Game-changer
Recently, an industrial gas producer consulted me on state-of-the-art advances in green hydrogen (H2) production using hydrocarbons. I came across this very innovative research in public domain, on in-situ hydrogen production from hydrocarbons which will be a game changer for the clean energy, will meet Paris-targets on climate and eliminate risks of ‘stranded hydrocarbons.’
Existing Processes
Steam-Methane Reforming (SMR) is well established technology of producing hydrogen from hydrocarbons. The biggest drawback of this process is associated carbon dioxide produced in the process that needs to be sequestered. The H2 produced from SMR is extensively used in refineries for desulfurization of heavier crude.
New Processes
The process (see slide) being developed relies on three well stablished technologies:
In-Situ Combustion & Gasification (ISC/ISG)
Steam Methane Reforming (SMR)
Semi-Permeable Membranes (SPM)
Process Summary
Process is cyclic; requires injection/production wells (can also be one well)
Injection Phase
Oxygen-rich air stream is injected in hydrocarbon reservoir
Continuous injection causes spontaneous combustion in reservoir
Injection is the stopped
2. Combustion/Reaction Phase
High temperatures (upto 700 oC) results in several reactions producing combustion products & gases (H2, H2O, CO, CO2 and others)
3. Production Phase
Production well is opened and produced H2is allowed to produce.
Production well has unique SPM that excludes all gases, but allows H2
4. Cycle is repeated
Advantages
Produces pure green hydrogen from hydrocarbon
Sequesters and leaves CO2 in the reservoir (clean)
Eliminates the threat of stranded hydrocarbon assets
Status
·R&D