Innovative, cost-effective renewable fuel for large energy users

About

Chemical looping reforming is considered one of the most promising technologies for syngas generation with inherent CO2 capture because of higher efficiency than conventional CO2 capture technologies.

The term ‘chemical looping’ is used to describe a reaction that breaks down into individual reactions in which the intermediates – also named oxygen carriers (OCs) – continuously cycle and regenerate. To make the process feasible, the OC should have catalytic properties which can apply to the steam reforming process, as in the case of Nickel materials.

Concept

The RECYCLE concept relies on a chemical looping process operated at high pressures in adiabatic packed bed reactors. It consists of three dynamically operated reactors. Each reactor is sequentially exposed to:

1

Exothermic oxidation of the oxygen carrier using air to generate heat, which remains stored inside the bed

Reduction of the oxygen carrier using any available low-grade off-gas which is converted into CO2 and H2O

Endothermic reforming of a methane based gaseous fuel into syngas (CO and H2) and cooling the reactor to result overall thermally balanced. This intensified process represents a high level of novelty since it combines syngas generation, direct heat transfer and CO2 capture in a single unit. It was first introduced by Spallina et al

Technology

The RECYCLE technology can be applied to hydrogen production with flexible design for other syngas-based products that make this process suitable for several energy and carbon-intensive processes such as

Direct Reduction of Iron (steel manufacturing)

Methanol synthesis (alternative transportation fuels such as maritime sector)

Liquid fuels via Fischer-Tropsch for transportation (e.g. aviation)

Ammonia synthesis which is a viable option to reduce the hydrogen storage intensity

Fuel for the RECYCLE process can be fossil fuel-based feedstock such as natural gas, light hydrocarbons and waste streams from refineries or chemical plants such as flare gases. Alternatively, bio-based feedstocks can be integrated such as biogas, bio-waste liquids and other biomass-derived syngas.

 

 

The RECYCLE project is partially funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), and its Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP).