Modeling of a Non-Isothermal Fixed Bed Reactor: 1D Model for Hydrogen Production by Steam Methane Reforming.

Nazim, Bellal Mohamed; Ouacil, Saouli; Aflah, Masbah; Abdlehamid, Drede

A numerical study was conducted to assess the overall heat transfer coefficient for exterior/reactor convection energy transfer in a steady-state, one-dimensional, pseudo-homogeneous, non-isothermal model of hydrogen production by steam methane reforming (SMR). The study primarily focuses on comparing a catalytic packed bed reactor (PBR) with a Pd-based catalytic membrane reactor (MR). A selectively permeable Pd-based membrane is utilized to extract hydrogen from the reaction zone, promoting a shift in the thermodynamic equilibrium towards hydrogen production and facilitating higher methane conversion. The hydrogen is then transported away by a sweep gas, typically H2O. The mathematical models were simulated using MATLAB. Additionally, the influence of key operating parameters was investigated using comprehensive reactor models.

STEAM reforming; PACKED bed reactors; HYDROGEN production; HEAT transfer coefficient; MEMBRANE reactors

CET Journal - Chemical Engineering Transactions, 2024, Vol 114, p1087

1974-9791

Academic Journal

10.3303/CET24114182