A computational fluid dynamic evaluation of a new microreactor design for catalytic partial oxidation of methane

Bawornruttanaboonya, Kuson; Devahastin, Sakamon; Mujumdar, Arun S.; Laosiripojana, Navadol

doi:10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2017.08.027

Cited by 15 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…Commercially valuable products can be produced at short contact times [18][19][20]. In particular, the steam reforming of methane on highly active catalysts is a rapid, efficient reaction pathway for the production of hydrogen for the "hydrogen economy" [11][12][13][14].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

RETRACTED: Production of Hydrogen by Methane Steam Reforming Coupled with Catalytic Combustion in Integrated Microchannel Reactors

et al. 2018

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This paper addresses the issues related to the rapid production of hydrogen from methane steam reforming by means of process intensification. Methane steam reforming coupled with catalytic combustion in thermally integrated microchannel reactors for the production of hydrogen was investigated numerically. The effect of the catalyst, flow arrangement, and reactor dimension was assessed to optimize the design of the system. The thermal interaction between reforming and combustion was investigated for the purpose of the rapid production of hydrogen. The importance of thermal management was discussed in detail, and a theoretical analysis was made on the transport phenomena during each of the reforming and combustion processes. The results indicated that the design of a thermally integrated system operated at millisecond contact times is feasible. The design benefits from the miniaturization of the reactors, but the improvement in catalyst performance is also required to ensure the rapid production of hydrogen, especially for the reforming process. The efficiency of heat exchange can be greatly improved by decreasing the gap distance. The flow rates should be well designed on both sides of the reactor to meet the requirements of both materials and combustion stability. The flow arrangement plays a vital role in the operation of the thermally integrated reactor, and the design in a parallel-flow heat exchanger is preferred to optimize the distribution of energy in the system. The catalyst loading is an important design parameter to optimize reactor performance and must be carefully designed. Finally, engineering maps were constructed to design thermally integrated devices with desired power, and operating windows were also determined.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

RETRACTED: Production of Hydrogen by Methane Steam Reforming Coupled with Catalytic Combustion in Integrated Microchannel Reactors

et al. 2018

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“…In addition to providing an explanation of experimental data, numerical simulations can serve as an efficiency design tool for the development of a catalytic partial oxidation system [56,57]. Iterative, costly experimental design processes can be avoided.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Iterative, costly experimental design processes can be avoided. Furthermore, numerical simulations are necessary to better understand the operating characteristics of a micro-structured device required to implement a catalytic partial oxidation process, and to evaluate the disadvantages and benefits associated with an innovative design of the process [56,57]. A number of commercial software tools are available, but, unfortunately, none of them is universally applicable.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To accurately predict the operating characteristics during the process of a catalytic partial oxidation reaction occurring in microreactors and accurately reflect experimental observations, detailed mathematical modeling is often necessary [58]. Detailed computational fluid dynamics modeling can be used to evaluate design changes, such as geometric parameters, Reynolds numbers, and reaction temperature, during a catalytic partial oxidation process [57].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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RETRACTED: Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of the Catalytic Partial Oxidation of Methane in Microchannel Reactors for Synthesis Gas Production

Chen

Song

2018

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This paper addresses the issues related to the favorable operating conditions for the small-scale production of synthesis gas from the catalytic partial oxidation of methane over rhodium. Numerical simulations were performed by means of computational fluid dynamics to explore the key factors influencing the yield of synthesis gas. The effect of mixture composition, pressure, preheating temperature, and reactor dimension was evaluated to identify conditions that favor a high yield of synthesis gas. The relative importance of heterogeneous and homogenous reaction pathways in determining the distribution of reaction products was investigated. The results indicated that there is competition between the partial and total oxidation reactions occurring in the system, which is responsible for the distribution of reaction products. The contribution of heterogeneous and homogeneous reaction pathways depends upon process conditions. The temperature and pressure play an important role in determining the fuel conversion and the synthesis gas yield. Undesired homogeneous reactions are favored in large reactors, and at high temperatures and pressures, whereas desired heterogeneous reactions are favored in small reactors, and at low temperatures and pressures. At atmospheric pressure, the selectivity to synthesis gas is higher than 98% at preheating temperatures above 900 K when oxygen is used as the oxidant. At pressures below 1.0 MPa, alteration of the dimension in the range of 0.3 and 1.5 mm does not result in significant difference in reactor performance, if made at constant inlet flow velocities. Air shows great promise as the oxidant, especially at industrially relevant pressure 3.0 MPa, thereby effectively inhibiting the initiation of undesired homogeneous reactions.

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“…The presence of soot renders the reforming reactions mass transfer-limited because good transport is required between reactants and active sites of the catalyst. 6 The number of active sites determines the activity, and thus the presence of carbon reduces the activity of a catalyst. Depending on the rate of carbon formation, the catalyst might lose its initial activity in a matter of hours or even minutes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Numerical Investigation of the Effects of Coke on Transport Properties in an Oxidative Fuel Cell Reformer

et al. 2020

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Experimental investigations on the technical viability of solid oxide fuel cells to replace internal combustion engines in automobiles have increased in recent years. However, the performance and stability of catalysts in the presence of carbon is key for the commercial success of fuel cell reformers. In this paper, finite element method was used to study the effect of coke deposition on heat and mass transfer during the catalytic partial oxidation of ethanol in a packed bed reactor. The properties of Ni/Al2O3 catalyst bed were investigated after being subjected to several hours of carbon buildup. Bed permeability, porosity, and temperature distribution were significantly affected after just 1500 s of reaction time. It was observed that void fraction and permeability became nonuniform across the bed. These two parameters decreased with axial position, and the difference became more pronounced with time. A decrease in bed porosity reduced the bed temperature due to an increase in effective thermal conductivity and ethanol conversion and hydrogen selectivity decreased as a result. Thus, it was concluded that heat transfer becomes a limiting factor in reforming reactions in the presence of carbon. Production distribution before deactivation was also studied, and it was observed that a maximum ethanol conversion of 100% was achieved at 600 °C and a C/O ratio of 1.0. Finally, results from the reactions were compared to that of a different study to validate the reaction mechanism and similar results were found in the literature.

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A computational fluid dynamic evaluation of a new microreactor design for catalytic partial oxidation of methane

Cited by 15 publications

References 20 publications

RETRACTED: Production of Hydrogen by Methane Steam Reforming Coupled with Catalytic Combustion in Integrated Microchannel Reactors

RETRACTED: Production of Hydrogen by Methane Steam Reforming Coupled with Catalytic Combustion in Integrated Microchannel Reactors

RETRACTED: Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of the Catalytic Partial Oxidation of Methane in Microchannel Reactors for Synthesis Gas Production

Numerical Investigation of the Effects of Coke on Transport Properties in an Oxidative Fuel Cell Reformer

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