Simulation and Experimental Studies of Methane Oxidative Coupling Reaction in a Bench Scale Fixed Bed Reactor

Abstract

Oxidative coupling of methane in a bench scale fixed bed tubular reactor over Mn-Na₂WO₄/SiO₂ catalyst has been studied. Four kinetic models have been considered for oxidative coupling of methane reactions and compared through experimental data, and the best kinetic model has been selected. For removing the heat of reaction, a molten salt bath system surrounding the reactor tube has been proposed. Effects of different factors, such as CH₄/O₂ ratio, are investigated through experimental and simulation studies. A good agreement has been observed between simulation and experimental data. The reactor behaviors under isothermal and adiabatic conditions have also been simulated.

Keywords:

• fixed bed reactor
• genetic algorithm
• kinetic model
• oxidative coupling
• simulation

Notes

^a Indicates existence of the corresponding reaction in the kinetic reaction model.

^a Unit is mol m⁻³ s⁻¹ Pa⁻¹.