CO2 reforming of methane in a solar driven volumetric receiver-reactor

CO2 reforming of methane in a solar driven volumetric receiver-reactor has been investigated. This reactor was successfully tested on the Solar Tower Test Facility of the Weizmann Institute, Israel. The power absorbed by the reactor was between 200 and 300 kW. Typical operating temperatures ranged from 700 degrees C to 860 degrees C, with an absolute pressure of 3.5 bars, reaching methane conversions over 80%. Two solar-specific, catalytically-active absorber systems have been developed. These being based on ceramic foam structures, made from alpha-Al2O3 and SIC ceramics, respectively. gamma-Al2O3 was used as support material and Rh was applied as active metal. The absorber systems were characterised by pre- and post-test analysis. Both inserts showed coke deposition after solar testing, this resulting from problems with the methanator part of the test loop. Some sections in the irradiated front side of the first absorber system, being located close to the gas inlet, were subjected to catalyst poisoning by Na deposits. The second absorber insert has not yet been fully characterised after solar testing. Despite local degradation effects, both absorber systems performed well during solar operation. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.