This laboratory contains equipment and micro-scale testing plants for the study of reforming processes (Steam, Autothermal, and Trireforming) of gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons and biofuels (Biogas, Bioethanol) that aim at obtaining an hydrogen-rich mixture (syngas). The plants are used to test both structured catalysts (monoliths and foams) and pellets.
In particular:
- Plant for lab-scale test aimed at studying Autothermal Reforming (ATR), and Oxy Steam Reforming (OSR) processes, and aimed to produce hydrogen from gaseous fuels (methane, propane, biogas). The fixed-bed reactor plant can operate at a temperature of up to 1000°C, max pressure 4 bar, and it is equipped with an HPLC micro-pump for liquid dosing and GC and/or online mass spectrometer analysis.
- Plant for lab-scale test aimed at studying Autothermal Reforming (ATR), and Steam Reforming (SR) processes aimed to produce hydrogen from liquid fuels (diesel). The fixed-bed reactor plant can operate at a temperature of up to 1000°C, max pressure 4 bar, and it is equipped with two HPLC micro-pumps for water and liquid fuel dosing; the system is connected to a GC and/or online mass spectrometer.
- Plant for lab-scale test aimed at studying CO2-based processes that use CO2 as the reagent reacting with H2O and O2 (Bi-Reforming, Tri-Reforming, Dry-reforming) to produce syngas. The fixed-bed reactor plant can operate at a temperature of up to 1000°C, operating max pressure 4 bar, and it is equipped with an HPLC micro-pump for water dosing and GC and/or online mass spectrometer analysis.
- DSR I – Prototype of Syngas Generator it is designed and realised for the maximum production of hydrogen of 1.5 Nm3/h, and based on the SR process of diesel. It aims at producing syngas and/or integrating it with Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) systems for stationary application. The system is also used to test new reactor configurations and to carry out trials of commercial catalysts or other types that are developed on a larger scale than the lab one. The system is provided with an NDIR analyser for the online analysis of produced gas.
