Conservatively Perturbed Equilibrium (CPE)—Phenomenon as a Tool for Intensifying the Catalytic Process: The Case of Methane Reforming Processes

Abstract

The phenomenon of conservatively perturbed equilibrium (CPE) was applied to the processes of methane reforming (dry and steam reforming) and analyzed using kinetic computer simulations. This phenomenon was studied for two products, CO and H2, at different temperatures. “Unperturbed” species with inlet concentrations equal to the outlet equilibrium concentration experienced unavoidable passing through the temporary extremum (the CPE point), in this case, the maximum. Application of the CPE phenomenon to the complex catalytic methane reforming processes demonstrate two improvements: 1. Achieving the over-equilibrium product concentration. 2. This concentration is achieved at the reactor length that is much shorter than the length corresponding to the vicinity of the complete equilibrium.