Dimethyl ether production in a novel fluidized bed membrane reactor: Modeling and simulation

In this study, a two-phase model for a novel shell and tube fluidized bed membrane reactor (FBMR) has been developed in order to synthesize the dimethyl ether substance. In fluidized bed membrane reactor, the feed synthesis gas is flowed in the tube side of the fluidized bed membrane reactor in co-current mode with reacting gas mixture in the shell side. Due to the hydrogen partial pressure driving force, hydrogen can penetrate from feed synthesis gas into the reaction side through the membrane. The proposed model has been used to compare the performance of a fluidized bed membrane reactor with the conventional reactors. The effects of different parameters on the dimethyl ether production and CO conversion were investigated in the fluidized bed membrane reactor. These parameters include temperature, reaction side pressure, space velocity and H2/CO ratio in the feed gas stream. The results show an increase in DME production and CO conversion by permeation of hydrogen.