Experimental and simulation study on a catalyst packed tubular dense membrane reactor for partial oxidation of methane to syngas

A tubular perovskite-type La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.2Fe_0.8O(3-δ) membrane reactor packed with a Ni/Al₂O₃ catalyst and an isothermal model for this reactor have been developed for the partial oxidation of methane to syngas. CH₄ conversion decreased and CO selectivity remained essentially constant with increasing of carbon space velocity. In 1098-1158 K, the CH₄ conversion was larger than 96% with the CO selectivity larger than 97% at low carbon space velocity. The simulated results showed good agreement with the experimental data. The model simulated the effects of air flow rate and membrane reactor length on the performance of membrane reaction, which suggested optimal operating conditions for the syngas production in the membrane reactor.