Novel Reformation Process

Our research group developed a novel process technology that is ideal for on-site, on-demand hydrogen generation from non-conventional feedstocks such as military logistics fuel, JP-8. The process can handle fuels with very high sulfur contents without any technical difficulty. The novel process is based on non-catalytic, condensed-phase reformation of liquid hydrocarbons such as jet fuel, diesel, ethanol, etc. The process has the following merits:

(1) non-catalytic reaction
(2) unparalleled sulfur tolerance
(3) highly efficient conversion
(4) resistance to coke formation
(5) super compact size, thus requiring the smallest footprint
(6) very versatile in terms of feed hydrocarbons
(7) embedded water gas shift reaction
(8) lower temperature operation
(9) use of environmental water

Our team has designed and successfully operated two continuous reactor systems based on the above technology. The first-generation reactor was made of Inconel 625 alloy, whereas the second generation reactor was made of Haynes 230 alloy. The process has been successfully operated on a variety of feed hydrocarbons. The current effort on JP-8 reformation has been supported by funding from the U.S. Army through a subcontract from DRS Technical Services, Inc. The current effort on ethanol reformation has been funded by U.S. Department of Transportation by a UTC Grant.

External View of the Novel Supercritical Water Reformer with Generation-I Reactor (not shown data aquisition and control computers.

Bio-Hydrogen Processes

Our group has developed a comprehensive process technology of biomass-to-hydrogen conversion. Several different process schemes have been developed for lignocellulosic materials, corns and corn stovers, municipal solid wastes, and bigas from anaerobic digesters. The process schemes can be expanded to allow for methanol synthesis, gasoline synthesis, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, as well as the aforementioned reformation. The process is currently being offered for R&D funding.

Hydrogen Technology Infrastructure Testbed

Our group is an active participant of the UMR’s major efforts on Hydrogen Infrastructure Testbed Research. The effort is financially supported by Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The project effort involves hydrogen fueling station design and operation, commuter service operation between Ft. Leonard Wood and Rolla using hydrogen buses, safety implementation, storage and dispensing, materials for safety education, code development, etc.

The site of the Laboratory of Transportation Fuels and Polymer Processing is the temporary home for Missouri's first Hydrogen Buses and Refueling Station. The buses are custom made by Ford with hydrogen internal combution engines. The buses are currently being refueled using a mobile fueler from Air Products.

 

In addition, there are other process R&D efforts currently on-going for targeted hydrogen fuel production and very innovative process conversion. Details are not explained here due to the proprietary nature of the processes. If you would like to discuss about potential University research contracts and need further information, please contact us.