Laborsetups und Pilotanlage zur Methanpyrolyse im Metallbad
摘要
The catalytic decomposition of methane (CH4) in liquid metals is a promising technology for the production of CO2-free hydrogen (H2). In this process, CH4 is introduced into a liquid, catalytically active metal and decomposed, producing H2 and solid carbon. In order to make a significant contribution in this strategically important research segment, the University of Leoben has created the necessary infrastructure in the form of a research centre for hydrogen and carbon. This article first provides an overview of the experimental setups developed to date on a laboratory scale, which were designed for the pyrolysis of methane in a molten metal bath. The pilot plant constructed in the research centre is then presented, with a description of the units required for the investigation of various process parameters of CH4 pyrolysis and for comprehensive product stream treatment. The central metallurgical unit is an induction melting plant that can be operated at both ambient pressure and up to 10 bar. The subsequent treatment of the product stream is carried out by means of a hot gas filter and heat exchanger to separate the solid carbon produced during methane decomposition, as well as other decomposition products. Using a membrane system, it is then possible to enrich the particle-free gas stream, which consists mainly of hydrogen and unreacted methane, with H2. Finally, a thermal post-combustion chamber is used to completely neutralise all the products created during this process.