A novel process for stationary hydrogen production: the reformer sponge iron cycle (RESC)

The reformer sponge iron cycle (RESC) is discussed as a new process for stationary hydrogen production. The RESC is based on the sponge iron reaction process in combination with a reformer unit. The sponge iron reaction process is a cyclic process for water splitting, whereby a syngas is consumed. The syngas reacts with iron oxide (magnetite, Fe3O4) to produce a reduced form of iron oxide (wuestite or iron). The reduced iron oxide is re-oxidised with steam to form magnetite and hydrogen. This process is now combined with the reformer to enhance the overall efficiency considerably. The reformer is operated with methane or liquid hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide and steam out of the sponge iron reaction process off-gas are used for the reforming reaction. Experimental investigations concentrate on the lifetime analysis of the contact mass of the sponge iron reaction process and the catalyst performance under given temperature conditions, and syngas and off-gas compositions as discussed in this paper. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.