Catalytic Dry Reforming of Natural Gas for Synthesis Gas Production over Ru/γ-Al2O3 Catalyst

Abstract

Catalytic reforming of natural gas with carbon dioxide to produce syngas has been investigated over ruthenium (0.5 wt %) supported on γ-alumina. Capillary gas chromatography was used to detect and evaluate the hydrocarbons and nonhydrocarbons in the natural gas before and after reaction. This research aims to study the effect of the space velocity and temperature on the conversion of carbon dioxide and all the components of the natural gas. The space velocity 36000 ml g-1h-1 and the temperature 800oC are the optimum operating conditions giving the highest conversion of both the methane and carbon dioxide, but the space velocity 18000 ml g-1 h-1 and the temperature at 800oC are the preferred conditions for production of the hydrogen and carbon monoxide (synthesis gas).