Membrane reactor design guidelines for ammonia decomposition

Design guidelines were applied for an ammonia decomposition membrane reactor, and the limits of operation were determined. Maximum exit conversions using the membrane reactor were 1.5 < log(Pe) < 2 and -0.5 < log(Da) < 0. Increasing temperature had a positive effect on membrane reactor conversion. The effect of sweeping gas flow was relatively low. A design chart was created to illustrate dynamics between permeation rates and reaction rates with conversion. A mathematical model was derived to represent mass conservation in the tube and shell sides of the reactor. These guidelines can be used for the design and analysis for membrane reactor removal of ammonia after Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.