Tri-reforming: A new process concept for effective conversion and utilization of CO₂ in flue gas from electric power plants

A recent study showed the data on CO₂ emissions from the consumption of fossil fuels during 1980-1997 in the world based on government reports on statistics. The three major fossil fuels used worldwide are coal, petroleum, and natural gas. A new process concept, tri-reforming, proposed for effective conversion and utilization of CO₂ in the waste flue gases from fossil fuel-based power plants in the 21st century, is a synergistic combination of CO₂ reforming, steam reforming, and partial oxidation of natural gas. The CO₂, H₂O, and O₂ in the flue gas are not required to be pre-separated because these will be used as co-reactants for the tri-reforming of natural gas. In the tri-reforming (simultaneous oxy-CO₂-steam reforming) process, the flue gas and natural gas were used as chemical feedstock for synthesis gas production with desired H₂/CO ratios. The process could be applied, in principle, for natural gas-based or coal-based power plants and IGCC power plants.