Thermodynamic Analysis of Hydrogen Production from Dimethyl Ether Auto-thermal Reforming

Abstract:

The thermodynamic analysis of hydrogen production from dimethyl ether(DME) auto-thermal reforming was carried out in order to study the influences of the ratio of steam to DME,the ratio of oxygen to DME and temperature on equilibrium composition.Theoretical maximum energy efficiency and product fraction in the reaction system were analyzed.The results indicate the complete reaction for the thermo-neutral oxygen to DME ratio at a given steam to DME ratio,when the maximum theoretical efficiency can be arrived.The hydrogen mole fraction above 50% and its yield above 80% can be obtained under the conditions that the ratio of steam to DME is 2.0~4.0,oxygen to DME 0.4~0.5,the temperature is between 150~350 ℃,the carbon monoxide mole fraction is below 5% and theoretical maximum energy efficiency can be achieved 85%.

Key words:thermodynamic analysis; dimethyl ether(DME); hydrogen; auto-thermal reforming