Modeling and Simulation of Tubular Steam Methane Reformer

Steam methane reforming is a major hydrogen production process to convert the methane-rich hydrocarbon-containing gases into hydrogen. This paper presents the numerical model of a tubular steam methane reformer. By solving the mass transport, chemical reactions, and conjugated heat transfer in a double-pipe type of reformer with computational fluid dynamics scheme, the characteristics and performance of steam methane reforming process are investigated. The simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental data as the simulation parameters are adjusted to fit the specific catalysts. In the study cases of the present work, the calculated methane reforming rates are ranged from 63% to 99% with the hydrogen production rate in the range of 62%similar to 87% by the various simulation parameters. It shows that the present numerical model has enough accuracy and is suitable for different catalyst beds for steam methane reforming process.