Development of Pilot-Scale CO2 Methanation Using Pellet-Type Catalysts for CO2 Recycling in Sewage Treatment Plants and Its Validation through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Modeling

Abstract

In this study, a pilot-scale reactor was designed and compared using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for a high-efficiency CO2 methanation reaction. The trends of the CO2 methanation catalyst efficiency at a pilot or industrial scale could be lower than those measured at the laboratory scale, owing to the flow of fluid characteristics. Therefore, the CO2 methanation reactor was designed based on the results of the CFD analysis to minimize the above phenomenon. Ni–Ce–Zr was used to manufacture a CO2 methanation catalyst in the form of pellets. The catalyst successfully produced about 43.3 Nm3/d of methane from the reactor. This result shows that CO2 methanation, which is known as an exothermic reaction, was stable at the pilot scale. It is believed that the self-supply of energy will be possible when this CO2 methanation technology is applied to industrial processes generating large amounts of CO2 and H2 from by-product gases.

Understanding the complexity in bridging thermal and electrocatalytic methanation of CO2

“…Nevertheless, from a practical perspective, it must be commented that active and stable catalysts for thermal CO 2 methanation exist, as also proven by pilot-scale experimentation. [394][395][396] Although further improvements can be helpful, the limiting factor in realizing the industrial implementation of power-to-methane technology is not related to the need to improve the catalyst. Alternatively, the electro-conversion of CO 2 to CH 4 is still in its infancy, with significant problems associated with its performance (current density, faradaic selectivity, and stability).…”

“…Nevertheless, from a practical perspective, it must be commented that active and stable catalysts for thermal CO 2 methanation exist, as also proven by pilot-scale experimentation. 394–396 Although further improvements can be helpful, the limiting factor in realizing the industrial implementation of power-to-methane technology is not related to the need to improve the catalyst.…”

Study on Biological Pathway of Carbon Dioxide Methanation Based on Microbial Electrolysis Cell

“…Therefore, the technology of converting CO 2 to methane has a broad development prospect and is of great significance to the transition of energy to low-carbon. Catalyst development is the top priority for CO 2 methanation [13][14][15]. At present, the catalyst active components are mainly transition metals, especially Ni has been studied most frequently [16][17][18].…”