Two-dimensional mathematical modeling of an industrial ammonia synthesis reactor with CFD analysis

Abstract

A three-bed ammonia reactor with the radial-axial flow and two heat exchangers in the rector's middle has been studied. According to the fluid regime type with two-dimensional axial-radial flow and intercooler, this reactor is different from the previous generation. Two-dimensional mathematical modelling is utilized to predict fluid flow, concentration, and temperature profiles along the reactor. The Navier-Stokes, mass, and heat partial differential equations are solved simultaneously via orthogonal collocation on the finite element. The results have been compared with industrial data, and good accordance has been observed. There are industrial data in the bed outlet, and results along the reactor cannot be validated. Therefore, CFD analysis of three beds is performed, and results are compared with results of two-dimensional mathematical modeling, and good agreement is observed.