Modelling channel interaction in a catalytic monolith reactor

As new opportunities are being explored to use the monolith form of reactor for process applications and to integrate within one unit endo- and exo-thermic reactions, the importance of modelling channel interaction under these conditions is being recognized. Mathematical models are generally either of a one or two dimensional form. In a number of applications, the complexity of incorporating two dimensional models into a multichannel system would not be practicable. The development of a mathematical model for a reacting, nonadiabatic, multichannel monolith is described, in which the following processes are modelled: homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions, convection, axial and radial wall conduction, and heat transfer by radiation. The catalytic combustion of methane is selected as an example process. The effects of a hot spot, as a result of fuel maldistribution, are simulated for a Fecralloy ® based monolith support system