Two Dimensional Simulation of the Steam Reforming Unit of Methanol Plant

Methanol is one of the most important petrochemical products. The steam reforming unit is a basic section in the methanol plant. In this unit, synthesis gas (CO+H2 mixture) is produced from natural gas and steam at catalytic tubular reactors in a furnace. In this work, two dimensional mass and heat balance equations with reaction-diffusion equations in the catalyst pellet were solved simultaneously. Therefore the mole fraction profiles of gases and catalyst temperature at each radial and axial position are determined. The temperature radial gradient was significant specially at the entrance of the reactor. Finally, effect of operating conditions on the yield of products and H2/CO ratio can be considered.

Keywords:

Simulation , Reformer , Synthesis gas , Two dimensional model