, the traction mechanism comprising: a traction bed located below the catalyst inlet; a support assembly connected to the reactor body and the traction bed respectively; and an electromagnetic traction device 8 connected to the support assembly and the traction bed respectively.

[0046] When the electromagnetic traction device 8 is energized, it pulls the traction bed to rotate relative to the support assembly to either an unfolded or folded state. When in the unfolded state, the traction bed is located within the gas-phase fluidization zone 5, causing the catalyst 11 to participate in the reaction. When in the folded state, the traction bed separates from the gas-phase fluidization zone 5, releasing the carbonized catalyst 12 after the reaction.

[0047] Specifically, the reactor body can be understood as the outer shell of the reactor, used to house various components and reactants, ensuring the sealing and safety of the reaction. The reactor body has a methane inlet, a catalyst inlet, a microwave feed port 15, and an exhaust port 3, used to transport methane, catalyst 11, microwave, and hydrogen, respectively.

[0048] The methane inlet can be connected to a methane storage or supply system via methane inlet duct 1 to introduce methane gas into the reactor body. The catalyst inlet can be connected to a catalyst storage or supply system via catalyst pipe 2 to introduce catalyst 11 into the reactor body. The exhaust port 3 can be connected to an exhaust system via a pipe to discharge the gaseous products (hydrogen and a small amount of methane) after the reaction from the system.

[0049] It is understood that the methane source in the methane storage or supply system can be natural gas, methane, and other types of substances, as long as the purpose of producing high-purity hydrogen in this invention can be achieved. In this regard, no specific limitation is made in the embodiments of this invention.

[0050] The microwave feed port 15 is configured to introduce microwave energy. The microwave feed port 15 can be connected to a microwave generator via a waveguide to transmit microwave energy into the reactor body. The reactor body contains a gas-phase fluidization zone 5, a specific area within the reactor that promotes effective interaction between gas and particulate matter, allowing for more thorough contact between the reactants. The microwave feed port 15 is preferably located on the side wall of the reactor body near the gas-phase fluidization zone 5, so that microwaves can effectively excite methane molecules, ionizing them into plasma.

[0051] As a specific explanation of this embodiment, the gas-phase fluidization zone 5 can be located in the middle of the reactor body, and the plasma is generated by microwave discharge. Microwave energy is input through the microwave feed port 15. When the microwave energy transmission acts on the methane gas, the methane molecules absorb the microwave energy and ionize into charged ions and free radicals, forming plasma. Microwave plasma can be generated in a non-contact cavity resonator, and the electrodes will not burn out or the medium will be contaminated due to contact between the plasma and the gas.

[0052] Then, the catalyst 11 in the gas phase fluidization zone 5 catalyzes the microwave-ionized methane to undergo a catalytic cracking reaction, generating the target product hydrogen and the high-value by-product carbon material. The hydrogen can be discharged from the exhaust port 3, and the solid carbon adheres to the surface of the catalyst 11 to form a carbon deposition catalyst 12.

[0053] In some embodiments, the reactor further includes a regenerator 4, which is connected to the bottom of the reactor body via a regeneration pipe to regenerate the carbonized catalyst 12, wherein the regeneration pipe extends downward at an angle.

[0054] This embodiment presents a novel hydrogen production technology with the following advantages:

[0055] 1. Through the coupling effect of plasma and catalyst 11, the selective distribution of electron energy is controlled by an electric field to activate the CH bonds of methane at low temperatures via electron collision dissociation and molecular vibration excitation, thereby initiating rapid low-temperature conversion of methane. The selective energy distribution in the plasma determines the efficient conversion of methane at low temperatures.

[0056] 2. The synergistic effect of plasma and catalyst 11 can achieve low-temperature and efficient cracking of methane and directional transformation of carbon structure. Through low-temperature activation by plasma and catalyst 11, methane can be effectively cracked to produce high-value-added products other than graphitic carbon, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene.

