Methane pyrolysis using stacked fluidized beds with electric heating of coke

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for conversion of methane and/or other hydrocarbons to hydrogen by pyrolysis while reducing or minimizing production of carbon oxides. The heating of the pyrolysis environment can be performed at least in part by using electrical heating within a first stage to heat the coke particles to a desired pyrolysis temperature. This electrical heating can be performed in a hydrogen-rich environment in order to reduce, minimize, or eliminate formation of coke on the surfaces of the electrical heater. The heated coke particles can then be transferred to a second stage for contact with a methane-containing feed, such as a natural gas feed. Depending on the configuration, pyrolysis of methane can potentially occur in both the first stage and second stage. In some aspects, the hydrogen-rich environment in the first stage is formed by passing the partially converted effluent from the second stage into the first stage. In such aspects, the partially converted effluent from the second stage can have an Hcontent of 60 vol % or more, or 70 vol % or more, or 80 vol % or more, such as up to 99 vol % or possibly still higher.