SIMULATED BEHAVIOR OF AN AUTOTHERMAL REACTOR UNDER RELAXED STEADY-STATE OPERATION

Abstract

This paper examines the theoretical relaxed steady-state limit of an autothermal reactor under forced concentration operation. Simulations of a laboratory-scale autothermal ammonia synthesis reactor with a transient high-pressure ammonia synthesis kinetic model show that time-averaged production rates more than twice the optimal steady-state rate are possible. Moreover, milder temperature profiles generally acompany these higher rates, which in practice should increase catalyst and equipment life.

KEYWORDS:

• Autothermal reactor
• Relaxed steady state
• Periodic operation

Additional information

Notes on contributors

ROBERT G. RINKER

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