I&EC 137 |
| The sub-millimeter characteristic dimensions of catalytic microchannel reactors result in short transport pathways and large surface-to-volume ratios. We have previously shown that this can lead to complete quenching of gas-phase reactions in hydrogen oxidation due to radical-scavenging by the reactor walls. We are currently extending our studies to demonstrate the applicability of this concept for a broad range of reaction systems. In the present contribution, we present results from reactive flow simulations using a two-dimensional boundary layer model with detailed surface and homogeneous elementary-step kinetics which demonstrate that catalytic methane oxidation can be conducted with complete suppression of gas-phase reactions, i.e. with inherently safe reactor operation, up to very high temperatures. In addition, complete suppression of prompt-NOx formation was observed. These results confirm that microchannel reactors can open new perspectives in the design of a future generation of safe and environmentally clean processes for the production of chemicals and energy. |
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Process Intensification, Sponsored by Novel Chemistry with Industrial Applications Sub-Division
1:30 PM-3:55 PM, Tuesday, 12 September 2006 Moscone Center -- Room 252/254, Oral
Division of Industrial & Engineering Chemistry |