Effect of reduction conditions on the activity of Ni/γAl2O3 catalyst for methanation reaction

The effect of reduction conditions, mainly reduction temperature and duration time on the activity of Ni/gamma Al2O3 catalyst were studied for a methanation reaction in a gradientless Berty reactor. The methanation reaction was investigated using a feed containing CO (6.7 mole%), H-2 (26 mole%), and the balance being nitrogen at a pressure of 30 psig and a fixed temperature of 350 degrees C. The reduction temperature was varying from 250 to 500 degrees C, in order to investigate its effect on the methanation reaction. The methanation activity of the catalyst increased to a maximum by increasing the reduction temperature up to a maximum at 300-350 degrees C and showed a slight negative decline afterward. The second parameter investigated was reduction duration time which was varied from 2 to 16 hours. It was observed that the methanation reaction activity increased by increasing the reduction duration time up to 6 hours. After six hours, there was no increase in activity. Based on the finding of this investigation, a recommended set of reduction conditions is given: reduction temperature of 300 degrees C and a duration time of six hours.