Computer-aided modelling and simulation of the thermodynamics of stream reforming

In this article we analyse the thermodynamics of steam reforming by using computing techniques from symbolics, numerics and graphics. It is shown that the integration of the various computing methods normally used separately in scientific problem-solving allows the development of efficient and flexible tools for computer-aided modelling and simulation. We calculate the product gas composition at equilibrium by solving a multiparameter nonlinear equation system, which itself is derived by reformulating the molecular mass balance equations. The effects of the operating parameters of temperature, pressure and the steam to carbon ratio on the equilibrium gas composition are studied below and above the carbon boundary. The thermodynamic model was used to determine the mass and energy balance of an experimental steam reformer for converting organic wastes (fluids and gases) into hydrogen-rich product gases. (C) 2000 IMACS/Elesiver Science B.V. All rights reserved.