A Simulation Study of the Steam Reforming of Methaneina Fixed-Bed Reactor

Fernando Antôniode Araújo Silva,Kenia Carvalho Mendes,Jornandes Dias Da Silva

doi:10.4236/eng.2016.84021

Abstract

In this work a one-dimensional mathematical model was developed to simulate methane conversion and hydrogen yield in a fixed-bed reactor filled with catalyst particles. For the reason that reforming reactions are sorely endothermic process, the heat is supplied to the reactor through electrical heating. The reforming reactions have been investigated from a modelling view point considering the effect of different temperatures ranging from 500℃ and 977℃ on the conversion of methane and hydrogen yield. Simulation results show that the steam reforming of methane in a fixed-bed reactor can efficiently store high temperature end thermal energy. When the operating temperature is increased to 977℃, the conversion of methane is 97.48% and the hydrogen yield is 2.2408. As a conclusion, the maximum thermochemical efficiency will be obtained under optimal operating temperature (977℃) and the steam/methane (3.86) ratio.

Highlights

Nowadays there are worldwide increasing interests concerning climate change and greenhouse gas emissions
Steam Reforming of Methane (SRM) was tested in a conventional Fixed-Bed Reactor (FBR) for the simulations of this work; a hot inert initial state has been used where a steady flow of N2 at 500 ̊C and 650 kPa is fed under adiabatic conditions.The modelling for SRM in the FBR, sketched in Figure 1, consists in a set of model equations to describe chemical species i (i = CH4, H2O, H2, carbon monoxide (CO) and CO2), as well as, the energy balances of the gaseous and solid phases at this reactor type
The conventional FBR technology is still applied on industrial scale to steam reforming of methane [13] [14]

Summary

Introduction

Nowadays there are worldwide increasing interests concerning climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental problems derived from different energy generation sources and the fossil fuels prices have enhanced the development of new technologies for energy production. The significant reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in energy production and fuels is demanded to ensure sustainable developments. Future energy supply system features electricity and hydrogen as the dominant energy carriers. Steam Reforming of Methane (SRM) is still the predominant method for producing a hydrogen-rich synthesis gas (H2 + CO). Hydrogen is conventionally produced on a large-scale by the SRM.

Objectives

Results

Conclusion