Syngas H2/CO Ratio Control via Stream Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods have limited options for controlling the hydrogen to carbon monoxide (H2/CO) ratio in synthesis gas produced from hydrocarbon reforming, which is crucial for optimizing downstream chemical product processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the splitting of a warm raw syngas stream into two portions, processing one through a carbon monoxide separator to produce a hydrogen-rich stream and the other through a water/gas shift reactor, followed by combining and adjusting the hydrogen flowrate to achieve a desired H2/CO ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the synthesis gas is produced through conventional reforming processes, then the production process is simple, but the H2/CO ratio cannot be controlled and varies widely
Solution Approach 1:
The synthesis gas stream is divided into two separate portions: one portion is sent to a CO separator to produce a hydrogen-enriched stream, while the other portion is sent to a water-gas shift reactor to adjust the H2/CO ratio. By segmenting the single gas stream into two parallel processing paths, the system gains the ability to independently control the H2/CO ratio while managing complexity through modular unit operations.
2Productivity
If the H2/CO ratio is not controlled, then the reforming process operates efficiently, but the downstream processes cannot operate optimally
Solution Approach 1:
The system controls the H2/CO ratio by changing operational parameters of two key units: the CO separator (which separates carbon monoxide from the synthesis gas) and the water-gas shift reactor (which converts CO and water vapor into hydrogen and carbon dioxide). By adjusting the flow distribution between these two units and controlling their respective operating conditions, the system can tailor the H2/CO ratio to match downstream process requirements, thereby optimizing downstream productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for flexible control of the H2/CO ratio, enabling the synthesis gas to better meet the requirements of specific downstream processes, optimizing their efficiency and operation.
Implementation Method 1
Sending the first portion of the warm raw syngas stream to a carbon monoxide separator, thereby producing a first hydrogen enriched stream and a carbon monoxide rich stream
Implementation Method 2
Sending the second portion of the warm raw syngas stream to a water/gas shift reactor, thereby producing a shifted syngas stream
Implementation Method 3
Combining the first hydrogen enriched stream and the second hydrogen enriched stream and sending the combined stream to a hydrogen separator, thereby producing a product hydrogen stream
Data Source
AI summary
A method for achieving a gas with a variable hydrogen to carbon monoxide ratio in a system including splitting a warm raw syngas stream into a first portion and a second portion, the second portioning having a portion flowrate. Sending the first portion of the warm raw syngas stream a carbon monoxide separator, thereby producing a first hydrogen enriched stream and a carbon monoxide rich stream. Sending the second portion of the warm raw syngas stream to a water/gas shift reactor, thereby producing a shifted syngas stream. Combining the first hydrogen enriched stream and the second hydrogen enriched stream and sending the combined stream to a hydrogen separator, thereby producing a product hydrogen stream having a hydrogen flowrate, and varying the hydrogen flowrate by increasing the portion flowrate.