Catalytic reforming of hydrocarbon feedstocks into fuel for power generation units

The feasibility of realization of the multifuel operation principle, specifically, production of a hydrogen-containing gas from various types of hydrocarbon feedstocks using the same catalyst under similar reaction conditions is considered. The steam reforming of two types of hydrocarbon mixtures, namely diesel fuel satisfying GOST (State Standard) R 52368-2005 (EN 590:2004) and a methane-propane mixture imitating the composition of associated petroleum gas, has been investigated to clarify this issue. These hydrocarbon feedstocks were chosen for the reason that they are universally used as a fuel for various types of power generation units. Experiments have been carried out in a catalytic flow reactor at 250–480°C (for the methane-propane mixture) and 500–600°C (for diesel fuel) and pressures of 1–15 atm using a nickel-containing catalyst (NIAP-18). This catalyst has been demonstrated to ensure conversion of different types of hydrocarbon feedstocks into synthesis gas and methane-hydrogen mixtures usable as a fuel for power generation units based on high-temperature fuel cells and for spark-ignition, diesel, and gas-diesel engines.