Numerical simulation of perovskite dense membrane reactors for methane partial oxidation to syngas

An isothermal theoretical model for tubular perovskite dense membrane reactors has been developed for the simulation of methane partial oxidation to synthesis gas. The reaction kinetic rate expressions fitted to the literature experimental data for Ni/Al₂O₃ catalysts are used for simulation. Three dense membranes of La_0.2Ba_0.8Fe_0.8Co_0.2O_3.δ, La_0.2Sr_0.8SFe_0.8Co_0.2O_3-δ and SrFeCo_0.5O_x with different oxygen permeation rates are applied to membrane reactors. The effects of membrane thickness, reactor size, reaction temperature, air flow rate and methane flow rate on CH₄ conversion, CO selectivity and H₂/CO molar ratio have been discussed. A comparison between simulated results and the experimental data reported by Balachandran et al. has also been made. The simulation results suggest that the supported tubular membrane reactors are suitable for the perovskite materials of lower O₂ permeability.