Application of a Slurry Bubble Column Reactor for the Production of Substitute Natural Gas

The high reaction heat of the methanation reaction requires an effective heat removal. For this purpose a three-phase reactor could be advantageous as the heat can easily be removed by external heat exchangers. Moreover, the temperature control is simplified, and the reactor can be operated isothermal. Especially for the Power-to-Gas process a three-phase reactor is very promising. Due to the high heat capacity of the liquid phase, it cools down slowly and hence buffers the effect of fluctuating feed stream. The applicability of several liquids and different operating conditions for three-phase methanation was investigated.