Air Liquide’s Autothermal Reforming Technology Selected for Low-Carbon Hydrogen and Ammonia Production in Japan

Air Liquide’s Autothermal Reforming Technology Selected for Low-Carbon Hydrogen and Ammonia Production in Japan

Here’s an article posted in Airliquide.

According to the article,

• Air Liquide’s Autothermal Reforming (ATR) technology selected for low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia production in Japan
• The project is owned by a pilot project
• Air Liquide Engineering & Construction will provide the technology for low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia production

Additional information about this post:

Autothermal Reforming (ATR) is a key technology utilized by Air Liquide for the production of low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia. ATR is a process that combines partial oxidation and steam reforming of hydrocarbons to produce synthesis gas (syngas), which is primarily composed of hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO). Here’s an elaboration of the process along with some informative facts and specific data points:

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1. Feedstock Selection:
   • ATR can use a variety of hydrocarbon feedstocks such as natural gas, methane, propane, or even liquid hydrocarbons like diesel or naphtha.
   • Natural gas, which is primarily methane (CH4), is the most commonly used feedstock due to its abundance and relatively low cost.
2. Reaction Chemistry:
   • ATR involves the following primary reactions:
     • Partial Oxidation: CH4 + 0.5O2 → CO + 2H2
     • Steam Reforming: CH4 + H2O → CO + 3H2
   • These reactions occur simultaneously within the ATR reactor.
3. Process Conditions:
   • ATR operates at high temperatures (typically 700-1000°C) and moderate pressures (10-30 bar).
   • The high temperature facilitates the endothermic steam reforming reaction while the partial oxidation reaction is exothermic, providing the necessary heat for the process.
4. Catalysts:
   • ATR often employs catalysts to enhance reaction rates and improve process efficiency.
   • Commonly used catalysts include nickel-based materials supported on alumina or other suitable substrates.
5. Syngas Composition:
   • The composition of the syngas produced by ATR depends on several factors including the feedstock composition, process conditions, and catalysts used.
   • Typically, syngas produced by ATR has a molar ratio of H2 to CO ranging from 2:1 to 3:1, making it suitable for various downstream applications.
6. Hydrogen and Ammonia Production:
   • The hydrogen-rich syngas produced by ATR can be separated and purified to obtain high-purity hydrogen gas.
   • In the context of ammonia production, hydrogen derived from ATR is combined with nitrogen (obtained from air separation) in the Haber-Bosch process to produce ammonia (NH3), a crucial component in fertilizers and various industrial processes.
7. Low Carbon Aspect:
   • Air Liquide emphasizes the low-carbon aspect of its ATR technology by implementing carbon capture and utilization/storage (CCUS) solutions.
   • Carbon capture technologies can capture CO2 emissions from the ATR process, preventing them from entering the atmosphere and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
8. Efficiency and Scale:
   • ATR is a highly efficient process for hydrogen and syngas production, offering high yields of hydrogen and CO.
   • Air Liquide’s ATR technology is scalable, allowing for the construction of large-scale production facilities to meet varying demand levels.
9. Environmental Impact:
   • By producing hydrogen and ammonia with reduced carbon emissions, Air Liquide’s ATR technology contributes to the transition towards a low-carbon economy and helps mitigate climate change.
   • The deployment of low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia can also support the decarbonization of various industries, including transportation, power generation, and chemical manufacturing.
10. Global Adoption:
    • Air Liquide’s ATR technology has been deployed globally, contributing to the production of low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia in various regions.
    • The technology’s versatility and environmental benefits make it an attractive option for industries seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations.

Interestingly, we have some other posts related to this content:

Technology for Blue Hydrogen Production – Autothermal Reforming (ATR): Autothermal Reforming (ATR) combines partial oxidation and steam reforming for efficient blue hydrogen production, running at harsher conditions than SMR for enhanced performance.