Profile isothermal reforming reactor

Figure 1. Isothermal reforming reactor profiles for a Cit-370°F Arab ligfcf naphtha. Reformer conditions 949°F, 380 psia H , 20 psia hydrocarbon.

Yu et al. [36] used metal foams as catalyst supports for a microstructured methanol reformer and investigated the infiuence of the foam material on the catalyst s selectivity and activity. Some electrically conducting materials such as silicon carbide (SiC) [37] are used as a foam as well as internal heating element, and the reactor can be heated very rapidly to temperatures in the range 800-1000 °C. Moreover, as a result of the high thermal conductivity of metal or SiC foams, axial and radial temperature profiles are minimized and nearly isothermal reactor operation is facihtated. 

Foams were proved to be highly suitable as catalytic carrier when low pressure drop is mandatory. In comparison to monoliths, they allow radial mixing of the fluid combined with enhanced heat transfer properties because of the solid continuous phase of the foam structure. Catalytic foams are successfully used for partial oxidation of hydrocarbons, catalytic combustion, and removal of soot from diesel engines [14]. The integration of foam catalysts in combination with microstructured devices was reported by Yu et al. [15]. The authors used metal foams as catalyst support for a microstructured methanol reformer and studied the influence of the foam material on the catalytic selectivity and activity. Moritz et al. [16] constructed a ceramic MSR with an inserted SiC-foam. The electric conductive material can be used as internal heating elements and allows a very rapid heating up to temperatures of 800-1000°C. In addition, heat conductivity of metal or SiC foams avoids axial and radial temperature profiles facilitating isothermal reactor operation. 

Data used in this study were obtained on an isothermal fixed-bed reforming pilot plant. The reactor section was equipped with five sampling taps spaced along the length of the reactor. Online gas chromatograph analyses of the axial reformate san les provide composition profiles of 285 hydrocarbon conponents with increasing residence time through the catalyst bed. 

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