Experimental study and simulation of syngas generation from methane in the Pulsed Compression Reactor

The Pulsed Compression Reactor (PCR) promises to be a compact, economical and energy efficient alternative to conventional chemical reactors. In this article, the production of synthesis gas using the Pulsed Compression Reactor is investigated. This is done experimentally as well as with simulations. The experiments are done by means of a single shot reactor, which replicates a representative single reciprocation of the Pulsed Compression Reactor with great control over the reactant composition, reactor temperature and reciprocation path. Simulations are done with an ideally stirred tank reactor model using detailed chemical kinetics. Experiments are done with different mixtures and at various initial temperatures. Simulation results show very good agreement with the experimental data, and give great insight into the reaction processes that occur within the one cycle. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.