Experimental and numerical investigation of shock wave-based methane pyrolysis for clean H2 production

Shock wave reforming, or the use of shock waves to achieve the necessary high-temperature conditions for thermal cracking has recently gained commercial interest as a new approach to clean hydrogen (H-2) generation. Presented here is an analysis of the chemical kinetic and gas dynamic processes driving the shock wave reforming process, as applied to methane (CH4)reforming. Reflected shock experiments were conducted for high-fuel-loading conditions of 11.5-35.5% CH4in Ar for1790-2410 K and 1.6-4 atm. These experiments were used to assess the performance of five chemical kinetic models. Chemical kinetic simulations were then carried out to investigate the thermal pyrolysis of 100% CH(4)across a wide range of temperature and pressure conditions (1400-2600 K, 1-30 atm). The impact of temperature, pressure, and reactor assumption son H(2)conversion yields was explored, and conditions yielding optimal H(2)production were identified. Next, the gas dynamic processes needed to achieve the target temperature and pressure conditions for optimal H(2)production were investigated, including analysis of requisite shock strengths and potential driver gases. The chemical kinetic and gas dynamic analyses presented here reveal a number of challenges associated with the shock wave reforming approach, but simultaneously reveal opportunities for further research and innovation.