Abstract
The production of syngas has been desired for nearly a century as a starting point towards an effort to achieve the synthesis of higher-energy liquid fuels. Methods that are utilized for obtaining syngas have undergone profound technological transformations over the years. The formation of plasma is one such concept capable of energizing molecular chains through dielectric manipulation in order to excite electrons and form radicals. Many types of plasma configurations exist under a range of variable parameters such as pressure, temperature, current, power intensity, and physical structure. Nonthermal plasma in conjunction with catalysis is a relatively new concept that takes a more subtle approach that eliminates the intensive energy requirement while maintaining high conversion efficiency. The technology and process presented in this book chapter will encompass a hybrid plasma/catalysis (PRISM) system having the ability to ionize and reform any vapor phase species with a focus on short to long chain hydrocarbons. The apparatus promotes reactions that would otherwise be disadvantageous from either a high activation energy standpoint or from the yield of unfavorable side products. Catalytic partial oxidation (GlossaryTerm
CPOX
) using a low-energy, nonthermal plasma is capable of nearly perfect conversion of a carbonaceous starting material into clean, homogeneous, hydrogen-rich syngas.This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
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Acknowledgements
This chapter was written with the assistance of Dr. Leslie Bromberg from MIT and Michael Carpenter of RTI International. Leslie has over 40 years of plasma and reformation experience most of which was spent in conducting research, educating students, and writing a vast number of published documents for the field of plasma science and plasma engineering. Michael has degrees in both physics and chemistry with a focus on nanoscience at NCSU. He has participated first-hand in key developments of the PRISM system and successful downstream processing of our fresh syngas product. His insight has been invaluable towards the growth of our technology. We would like to thank Leslie and Michael for their time and contributions to our research and to this book chapter. A kind thank you to all previous studies on reformation and plasma technology, especially to the authors and contributors whose works were incorporated and cited as an influence to the completion of this chapter. I'd like to thank Shiva Wilson and Nat Mundy of Freedom Energy Tech, LLC and Mr. Larry Bell for their tireless efforts and dedication to the company as well as lending their wisdom and expertise to the technology and the opportunity. Freedom Energy Tech, LLC has the exclusive license on the PRISM Plasma technology. I would also like to acknowledge Chet Staron and Mike Wirthman of TopLine Automotive Engineering, Inc. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Department of the University of South Florida for the thorough education provided to me and every student involved with the department. The credit goes to the well-established curriculum and one-of-a-kind faculty devoted to the wellbeing of each individual and to the engineering society as a whole.
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Gentile, A.A., Bromberg, L., Carpenter, M. (2017). Small Scale Catalytic Syngas Production with Plasma. In: Hsu, C.S., Robinson, P.R. (eds) Springer Handbook of Petroleum Technology. Springer Handbooks. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49347-3_40
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