Analysis of hydrogen production from methane autothermal reformer with a dual catalyst-bed configuration

Abstract

This paper presents a performance analysis of a dual-bed autothermal reformer for hydrogen production from methane using a non-isothermal, one dimensional reactor model. The first section of Pt/Al2O3 catalyst is designed for oxidation reaction, whereas the second one based on Ni/MgAl2O4 catalyst involves steam reforming reaction. The simulation results show that the dual-bed autothermal reactor provides higher reactor temperature and methane conversion compared with a conventional fixed-bed reformer. The H2O/CH4 and O2/CH4 feed ratios affect the methane conversion and the H2/CO product ratio. The addition of steam at lower temperatures to the steam reforming section of the dual-bed reactor can produce the synthesis gas with a higher H2/CO product ratio.