Heat and mass transfer in tubular ceramic membranes for membrane reactors

Six different types of experiments are used in order to identify and validate the heat and mass transfer parameters of a tubular membrane. The respective configuration is similar to that of a membrane reactor, though without particulate catalyst or catalytic coating. The membrane is made of various layers of α- and γ-Al2O3 and has dimensions (inner diameter of 21 mm) close to those relevant for practical applications. Mass transfer parameters of every single layer are derived separately by means of dusty gas model, pointing out unexpected effects of asymmetry. Experiments of steady-state heat transfer, dynamic heat transfer, and combined heat and mass transfer are introduced, thermal influences on mass transfer are discussed. Four of the six conducted types of experiments are free of fitting, providing a successful test of accuracy and consistency of the identified transport parameters, and a basis for a reliable simulation of membrane reactors.