Deactivation of a steam reformer catalyst in chemical looping hydrogen systems: experiments and modeling

Abstract The utilization of real producer gases such as raw biogas or gasified wood for chemical looping hydrogen production implies the introduction harmful contaminants into process. Hydrogen sulfide represents one most challenging trace in reformer steam iron cycle. aim present work was an in-depth investigation reforming with pure methane and synthetic contaminated selective concentrations 1, 5 10 ppm sulfide. To validate experimental data, fixed-bed reactor system modeled one-dimensional pseudo-homogeneous plug flow by adapted Maxted model. In a preliminary thermodynamic study, dry equilibrium composition determined within deviation 4% (SMR) 2% compared to results. impact on reactivity catalyst characterized residual conversion. deactivation rate extent is directly proportional concentration H 2 S, higher lead faster lower A comparison conversion function sulfur coverage between simulated data showed good agreement. predicted results are <10% SMR reforming, except coverages 0.6 0.8. temperature bed monitored throughout process gather additional information about reaction behavior. It possible visualize shift front towards bottom caused deactivation. chemisorption morphology analyzed scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDS) Brunnauer–Emmet–Teller techniques. SEM patterns clearly indicated presence sort dust surface catalyst, which confirmed EDS analysis 0.04 wt%.