Low cost modular plasma system for reforming of natural gas

A low cost compact modular point-of-use, on-demand production system for the reforming of currently abundant supplies of natural gas will be developed. A non- equilibrium dielectric barrier discharge system will provide scalable capacity for reforming methane into valuable products such as acetylene, hydrogen and synthesis gas. The high power density and high average electron energies will provide selective conversion at near room temperature. High efficiency conversion of electrical input power into plasma generation provides energy efficient operation. During Phase I high efficiency production of acetylene from methane will be demonstrated. The production efficiency as a function of flow rate and temperature will be investigated. In addition to acetylene, the other secondary products resulting from methane reforming will be determined including soot production if any. The overall energy efficiency of the reactor will be estimated. Once available the technology has a wide range of applications such as abatement of gaseous pollutants, treatment of liquid waste, surface treatment of materials such as textiles for environmentally friendly manufacturing, and sterilization of surface and human tissue to name a few. With adaptations treatment of gases, liquids and solids is possible.