Influence of the oxygen feed distribution on the performance of a catalytic reactor for ATR of methane

M. L. RODRIGUEZ; D.E. ARDISSONE; M. N. PEDERNERA; D.O. BORIO

Lyon, Francia

Conferencia; 9th International Conference on Catalysis in Membrane Reactors; 2009

University of Lyon

The autothermal reforming of natural gas (mainly methane) has been proposed as an alternative to the steam reforming process in the production of synthesis gas or hydrogen. The autothermal reformer is conventionally a compact adiabatic fixed-bed reactor that could be used not only in large-scale plants, but also in fuel cells applications. However, a common problem in ATR is the evolution of the axial temperature profiles, which can exhibit pronounced hot-spots near the reactor inlet [1]. These high temperatures introduce considerable stress on the reactor materials and can damage the cata-lyst, particularly when Ni/Al2O3 is employed. An attractive alternative to reduce or eliminate the hot-spots is the distribution of the oxygen feed along the reactor length [2]. This controlled feed of oxygen can be obtained by means of a permoselective inorganic membrane, aiming to operate the reactor under milder autothermal conditions. According to the previous results, the autothermal reforming of methane could be carried out in a membrane reactor, provided that an appropiate amount of O2 is fed through the membrane porous. Milder temperature pro-files with respect to conventional fixed-bed reactors could be obtained, with the consequent advantages on the catalyst activity. The lower O2 concentrations in the reaction mixture tend to attenuate the hot-spots leading to less severe reactor conditions.   [1] A. M. De Groote, G. F. Froment, Simulation of the catalytic partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas, Applied Catalysis A: General 138 (1996) 245-264. [2] M. L. Rodríguez, D. E. Ardissone, M. N. Pedernera, D. O. Borio, Reformado autotérmico de metano en un reactor de membrana: Influencia de las condiciones operativas, XVI CAC to be held at Buenos Aires, Argentina. Augost 2009.