Simulation and Comparative Analysis of Conventional Steam-Methane Reforming Models for Reactor Electrification

Abstract

This study delves into the development and examination of various mathematical models for conventional steam-methane reforming (SMR) reactors, establishing a foundational basis for an electrified SMR reactor design. Distinct mathematical models with different scales and dimensions are derived. A basic 1D-fluid, 0D-catalyst (1D-0D) pseudo-homogeneous model is validated with plant data, and progressively advanced to a 2D-0D model considering radial transfer, then further extended to a rigorous 2D-1D model considering transfer phenomena between catalyst particle and fluid. Simulation cases are conducted under uniform design parameters, heat source and operation conditions. Comparative analyses focus on several key performance aspects, including temperature, reaction rate distribution, and outlet characteristics such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, composition and CH4 conversion. The models effectively describe the industrial SMR reactor behavior. Influences of scale and dimension of mathematical model on reactor performance are highlighted. The rigorous 2D-1D model is identified as the most suitable model for adapting to electrified reactor configurations due to its precise capture of transfer phenomena and detailed illustration of both fluid and catalyst behaviors.