Application of Multi Flying Jet Plasma Torches Reactor for Hydrogen Production via Methane Decomposition: Optimization Study

Abstract

The emission of methane and carbon dioxide from greenhouse gases and vehicle emissions is a major contributor to air pollution. This research is aimed to convert methane into hydrogen gas through using non-thermal plasma decomposition. Twenty experiments were conducted, and three parameters were manipulated: voltage of the plasma power source, methane gas flow rate and argon gas flow rate which is streamlined to operate the plasma reactor. The best result was found in the experiment at 3 kV, 8 L/min of argon gas, and 75 mL/min of methane gas, producing 635 ppm of hydrogen gas. The study outcomes were incorporated in a model which highlighted the relationship between the power source voltage, flow rate of argon and methane as a function of the hydrogen produced. Additionally, the results disclosed that other gases, such as carbon dioxide, ethylene, and ethane, were also produced during the decomposition process. The results of this research demonstrate the potential of a novel Multi Flying Jet Plasma Torches reactor for efficient, eco-friendly hydrogen production through methane decomposition, offering optimized operational parameters and predictive modeling that enhance process scalability and reduce environmental impact compared to conventional methods.