Comparative model analysis of the performance of tube fitted bulk monolithic catalyst with conventional pellet shapes for natural gas reforming

A novel catalyst shape for reforming reaction, as an intraparticle diffusion limited-reaction, using bulk monolithic catalyst (BMC), the so-called tube fitted bulk monolithic catalyst (TFBMC), instead of conventional pellets is presented. A detailed analysis of the transport phenomena and proper models are introduced. The model is applied for natural gas reforming reaction and validated using industrial data. Then comparative model analysis and comparison for packed bed rector using conventional pellet shapes and TFBMC is presented. The results indicate that the TFBMC has superior advantages over the conventional pellet shapes especially with regards to the pressure drop and effective usage of the catalyst. Thus, TFBMC offer smaller reactor volume for processing similar feed flow which in turn results in less capital cost and also energy saving in the course of operation. Moreover, the TFBMC concept may be easily adapted to the present fixed bed reactors which use conventional pellet catalysts resulting more productivity and better performance.