Transport characteristic study of methane steam reforming coupling methane catalytic combustion for hydrogen production

Methane steam reforming coupling methane catalytic combustion for hydrogen production is an effective method of process intensification for this reaction with strong heat effect. In this paper, simulation of this coupling process was carried out. Effects of inlet parameters of methane steam reforming and methane catalytic combustion on reactor performance were investigated. Results showed that, methane conversion at steam reforming channel outlet nearly approached 100%, however, methane conversion was greatly influenced by inlet velocity in catalytic combustion channel; H2 and CO mass fraction was influenced by coupling of heat generation and consumption in the reactor. The temperature distribution in both steam reforming and combustion channels presented a T-shaped profile indicating a catalytic combustion controlling mechanism of the reactor. The maximum hot spot temperature difference variations in both channels expressed a half saddle-shaped. Local imbalance of strong heat effect of steam reforming and catalytic combustion led to a sharp hot spot near the reactor inlet. Simulation results of methane steam reforming and catalytic combustion coupling process indicate that the catalyst activity at reactor inlet needs to be redesigned and optimized.