On the importance of non-ideal flow effects in the operation of industrial-scale adiabatic membrane reactors

A mathematical model taking into account mass dispersion is presented for t he simulation of the performance of an adiabatic full-scale membrane reacto r. Results are presented from the application of this model to a membrane r eactor, that is introduced in an integrated gasification combined cycle pla nt, to control carbon dioxide emissions. The performance of this reactor eq uipped with highly selective membranes is studied in detail. The extent of the impact of the non-ideal flow effects on the membrane reactor operation is discussed. It is shown that dispersion effects have a negative influence on the performance of industrial-scale membrane reactors and they must be considered as a basic parameter to their design. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.