Modeling and optimization of methane tri-reforming reactor under different side-feeding strategies with the aim of maximizing hydrogen yield

The use of membrane reactors to distribute one or more components through the membrane (also known as side-feeding strategy) is an efficient method for controlling reactions pathways and achieving the highest performance. In this study, an optimization of three types of membrane reactor and a conventional tri-reformer was carried out to maximize H2 yield subject to produce the proper syngas for the next common processes, including methanol, Fischer-Tropsch, and dimethyl ether (DME) direct synthesis. In this regard, a sensitivity analysis was performed to identify significant parameters affecting H2 yield in O2, CO2, and H2O membrane reactors. A comparison between these configurations under optimal conditions shows that O2 side-feeding strategy was the most favorable strategy in terms of CH4 conversion, H2 yield, and catalyst lifetime due to no formation of hot spot temperature. Also in this strategy, the H2 yield was increased by 8% and 10% compared to the conventional tri-reformer to produce suitable syngas for the methanol and DME direct synthesis processes, respectively.