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Mathematical Modeling of Hydrogen Production via Methanol‐Steam Reforming with Heat‐Coupled and Membrane‐Assisted Reactors
Author(s) -
Chein ReiYu,
Chen YenCho,
Chung Jacob NanChu
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
chemical engineering and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.403
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1521-4125
pISSN - 0930-7516
DOI - 10.1002/ceat.201400224
Subject(s) - steam reforming , methanol reformer , hydrogen production , combustor , membrane reactor , hydrogen , methanol , syngas , chemistry , carbon monoxide , chemical engineering , methane reformer , water gas shift reaction , volumetric flow rate , isothermal process , mass transfer , catalysis , materials science , thermodynamics , combustion , chromatography , organic chemistry , physics , engineering
Hydrogen production and purification via methanol‐steam reforming was studied in a membrane reactor coupled with a catalytic combustor heat supply, applying 1D non‐isothermal mathematical models. Both mass and heat transfer behaviors were evaluated simultaneously in three reactor components. Based on data of methanol conversion, hydrogen recovery, and carbon monoxide selectivity, the membrane reactor performance was found to be controlled by the methanol‐air flow rate in the combustor, reformer operating pressure, and sweep gas flow rate. Higher hydrogen permeation driving force leads to high reformer operating pressure and sweep gas flow rate. Methanol conversion is enhanced compared with a conventional reactor under the same operation conditions with increased hydrogen removal from the reformer.