Methane Autothermal Reforming in a Reverse Flow Reactor with Rh/Al2O3 catalyst

Catalytic Partial Oxidation of methane was investigated in a reverse flow reactor with commercial Rh/Al2O3 catalyst in pellets. The process is carried out in a catalytic fixed bed reactor and switching of feed flow direction is obtained through four electro valves synchronized in pair. Temperature profile of the catalyst bed was measured by fast IR thermography and product composition was measured with a continuous gas analyzer. The effect of water addition to Catalytic Partial Oxidation mixture on reactor performance and catalyst thermal stress is presented both in reverse flow and in steady state operation. Feed direction switching time and water to methane ratio were investigated as process operating parameters.