Forced composition cycling of a Pd-membrane reactor for pure hydrogen production from the reaction of partial oxidation of methane

The performance of a Pd-membrane reactor under periodic inlet composition and sweeping gas is theoretically analyzed in order to improve the pure hydrogen production from the reaction of partial oxidation of methane. This reaction was conducted under low steam to methane ratio and at moderate temperature and pressure.The results obtained show that to achieve process intensification is to operate the process in a periodic way. Therefore, it was found that when the reactor feed is forced by cycling of the feed composition and sweeping gas via a square wave symmetric, the level of methane conversion and hydrogen recovery is significantly superior to that which was found in the case of steady state conditions.

► A membrane reactor under periodic inlet composition and sweeping gas.
► Pure hydrogen production from the reaction of partial oxidation of methane.
► Operation under low steam to methane ratio and at moderate temperature.
► Reactor performance is enhanced by cycling of the inputs via a square wave.
► Conversion and hydrogen recovery levels are higher in comparison to steady state.