[0057] Therefore, the reactor can achieve efficient catalytic cracking of methane to produce hydrogen at low temperatures. The combined use of plasma and catalyst 11 can efficiently convert methane into hydrogen, improving energy utilization efficiency. Compared with traditional methods, plasma technology can help reduce negative environmental impacts, and the byproduct carbon, under the action of catalyst 11, is a high-value-added carbon material.

[0058] Under plasma assistance, the methane cracking rate is accelerated. It is necessary to control the position of catalyst 11 within the gas-phase fluidization zone 5 to ensure more catalyst 11 participates in the cracking reaction. Simultaneously, timely removal of completely deactivated catalyst 11 from the reaction zone is crucial for optimizing reaction efficiency and catalyst utilization, overcoming many challenges in traditional plasma-assisted hydrogen production technologies. This invention employs a traction mechanism to achieve efficient utilization of catalyst 11 and continuous separation of the completely deactivated carbonized catalyst 12.

[0059] Specifically, the traction mechanism includes a traction bed, a support assembly, and an electromagnetic traction device 8. The traction bed is located below the catalyst inlet, supports the catalyst 11, and is positioned within the gas-phase fluidization zone 5, ensuring sufficient contact between the catalyst 11 and the ionized methane. One end of the support assembly is fixed to the inner wall of the reactor body to provide support and connection to the traction bed. The traction bed can be deployed or folded, controlled by the electromagnetic traction device 8. The electromagnetic traction device 8 is a device that uses electromagnetic force to move or manipulate the traction bed, and can adjust the diameter formed by the traction bed as needed, thereby regulating the position of the catalyst 11.

[0060] Specifically, when the diameter of the traction bed is large, it is in an expanded state, which can hold the catalyst 11 and allow it to fully contact the methane, thus promoting the catalytic cracking reaction of the methane. When the diameter of the traction bed is small, it is in a folded state, which can release the carbonized catalyst 12, allowing it to be discharged from the gas phase fluidization zone 5 in a timely manner and enter the regenerator 4 for regeneration.

[0061] Therefore, in this embodiment of the invention, by employing an electromagnetic traction device 8 to control the traction bed, the completely deactivated catalyst 11 can be removed promptly when in the folded state, reducing the carbon buildup problem of the catalyst 11 and thus maintaining the long-term stable operation of the reactor, which helps to improve the stability and efficiency of the reactor. When in the unfolded state, it ensures that the catalyst 11 in the gas-phase fluidization zone 5 can fully contact and participate in the methane cracking reaction during the reaction process, improving the utilization efficiency of the catalyst 11. Through the traction mechanism, the reactor can achieve automatic switching of the catalyst 11 between the reaction zone and the regeneration zone, avoiding the clogging and loss of the catalyst 11.

[0062] Thus, by optimizing the reactor design, this embodiment of the invention further improves the conversion rate of methane and the yield of hydrogen in the plasma-assisted methane cracking process, reduces energy consumption and cost, and is suitable not only for laboratory and small-scale test bench stages, but also for industrial-scale applications. This enhances the industrial application potential of plasma-assisted methane cracking technology, helps promote the further development of hydrogen production technology, and facilitates the feasibility of a process for producing clean energy through plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking.

[0063] This embodiment is used to further illustrate the way in which the electromagnetic traction device 8 operates to unfold or fold the traction bed.

[0064] In this embodiment, the support assembly may include a vertical support rod and a horizontal support rod, which can be connected to form a ⊥ shape. The vertical support rod serves as a support for the electromagnetic traction device 8 and the traction bed, while the end of the horizontal support rod can be fixed to the reactor body, thereby supporting the vertical support rod and its components.

[0065] Furthermore, a traction bed and an electromagnetic traction device 8 are mounted on the vertical support rod. The traction bed includes a mesh bed layer 6 and a hinged rod. The mesh bed layer 6 is hingedly fitted onto the outer periphery of the vertical support rod. One end of the hinged rod is connected to the electromagnetic traction device 8, and the other end is connected to the mesh bed layer 6. The electromagnetic traction device 8 includes a cooperating electromagnet and a magnetic movable block. The electromagnet is fixed to the vertical support rod, and the magnetic movable block is movably fitted onto the outer periphery of the vertical support rod and connected to the hinged rod.

