Microwave plasma torch for processing hydrocarbon gases

• Main Authors: Alex G. Zherlitsyn, Vladimir P. Shiyan, Paul V. Demchenko
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Tomsk Polytechnic University 2016-03-01
• Series: Resource-Efficient Technologies
• Subjects: Microwave plasma torch; Natural gas; Microwave discharge; Plasma; Conversion; Carbon nanomaterial; Hydrogen
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405653716300082

We designed and developed an ultrahigh-frequency (microwave) plasma torch with a combined (nitrogen, methane) plasma-forming environment, and microwave output of up to 2 kW, continuously. We demonstrate the possibility of using it in order to process natural and associated petroleum (APG) gas into valuable products (hydrogen and carbon nanomaterial CNM) with up to 70% efficiency. Based on the developed microwave plasma torch, we developed an apparatus capable of converting hydrocarbon feedstock at a capacity of 50 g/h yielding CNM and hydrogen of up to 70 vol. %. In its mobile small-tonnage version, this technology can be used on gas-condensate fields.