Start-up procedures in autothermal reforming of biogas over a Ni based catalytic monolith

For an ATR start-up operation over a Ni based catalyst supported on a cordierite monolithic substrate. Several initial feed temperatures of oxygen and steam were tested to determine the suitable start-up procedure. The supply of oxygen prevents carbon deposition below 700 K without decreasing of catalytic activity and catalyst's mechanical strength. Furthermore, ATR was possible to be carried out by the supply of steam at temperatures higher than 723 K. At steam feed temperatures of less than 723 K, the catalytic activity was found to decrease. XRD spectra indicated that the oxidation of Ni metal occurred on the deactivated catalyst. We considered that oxidation of Ni metal is preventable by the supply of steam at above the temperature where CPOX occurred. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.