Mathematical modeling of a catalytic membrane reactor: dehydrogenation of methanol over copper on silica-montmorillonite composite

The process of methanol dehydrogenation over nanostructured copper-containing catalyst was simulated using a two-dimensional non-isothermal stationary mathematical model of the catalytic membrane reactor. The model considers mass and heat transfer in both axial and radial directions. Additionally, it takes into account the change of the reaction mixture volume occurs as a result of chemical reactions and selective removal of hydrogen through the membrane. The reaction of methanol dehydrogenation realized within the inner side of tubular membrane reactor was thermodynamically conjugated with hydrogen oxidation reaction taking place in the outer (shell) side. The effects of various parameters on the process performance have been calculated and discussed. The most effective way to realize the process of methanol dehydrogenation in a catalytic membrane reactor was found to use the small values of residence times along with the temperature of the reactor outer wall of about 125–150 °C. The heat generated by the exothermic oxidation reaction in the shell side can be efficiently utilized to warm the reaction zone up to the desired temperature.