Nuclear Production of Hydrogen, Fourth Information Exchange ...

SOUTH AFRICA’S NUCLEAR HYDROGEN PRODUCTION DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
• It solves technical and ecological problems that arise with the conventional technology.
• No catalyst is needed for the conversion of natural gas to synthesis gas.
• High chemical reaction rates and conversion rates are achieved (up to 100%).
• High overall thermal efficiency (~65%) is achieved.
• No catalyst is required.
• Low capital cost expenditure.
• Production cost competitive to SMR.
• CO 2 instead of steam is used as oxidising agent.
• Ease of operation.
• Technology demonstrated at commercial scale.
Very high temperatures (>3 000°C) are generated inside the plasma-arc reforming units. The
energy, which is generated inside the plasma reformer, is not dependent on the chemical reaction.
Optimal operating conditions can be maintained over a wide range of flow rates and feed
compositions. The high energy density that is generated reduces the chemical reaction time. This
results in a short residence time for the reactants to be converted into products. A wide range of
hydrocarbons can be used for the production of synthesis gas or hydrogen, with conversion of
hydrocarbons close to 100%.
To date, work has been done on determining the production of both synthesis gas and hydrogen
via a plasma-arc reforming process. This work will continue as well as the optimisation of the
processes and the investigation of possible integration with the hybrid sulphur process.
Summary and conclusion
The South African government has approved a national hydrogen and fuel cell strategy and has initiated
the strategy through the creation of three competence centres. The Hydrogen Infrastructure CC is
tasked to develop projects related to hydrogen production and has identified a specific key programme
on thermochemical water-splitting. This paper presented the envisaged high level programme
strategy as well as the projects to be executed as part of the Hydrogen Infrastructure CC’s nuclear
hydrogen production programme, including thermochemical water-splitting hydrogen production
projects that will focus on the hybrid sulphur hydrogen production process.
References
Blom, P.W.E., G. Basson (2008), “Non-catalytic Plasma-arc Reforming of Natural Gas with Carbon
Dioxide as the Oxidizing Agent for the Production of Synthesis Gas or Hydrogen”, Proceedings of 4 th
International Topical Meeting On High Temperature Reactor Technology, October, Washington DC.
Brecher, L.E., S. Spewock, C.J. Warde (1977), “The Westinghouse Sulfur Cycle for the Thermochemical
Decomposition of Water”, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Vol. 2, pp. 7-15, Pergamon Press.
Department of Science and Technology (DST) (2007), South Africa. National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell
Technologies Research, Development and Innovation Strategy, March.
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