Optimisation of gas diffusion in reactive media, with simultaneous heat and mass transfers and chemical reaction

The functioning of thermochemical transformers includes several phenomena: heat and mass transfers and solid/gas chemical reaction. Their physical mea ning is studied, modelled by partial differential equations and solved by t he finite element method. The model has been validated from experimental re sults. Main parameters for the reactive material transformation are the ope rating pressure and the permeability of the porous medium used, called Impe x. In this article, optimum gas diffuser implantation is proposed in order to increase mass transfer and improve reactor performances. (C) 1998 Elsevi er Science Ltd. All rights reserved.