[0066] Specifically, the methane inlet 1 is typically located in the lower middle part of the reactor body to provide a stable methane gas flow. The catalyst inlet is typically located in the upper middle part of the reactor body, and the catalyst 11 enters the reactor through the catalyst pipe 2. The exhaust port 3 is typically located in the upper part of the reactor body, where a large amount of hydrogen and a small amount of methane are discharged and collected. The gas-phase fluidization zone 5 is located in the middle of the reactor body, where methane gas is introduced from below and the catalyst 11 is introduced from above. During the upward movement of the methane, it reacts with the falling catalyst 11 in the gas-phase fluidization zone 5, ensuring effective contact between the gas and the catalyst 11 and improving mass transfer efficiency.

[0067] The mesh bed 6 can be understood as a mesh-structured contact layer to ensure aeration and effective support for the catalyst 11. The mesh bed 6 is positioned corresponding to the gas-phase fluidization zone 5, located between the catalyst inlet and the methane inlet. It supports the catalyst 11 and allows methane to pass through, ensuring sufficient contact between the catalyst 11 and the ionized methane. The hinged rod can be understood as a connecting component that bears the traction force of the electromagnetic traction device 8, causing the mesh bed 6 to fold or unfold.

[0068] It should be explained that the size and structure of the mesh of the mesh bed 6 can be designed based on the diameter of the catalyst 11 and the flowability of methane. In some embodiments, the optimal mesh size can be determined through experiments, numerical simulations, and rules of thumb to ensure the flow pattern of methane gas and the effective distribution of catalyst 11 particles.

[0069] Specifically, within the cylindrical reactor body, the mesh bed 6 is a circular mesh bed 6 in its unfolded state, with its outer periphery abutting against the inner wall of the reactor body. The mesh bed 6 fills the internal space of the reactor body without any excess gaps or voids, thereby improving the utilization rate of the catalyst 11 and the efficiency of the reaction. The hinge rod can be multiple independent inclined rods, which are arranged along the circumference of the mesh bed 6. The top end of each inclined rod is fixed to the same inner diameter ring of the circular bed, and the bottom end is hinged to the magnetic movable block of the electromagnetic traction device 8.

[0070] More specifically, the electromagnetic traction device 8 consists of a set of electromagnets and a magnetic movable block. The electromagnets are fixed below the vertical support rod, and the magnetic movable block is movably fitted onto the upper middle part of the vertical support rod 10. The positions of the vertical support rod and the electromagnets are fixed. When the electromagnets are energized, they attract or push the magnetic movable block to move. The magnetic movable block is a block-shaped structure made of magnetic material, corresponding to the electromagnets, and can move under the attraction and release of the electromagnets. When the electromagnets are energized, they generate a magnetic field. Since the magnetic movable block is made of magnetic material, when it is attracted or repelled by the electromagnets, the magnetic movable block is pulled or pushed, thereby moving up and down along the vertical support rod.

[0071] When the magnetically movable block moves along the vertical support rod towards the electromagnet, it pulls each of its connected inclined rods downwards. Each inclined rod pulls the circular mesh bed 6 downwards, causing the circular mesh bed 6 to rotate downwards relative to the vertical support rod and into a folded state. This releases the support for the catalyst 11, allowing the carbonized catalyst 12 to fall into the regenerator 4. When the magnetically movable block is pushed along the vertical support rod 10 away from the electromagnet, it pushes each of its connected inclined rods upwards. Each inclined rod supports the circular mesh bed 6 upwards, causing the circular mesh bed 6 to rotate upwards relative to the vertical support rod and into an unfolded state. The regenerated catalyst 11 then participates in the reaction again under the support of the mesh bed 6.

[0072] It is understandable that the direction of attraction or repulsion of the electromagnet to the magnetic moving block can be changed by changing the direction and magnitude of the current, as well as the switching speed of the folded and unfolded states of the mesh bed 6 can be adjusted.

