Project description

Decarbonization in the chemical sector is crucial to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases regarding climate targets. Hereby the production of Syngas is of fundamental importance as an essential source for further process steps. The common process used is steam reforming, whereby methane is converted into Syngas using steam. The energy input is achieved by firing at the reactor wall, which requires a complex reactor design. Transport limitations through the reactor wall and in the catalyst bed and the high material stress limit the design freedom considerably.

In an innovative approach, Syngas production shall be investigated using the dry reforming of methane. In this highly endothermic reaction, methane is converted with carbon dioxide to hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The energy is introduced by means of induction through an oscillating magnetic field, which can be operated with renewable electricity. As a result, transport limitations through the reactor wall can be avoided and temperature gradients in the reactor are reduced. This increases the catalyst efficiency and creates new possibilities in the design of catalyst packings/beds. The flexible inductive heating enables dynamic operation, which is crucial regarding the fluctuating availability of renewable energies.

Challenges arise in the reactor design, which must be optimized for inductive operation. The activity of the catalyst can also be fully utilized through the targeted energy transport, which poses new challenges for mass transfer.

In order to achieve high process temperatures, materials must be optimized to enable inductive heating in high temperature ranges. These must be optimized with a precisely fitting catalyst design to avoid transport limitations on the catalyst.

Bachelor's and Master's theses can be assigned by arrangement. Experimental and simulative work is possible. Further details can be discussed in an individual meeting. Do not hesitate to contact Thomas Kieble.