Modeling of a fixed-bed copper-based catalyst for reforming methanol: Steam and autothermal reformation

• A model was developed for a fixed bed copper catalyst reformer.
• Model predictions were compared to experimental results.
• Both steam reformation and autothermal reformation were modeled.
• Two specific geometric configurations were modeled and tested.
• Experimental results validated temperature profile and overall conversion.

Motivated by the need for small scale distributed hydrogen generation and lack of detailed modeling tools to aid in reformation system design, two fully coupled models were developed to extend the current understanding of reformation processes as it relates to temperature and fuel conversion, two critical design criteria. This paper, describes the construction and validation of a steam and autothermal reformation model which was then experimentally validated.Experiments were carried out to obtain the necessary parameters to construct and validate the model. Two reactor geometries were used to verify the model using methanol as a feedstock on a copper-based catalyst. The model captured the important characteristics of the reformer with fuel flow rate, geometry, and Oxygen to carbon ratio. The model has several advantages including the ability to estimate the required reformer length for 100% fuel conversion as well as the effect that flow rate and geometry have on conversion efficiency.