[0073] In some embodiments, the hinge rod may be cylindrical, square, or other shapes, and appropriate materials and sizes may be selected as needed. In some embodiments, the magnetic movable block may be an iron block or a steel block. In some embodiments, the mesh bed 6 may be a square mesh structure, a hexagonal mesh structure, a circular pore structure, a trapezoidal mesh structure, or other structures.

[0074] As an illustrative example of this embodiment, the hinged rod consists of two inclined rods, one end of which is fixed to the mesh bed 6, and the other end is hinged to the magnetic movable block, forming a V-shaped structure. When the electromagnet is positively energized, it attracts the magnetic movable block to move downward along the vertical support rod, and the opening angle of the V-shaped structure gradually decreases, and the diameter of the mesh bed 6 gradually decreases until the mesh bed 6 is in a folded state, which can release the carbonized catalyst 12 and allow it to be discharged from the gas-phase fluidized bed region. When the electromagnet is negatively energized, it pushes the magnetic movable block to move upward along the vertical support rod, and the opening angle of the V-shaped structure gradually increases, and the diameter of the mesh bed 6 gradually increases until the mesh bed 6 is in an unfolded state. At this time, the outer periphery of the mesh bed 6 is in contact with the inner wall of the reactor body, which can hold the catalyst 11 and allow it to fully contact the methane and participate in the catalytic cracking reaction of methane.

[0075] In a further technical solution, when the magnetic movable block moves upward along the vertical support rod until the mesh bed 6 is in an unfolded state, the magnetic movable block of the mesh bed 6 still maintains a distance from the gas phase flow zone. That is, the magnetic movable block and the electromagnet are always separated from the gas phase flow zone, protecting the electromagnetic traction device 8 from the influence of high-temperature plasma and preventing interference from the plasma. The distance between the electromagnetic traction device 8 and the gas phase fluidization zone 5 can be reasonably selected based on the dimensions of the reactor body and the dimensions of the hinge rod; this embodiment of the invention does not impose a specific limitation.

[0076] In another technical solution, to avoid the electromagnet being energized for a long time, this embodiment of the invention proposes to set a return spring 7 on the traction mechanism. One end of the return spring 7 is connected to the vertical support rod, and the other end is connected to the outer edge of the traction bed. When the electromagnetic traction device 8 is de-energized, the return spring 7 drives the traction bed to switch from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0077] In this embodiment, when the mesh bed 6 is in the unfolded state, the return spring 7 is set to its initial state. When the mesh bed 6 moves to the folded state, it rotates downwards until its diameter decreases, thus stretching the return spring 7 and allowing it to store force. When the electromagnet is de-energized, the attractive force weakens or disappears, and the return spring 7 restores the mesh bed 6 to its original diameter, returning it to the unfolded state. Thus, compared to changing the current direction of the electromagnet to switch the state of the traction bed, this embodiment of the invention requires no additional power supply or control, thereby reducing system power consumption. Furthermore, during the reaction process, the time the traction bed is in the folded state is much shorter than the time it is in the unfolded state. Once the return spring 7 pulls the mesh bed 6 to the unfolded state, it can provide sustained force for a long time without requiring a continuous power supply, thereby reducing energy consumption and lowering operating costs.

[0078] In another preferred embodiment derived from this example, the support assembly includes: a drive shaft 9, with the traction bed body sleeved on its outer periphery; and a support rod 10, fixed to the inner wall of the reactor body.

[0079] The reactor further includes a drive device 14, located outside the reactor body and connected to the drive shaft 9 via a transmission mechanism, to drive the drive shaft 9 to rotate the traction bed. In this embodiment, the rotation of the traction bed within the reactor body can further achieve uniform distribution and thorough mixing of the catalyst 11 and methane, reduce local overheating or undercooling areas of the catalyst 11, and improve the uniformity of the reaction.

[0080] In conjunction with the above embodiments, the vertical support rod serves as the drive shaft 9, and the horizontal support rod serves as the support rod 10. The drive shaft 9 and the drive device 14 are connected via a transmission mechanism for power transmission. In this embodiment, the drive device 14 is located outside the reactor body, and its output shaft extends into the reactor body, where it is connected to the drive shaft 9. This transmission mechanism includes a bevel gear transmission mechanism 13 to convert the horizontal rotational motion of the drive device 14 into the vertical rotational motion of the drive shaft 9.

