Heat Transfer Characteristics and Performance Prediction of Methane Reforming in a Fluidized Bed Reactor

Hydrogen production from thermocatalytic decomposition(TCD) of methane in a fluidized bed reactor(FBR) with carbon-based catalyst is known to free-CO2 hydrogen production process. Methane decomposition over a carbon-based catalyst requires reaction temperature over 1000K. At this temperature range, heat transfer characteristics of the FBR is complicated and highly affects the methane conversion efficiency. In the view point of heat exchanger design, it is essential to devise a optimized heat exchanger system to maintain stable reaction temperature. The FBR installed in Yeocheon city is 0.288m i.d. and 2.0m in height. LPG and produced hydrogen is used to heat the FBR. In this paper, heat transfer characteristics of the FBR is simulated and thermal efficiency enhancement methods are considered. Hydrogen production from TCD of methane in the FBR is compared with experimental data and computational fluid dynamics(CFD) prediction.