The study of thermostressed condition of the hydrogen quartz reactor during the methane pyrolysis

Abstract

Based on analytical and numerical methods, the detailed studies of the temperature and thermostressed condition of quartz reactor intended for production of hydrogen by pyrolysis of methane passed through the molten tin, are performed. Heating of tin contained in the reactor is realized by the application of electromagnetic field generated by the inductor. The analysis of the study results allows concluding that the values of radial, circular and axial stresses during a uniform movement of the reactor along its height even in the most unfavourable conditions when the temperature drop along the wall of the quartz reactor is maximum and is equal to the difference of temperatures between molten tin and environment (ΔT ≈ 1500 °C) are within the tensile strength limit for quartz σ p = 50Mpa (5 kg / mm 2). In case of non-uniform heating of the reactor along its height observed at its partial filling with molten tin, in the area of transfer from the filled part of the reactor to its non-filled part, there are high axial temperature gradients, which result in temperature stresses exceeding the tensile strength limit. By using the obtained results, the recommendations connected with the reactor heating rate and essential for ensuring its safe operation have been developed.