Developed by Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company, the patented system focuses on the catalytic cracking of ammonia to produce hydrogen. The technology is especially relevant as industries seek cleaner energy solutions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The core technology revolves around a main ammonia cracking reactor, an essential component designed for efficient hydrogen generation. This reactor incorporates one or more reaction tubes filled with an ammonia cracking catalyst. Essential to the process is a surrounding fuel combustion zone, which provides the necessary heat energy to facilitate the conversion of ammonia into a main hydrogen-containing gas stream.
The system’s ingenuity lies in its dual-reactor design, which includes an auxiliary ammonia cracking reactor. This auxiliary reactor also cracks ammonia to produce an auxiliary hydrogen-containing gas stream. The highlight of this system is its configuration, which allows the auxiliary gas stream to support both the main reactor and its combustion zone, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency.
The system’s operation is divided between the main and auxiliary reactors. The primary reactor engages in the cracking of ammonia within its reaction tubes, catalyzing the production of hydrogen with the help of the combustion zone’s heat. Meanwhile, the auxiliary reactor supplements this process by generating additional hydrogen gas. This gas is then directed as a support mechanism to both enhance the efficacy of the catalyst and partially fuel the main reactor’s operations.
This patent holds implications for various industries where hydrogen is a crucial resource, including power generation, transportation, and manufacturing. By utilizing ammonia as a hydrogen source, it can address challenges such as hydrogen storage and transportation, since ammonia is easier to store and transport compared to gaseous hydrogen.
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