Steam Reforming of Methane on Sponge Iron: Influence of Gas Composition on Reaction Rate

抄録

Direct Reduction processes use gases (CO and H₂) for iron reduction and production of sponge iron or direct reduced iron (DRI). The generation of this gas occurs through methane reforming, which can be done in a reformer or inside the reduction shaft with the sponge iron as a catalyst. The latter occurs in the auto-reforming processes. The kinetics of steam reforming of methane catalyzed by sponge iron was studied at temperatures between 875°C and 1050°C. Results showed that sponge iron acts as a catalyst and methane conversion is increased in higher temperatures and with higher H₂/H₂O ratio in the inlet gas. The inlet gas composition like one of the industrial auto-reforming processes led to intense carburization and hindered the catalytic reforming reaction.