Stagewise fluidized bed membrane reactors for methane-steam reforming

Consideration is given to the steady state behavior of stagewise fluidized bed membrane reactors. The principle idea behind the stagewise fluidized bed is to make substantial shift from the neighborhood of the thermodynamic equilibrium by introducing fresh sweep gas into the stages. A complex system of steam reforming of methane is investigated. High flux membranes are employed in the reactor. A sound and valid mathematical model is used for the computer simulation. Optimal conditions are observed. It is found that at relatively low temperature (800 K) about 22.95% increase in methane conversion can be achieved by the multistage fluidized bed membrane reactor. Parametric sensitivity analysis is carried out on the focus of the maximum conversion.