[0081] As a specific explanation of this embodiment, the drive device 14 is a motor that provides rotational power and transmits it to the horizontal output shaft. At the end of the horizontal output shaft, a bevel gear transmission mechanism 13 is installed. The bevel gear transmission mechanism 13 typically includes a driving bevel gear and a driven bevel gear. The gear structure of the driving bevel gear and the driven bevel gear is designed so that the power for horizontal rotation is transmitted to the vertical direction. The output end of the driven bevel gear is connected to the transmission shaft 9, thereby causing the transmission shaft 9 to rotate, which in turn drives the mesh bed 6 in the traction bed to rotate.

[0082] It should be understood that bevel gears are a common transmission mechanism. By designing parameters such as the gear geometry, the number of teeth and diameter ratio, the helix angle and relative position, the rotation of the transmission shaft 9 in the vertical direction can be selected to convert horizontal rotation into vertical rotation.

[0083] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0084] In the first stage of the reaction, such as Figure 1 As shown, a stable methane gas flow enters through the methane inlet duct 1 located in the lower middle part of the reactor. Catalyst 11 enters the reactor body through catalyst conduit 2. The gas-phase fluidization zone 5 is located in the middle of the reactor, where the gravity of catalyst 11 is balanced by the lift provided by the methane gas. At this time, catalyst 11 is in a fluidized state, located in the plasma discharge region, where the plasma is generated by microwave discharge. The traction bed is in an expanded state and rotates within the reactor body, ensuring sufficient contact between the microwave-ionized methane and catalyst 11. The exhaust port 3 is located at the top of the reactor, where a large amount of hydrogen and a small amount of methane are discharged and collected.

[0085] In the second stage of the reaction, such as Figure 2 As shown, in the gas-phase fluidization zone 5, as the reaction time progresses, some of the catalyst 11 becomes deactivated carbonized catalyst 12 due to the formation of a layer of carbon deposits on its surface. Compared to catalyst 11, the carbonized catalyst 12 experiences increased gravity, which is greater than the lift provided by the methane gas. At this point, the traction bed is in a folded state and stops rotating, so the carbonized catalyst 12 enters the regenerator 4 through the regeneration pipe. The regenerator 4 is located at the bottom of the reactor body, and the regeneration pipe is designed with a certain inclination angle, allowing the carbonized catalyst 12 to fall into the regenerator 4 by gravity.

[0086] In summary, the reactor described in the embodiments of the present invention can be applied to hydrogen production schemes in various application scenarios, and its application scope is very wide. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention do not make specific limitations.

[0087] This invention also proposes a plasma-assisted method for catalytic cracking of methane to produce hydrogen. Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the steps of the plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking hydrogen production method of the present invention is shown. The method relies on the plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking hydrogen production reactor described above, and includes:

[0088] S1. Methane, catalyst 11 and microwave energy are respectively introduced into the reactor body through the methane inlet, catalyst inlet and microwave feed port 15;

[0089] S2. The methane ionized by microwave undergoes a catalytic cracking reaction in the gas-phase fluidization zone 5 within the reactor body;

[0090] S3. The hydrogen gas produced in the reaction is discharged through exhaust port 3;

[0091] S4. In the first stage of the reaction, the electromagnetic traction device 8 is used to control the traction bed to be in an expanded state within the reactor body, so as to promote the catalyst 11 to participate in the reaction.

[0092] S5. In the second stage of the reaction, the electromagnetic traction device 8 is used to control the traction bed to be in a folded state within the reactor body, releasing the carbonized catalyst 12 after the reaction.

[0093] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the method embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of this application are not limited to the described order of actions, because according to the embodiments of this application, some steps can be performed in other orders or simultaneously. Secondly, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are all preferred embodiments, and the actions involved are not necessarily required by the embodiments of this application.

