Modelling steady state and ignition during catalytic methane oxidation in a monolith reactor

A one-dimensional two-phase reactor model for the oxidation of methane to s ynthesis gas over platinum in a monolith reactor is presented. The model in corporates a detailed elementary step reaction mechanism for methane oxidat ion, which is verified against experimental data. A good quantitative agree ment with steady-state experiments and qualitative agreement with ignition experiments is achieved. The importance of individual reaction steps, homog eneous side reactions, acid main reactor parameters are investigated. Essen tial steps in the catalytic reaction mechanism as well as crucial reactor p arameters are identified. It is shown that the reaction system is strongly dominated by competition for oxygen on the catalyst surface. Conclusions ab out optimal reactor configurations are discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.