Numerical study of methanol steam reactor based on field synergy principle and analysis of different operating conditions

Abstract

Enhanced heat and mass transfer in methanol reforming reactors to improve energy utilization is essential for efficient on-line hydrogen production. This study employed the field synergy principle to examine the impact of various pipe shapes (oval, circular, and square) on reactor performance. The results demonstrate that utilizing circular tubes enhances the overall species concentration field and velocity field, as well as the synergistic effect in the reactor, leading to enhanced methanol conversion and hydrogen production. The integration of baffles boosts the local temperature and velocity fields' synergistic effects within the reaction channel. This configuration modifies the methanol concentration gradient, decreases the synergistic angle, and enhances methanol diffusion rates, thereby facilitating its conversion. The assessment of operating parameters on reforming performance revealed that optimal conditions include a gas velocity range of 21 to 24 m s⁻¹, a weighted space velocity of 1.5 h⁻¹, a steam-to-carbon ratio of 1.1, a methanol conversion rate of 97.5%, and a CO mole fraction below 2.36 ppm.