Modeling a Reverse Flow Reactor for Thermal Oxidation of Lean Methane

A model of a flow reversal reactor for thermal oxidation of lean methane is developed. A heterogeneous one dimensional continuum model is chosen for the monolith reactor. The reactor uses ceramic monoliths for thermal oxidation and energy trapping. Validation is performed on the previous pilot scale reactor over various methane concentrations. The results show that higher methane concentrations give sharp temperature peaks and large double peaks in the reactor. The model is capable of simulating the reactor in real time for typical operating conditions and reproducing the experimental results.