Comparing the Performance of the Fixed-bed, Fluidized-bed and Slurry Bubble Column Tri-reformers Reactors to Produce Synthesis Gas

Tri-reforming is a synergetic combination of carbon dioxide reforming, steam reforming and partial oxidation of methane in a single unit to produce synthesis gas. In this research, the slurry bubble column tri-reformer reactor performance is compared with those of fluidized-bed and fixed-bed tri-reformer reactors. The process of slurry bubble column performance under steady state conditions was analyzed, and model validation was carried out by comparing the methanol synthesis reactor model results with Air Products’ (1991) RUN E-8.1. Slurry bubble column tri-reformer reactor has reduced methane conversion by 6.33% and 6.66%, relative to fixed-bed and fluidized-bed tri-reformer reactors; moreover, it has reduced hydrogen yield by 0.58% and 18% relative to fixed-bed and fluidized-bed tri-reformer reactors. In fixed-bed and fluidized-bed tri-reformer reactors, temperature in the catalytic bed for methanol feed unit was 1680 K and 1432 K, respectively. However, due to the unique mixing, the temperature in the catalytic bed for slurry bubble column tri-reformer reactor reduced to 1157.5 K. Slurry bubble column tri-reformer reactor suggested instead of fixed-bed and fluidized-bed tri-reformer reactors to produce synthesis gas, due to significant fall temperature in the catalytic bed and low repairs because of simple structure.