Tri-reformer with O2 side-stream distribution for syngas production.

Methane tri-reforming combines steam reforming, dry reforming and partial oxidation of methane in a single reactor. The heat generated by the exothermic partial oxidation of methane can be used to supply the energy for the other two endothermic reactions (dry and steam reforming of methane). The thermoneutral condition allows the use of a tri-reformer with a simpler reactor structure since no external heat supply is necessary. Thermodynamic analysis of the thermoneutral reactor was performed using Gibbs free energy minimization approach. Conventional tri-reformers have heat and mass management problems. We developed a novel tri-reformer concept that utilizes proper distribution of O 2 gas to the reactor to address the problems. The optimization of the proposed reactor was performed with the objective function of minimizing total annual cost. Maintaining the peak temperatures by adjusting the O 2 flow rate at the distribution point along the reactor was shown to provide good load flexibility for the change in methane flow rate. [Display omitted] • Thermodynamic analysis of thermoneutral tri-reformer was performed. • A new tri-reformer with side stream distribution of O2 was proposed. • The reactor can deal with the heat and mass management problem of tri-reformer. • The reactor gives good load flexibility for the change in feed flow rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]