Modeling Kinetic, Thermodynamic, and Operational Effects in a Steam Methane Reformer. Part A: Reformer Output

Key decisions in developing a model of a steam methane reformer were investigated in this paper. A comprehensive one-dimensional Python model of a reformer tube is proposed, including the effects of sintering and poisoning. Comparison between the Redlich–Kwong and ideal gas equations of state shows little difference upon reformed gas outlet properties. Different reaction kinetic models are tested over a variety of realistic conditions and compared against industrial data. Overall, these changes only impact conditions near the reactor inlet, as the approach to thermodynamic equilibrium near the reactor outlet ensures that all model-predicted process variables at the outlet are similar. Models from both Xu and Froment and Hou and Hughes are recommended for future reformer models where accurate outlet variables are required.