Fluidized bed steam methane reforming with high-flux membranes and oxygen input

The aim of the present investigation was to improve the performance of fluidized bed membrane reforming (FBMR) by improving the permeation of hydrogen using High-flux membranes and introducing oxygen to provide for the heat of reaction. Developments and modifications, which were made to the FBMR process, are summarized in six different sections. A study on the economics of FBMR showed that configuration with High-flux membranes had a lower capital and operating cost than conventional steam-methane reforming (SMR), and had a hydrogen supply cost 5% lower than commercial SMR, showing the promise of this new technology.; Second, palladium coated metal alloy tubular (High-flux) membranes for use at high temperatures and differential pressures were successfully developed. Mr. M. Islam tested them for permeation characteristics and abrasion. Then spring reinforced High-flux membrane (U-tube) modules were developed for use in the FBMR pilot plant reformer.; Thirdly, U-tube spring reinforced High-flux membrane modules were used in a pilot plant reformer, and performed successfully in the reactor environment. A greatly improved performance was observed compared to the equilibrium reactor, and the hydrogen permeate flow was ten to fifteen times greater than published studies by others. The dependent variables, methane conversion and hydrogen yields, behaved as anticipated and were about 15% higher than equilibrium.; Fourth, oxygen was introduced successfully into a steam methane fluidized bed reforming reactor to provide for the endothermic heat of reforming reactions. There was 100% conversion of oxygen under all conditions and most runs reached and maintained autothermal conditions. Methane conversion and hydrogen yield were compared to that expected from equilibrium.; Fifth, an autothermal FBMR unit producing hydrogen was successfully developed and tested. The hydrogen permeate flow (mol/h) in the autothermal FBMR study was on an average seven to ten times greater than in the previous study (Adris, 1994). The comparison with FBMR proved that the autothermal configuration gives increased methane conversion but decreased hydrogen yield and permeation.; Sixth, a comprehensive computer model to simulate the FBMR (High-flux membranes) with or without oxygen input was developed and verified using data from the work. The model showed very good agreement with experimental data.