Steam Reforming Integrated with Oxidation of Methanol in a Micro-Channel Reactor with Different Micro-Baffle Shapes

Abstract

A micro-channel heat exchanger reactor with different micro-baffle shapes has been studied numerically. Governing equations were solved base on the finite volume method with FLUENT software. In upper section, oxidation reaction of methanol was occurred and in lower section, steam reforming of methanol was done. Two sections were separated with solid part which played as heat exchanger and transferred heat from oxidation reaction to steam reforming section. In addition to, straight micro-channel, some other types with different micro-baffle shapes, both sides of solid section, were studied. Micro-baffles are thought to act as static mixers, induce further mixing and improve the convective heat transfer coefficients which eventually expedite heat transfer, so conversion efficiency increases. Also, hydrogen yield obtained with micro-baffle with rectangular shape is 17% higher, on average, than that obtained with the straight configuration. Five different micro-baffles with Rectangular, Triangular, Triangular 90, Trapezoidal and Trapezoidal 90 shapes were studied and higher conversion efficiency for micro-baffles with Trapezoidal shape was achieved.