Pseudo heterogeneous modeling of catalytic methane steam reforming process in a fixed bed reactor

A mathematical model is developed to simulate synthesis gas production by methane steam reforming process in a fixed bed reactor filled with catalyst particles. Due to the endothermic nature of the reforming reactions heat is supplied into the reactor by means of electrical heating, therefore, the reactor and catalyst particles are exposed to significant axial and radial temperature gradients. A pseudo heterogeneous model is used in order to exactly represent diffusion phenomena inside the reactor tube. Heat and mass transfer equations are coupled with detailed reaction mechanisms and solved for both the flow phase and within the catalyst pellets. The reaction has been investigated from a modeling view point considering the effect of different temperatures ranging from 873 to 1073 (K) on methane conversion and hydrogen yields. The result provides temperature and concentration distribution along the reactor axial and radial coordinates and strong radial temperature gradients particularly close to the entrance of the reactor have been found.

► Steam reforming of methane is exactly modeled in a fixed bed reactor by state of the art COMSOL Multiphysics software 4.3. ► Pseudo-heterogeneous method is used to precisely model heat and mass transfer in the reactor. ► Wide ranges of temperatures are considered. ► Temperature distribution and gas composition within the reactor are addressed.