Partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas in a fluidized bed reactor

Abstract The partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas (POX) over N1/AI 2 O 3 catalysts has been studied in a fluidized bed reactor. Flow characterization studies showed that the reaction zone was isothermal, and that the back mixing of gas was negligible. The reaction was rapid, and full O 2 conversion was achieved after 8 ms contact time over 1.5%Ni/Al 2 O 3 at 700°C, with CH 4 /O 2 /N 2 /H 2 O =2/1/2/0.5. The CO selectivity went through a minimum and then increased and approached equilibrium after 48 ms contact time. Simulations of the reaction scheme indicated that the catalyst is active for oxidation of CH 4 , CO and H 2 , as well as for reforming. The simulations further suggested that the reaction rates were diffusion limited.