Which Type of Pyrolysis is Best
HyCO Tech Solutions works with customers to understand the specific situation and works with pyrolysis technology providers to determine the optimal solution for that situation.
The optimal solution will depend on multiple factors, such as:
Location
Feedstock quality and availability
Hydrogen quantity and quality required
Carbon product and quality desired
Offtake users and demand
Plant size and scalability
Methane Pyrolysis Technologies
Numerous methane pyrolysis technologies have been developed using various pathways:
Thermal
High temperatures, via reactor walls or other combustion, are used to decompose the
methane without combustion
Plasma
A high-temperature plasma torch is used to break down methane
Microwave
A low-temperature plasma is used to break down methane
Microwave
A catalyst, like molten salts, metals, or catalyst particles, are used to facilitate the methane decomposition
Methodology
Even within these catagories, multiple variables can be optimized to produce the best type and quality of carbon and high purity hydrogen
Benefits of Hydrogen
Efficiency in Heavy-duty transport & Transit Systems: Hydrogen fuel cells are more efficient than diesel engines (+20-30% thermal efficiency), offering big efficiency gains in trucks, buses, and trains.
Localized production: Hydrogen can be produced close to point-of-use, reducing transportation and logistics costs.
Decentralized production: Regions with water scarcity but abundant natural gas can still become major hydrogen producers, spurring economic activity in otherwise underdeveloped areas.
New industries and infrastructure: Developing hydrogen production, storage, distribution, and fueling infrastructure creates jobs across engineering, manufacturing, and construction sectors.
Support for hard-to-decarbonize sectors: Hydrogen is especially useful in steelmaking, chemicals, heavy transport, and aviation, which are otherwise difficult to decarbonize economically.
Types of Carbon Produced
Depending on which technology is utilized and optimized, various types of carbon can be produced
A fine, black powder composed primarily of elemental carbon. It is used in pigments and as a reinforcing agent in tires and rubbers.
Is a soft, crystalline form of carbon with a metallic luster. It has good conductivity, lubricity, and thermal resistance.
A single-layer form of carbon forming a flat
sheet-like structure. It is remarkably strong, flexible, and lightweight.
Nanoscale tubes made of carbon atoms are known for exceptional mechanical strength, electrical, and thermal conductivity
Methane Pyrolysis Technology
Numerous Methane Pyrolysis technologies have been developed using various pathways:
Thermal
High temperatures, via reactor walls or other combustion methods, are used to decompose the methane without combustion
Plasma
A high-temperature plasma torch is used to break down methane
Microwave
A low-temperature plasma is used to break down methane
Catalytic
Catalysts, like molten salts, metals, or catalyst particles, are used to facilitate the methane decomposition
Methodology
Even within these categories, multiple variables can be optimized to produce the best type and quality of carbon and high-purity hydrogen
Hydrogen & Carbon
Economically Producing Low-CO2 Hydrogen and High-Quality Carbon Products
Why Hydrogen
Hydrogen stands out as a clean, efficient, and versatile energy carrier due to its high energy density by weight, ability to be produced from various sources, and potential for zero-emissions when used in fuel cells. It offers a viable pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a more sustainable energy system.
Hydrogen is currently used in industrial processes like oil refining, chemicals, and fertilizer production. Newer applications that leverage the benefits of Hydrogen include transit systems, warehouse material management, heavy-duty transportation, steel production, and decarbonized shipping.