The problem of syngas methanation
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Syngas contains a certain proportion of C4-C7 alkanes, with a content not exceeding 5%. Can these be reacted away under the action of nickel-based catalysts in a methanation reactor?
In fact, the content of higher hydrocarbons with C2 content or more in the syngas after low washing is not that high, usually being below 1%. Saturated alkanes can be broken down in methanation catalysts to produce methane, but the carbon-to-water ratio in methanation, as well as that in the conversion of hydrocarbons, is much lower; therefore, there is still a certain risk of carbon deposition, which can be addressed by improving the performance of the catalysts.