Experimental and Modeling Analysis of Methane Partial Oxidation: Transient and Steady-State Behavior of Rh-Coated Honeycomb Monoliths

• Published in: Industrial & engineering chemistry research 2009-04, Vol.48 (8), p.3825-3836
• Main Authors: Beretta, Alessandra, Groppi, Gianpiero, Lualdi, Matteo, Tavazzi, Ivan, Forzatti, Pio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chemical engineering; Exact sciences and technology; Kinetics, Catalysis, and Reaction Engineering
• ISSN: 0888-5885; 1520-5045; 1520-5045
• DOI: 10.1021/ie8017143

The present study consists of an experimental and theoretical study of the performance of Rh-coated honeycomb monoliths for methane partial oxidation. The thermal behavior of Rh-coated honeycomb monoliths was studied under representative operating conditions, at steady state and during light-off. Model analysis (based on a dynamic heterogeneous reactor model that incorporates a kinetic scheme of the process independently developed, and well-assessed correlations for heat and mass transfer) provided a key for interpreting the observed effects. The comprehension of how transport phenomena and surface kinetics affect the reactor behavior leads to the conclusion that the feasibility of small-scale production of syngas via CH4 catalytic partial oxidation relies on thermal management of the short contact time reactor and not the obtainment of high syngas yields (which is not a challenging task). Severe operating conditions (and high surface temperatures) can deplete the catalyst activity and cause unstable reactor operation. Guidelines for optimal reactor design are proposed.