Modeling of Square Channel Reactor for Optimum Length Prediction

Abstract

The optimal dimensions of square channel reactor are basically information when microreactor will be assigned. To obtain good geometries of channel reactors, general mathematic models for optimum length prediction should be developed before performing details design and optimization. In this context, analytical models for the square channel of monolith reactor were presented. The models were developed following the work done by Francois Mathieu-Potvin and Louis Gosselin in order to predict an optimal length of the square channel of monolith reactor resulting in the maximum reaction rate. The models were constructed based on fully developed laminar flow, isothermal and gas phase system. The steam methane reforming reaction was used as a case study for estimation of the reactor length. The results obtained from this analytical technique had been compared with that obtained by Computational Fluid Dynamic using FEM software (COMSOL Multiphysic version 3.5a) and experimental works.