Catalytic partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas in a pilot-plant-scale spouted-bed reactor

• Published in: Chemical engineering science 1999-07, Vol.54 (15), p.3691-3699
• Main Authors: Marnasidou, K.G., Voutetakis, S.S., Tjatjopoulos, G.J., Vasalos, I.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Catalysis; Catalytic partial oxidation; Catalytic reactions; Chemical engineering; Chemistry; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Homogeneous catalysis; Methane; Reactors; Spouted bed; Synthesis gas; Theory of reactions, general kinetics. Catalysis. Nomenclature, chemical documentation, computer chemistry
• ISSN: 0009-2509; 1873-4405
• DOI: 10.1016/S0009-2509(98)00455-2

The catalytic partial oxidation (CPO) of methane to synthesis gas was investigated in a conical spouted-bed reactor unit by using Ni/La/Al 2O 3 catalysts at pressures of 1–10bar, temperatures up to 1050°C, methane-to-oxygen ratios of 1.6–2.5 and 0–40% N 2 dilution. The experimental results demonstrated that the spouted bed contacting mode is capable of dissipating the strong exotherm of the CPO reaction via particle circulation through the spout, annulus and fountain regions. The catalysts retained their activity and stability over prolonged periods of time-on-stream, indicating good balance between the oxidation and reduction cycles. However, lower than equilibrium methane conversions and syngas yields were observed because of heat losses in the freeboard. The results provide convincing evidence that near equilibrium conversions can be obtained by optimization of the freeboard design, Ni catalyst content, bed depth, and particle size.