Here’s the new, latest version of our Me150 hydrogen generator with our wonder-secretary, Libby, shown for scale. It’s smaller and prettier than the previous version shown at left (previous version of Me150, not of secretary). Hydrogen output is 99.9999% pure, 9.5 kg/day, 75 slpm, 150 scfh H2; it generates hydrogen from methanol reforming in a membrane reactor. Pricing is $150,000. Uses about 7 gal of methanol-water ($6 worth) per kg of H2 (380 ft3). Can be used to fill weather balloons, cool electric dynamos, or provide hydrogen fuel for 2-10 fuel cell cars.
New REB Research hydrogen generator 150 scfh of 99.9999% pure H2 from methanol-water reforming against metal membranes.
Hi,
We are currently giving some thoughts about creating a hydrogen association in Mauritius to promote the future use of hydrogen as energy carrier. The problem with hydrogen is the high costs of infrastructure and the making of the hydrogen gas at HP. Your technology for methanol reformation is presented as a cheap way to produce hydrogen. But the figures mentioned are a bit confusing. In the article above, it is mentioned that 7 gal of methanol-water (6 $ worth) is sufficient for producing 1 kg of hydrogen. However , else on your website the 2.5 gal container of methanol-water is priced at 30$, which would suggest the price of 84$ for 7 gal. I would be grateful for more details or correction. Kind regards. Francois
Mr Buxbaum,
I have found suppliers for anhydrous methanol at less than 900 $ per MT (ex works), which tends to indicate a slightly higher cost than 6 $ worth for 7 gal of methanol /water (30%).
Can you please indicate what is the consumption of electricity in kWh for each kg of hydrogen produced ? Also , at what pressure is the H2 released?
Kind regards
Francois
According to Methanlex the Pacific rim price of methanol is $420/gal. Sorry to say, the data on their site is 1 1/2 years old. As for the heat to the reaction, the amount of heat needed is ∆H reaction. For large-scale production, we’d add a burner so the heat comes from burning the left-over gasses. For small scale production, we use electric heating — still quite economical compared to buying cylinders of hydrogen.
Thanks for your reply. Is the price of $ 420 for a gal or MT?
If we go for small scale electric, could you please give an idea of kWh needed for producing 1 kg of H2 ? Just an approximate figure, so that we can work out the rough economics of having a demonstrative FCEV running. Kind regards. Francois
The cost of methanol per gallon depends on the volume bought. My company, REB Research, sells 2.5 gallon containers of pre-mix for about $12/gallon. We’d sell a 55 gallon drum for $5/gallon. If you want to pay $1.20 per gallon, you’d have to buy it by the ton. It’s rather like asking why fruit costs so much when you buy it in a restaurant or gas station.
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