Watlow, a designer and producer of industrial thermal systems, is pleased to announce that Raven SR Inc. has chosen it as a thermal technology partner for the field testing of its non-combustion equilibrium Steam/CO2 Reforming SR2 unit, which transformed methane to transportation-grade hydrogen.
The SR2 reactor effectively outperformed other commercially available methods for the synthesis of hydrogen from methane. Raven’s proprietary steam / carbon dioxide reforming method converts all waste – biomass, municipal solid waste, bio-solids, industrial waste, sewage, medical waste and unwanted, useless, excess, low methane natural gas – into synthetic gas, which is then turned into renewable energy products, such as hydrogen, sulfur and nitrogen-free Fischer-Tropsch synthetic fuels and additives and solvents.
The SR2 reactor uses Watlow’s zero-emissions electric heater technology to power Raven’s reductive chemical reaction, which avoids combustion and is therefore a far cleaner process that transforms all material into fuel as opposed to burning it.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Raven™ on their innovative hydrogen production solution,” said Jeff Diestelmeier, vice president and general manager of Watlow’s energy and environmental technologies business unit. “This technology aligns perfectly with Watlow’s vision of enriching lives through sustainable energy solutions that power the globe.”
The thermal system of Watlow consists of high-temperature MULTICELL heaters, pre-engineered WATCONNECT control panels, and temperature and power controllers.
In addition, Watlow engineers created a specialized IoT device with a cloud-connected dashboard for data logging, near-real-time monitoring of system output, and visualizing thermal performance. Additionally, the solution provides a basis for diagnostic and predictive analytics at scale for the system.
“This was a monumental day to showcase how our technology is highly productive and efficient in creating a hydrogen-rich syngas for downstream conversion into renewable fuels. We now have the means to deliver advanced fuels with low to negative carbon intensity to markets around the world,” said Matt Murdock, CEO of Raven SR.
Raven’s technology offers a carbon-free alternative for both energy production and consumption. Hydrogen may be created without emitting any harmful byproducts in order to power fuel cells, which can generate electricity while producing only heat and water vapor as byproducts.
Raven SR hopes to launch its first commercial Steam/CO2 Reforming production facility in early 2023 at the West Contra Costa municipal landfill in Richmond, California, where it will transform local customers’ organic green trash into transportation-grade hydrogen.
