Optimization of Carbon Capture in Hydrogen Production via Steam Reforming: A Simulation-Based Case Study

Authors

Ahmed Nazmus Sakib, Dept. of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA.Follow
Ahnaf Tahmid Shabab, Dept. of Chemical Engineering and Polymer Science, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology
Firoz Ahmed, Dept. of Chemical Engineering and Polymer Science, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology
Ashiqur Rahman, Center for Midstream Management and Science, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX 77705, USA.

Abstract

Hydrogen has been considered a future energy carrier for decades and the demand for hydrogen in refineries is always upward due to the revival of new technologies. The steam methane reforming method is frequently employed because of its high hydrogen generation efficiency at a cheap cost and minimal environmental footprint. However, depending on the type of feedstock, one unit of hydrogen generates 9-10 units of CO2 that need to be treated for environmental sustainability. Therefore, the optimization of hydrogen production and CO2 capture is critical to address the issue. The simulation research was conducted to anticipate and optimize steam reforming using Aspen HYSYS. A conversion-type reactor was used to develop this simulation-based model. The primary goal of this work is to investigate and optimize hydrogen production efficiency while mitigating CO2 by varying process parameters. The CO2 capture efficiency was investigated at the different yields for hydrogen production and a maximum of 98.8% absorption of the CO2 was achieved using the carbon capture system proposed in the current study. Later, the Aspen Energy Analyzer tool revealed potential improvements for energy and cost optimization.

Recommended Citation

Sakib, Ahmed Nazmus; Shabab, Ahnaf Tahmid; Ahmed, Firoz; and Rahman, Ashiqur (2024) "Optimization of Carbon Capture in Hydrogen Production via Steam Reforming: A Simulation-Based Case Study," Al-Bahir Journal for Engineering and Pure Sciences: Vol. 4: Iss. 1, Article 5.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.55810/2313-0083.1051

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