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Operation of an industrial steam reformer under severe condition: A simulation study
Author(s) -
Shayegan J.,
Hashemi M. M. Yousef Motamed,
Vakhshouri K.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
the canadian journal of chemical engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.404
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1939-019X
pISSN - 0008-4034
DOI - 10.1002/cjce.20082
Subject(s) - steam reforming , heat transfer , tube (container) , mechanics , materials science , nuclear engineering , mechanical engineering , engineering , chemistry , catalysis , physics , biochemistry , hydrogen production
A rigorous two‐dimensional model is developed for simulating the operation of a less‐investigated type steam reformer having a considerably lower operating Reynolds number, higher tube diameter, and non‐availability of extra steam in the feed compared with conventional steam reformers. Simulation results show that reasonable predictions can only be achieved when certain correlations for wall to fluid heat transfer equations are applied. In all cases, strong radial temperature gradients inside the reformer tubes have been found. Furthermore, the results show how a certain catalyst loading profile will affect the operation of the reformer.