Integrated catalytic membrane reactors for decomposition of ammonia

A model is presented for the simulation of an integrated catalytic membrane reactor for the removal of toxic ammonia traces from coal gasification streams. Heat integration and equilibrium shifting are achieved by introducing integrated reaction network and various catalyst pattern strategies. Different configurations of spatially patterned catalytic beds (layers) have been investigated. Two important reactions were considered namely, the decomposition of ammonia as a primary reaction and methanation reactions as secondary reactions. An effective length criterion is used to evaluate the performance of the reactor. Optimal conditions were observed and explanations offered. The results show substantial improvement in the reactor performance in terms of high conversions, low temperatures and reduced mass of the catalyst used. The investigation, although is restricted to two catalyst layers, has uncovered some of the rich characteristics of this system. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.