Parametric studies for CO2 reforming of methane in a membrane reactor as a new CO2 utilization process

Abstract

A one-dimensional reactor model was employed to perform parametric studies for CO2 reforming of methane in a membrane reactor to investigate its feasibility as a new CO2 utilization process. The effect of key variables such as hydrogen permeance and Ar sweep gas flow rate to facilitate H2 transport from a shell side (retentate) to a tube side (permeate) on the performance in a membrane reactor was studied at various temperatures with numerical simulation validated by experimental results. In addition, increase in CH4 conversion and H2 yield enhancement observed in membrane reactor was successfully confirmed by profiles of H2 partial pressure difference between shell and tube sides. From the numerical simulation studies, the feasibility of using a membrane reactor for CO2 reforming of methane was confirmed by increased CH4 conversion and H2 yield enhancement compared to a packed-bed reactor at the same condition, which in turn leads to significant cost reductions due to a reduced operating temperature. Moreover, a window of H2 permeance and a guideline for Ar sweep gas flow rate for the efficient membrane reactor design was obtained from this study.