The combined operations of a membrane reactor with ethanol reforming have the potential to produce a hydrogen stream that does not need further purification. This study found that ethanol reforming under pressure in a packed bed reactor exhibits trends similar to studies at atmospheric conditions. However, the conversion decreases with increased pressure. Due to the poor hydrogen selectivity of the palladium membrane used in the membrane reactor study, the reactants permeated through the membrane and a lower conversion was obtained. Thus, pure hydrogen was not produced in the unit. It is proposed that the study be continued with a better prepared palladium membrane.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Cavanna, Brian Joseph
• Gamache, Charles William
• Garon, Justyn Joseph

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 02D325M

Advisor

• Ma, Yi Hua
• Datta, Ravindra

Year

• 2002

Date created

• 2002-01-01

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2021-10-11