Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
7706673 | International Journal of Hydrogen Energy | 2018 | 13 Pages |
Abstract
This work shows the analysis of ethanol steam reforming process within a catalytic membrane reactor. A 2-D non-isothermal CFD model was developed using Comsol Multiphysics, based on previous experimentally validated isothermal model. A comprehensive heat and mass transfer study was carried out utilizing the model. Operating conditions such as liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) (3.77-37.7Â hâ1), temperature (673-823Â K), reaction side pressure (4-10Â bar) and permeate side sweep gas flow pattern were discussed. A temperature gradient along the reactor was observed from the model and a “cold spot” was seen at the reactor entrance area, which is unfavorable for the highly endothermic ethanol steam reforming process. By changing the sweep gas pattern to counter-current, the “cold spot” appears to be smaller with a reduced temperature drop. By studying the individual reaction rates, reverse methane steam reforming (methanation) was observed, caused by the low temperature in the “cold spot”. Optimal operating conditions were found to be under LHSVÂ =Â 37.7Â hâ1 and counter-current sweep gas conditions.
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Authors
Rui Ma, Bernardo Castro-Dominguez, Anthony G. Dixon, Yi Hua Ma,