conversion of HC to methane

[ucecgdi]

Dear all,

I am writing to ask whether anyone knows how to convert HC to methane.
Actually, I have a stream with CH4 (86%) plus higher HC (14%) and just traces of CO2. The goal is to increase the CH4 content up to 97% reducing the concentration of the other HCs.
As far as I know the pre-reforming stage used for the syngas production can do this job with an highly active Ni catalyst but I am still uncertain about the feasibility of such a process. So, if anyone can help me I would be greatful.

Cheers-Gianluca

 

[epoisses]

Do you have any H2 to add, for starters?

 

[ucecgdi]

No, I don't...

 

[pmover]

why not remove the heavier hydrocarbons? of course, that involves a significant investment.

good luck!
-pmover

 

[westcoastr]

i agree w/ pmover. it sounds like you have a typical raw natural stream, which can easily be purified w/ your everyday gas processing plant (i.e. remove ethane, propane, butane.....etc which can easily be sold to the petrochemical and heating/fuel markets.) this would likely be much cheaper that cracking c2's and higher and adding hydrogen (which you don't have) or some other scheme.

westcoastr

 

[pmover]

to supplement previous posts . . .

there are hundreds of gas processing facilities that use the cryogenic process (turbo-expander) for removing heavier hydrocarbons; thus generating revenue for both products (i.e. heavier hydrocarbons + pipeline quality gas).

a simple preliminary design analysis can be accomplished by knowing the inlet gas composition, pressure, & temps and determining the outlet conditions. be glad to recommend a reputable process design company (EPC firm) upon request.

meanwhile, good luck!
-pmover

 

[pmover]

whoops! for got to include inlet capacity as well. . .

-pmover

 

[ucecgdi]

Hi there, thanks for your answer but maybe I should have said that the flow rate is very small (700Kg/h) so the cryogenic solution would be to expensive for such a situation. It's just my opinion.
Anyway now I am working on a different solution, it is the employment of the pre-reforming step used to produce syngas. It allows me to get 95% methane in the product gas which suits my requirements (93%) and I do not need any H2 in the inlet stream. However if I would use H2 I could get a concentration above 99%. I will let you have more info next week cause I am waiting for details from the catalyst supplier.
Cheers