Análise Comparativa das Rotas de Reforma a Seco e a Vapor do Biogás via Simulação em DWSIM

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable energy sources has driven the development of technologies that valorize the processing of organic waste, such as biogas. This work aims to conduct a comparative study between two major thermochemical conversion routes of biogas into synthesis gas: dry reforming and steam reforming. The biogas used was simulated with a typical composition of 70% CH₄ and 30% CO₂, following a purification step. Simulations were carried out using the DWSIM software and the Peng-Robinson thermodynamic model, through a process flow that includes a mixer, heater, heat exchanger, equilibrium reactor, and separator. The methodology analyzed the influence of temperature (550 °C to 900 °C) on reagent conversion and syngas composition, as well as the effect of energy integration between process streams. Results showed that steam reforming offers higher H₂ yield and H₂/CO ratio, which is suitable for hydrogen production. In contrast, dry reforming is advantageous due to its simultaneous consumption of CH₄ and CO₂, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases and producing an H₂/CO ratio near 1, ideal for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The implemented energy integration resulted in a significant thermal consumption reduction—over 80%—enhancing the overall efficiency and sustainability of the process. The use of thermodynamic equilibrium simulation based on Gibbs free energy minimization enabled the evaluation of the processes’ efficiency and selectivity. This study supports technical advancements in biogas conversion and provides guidance for selecting the most appropriate route according to the desired application and available operating conditions, especially in regions like Mato Grosso do Sul, which has significant biogas production potential.