Simulation Studies of Steam Reforming of Methane using Ni-Al2O3 Catalysts
This paper reports the results of reforming methane into synthesis gas using industrial Ni-Al2O3 catalyst (75% NiO wt.) and Ni-Al2O3 produced by the sol gel method (8% Ni wt.). A mathematical investigation on the performance of a one-dimensional model of catalytic conventional fixed-bed reactor was developed and implemented for the process. The results indicated that the industrial catalyst favored the water gas shift (WGS) reaction increasing CO2 production. However in temperatures of 773 and 973 K the yield (H2/CH4,reacted) was more efficient for the sol-gel catalyst. This result is possibly due to the different characteristics as specific surface area and temperature reduction. The model validation for the adjustment parameters U and a1 was more efficient for temperature profiles (2% error) than for mole fraction (10% error).