Modelling of H2 production in a packed bed reactor via sorption enhanced steam methane reforming process

Abstract

The sorption enhanced steam reforming (SE-SMR) of methane over the surface of 18 wt. % Ni/ Al2O3 catalyst and using CaO as a CO2-sorbent is simulated for an adiabatic packed bed reactor. The developed model accounts for all the aspects of mass and energy transfer, in both gas and solid phase along the axial direction of the reactor. The process was studied under temperature and pressure conditions used in industrial SMR operations. The simulation results were compared with equilibrium calculations and modelling data from literature. A good agreement was obtained in terms of CH4 conversion, hydrogen yield (wt. % of CH4 feed), purity of H2 and CO2 capture under the different operation conditions such as temperature, pressure, steam to carbon ratio (S/C) and gas mass flux. A pressure of 30 bar, 923 K and S/C of 3 can result in CH4 conversion and H2 purity up to 65% and 85% respectively compared to 24% and 49% in the conventional process.

Modelling of H2 production via sorption enhanced steam methane reforming at reduced pressures for small scale applications

“…Ding et al [26] and Xiu et al [27] used their own experimental data to validate their developed models of SE-SMR process. In our previous work [28], we developed the SE-SMR model under industrial conditions of temperature and pressure for H2 production. In the literature, the modelling of SE-SMR process using CaO as sorbent and NiO/Al2O3 as a catalyst under low pressure conditions has not been reported.…”

“…This model accounts for the mass and energy transfer in both gas and solid phase. The assumptions used in this model are the same as used in our previous work [28,29]. In the present work, different amount of catalyst and sorbent are assumed, but the size of the particles (dp) is the same.…”

Flow dynamic in a packed bed filled with Ni‐Al2O3 porous catalyst: Experimental and numerical approach

“…Usually, the steam methane reforming (SMR) process is realized in methane reformers that are filled randomly with the catalyst of various shapes: spheres, cylinders, the Raschig rings, multihole cylinders, and so on. The chemical reactions of overall SMR in the methane reformer are well studied, both theoretically and experimentally . It is known that different types of catalysts are applied to improve the efficiency of this chemical process.…”

Effects of catalytic bed position on hydrogen production by methane decomposition

“…Also it implies that sufficient amount of free space must be provided to reactant gases to approach a required temperature when come in contact with catalyst bed [31,32]. This also emphasize on the need of pre-heating treatment of reactant gases [33][34][35]. When a highly endothermic methane decomposition reaction occurs at position A there is a sudden decrease in bed temperature.…”