Modelling of one-dimensional heterogeneous catalytic steam methane reforming over various catalysts in an adiabatic packed bed reactor

Abstract Kinetic data relevant to steam methane reforming (SMR) are often applied to catalysts and conditions for which they have not been derived. In this work, kinetic rates for the two SMR and water gas shift reactions were derived for 12 commonly used reforming catalysts based on conversion data obtained from the literature. Subsequently, these rates were tested in dynamic operation, steady-state, and equilibrium using a 1-D reactor model developed in-house with gPROMS model builder. Modelling outputs were further validated independently at equilibrium using the software chemical equilibrium with applications (CEA), and the literature. The effect of variables such as temperature, pressure, steam to carbon ratio (S/C), and gas mass flux (Gs) on the performance of the SMR process was then studied in terms of fuel and steam conversion (%), H2 purity (%), H2 yield (wt. % of CH4) and selectivity of the carbon-based products. A comparative study was then performed for the 12 catalysts. Some catalysts showed better activity owing to their fast kinetics when they are tested in mild industrial conditions, while others performed better in more severe industrial conditions, substantiating that the choice of a catalyst ought to depend on the operating conditions.