Thermokinetic oscillations in the partial oxidation of methane

Abstract

The occurrence of oscillating modes at specific process parameters was demonstrated by the numerical analysis of the kinetics of methane oxidation in a continuous stirred tank reactor. These parameters characterize the composition and pressure of a reaction mixture, the feed rate of reagents, the thermal properties of the system, and the reactor geometry. The oscillating process is related to both the reaction kinetics and the evolution and removal of heat and reactants. In this case, oscillations occur only in a relatively small range of changes in the parameters that characterize the properties of the system; however, they can be accompanied by a considerable change in the yield of products.