Multiplicity (mathematics)

The Kværner-process or Kværner carbon black & hydrogen process (CB&H) is a method, developed in the 1980s by Aker Solutions of Norway, for the production of hydrogen from hydrocarbons (C_nH_m), such as methane, natural gas and biogas.

Description

SEM image of carbon nanocones (maximum diameter ~1 micrometer) produced by pyrolysis of heavy oil in the Kvaerner carbon black and hydrogen process.

The hydrocarbons are separated into their components, carbon and hydrogen in a plasma burner (see Plasma, Electric arc) at around 1600 C.

Reaction: ${\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{n}}{\mathrm{H}}_{\mathrm{m}}+\mathrm{E}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{g}\mathrm{y}\mathrm{\to }\mathrm{n}\mathrm{C}+\frac{m}{2}{\mathrm{H}}_{\mathrm{2}}$

The biggest advantage over all other known reformation methods (steam reforming, partial oxidation, etc.) is that the natural gas is transformed 100% into pure carbon and hydrogen in an energy-efficient way. Of the available energy of the feed, approximately 48% is contained in the hydrogen, 40% is contained in activated carbon and 10% in superheated steam.

Plasma variation

A variation of this process using plasma arc waste disposal was presented in 2009. Methane and natural gas is converted to hydrogen, heat and carbon using a plasma converter.

See also

• Carbon black
• Hydrogen production
• Renewable energy