Thermodynamic modelling and optimization of oxy-reforming and oxy-steam reforming of biogas by RSM.

In this study, a comparative thermodynamic equilibrium calculation of biogas oxy-reforming and oxy-steam reforming processes to produce syngas has been conducted by Aspen Plus simulation software. The effects of temperature (600-800°C), pressure (1-20 atm), and inlet O/CH (0-1.0), HO/CH (0-3.0), and CO/CH (0.3-1.0) mole ratios on the equilibrium compositions of products were determined. The operation of the process was optimized using Gibbs free energy minimization method and statistical approach: response surface methodology (RSM). Optimum operating conditions CH/CO/O= 1:0.51:0.12 at 788°C and 1 atm for oxy-reforming and CH/CO/HO/O= 1:0.63:0.19:0.07 at 780°C and 1 atm for oxy-steam reforming were obtained to reach maximum H yield, CH and CO conversions by minimizing carbon selectivity to produce syngas for methanol production.