Synthesis gas production in a forced unsteady-state reactor network

The feasibility of producing synthesis gas by the combination of partial oxidation and steam reforming of natural gas on a Pt-based catalyst in forced unsteady-state catalytic reactors has been considered by means of numerical simulations. A network of three reactors with periodical change of the feed position has been investigated as an alternative to the well-investigated reverse-flow reactor: these modes of reactor operation may lead to lower syngas manufacturing costs than the conventional unidirectional fixed-bed reactor because external heat exchangers are no longer required. A cyclic steady-state condition and autothermal behavior can be obtained by feeding low-temperature reactants. The influence of the main operating parameters (inlet temperature, switching time, inlet flow rate, and composition) on the performance of the device has been investigated, proving that the network can be competitive with traditional technologies, allowing for higher reactant conversion and product selectivity. The possibility of tailoring the H(2)/CO ratio to the value required for the production of methanol or Fischer-Tropsch synthesis has also been addressed.