H-iron News
Methane Pyrolysis: Technology Overview
Technology
Methane pyrolysis has emerged as a potential alternative to methane reforming with CCUS. This technology produces hydrogen from natural gas and generates solid carbon as the only by-product, which facilitates separating and collecting carbon component of fossil fuel after the process.
Thermal Pyrolysis of Methane
in Molten Iron
- Natural gas or biomethane is purified from impurities, compressed to the required pressure and enters the methane pyrolysis reactor.
- Gas is injected into molten iron. The high temperature in the reactor is provided by electric heaters.
- When exposed to temperature and pressure, methane molecules are split into gaseous hydrogen and solid carbon in the reactor.
- Hydrogen gas rises to the top. Solid carbon granules are accumulated on the surface and come out of reactor.
- Hydrogen from the reactor is supplied for purification to the PSA unit. The output is pure hydrogen.
- The carbon passes through the separation zone and enters the storage tank.
Competitive Advantages
of Our Technology
- Relatively simple, one step thermal process
- Highly energy efficient
- Scaleable to produce mass volumes of hydrogen
- Easily deployable at locations where hydrogen is needed, but hydrogen transportation infrastructure is not available
- Flexible in terms of production volume
- More sustainable than traditional steam reforming with CCUS
- More cost efficient than any other zero emissions technology
Products of Pyrolysis
Pure Hydrogen
Pure Hydrogen can be used in various industrial processes.
Application:- Refining and petrochemistry
- Power generation
- “Hard to decarbonize” industrial processes like NH3 and cement
- Iron production
- Vehicle fuel
Carbon in Solid form
Solid carbon to be sold as industrial raw material or disposed with neutral environmental impact.
Application:- Tires
- Industrial Rubber
- Plastics
- Inks
- Coatings
- Soil additive
- Buildings
Comparison of Green Hydrogen Generation Options
Carbon Footprint
of Hydrogen Production
(kg CO2 / kg H2)
of Hydrogen Production
(kg CO2 / kg H2)
Zero carbon intensity when using Natural Gas as feedstock and electricity from the renewable sources.
Negative carbon intensity when using biomethane as feedstock.
CAPEX rated to Capacity
The comparative analysis indicates that methane pyrolysis is superior to both steam reforming with CO2 reinjection (due to lower CAPEX) and electrolysis (due to lower electricity costs and lower CAPEX).
Discounted value of the conventional SMR (per unit capacity) is taken as a unit of the discounted value.
Net Zero by 2050
Methane Pyrolysis
Sustainable solution to the enormous gap between the global need for emission free hydrogen to meet the Net Zero by 2050 targets and ability to produce it in high volumes and at reasonable cost.
Net Zero by 2050
Methane Pyrolysis
Sustainable solution to the enormous gap between the global need for emission free hydrogen to meet the Net Zero by 2050 targets and ability to produce it in high volumes and at reasonable cost.
Key Project Milestones
1
2022
Full modelling, calculations and most experimental tests completed.
2
2023 - 2024
Final industrial tests and patenting.
Strategic and financial partnerships.
Detailed engineering of industrial scale demonstration plant (ISDP).
Strategic and financial partnerships.
Detailed engineering of industrial scale demonstration plant (ISDP).
3
2026
Launch of the industrial scale demonstration plant (ISDP).
4
2027
Detailed technical solution and plant design for fully efficient industrial scale plant.
5
2029-2030
Full scale industrial production.
Innovative and Protected Technology
High technical readiness level
- Full modelling of reactors with a solution for kinetics and pyrolysis hydraulics. Calculations and experimental tests completed.
- Industrial scale demonstration plant (ISDP). design can be completed within 12 months.
- Full scale efficient industrial production to commence in 2029.
Innovative solutions protected by international patents
- Heat energy input under high pressure.
- Removal of solid carbon under high pressure.
- Cooling of hydrogen outflow.
- Optimization of energy consumption.
Efficient and Flexible Layout
- Optimised production under high pressure enables superior productivity in compact space - 21 kilotons of H2 per annum within the site of 2,400 sq. m.
- Mostly standard equipment
- Modular, flexible configuration
Experienced and Highly Professional Team
The Project is implemented by experienced team of scientists and engineers with substantial scientific and commercial track record.
- Own team of 50+ scientists and expert level engineers
- Substantial commercial and technical success track record
- Strategic cooperation with EU engineering company SEP
- Know-how of collaboration with local engineering companies to complete technical documentation in any geography
Profile references of the team
- since 2001We have been manufacturing compression and gas separation equipment
- > 1.300 projectsCompleted in the field of gas separation
- > 30 patentsFor inventions and utility models
Our Contacts
Our Contacts
UGS LLC
By clicking the "Submit" button, you agree to the Privacy Policy, confirm your consent to the processing of personal data.
