Method and apparatus for plasma decomposition of methane and other hydrocarbons

摘要

This invention relates to a process and an apparatus for generating hydrogen and synthetic carbon-free gas by plasma reforming-decomposing of Methane and other hydrocarbons for producing hydrogen and synthetic carbon-free gas through plasma discharge in hydrogen medium. The process involves applying an electrical potential between the electrodes while immersed in hydrogen medium. The plasma ionizes the medium, thereby generating hydrogen and synthetic gas by decomposing of hydrogen medium. The process further involves controlling the process by relocating the generated plasma between two or more further electrodes.

主权项

1. A process for producing hydrogen from hydrocarbon material by plasma treatment, the process comprising:
(a) supplying hydrocarbon material in a fluid form to a plasma treatment cell having an anode and a cathode and further electrodes disposed in a volume in the cell; (b) generating plasma between the anode and the cathode positioned in the hydrocarbon material by applying a first electrical potential between the anode and cathode, thereby decomposing part of the hydrocarbon material through plasma discharge and generating hydrogen gas and carbon soot; and (c) relocating the generated plasma between the further electrodes and the anode.