An analysis of temperature gradients in a compact annular steam methane reformer with a central heater

An apparatus was built to study temperature profiles in a compact methane steam reformer that was heated with a central burner. The objective was to build a system that would provide temperature distribution data under realistic operating conditions. In addition, the goal was to build and demonstrate a prototype of a tightly integrated reformer. The reactor consisted of an annular catalyst bed reactor integrated around a central burner. First a compact burner was designed and tested to satisfy the heating requirements of the steam methane reforming reactor. Then an annular chamber was built around the burner. This chamber was filled with an advanced precious metal catalyst. The catalyst bed had dimensions to ensure plug flow. The apparatus was outfitted with multi-point thermocouples to generate three dimensional temperature profiles in the reactor. Experiments were conducted with the methane feed rate varing from 0.25 to 1.0 SLPM and with steam-to-carbon ratios ranging from 3.0 to 10. Reactor pressures of 15. 20, 35 and 50 kPag were also studied.; At the conclusion of the project a functional compact premix burner was designed. The burner was equipped with an ignitor and flame sensor in a novel manner that allowed for a tight configuration. A working prototype reactor was designed, tested and fabricated. Temperature profiles revealed regions of steam reforming and water gas shift activity. A wealth of temperature profile data was produced that would be useful for confirming mathematical models.