Simulation Results of Catalyst Deactivation for the Steam Reforming of Methane in a Fixed Bed Reactor

The catalyst deactivation for steam reforming of Methane in a fixed bed reactor is investigated using mathematical models. A catalyst deactivation model is developed based on a random carbon deposition mechanism (which is a model about catalyst deactivation) over nickel reforming catalyst. In this model, activity coefficient is entered as a constant coefficient. The results show that because of catalyst deactivation and decreasing in activity coefficient, consumption rate of Methane and production rate of Hydrogen decrease. In addition, effectiveness factor profiles of components and reactions have similar manner in different activity coefficient. These profiles show that when catalyst deactivate (because of decrease in active sites) activity coefficient decrease; therefore the actual rate approach to the intrinsic rate and then effectiveness factor increase.

Keywords:

Catalyst deactivation , Fixed Bed Reactor , Methane Steam Reforming