• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers B
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• v.33 no.11
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• pp.869-875
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• 2009

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the optimal condition of the syngas production by reforming of propane using Gliding arc plasma reformer. The gliding arc plasma reformer in 3 phases has been newly designed and developed with a quick starting and fast response time. It can be applicable to the various types of fuels (Hydrocarbons $C_xH_y$), and it has a high conversion rate of fuels and high production of hydrogen. The parametric screening studies were carried out according to the changes of a steam feed amount i.e., steam/carbon ratio, total gas flow rate and input electric power. The optimum operating conditions were S/C ratio 2.8, total gas flow rate of 14 L/min and input electric power of 2.4 kW. The result of optimum operating conditions showed the 55 % $H_2$, 14 % CO, 15 % $CO_2$, 10 % $C_3H_8$ and 4 % $CH_4$. Also, $C_3H_8$ conversion, $H_2$ yield and $H_2$ selectivity were 90 %, 42 %, 15 %, respectively. The energy efficiency and specific energy requirements were 37 % and 334 kJ/mol respectively.