Mathematical simulations of reactors for catalytic conversion of methane to syngas with forced concentration cycling

In this paper simulation results are presented concerning the partial catalytic oxidation of methane (PCOM) in a reactor with forced composition cycling and packed with a pelletized Pt/MgO catalyst. The reactor operates in two cycles, namely, the ‘hot’ cycle, H, during which mainly the reactants of the strongly exothermal complete combustion reaction (CH4 and O2) are supplied, and the ‘cold’cycle , C, in which mainly the components of the endothermal reforming reactions are introduced (CH4 and H2O or, optionally CO2). The simulations are supplemented with a thermodynamic analysis of the conditions of permanent carbon deposits forming in such a reactor. The simulation results are compared with those obtained for a reactor operating at a constant (averaged) composition of the reacting mixture. The simulation led to the conclusion that, in a reactor with periodic cycling in the inlet composition, high reactant conversions (conversion of CH4 close to 100%) and product selectivities as high as 90% (relative to H2 and CO) can be achieved.