A mathematical modelling of one-dimensional, stationary and isothermic membrane reactor for methane steam reforming was developed to compare the maximum yield for methane conversion in this reactor with that in a conventional fixed-bed reactor. Fick's first law was used to describe the mechanism of hydrogen permeation. The variables studied include: reaction temperature, hydrogen feed flow rate and membrane thickness. The results show that the membrane reactor presents a higher methane conversion yield than the conventional fixed-bed reactor.
Membrane reactor; steam reforming; mathematical model
