Process intensification aspects for steam methane reforming: An overview

• Published in: AIChE journal Vol. 55; no. 2; pp. 408 - 422
• Main Authors: Bhat, Shrikant A., Sadhukhan, Jhuma
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01.02.2009; Wiley; American Institute of Chemical Engineers
• Subjects: Adsorption; Applied sciences; Catalysis; catalyst design; Catalytic reactions; Chemical engineering; Chemical process industries; Chemistry; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Hydrogen; hydrogen economy; Membrane separation (reverse osmosis, dialysis...); Membranes; Methane; multiscale modeling; process intensification; Reactors; steam methane reforming; Theory of reactions, general kinetics. Catalysis. Nomenclature, chemical documentation, computer chemistry; Chemical engineering; Multifunctional reactor; hydrogen economy; Reforming; Water vapor; steam methane reforming; Modeling; Mass transfer; Design; Membrane separation; Adsorption; process intensification; multiscale modeling; Catalyst; Hydrogen production; Heat transfer; catalyst design
• ISSN: 0001-1541; 1547-5905
• DOI: 10.1002/aic.11687

Steam methane reforming (SMR) is the most widely used process in industry for the production of hydrogen, which is considered as the future generation energy carrier. Having been perceived as an important source of H2, there are abundant incentives for design and development of SMR processes mainly through the consideration of process intensification and multiscale modeling; two areas which are considered as the main focus of the future generation chemical engineering to meet the global energy challenges. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the process integration aspects for SMR, especially the potential for multiscale modeling in this area. The intensification for SMR is achieved by coupling with adsorption and membrane separation technologies, etc., and using the concept of multifunctional reactors and catalysts to overcome the mass transfer, heat transfer, and thermodynamic limitations. In this article, the focus of existing and future research on these emerging areas has been drawn. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009