Technoeconomic analysis of hydrogen production via hydrogen sulfide methane reformation

Feasibility analysis of methane reforming by hydrogen sulfide for hydrogen production from technical and economical viewpoints was made. An improved Hydrogen Sulfide Methane Reformation (H2SMR) process flowsheet was proposed in order to compare its production costs with those of Steam Methane Reformation (SMR) conventional process. Major findings were: high production of hydrogen, a partial self-sustainability process since some of the hydrogen produced could be used as an energy source, no greenhouse gases generated, common sizes of main equipment for a typical H2 production and the possibility of eliminating Claus plants. Aspen Plus® V8.4 simulation software was used. Results showed H2SMR is a more economical source of H2 production than SMR conventional process, with an estimated cost of 1.41 $/kg.