SIMULATION OF GLYCEROL STEAM REFORMING

Abstract

A two dimensional (2D) transient simulation is carried out to simulate a glycerol steam reforming reaction in a fluidized bed reactor for hydrogen production using commercially available simulation software Fluent 13.0 (Ansys). The Eulerian-Eulerian two fluid approach with an additional equation for species transport is used to model the reactor. Three step reaction mechanism is used to represent reactions occurring in the reactor and which are incorporated in model by using laminar finite rate model available in fluent. Gidaspow drag model is used to determine the interactions occurring between gas and solid phase in the reactor. The results show that the model can satisfactorily represent the glycerol steam reforming reactor. Hydrodynamics of reactor showed that clusters of solid phase are formed thus making fluidized heterogeneous in nature. Thus in order to ensure proper mixing continuous agitation has to be done. Product gases mainly included hydrogen (H2), carbon di-oxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and in very less amount carbon mono-oxide (CO). Glycerol conversion and hydrogen formation increases with increasing steam to carbon ratio (s/c) and increase in temperature. Also, with increasing inlet feed mixture velocity glycerol conversion and hydrogen formation decreases.