Cu/γ-Al2O3 catalyst for the combustion of methane in a fluidized bed reactor

Abstract

The applicability of a catalyst based on copper dispersed on γ-Al2O3 spheres (1mm diameter) for fluidized bed catalytic combustion of methane has been assessed. Catalyst properties have been determined by physico-chemical characterization techniques and fixed bed activity tests revealing the presence of a surface CuAl2O4 spinel phase, still active and stable in methane combustion after repeated thermal ageing treatments at 800°C. Methane catalytic combustion experiments have been performed in a 100mm premixed fluidized bed reactor under lean conditions (0.15–3% inlet methane concentration), showing that complete CH4 conversion can be attained below 700°C in a fluidized bed of 1mm solids with a gas superficial velocity about twice the incipient fluidization velocity.