Steam-CO2 reforming of methane on Ni/gamma-Al2O3-deposited metallic foam catalyst for GTL-FPSO process

Abstract

The steam-CO2 reforming (SCR) of methane on a Ni/gamma-Al2O3-deposited metallic foam catalyst was assessed for the GTL-FPSO (gas to liquids-floating production, storage and offloading) process. The metallic foam catalyst was prepared by the wash-coating of a gamma-Al2O3 layer and the subsequent impregnation of a Ni catalyst. The prepared Ni/gamma-Al2O3/Ni foam catalyst was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The SCR reaction on the Ni/gamma-Al2O3/Ni foam catalyst was evaluated at different temperatures and space velocities. A uniform and robust catalyst layer was formed on the surface of the Ni foam. The metallic foam catalyst showed a higher CH4 conversion than a pellet catalyst. The durability of the metallic foam catalyst was evaluated at a space velocity of 130,000 h(-1) for 50 h. The CH4 conversion decreased by 10% compared to that after the reaction was initiated. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.