Innovative structured catalytic systems for methane steam reforming intensification

The use of structured catalysts based on highly conductive carriers may allow a flattened radial temperature gradient along the catalytic bed due to a better heat transfer, so obtaining a consequently higher performance. The effect of thermal conductivity of structured carriers on highly endothermic Methane Steam Reforming (MSR) reaction is investigated. The performance of the structured catalysts, prepared starting by Silicon Carbide (SiC) monoliths, in the wall flow (WF) and flow through (FT) geometric configurations, demonstrates the direct correlation between the thermal conductivity of the carrier, the methane conversion and the hydrogen productivity. In particular the tests showed that the SiC wall flow (WF) monoliths guaranteed a better axial and radial thermal distribution, with respect to the SiC flow through (FT) ones, resulting in better catalytic activity up to a temperature reaction of 750 degrees C. Furthermore, the comparison among the performance of the structured catalysts and the commercial 57-4MQ, provided by Katalco-JM, highlights the choice of structured catalysts, which require a lower temperature outside of the reactor, so increasing the overall process efficiency.