EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF CATALYTIC PARTIAL OXIDATION OF METHANE TO SYNTHESIS GAS IN A BUBBLING-BED REACTOR

The catalytic partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas was invest igated in a bubbling, laboratory-scale (inner diameter, 5 cm) fluidize d-bed reactor, applying a catalyst of 1wt.%Ni-alpha-Al2O3 and undilute d feed. Over the entire range of reaction conditions (pCH(4)/p(O2) = 1 .7-4.4; T = 680-800 degrees C; H-mf = 2, 8, 17 cm; tau(mod,STP) = 1.2- 9.6 g s ml(-1)), stable and isothermal reactor operation, as well as y ields of carbon monoxide and hydrogen near the thermodynamic equilibri um were achieved. Mass transfer limitation and solid circulation in th e fluidized bed are assumed to result in a mainly reduced catalyst whi ch promotes reforming reactions. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.