Mathematical Modeling and Simulation of Methane Steam Reforming Membrane Reactor

The present investigation pertains to a theoretical study of mathematical model for methane steam reforming in membrane reactor, by simulating the operating variables of the reactor for high hydrogen yield and methane conversion. Basically, it deals with the development of the mathematical model of a fluidized bed Auto thermal membrane reactor (without integrated O₂ perm-selective membranes), by using the mass balance macroscopically. Model is validated with the available experimental data in the literature and was found that the prediction from the models is in excellent agreement with the experimental values, with a maximum deviation of –12 to +13% and –12 to +1.8% for methane gas conversion and hydrogen yield, respectively. Finally, it investigates the effect of operating variables namely, reactor pressure, temperature, and steam to methane ratio (SMR) and permeates side pressure, on the methane gas conversion and hydrogen. The prediction reveals that the hydrogen yield and methane conversion increases with increase in reactor temperature and pressure whereas decreases with increase in SMR and permeate side pressure.