Study of steam methane reforming in plasma generated by nanosecond surface gas discharge

Abstract

The paper represents the results of the experimental study of steam methane reforming under the action of spark discharge on water surface. Values of conversion rate and output of reaction products at methane pressures of 1 to 5 atm were obtained, and specific energy consumption of reforming process was determined. Pulse generator with a voltage amplitude up to 200 kV and a pulse duration of 15 ns was used to power the discharge. Although an increase in pressure decreases both the methane conversion rate and the energy deposition into the gas mixture, the conversion efficiency and specific energy consumption remain the same. The obtained minimum value of specific energy consumption for steam methane reforming amounted to 10 eV/molecule.