Thermodynamic analysis of glycerol steam reforming to ethylene

Thermodynamic equilibrium analysis of glycerol steam reforming to ethylene has been investigated based on the total Gibbs free energy minimization method. Equilibrium product compositions for glycerol steam reforming were determined for temperatures ranging from 573-1273 K and GWR (glycerol/water ratio) 1:12 to 2:1 at 1 bar pressure. The objectives of this study are to identify the thermodynamic range of the process operation and study the variation of product distribution. It was found that the formation of ethylene was difficult to accomplish and the amount of ethylene produced is very small. The formation of coke, which will poison the catalyst, could be suppressed at higher operating temperature. The thermoneutral temperature of the process was found to increase with GWR. Other means to encourage the formation of more ethylene is required.