[0094] As the method embodiments are basically similar to the system embodiments, the description is relatively simple, and relevant parts can be found in the description of the system embodiments.

[0095] It should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0096] It should also be noted that, in this document, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Moreover, the term "comprising" or any other variation thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or terminal device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or terminal device.

[0097] The plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking hydrogen production reactor and method provided in this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand this application, and the content of this specification should not be construed as limiting this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications may be made to the specific implementation methods and application scope based on this application. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all implementation methods here, but obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking reactor for hydrogen production, characterized in that, include: The reactor body is equipped with a methane inlet, a catalyst inlet, a microwave feed port, and an exhaust port; The reactor body has a gas-phase fluidization zone, and the position of the microwave feed port corresponds to the position of the gas-phase fluidization zone, so that the methane ionized by microwave in the gas-phase fluidization zone can undergo a catalytic cracking reaction to generate hydrogen. A traction mechanism, located within the reactor body, comprises: The traction bed is located below the catalyst inlet; Support components are connected to the reactor body and the traction bed, respectively. An electromagnetic traction device is connected to both the support assembly and the traction bed. When the electromagnetic traction device is energized, it pulls the traction bed to rotate relative to the support assembly to either an unfolded or folded state. When in the unfolded state, the traction bed is located within the gas-phase fluidization zone, prompting the catalyst to participate in the reaction. When in the folded state, the traction bed separates from the gas-phase fluidization zone, releasing the carbonized catalyst after the reaction. The support components include: The drive shaft is fitted with the traction bed body on its outer periphery; Support rods are fixed to the inner wall of the reactor body; The reactor also includes: The drive unit is located outside the reactor body and is connected to the drive shaft through a transmission mechanism to drive the drive shaft to rotate the traction bed. The traction mechanism also includes: A return spring is connected at one end to the drive shaft and at the other end to the outer edge of the traction bed, so that when the electromagnetic traction device is de-energized, the return spring drives the traction bed to switch from the folded state to the unfolded state. The traction bed includes a mesh bed layer and a hinged rod. The mesh bed layer is hinged and sleeved on the outer periphery of the drive shaft. One end of the hinged rod is connected to the electromagnetic traction device, and the other end is connected to the mesh bed layer. The electromagnetic traction device includes an electromagnet and a magnetic movable block that cooperate with each other. The electromagnet is fixed on the transmission shaft, and the magnetic movable block is movably sleeved on the outer periphery of the transmission shaft and connected to the hinge rod.

2. The plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking hydrogen production reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the unfolded state, the outer contour of the mesh bed conforms to the inner contour of the reactor body.

3. The plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking hydrogen production reactor according to claim 2, characterized in that, In both the unfolded and folded states, the electromagnetic traction device is at a distance from the gas-phase fluidization zone.

4. The plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking hydrogen production reactor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism includes a bevel gear transmission mechanism to convert the horizontal rotational motion of the drive device into the vertical rotational motion of the transmission shaft.

5. The plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking hydrogen production reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reactor also includes: A regenerator, which is connected to the bottom of the reactor body via a regeneration pipe, is used to regenerate the carbonized catalyst. The regeneration pipe extends downward at an angle.

6. A plasma-assisted catalytic cracking method for hydrogen production from methane, characterized in that, The method relies on the plasma-assisted methane catalytic cracking hydrogen production reactor as described in any one of claims 1-5, and the method includes: Methane, catalyst, and microwave energy are respectively introduced into the reactor body through the methane inlet, catalyst inlet, and microwave feed port. The methane, after microwave ionization, undergoes a catalytic cracking reaction in the gas-phase fluidization zone within the reactor body; The hydrogen produced by the reaction is discharged through the exhaust port; In the first stage of the reaction, an electromagnetic traction device is used to control the traction bed to be in an expanded state within the reactor body, thereby prompting the catalyst to participate in the reaction. In the second stage of the reaction, an electromagnetic traction device is used to control the traction bed to be in a folded state within the reactor body, releasing the carbonized catalyst after the reaction.

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