Maximizing H2 production by combined partial oxidation of CH4 and water gas shift reaction Original Research Article

A dense ceramic membrane reactor has been constructed to exclusively transport oxygen for the partial oxidation of methane (CH4) to syngas (a mixture of CO and H2) at temperatures of 850–900°C. H2 production is enhanced in a second catalytic reactor through the water gas shift reaction, in which the CO reacts with steam that is injected into the reactor at a controlled rate to produce CO2 and H2. Experiments and thermodynamic calculations were used to establish the optimal lower temperature (≈400°C) and lower steam-to-CO ratio (≈2) to achieve thermodynamic efficiency while maximizing H2 production. No unusual synergisms were observed by the combination of the two processes and the experimental results are in good agreement with thermodynamic predictions.